Cheap Flights from Cairns to Gold Coast

Fly from the northern city of Cairns to the south Queensland mecca of fun, the Gold Coast, where you will find golden beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and some of the country’s largest theme parks.

Airlines flying this route

Jetstar is the only airline that operates direct flights to the Gold Coast from Cairns, but these are offered daily.

There are connecting flights operated Virgin Australia and Qantas, and these typically layover in Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL).

Your Departure Airport

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Departing from: Domestic Terminal (T2)

The Domestic Terminal in Cairns is well equipped for transiting passengers travelling around Australia. Pick up coffee here, or sit down to dinner in one of the many food establishments in the terminal. Wander around the shops while waiting for your flight, or sort out your spending money by visiting the ATM or currency exchange booth. Logging into WiFi is easy, but be warned, you have to pay for the privilege: $3 per hour of use, and $6 for 24 hour access.

Your Destination Airport

Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

Arriving in: There is only one main terminal that services all flights to OOL.

The Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is one of Australia’s busiest airports. As such, the facilities are fairly comprehensive. There are high street retail shops like French Connection operating out of the airport, as well as a variety of restaurants and snack bars. Other services include a currency exchange booth and access to free wireless internet.

Transport

The taxi rank can be found right outside the terminal, though this can be an expensive way to travel as the Gold Coast is spread over a large area. A taxi from OOL Airport to the most popular part of the coast—Surfer’s Paradise—will cost between £35-60 depending on traffic. Shuttles will run you door-to-door for a one-way cost of $21. The 761 and 777 public buses also run to the Broadbeach Tram Station (which can connect you to Surfer’s Paradise and Southport) for a fraction of the price of a taxi or shuttle.

For car hire, there are rental desks located right by the Domestic Arrivals exit, near baggage claim.

Do you need a form of identification?

Though this is a domestic flight, you must carry photo identification with you. This can be a social security card, a driver’s license or your passport. Please note: if you are an international traveller flying within Australia, it is recommended that you use your passport as your primary form of identification.

How long should you leave to get to the airport?

As this is a domestic flight departing and arriving in domestic terminals, it is recommended that you check in at least 45-60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be aware that if you are travelling in a group, or are going on to a connecting flight, that you arrive 90-120 minutes before departure time. 

Things you need to know

Time difference: None.

Weather: These cities are both situated on the Queensland coast, though you will find the Gold Coast has a cooler climate by about 5°C at any one time. However, you won’t find this part of Australia cold. Summers highs are around 28°C, and the weather is at its most humid in these seasons, with occasional downpours. Typically the best time to go is in the autumn (March-May) when the weather is dry, and the average temperature is a warm and welcoming 25°C.

As a tourist, you’ll find that the Gold Coast is the cheaper city. Whilst this south Queensland region does tend to have higher rent and transportation costs, eating and shopping here are on the whole cheaper. If you want to go for a dinner out on the town, a meal for two, with three courses at a mid-range restaurant is about $70-75.