Flights to Cairns

FAQ

What are the travel restrictions to Cairns?

Travelling domestically has changed due to the evolving situation with COVID-19. Before you take off on a flight to Cairns, it's important to understand if there are any potential restrictions, airline regulations or additional quarantine requirements set. To find more information regarding domestic travel restrictions, visit our COVID-19 Travel Hub.

How long is the flight to Cairns?

The avergage flight time to Cairns is around 3 hours and 5 minutes. These times are based on flights from Sydney.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Cairns?

The cheapest time to fly to Cairns tends to be from November - December.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Cairns?

A variety of airlines operate flights to and from Cairns Airport, including Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and more.

Airport Information

Arriving to Cairns Airport 

Cairns Airport is a major gateway to two of Queensland's most famous icons: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. More than five million Cairns Airport arrivals pass through the airport each year. The international airport is only seven kilometres from the Cairns CBD, allowing travellers to get from the terminal to their Cairns Airport hotel in no time.

Car Hire:
There are six rental car options at Cairns Airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot and Thrifty. Car hire at Cairns Airport is available from T1 International and T2 Domestic. Head to the Cairns Airport arrivals hall in each terminal to find the rental car kiosks.

Parking:
T1 Budget: This is the Cairns Airport parking option for travellers catching a flight from the International Terminal. It’s located just outside the terminal and is only a one- to three-minute walk to the entrance. The first 10 minutes in the car park are free – perfect for drop-offs and pick-ups. Drive-up rates for a longer stay cost $69 AUD for three days and $134 AUD for a week.

T2 Covered: Keep your car sheltered from the rain and sun of Tropical North Queensland by booking into this covered Cairns Airport parking lot. It’s a one- to two-minute walk from the T2 Domestic entrance. Drive-up rates for the T2 Covered car park are $93 AUD for three days and $213 AUD for a week.

T2 Uncovered: Budget travellers can make the most of this affordable and convenient car park. It’s located right outside Cairns Airport departures at T2 Domestic, and the first 10 minutes are free for drop-offs and pick-ups. Drive-up rates for the T2 Uncovered car park are $69 AUD for three days and $146 AUD for a week.

Public Transport:

Excellence Coaches offers a door-to-door shuttle service between Cairns Airport arrivals and accommodation in the surrounding area. You can book a shuttle to hotels and addresses in Cairns CBD, Port Douglas and the Northern Beaches. Reservations can be made online or at the shuttle bus desk, which is located in the arrivals areas of both T1 and T2. Fares vary based on your destination and whether you prefer a shared or private shuttle. A single adult fare to Cairns CBD starts from $15 AUD. Once you’ve made your booking, head to the pick-up point just outside the terminal exit to meet your shuttle.

What to do in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is why many people buy tickets to Cairns. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the richest ecosystems in the world. No matter how you want to discover one of the best Australian beach holiday destinations, be it dive, snorkel or on a glass-bottom boat tour, there's plenty to see!

Cairns Botanic Gardens

For a relaxed afternoon, pack a picnic and make your way to the Cairns Botanic Gardens. The gardens have been around since 1886, and it boasts more than 4,000 species of plants. Head to the Flecker Garden to see tropical habitats from around the world and explore the many footpaths that lead to the slopes of Mount Whitfield. It's not hard to see why it's a popular attraction with travellers who book return flights to Cairns!

Kuranda

Kuranda is one of the best day trips in Cairns and getting there is half the fun! Once your flights to Cairns land, you can take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed rainforest from above or you can hop on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The train winds through the rainforest past ravines and beautiful waterfalls!

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

The Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a 15-minute drive from the city. If you’re booking flights to Cairns to learn about Aboriginal culture, this is one of the best places to visit. You can learn how to play the didgeridoo, find out about the medicinal properties of plants and explore the exhibits that highlight the culture of the Tjapukai tribe.

When is the best time to visit Cairns?

April to September is one of the best times to travel on airfare to Cairns. You'll miss the Christmas and summer crowds, and still arrive to pleasant weather and good conditions for exploring. Tickets to Cairns may also be cheaper during this off season. If you're considering buying tickets to Cairns for the end-of-year holidays, the rainforests around the city are at their finest. It's one of the best periods to explore Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest, and see the waterfalls.

The wet season starts in December for Cairns. You should pack a small umbrella or a raincoat in case a downpour starts while you're outside exploring. The Great Barrier Reef is at its best between June to October. Water temperatures are ideal, and you may be treated to visibility of up to 50 metres. These months are some of the best times to buy return flights to Cairns if you're a diver or you want to spend your holiday snorkelling over the reef. Those booked on flights to Cairns during the winter months (June to August) may see migrating humpback whales off the coast.