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Important information on flights to Cairns

Located in Far North Queensland, the tropical city of Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Known for its spectacular snorkelling, waterfall walks and tropical islands, Cairns celebrates its natural beauty at every turn. Whether you prefer to spend your time in the water, aboard a boat or lying underneath a palm tree, flights to Cairns open visitors up to a world of outdoor adventure and serenity.

Dive into the most popular Cairns attractions by hitting the water soon after you land. Choose from the abundance of boat tours available and sail towards the best parts of the Great Barrier Reef to explore coral gardens, sea turtles and rainbow fish. Back on land, take a walk along the Esplanade, shop handmade products at the Palm Cove Markets, or cuddle a koala at the Rainforestation Nature Park. Whether you’re on a family holiday, romantic getaway or solo travelling, there are plenty of things to do in Cairns.

Cairns is a nature lover’s paradise, with walking trails that wind through million-year-old rainforests, passing by secluded waterfalls and swim-friendly gorges. Visitors with a love for the wilderness shouldn’t miss the easy walk to Curtain Tree Fig or the steamy hike up to the Fitzroy Island Summit for incredible island views. Jump aboard a steam train and journey through the mountains of Kunandra, or wake up early for a day trip to the Daintree, where you can cruise by crocodiles on the river and dine in Port Douglas on your journey back.

With a plentiful supply of local natural wonders, it’s easy to see why flights to Cairns Airport (CNS) are popular. Once you’ve landed, the CBD is just a short journey south, where your adventure in the outdoor playground can begin. Cairns is also home to an impressive alfresco dining scene, so you can witness spectacular sights during the day and relax with world-class hospitality at night. Find cheap flights to Cairns and start planning your tropical getaway today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights To Cairns

How long does it take to fly to Cairns?

Within Australia, direct flights to Cairns can range from 2 hours to 4 hours or more. From closer locations such as Brisbane, Darwin and the Gold Coast, your Cairns flights will be approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, flights departing from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide are closer to 3 hours. If you have connecting flights, your journey may also take longer. See journey times for popular Cairns flights below:

3 hours 20 mins From Melbourne
3 hours 5 mins From Sydney
2 hours 20 mins From Brisbane
4 hours 20 mins From Perth
3 hours 0 mins From Adelaide
2 hours 30 mins From Darwin
3 hours 20 mins From Gold Coast

When is the cheapest time of year to fly to Cairns?

If you’re looking for cheap Cairns flights, you’re likely to find them from November to December and February to March. This is generally considered off-peak, as it falls during the stinger season (November to May), and the weather in Cairns is humid, with the most rainfall at this time of year. However, great deals can be found year-round, particularly when booking in advance.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Cairns?

There are a number of airlines that fly direct to Cairns in Australia. The main ones are Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Regional Express (Rex), with availability depending on where you’re departing from. To see which airlines service your travel route, use our flights to Cairns deal finder.

What is the airport code for flights to Cairns?

The airport code for flights to Cairns Airport is CRN.

What terminal will I arrive at for domestic flights to Cairns?

All domestic flights to Cairns land in Terminal 2 (T2 Domestic).

What terminal will I arrive at for international flights to Cairns?

All international flights to Cairns land in Terminal 1 (T1 International).

What is the best time of year to book flights to Cairns?

If you want to take advantage of the dry season, the best time to book flights to Cairns is between June to September. However, for fewer crowds and more moderate airfares, the shoulder seasons of April to May and the tail end of October tick a lot of boxes. The weather is pleasant, and there are safety precautions you can take to still enjoy the water during the stinger season (November to May).

What cities can I fly to Cairns from?

There are a number of cities that offer direct flights to Cairns. If you’re looking to fly domestically within Australia, choose from Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Connecting flights are also available from other departure locations.

How far is it from the airport in Cairns to the CBD?

Cairns Airport (CRN) is approximately 6 kilometres north of the Cairns CBD. Its convenient location allows visitors to reach the city centre within a short 10-minute drive, with taxis, shuttle buses and rideshare services available upon landing.

What Are Cairns’ Top Attractions?

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the reason why many people book flights to Cairns. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest ecosystems in the world. Home to reef sharks, green sea turtles, manta rays and bucketloads of tropical fish, it’s one of Australia’s most iconic tourist attractions for a reason. Whether you dive, snorkel or stay dry on a glass-bottom boat tour, don’t miss the chance to witness this magical array of marine life and coral gardens in all their glory. Better yet, view the crystal blue water from above with an unforgettable helicopter ride.

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, with more than 4,000 species of plants to explore. Split into four distinct areas, the Flecker Gardens is a must-see zone with rare tropical plants, including a flower that spans 7 metres and weighs 70kg! Find a spot by the Centenary Lakes and watch birds wade through water lilies before exploring the many footpaths that lead to the slopes of Mount Whitfield.

Kuranda

Kuranda is one of the best day trips in Cairns, and getting there is half the fun. Hop aboard the 100-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway and peer out the windows as it winds through the heritage-listed rainforest. Pass through tunnels, cruise by lush greenery and press pause for 10 minutes as it stops and allows you to take in the wonder of Barron Falls Lookout. The one-way trip departs from Cairns Railway Station, and on the way back, you can catch the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide above the pristine jungle canopy before it descends back down to the rainforest.

Island hopping

A question you’re bound to come across during your stay in Cairns is: should I do Green Island or Fitzroy Island? Both are easily reached by fast boat and offer an excellent mix of snorkelling, swimming and island life. Fitzroy Island is closer to the mainland and is the one to visit if you’re hoping to swim alongside green sea turtles, while Green Island is closer to the outer reef and has superior snorkelling.

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

With warm, tropical weather year-round, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a paradise for those looking to cool off. There’s no need to worry about seasonal stingers here, simply relax and splash in the shallows of the crystal blue waters. Conveniently located by the boardwalk, you’ll find coffee shops and plenty of restaurants nearby for post-swim refreshments.

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

Aussie wildlife and high-flying fun can be found under the same high glass ceiling at the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. Experience up-close encounters with koalas, snakes and tropical birds, or take on the ropes course and zipline over Goliath – the 4.5-metre Estuarine crocodile that calls the dome home. No matter the weather, adventure awaits.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Cairns?

As a tropical destination, one of the best times to book flights to Cairns is during the cooler months of June to September. You’ll still arrive to pleasant weather (temperatures averaging 22°C to 25°C), airfares are reasonable if booked early, and it’s the dry season – meaning less chance of rainfall. If you’d like a more moderate tourist crowd and cheap flights to Cairns, consider the shoulder seasons of April to May and October. These months fall during stinger season, but you can navigate the reef with protective gear and still enjoy its magic.

The wet season starts in December with more humid temperatures of 27°C to 28°C. It’s nothing a raincoat can’t help, and the wet makes it one of the best times of year to explore the rainforest and waterfalls. If you’re keen to see what the northeast coast of Australia has to offer at this time of year, a Gold Coast to Cairns road trip has some unforgettable stops along the way. Pack your swimmers, camera and snacks for the summer of a lifetime.