Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Looking for cheap flights to one of Australia's biggest adventure sports capitals?

With 91 direct flights a week from Brisbane to Cairns, you won't have a problem finding a flight that suits your budget and schedule. Fly with leading airlines such as Jetstar Airways, Qantas and Virgin Australia, and in just 2h 5min you'll be having the time of your life.

Ready to hit the clouds and get your blood pumping? Here's everything you need to know about flying from Brisbane to Cairns.

Departing from Brisbane Airport

Getting to Brisbane Airport

The quickest way to get to the airport is with the SkyTrain. It's only a 20-minute trip and terminates at the departure terminals. Tickets cost AUD 15 for a single trip, and the trains leave every 15 minutes from 5:04 a.m. to 10:04 p.m.

If you're travelling on a budget, another affordable way to get to Brisbane airport is with the bus. Hop on board routes 569 and 590 and go from the city centre to the airport. If you want to make your journey time shorter, you can also use one of the direct transfer services that fetch you straight from your hotel.

Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in Brisbane. A one-way trip to the airport usually costs around AUD 33-42 depending on traffic.

Parking at Brisbane Airport

If you're going to Cairns for a short business trip or just a weekend away, leave your car in the Park Long lot. It's close to the domestic terminals and is only a few minutes away from the check-in counters.

For passengers that want to pay extra for absolute convenience, choose the Park Premium option. It's located on level 3 of the P1 Domestic car park and has exclusive express entry and exit ramps.

The Park Valet option is ideal for passengers that don't want to waste time. All you need to do is drop you're off, grab your luggage and make your way to the check-in counters while the airport staff take care of everything else.

Arriving at Cairns Airport

Getting from Cairns Airport to Your Hotel

Take the Airport Connect bus service. It costs AUD 4 one-way and will take you to the north and southbound Sheridan Street bus stops. Once there, you can go on a Translink bus into Cairns City or to the Northern Beaches for only AUD 2.20.

If you're catching a ride with Uber, follow the Ride-Booking signs. It's located in the T2 Domestic zone and the north end of the public pick-up lane.

Cairns Airport also offers a door-to-door shuttle service. The shuttles leave every hour and cost around AUD 15-17 depending on your final destination. If you're staying at selected Backpacker Hostels, you can get a discount with rates starting as low as AUD 10 return.

The taxi ranks are located in the front of each terminal building. But keep in mind that you will need to pay an additional charge of AUD 4.40 when you leave the airport.

There are also six car rental companies in the Arrivals Halls of T1 and T2.

Things to Do in Cairns

• Cairns is Australia's gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It's the perfect destination to base yourself and explore the country's underwater heritage.
• Go white water rafting. Cairns boasts the world's oldest continuously growing tropical rainforests and is full of hair-raising rapids. Choose from the different levels and routes and spend a day tackling mother nature at her fiercest.
• From May to September, Cairns is an important breeding ground for 35% of the world's total living cetacean species. Go on a tour and see how many whales and dolphins you can spot.
• Spend a night on the town. Cairns has a lively nightlife scene that won't leave you disappointed. Choose from the number of establishments dotted around the city and dance the night away at international DJ shows.