Cheap Flights from Mount Isa (ISA) to Cairns (CNS)

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Flight deals from Mount Isa to Cairns

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Mount Isa to Cairns? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Mount Isa to Cairns

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Mount Isa to Cairns flights are currently cheapest in October.

Direct flights from Mount Isa to Cairns

Mount Isa to Cairns: Alternative routes

Compare routes from Mount Isa to Cairns below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than Cairns.

Mount Isa to Cairns: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$611
Cheapest month to flyOctober
Average flight time2 hrs
Most popular airlineRegional Express
Average flights per week5

Finding cheap flights from Mount Isa to Cairns: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a return flight from Mount Isa to Cairns is $611. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
2 hours is the average flight time from Mount Isa to Cairns.
Regional Express flies direct from Mount Isa to Cairns.
As of May 2025, there are 5 flights per week flying from Mount Isa to Cairns.
The cheapest month to fly from Mount Isa to Cairns is usually May 2025.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport on Thursday, 16 October 2025.
Yes – the average flight time is 2 hours.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Cairns but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Cairns is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
Currently, Regional Express offers the cheapest flight tickets to Cairns.

Travelling from Mount Isa Airport (ISA) to Cairns Airport (CNS): what you need to know

  • The average length of a direct flight from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport is 2 hours.

  • Cairns's timezone is UTC+10, which is the same as Mount Isa.

  • Choose from eight weekly Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport flights. The 18:20 departure with Rex Regional Express is the earliest available. Rex Regional Express operates the latest service of the day at 18:20.

  • Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your ISA to CNS flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid the stress of rushing.

  • During popular months like January, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.

  • Rex Regional Express offers direct flights from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport. Book with this popular carrier, then get ready to discover the sights in Cairns — and maybe even more of Australia if time allows.

  • The airline most travellers prefer to fly with on this route is Rex Regional Express.

  • Rex Regional Express is the most punctual carrier that offers ISA to CNS flights.

  • Explore another city along the way or simply break up your flight with a stopover. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' to see your options when searching for tickets from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport. Many travellers pass through Townsville Airport when flying between ISA and CNS.

How to find the cheapest flights from Mount Isa Airport (ISA) to Cairns Airport (CNS)

  • $303 is the lowest price for a one-way Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport flight. Return flights start at $611. These fares can change based on demand and availability.

  • To get cheap tickets from ISA to CNS, book your journey 11 months ahead of your departure date.

  • October is the cheapest month for flights from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport. If you'd like to fly during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.

  • Never miss a deal on cheap flights from ISA to CNS by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.

  • Secure the right flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.

Handy information about Mount Isa Airport (ISA)

  • When it comes to the on-time performance of Mount Isa Airport, data shows 68.01% of flights arrive within the expected timeframe.

  • To reach Mount Isa Airport from central Mount Isa, it takes around 10 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 8 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.

  • Need a convenient hotel close to ISA? If you've booked an early flight from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport, these stays will have you moments from your departure lounge:

Arriving at Cairns Airport (CNS)

  • Consider booking a hotel close to CNS if you're on a late Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport flight. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:

  • Hit the road running by picking up a Cairns Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals or East Coast and explore beyond Cairns's main sights.

  • Get the best deal by booking your ride from Cairns Airport around two weeks before your departure date.

Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns

  • From Cairns Airport, Cairns is approximately 6 kilometres away. It takes around 10 minutes to get to the centre driving.

  • It takes around 1 hour 25 minutes to get there using public transport.

When to fly to Cairns Airport (CNS)

  • The quietest month for a flight from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport is February, while July is the busiest. Pick the best time to visit Cairns based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.

  • Lock in your flight from Mount Isa Airport to Cairns Airport for January if you'd like to explore Cairns during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures of between 23ºC (73ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF).

  • Search for cheap tickets from ISA to CNS in August if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF) on average.

Explore more of Australia

  • You've visited Cairns, now it's time to explore other parts of Australia. Travel about 290 kilometres south to Townsville to tick off its top sights. From The Strand Beach to Castle Hill and Big Mama Sailing- Magnetic Island & Townsville, there's plenty to keep you busy.

  • Bowen is another sought-after destination in Australia and is around 434 kilometres south-east of Cairns. No journey is complete without seeing Holbourne Island National Park, The Big Mango and Grays Bay.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.