On this page, you can book flights from Sydney to Cairns. There are about 40 flights per week between these cities, covering a distance of 1,955 km.
Flights are operated by Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. Prices are constantly changing, so use the low-price calendar to find the best deals. You can also check out information on how to get to the airport of departure and the most convenient way to get from Cairns airport to the city center.
The table shows direct flights Sydney → Cairns on the selected date. The flight takes approximately 3 h 10 min. Regular flights are operated by Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, Qantas and Indigo Air. Departures from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport and Western Sydney International Airport airports, arrivals at Cairns Airport.
For each flight, the following details are shown: departure time (local), arrival city and airport, flight number and airline, terminal or gate, and status. Click on a flight to open its details and go to ticket search. To view flights on a different day, change the date above the table.
Below is a calendar of the lowest flight ticket prices for Sydney — Cairns by day. Pick a convenient date and instantly see the fare. The cheapest flights on this route start from AED 267 in ,, and the most expensive are around AED 1,546 in r. If your travel dates are flexible, the calendar will help you find the best price for your preferred period. To view round-trip fares, switch to the "Round trip" tab above the calendar, select your departure date — and the right-hand calendar will highlight the lowest prices for return flights on each day.
Sydney → Cairns, average one-way price
| Month | Average price | Level | Month | Average price | Level | Month | Average price | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | AED 745 | medium | May | AED 652 | low | Sep | AED 792 | medium |
| Feb | AED 605 | low | Jun | AED 885 | high | Oct | AED 652 | low |
| Mar | AED 605 | low | Jul | AED 978 | high | Nov | AED 605 | low |
| Apr | AED 699 | medium | Aug | AED 792 | medium | Dec | AED 931 | high |
Some values are estimated based on seasonality.
The weather in Cairns is characterized by a warm tropical climate throughout the year. The hottest month is January, with temperatures up to 28°C and high humidity, while the most comfortable and dry conditions are seen in August and September, when rainfall is minimal.
Flight prices vary significantly depending on the month. The most budget-friendly time to fly is August, with tickets starting AED 262, while June is the most expensive month to fly — starting AED 463.
The optimal time for a trip is between July and October. During these months, affordable prices (averaging AED 326) are combined with favorable weather conditions, while it is best to avoid the period from December to March due to the rainy season.
About 12 airlines operate on this route, with the leading carriers being Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. Most of the 40 weekly flights are direct, providing a quick connection between the cities. To view a detailed schedule and choose the right fare type, check the interactive list and airline cards below.
Flights Sydney — Cairns depart from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport and Western Sydney International Airport and arrive at Cairns Airport. Below are pages for the cities, countries, and airports on the route: airlines, schedules, and travel guides.
A direct flight covers the 1,955 km distance in approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Travel time may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and aircraft type.
The main carriers are Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. Other international airlines may also offer flight options through partnership agreements.
Yes, there are many direct flights operating daily between the cities. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Cairns without extra layovers.
All flights arrive at Cairns International Airport (CNS). It is located in close proximity to the city, allowing for a quick trip to your hotel by taxi or public transport.
Airfares are dynamic and depend on the season and demand. You can always find the current minimum in the low-price calendar on this page, which is updated in real-time.
Where travelers fly most — pick a route and check prices
