Cheap Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Compare Sydney to Cairns flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Cairns

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Flight deals from Sydney to Cairns

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

Cairns.$200 per passenger.Departing Wed, 11 Jun, returning Thu, 12 Jun.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Wed, 11 Jun, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Thu, 12 Jun, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $200, select.

Cairns.$200 per passenger.Departing Tue, 12 Aug, returning Wed, 13 Aug.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Tue, 12 Aug, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 13 Aug, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $200, select.

Cairns.$200 per passenger.Departing Tue, 24 Jun, returning Wed, 2 Jul.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Tue, 24 Jun, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 2 Jul, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $200, select.

Cairns.$202 per passenger.Departing Tue, 29 Jul, returning Wed, 6 Aug.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Tue, 29 Jul, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 6 Aug, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $202, select.

Cairns.$207 per passenger.Departing Wed, 4 Jun, returning Wed, 6 Aug.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Wed, 4 Jun, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 6 Aug, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $207, select.

Cairns.$210 per passenger.Departing Tue, 10 Mar, returning Thu, 12 Mar.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Tue, 10 Mar, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Thu, 12 Mar, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $210, select.

Cairns.$210 per passenger.Departing Mon, 1 Sep, returning Wed, 3 Sep.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Mon, 1 Sep, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 3 Sep, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $210, select.

Cairns.$210 per passenger.Departing Wed, 27 Aug, returning Wed, 3 Sep.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Wed, 27 Aug, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 3 Sep, arriving in Sydney.Price includes taxes and charges.From $210, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Sydney to Cairns

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

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Direct flights from Sydney to Cairns

Sydney to Cairns: Alternative routes

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

Sydney to Cairns: Flight information

The things to know before you go.

Cheapest flight found	$200
Cheapest month to fly	June
Average flight time	3 hrs, 11 mins
Most popular airline	Qatar Airways
Average flights per week	218

Finding cheap flights from Sydney to Cairns: Frequently asked questions

How much are return flights from Sydney to Cairns?

The best price we found for a return flight from Sydney to Cairns is $200. 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.

How long does it take to fly from Sydney to Cairns?

3 hours and 11 minutes is the average flight time from Sydney to Cairns.

Which airlines fly direct from Sydney to Cairns?

Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas fly direct from Sydney to Cairns.

How many flights are there a week from Sydney to Cairns?

As of May 2025, there are 218 flights per week flying from Sydney to Cairns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Sydney to Cairns?

The cheapest month to fly from Sydney to Cairns is usually June.

Which upcoming date is cheapest to fly from Sydney Airport to Cairns Airport on?

After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Sydney Airport to Cairns Airport on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.

Can I get a direct flight from Sydney Airport to Cairns Airport?

Yes – the average flight time is 3 hours and 11 minutes.

How can I find the best flight deal to Cairns?

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.

When is the best time to book flights to Cairns?

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.

Which is the cheapest airline to fly from Sydney Airport to Cairns with?

Currently, Jetstar offers the cheapest flight tickets to Cairns.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Sydney to Cairns

For cheap flights from Sydney to Cairns, consider exploring options across a Whole Month. Skyscanner allows you to search a broad date range for the most affordable flying dates, often making significant savings possible. Setting a Price Alert is another savvy move that informs you of price changes for your desired route. You'll receive notifications, ensuring you don't miss out on lower fares as they arise.

For travellers with time constraints, selecting the Direct Flights search option streamlines the process, showcasing non-stop journeys to your destination. This not only saves time but may also highlight unexpected value among direct service offerings.

January is typically the most cost-effective time to embark on your Sydney to Cairns journey, presenting the best period for budget-friendly travel between these cities.

Handy information about Sydney airport

Sydney Airport, the gateway to Australia's most populous city, comprises three terminals. Terminal 1 is dedicated to international flights and operates with numerous airlines connecting Sydney to many global destinations. Passengers travelling to and from this terminal have several transport options, including train, taxi, and public buses, ensuring connectivity to the city centre.

Terminals 2 and 3 serve domestic flights, with Terminal 2 hosting full-service and low-cost airlines while Terminal 3 focuses on budget carriers. Similar to Terminal 1, travellers at these terminals benefit from accessible transport links, such as trains, taxis, and car rentals, which provide efficient travel to various points within the city and its surroundings. It's essential to check with Sydney Airport for current terminal services and transportation details.

Cairns airport: good to know

Cairns Airport, serving as a gateway to Queensland's tropical north, comprises two terminals. Terminal 1 caters to passengers on both domestic and international flights and offers various ground transportation options – including taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, and car rentals – to ensure travellers can easily connect to the city centre. Alongside practical services, passengers can find duty-free shops, retail offerings, and dining options to refresh and engage during their travel intermissions. Terminal 2 primarily accommodates low-cost carriers for both domestic and international routes. Similar to Terminal 1, it provides an array of ground transport facilities and amenities like retail outlets and eateries that serve the needs of budget-conscious travellers looking for accessibility and convenience. Prepare for your flight from Sydney to Cairns by familiarising yourself with local customs, weather and airport travel options ahead of time.

Best time to fly from Sydney to Cairns

The best time to fly from Sydney to Cairns is during the dry season from May to November, with August being the driest and most pleasant month to visit. During this period, you can enjoy sunny skies and comfortable temperatures ranging from 17°C to 26°C, ideal for outdoor activities like snorkelling and diving in the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Avoid the wet season from December to April, when frequent rain may disrupt travel plans.

Reasons to visit Cairns

When travelling to Cairns, consider immersing yourself in cultural wonders at the Indigenous Art Fair, celebrating local communities' rich heritage and contemporary creativity. Dive into adventure at the Great Barrier Reef, the planet's largest coral reef ecosystem, offering unparalleled underwater exploration. Step into ancient natural beauty at the Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage site and a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Experience a unique journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, where you can witness breathtaking views as you travel through tropical mountain terrain.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your Sydney to Cairns flight

Planning your trip to Cairns is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. You can access trusted car hire brands such as Sixt, Jucy, and East Coast for smooth travel in and around the city. For accommodation, consider the luxurious comfort of Shangri-La The Marina, the exquisite waterfront experience at Hilton Cairns, or the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino for its proximity to entertainment. Skyscanner connects you to these options, ensuring you find the right fit for your journey.