Flights from Cairns to Townsville

Compare Cheap Flights from Cairns to Townsville

Townsville is another city in Tropical Queensland, and is just a bit further down the coast from Cairns. While Cairns is very green and has lots of vegetation, Townsville offers a completely different experience. The city is full of reddish rocks and less plants than Cairns, giving it an Outback vibe. Townsville is full of things to do and has some incredible beaches and coastal areas. The city is compact and walkable and is a great example of outdoor living. The city experiences 320 days of sunshine each year, so you can take full advantage of all the outdoor activities on offer. Townsville is full of hikes, cafes, and nice beaches. And just off the mainland are several great day trips for you to take. Magnetic Island is a favourite among visitors for its laid-back beaches and beautiful views. Head a bit further out, and you’ll be in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville is an exciting city with so much to offer, making it the perfect short getaway from Cairns.

No matter what day you hope to book cheap flights from Cairns to Townsville, you’ll have several options to choose from. Around 40 flights depart from CNS to TSV each week. Qantas and Regional Express both offer cheap airfares from Cairns to Townsville. Qantas offers several departures every day, and Regional Express offers a few cheap airfares from Cairns to Townsville each week. Cheap flights from Cairns to Townsville are short and sweet, getting you to your destination in less than an hour.

Are you excited to visit a new area of Queensland? Webjet compares cheap airfares from Cairns to Townsville to find the best holiday deals for you. Book your return flights from Cairns to Townsville, and start planning your CNS to TSV holiday using Webjet’s guide to Townsville.

Things to do in Townsville

Castle Hill

Right in the heart of the city is this hill, which is the tallest point in Townsville. Castle Hill is 286 metres high and offers some pretty great views of the city, ocean, and Magnetic Island. On either side of the lookout area are red rocks, which really contribute to giving Townsville its Outback feel. It’s a quick and easy hike to the top of Castle Hill, and there is also a car park at the summit if you would prefer to drive or catch a taxi.

Magnetic Island

Just off the coast of Townsville is this island that attracts visitors from all over. Magnetic Island is only 20 minutes from Townsville on the ferry, making it a great day trip. Magnetic Island is full of hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and is a great spot for water sports. Some of the beaches on the island even have stinger nets set up, so you can go in the water without having to wear a stinger suit. If you’re interested in learning about animals that are native to Queensland, pay a visit to the Bungalow Bay Koala Park. You’ll learn about koalas, crocodiles, wombats, and more. You can even hold a koala if you would like! The most popular way to get around Magnetic Island is by hiring a “Barbie car.” These small topless cars often come in pink and have become a favourite among travellers of all ages.

The Strand

The Strand is one of the major roads in Townsville and runs parallel to the ocean. All along the Strand, there is a walking path where you can get some great views of the beach, marina, and Magnetic Island in the distance. The street is lined with cafes, parks, and the beach, and regularly hosts a night market. There is even a large pool called the Rockpool. It gives the illusion of swimming on a tropical beach, but is separated from the ocean water. This is a great way to swim on the coast of Townsville, as swimming on the real beach isn’t always safe due to stingers and crocodiles.

Reef HQ

Townsville’s biggest draw is its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, and Reef HQ is a great place to learn about it. This is the world’s largest living reef aquarium. Inside, you can see lots of colourful fish and coral, turtles, and baby crocodiles. It’s a great way to educate yourself on the Great Barrier Reef before you head out to explore it close up.

Museum of Tropical Queensland

This museum is a great place to visit at the start of your trip. It will teach you everything you need to know about Townsville and Tropical Queensland. The museum offers great information on the history of the region, rainforests, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef

You can’t book return flights from Cairns to Townsville without checking out the Great Barrier Reef! Travelling from Cairns, chances are you have seen the Great Barrier Reef already, but every section of the reef is a bit different. Just off the coast of Townsville, there are some great spots to view the reef. Several tour companies offer day trips from Townsville to the Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel or dive to see the reef up close.

When should you book return flights from Cairns to Townsville?

With 320 days of sunshine each year, much of the year is a great time to book cheap airfares from Cairns to Townsville! Although Townsville is in the tropics, it doesn’t receive much rainfall compared to other tropical cities. May through October are often considered the best months to visit Townsville. Temperatures are warm, but not too hot, and humidity levels are low. November to April gets much more humid and experiences hotter temperatures. This is also cyclone season in Townsville when you may experience heavy rain and strong winds. But don’t let that deter you from booking cheap flights from Cairns to Townsville. Cyclones don’t occur often during this season, and severe cyclones are rare.

Stingers can be in the ocean off Townsville throughout the year, so you always need to be careful. Stinger season is at its peak from October to May. During these months, make sure you take extra precautions when you are swimming in an area without stinger nets. Wear a stinger suit to prevent injuries in case you come across any stingers.

Departing from Cairns

Cairns Airport is located just 5 km north of the CBD, making it very easy to get to. There are several transport options to get you to the airport and on your way from CNS to TSV before you know it. Qantas and Regional Express both offer return flights from Cairns to Townsville, getting you there in less than an hour.

Getting to Cairns Airport (CNS)

The Airport Shuttle runs every half hour and meets all departing flights. The shuttle has several departure points through the Cairns CBD and can also pick up passengers outside of the city. The more people you are travelling with, the more affordable your shuttle ride will be. A single passenger travels for $15 from the city, two people can ride for $17, and three people for $20. Any more than three people, and you will only need to pay $5 per person.

For a budget-friendly ride from the CBD to the airport, you can catch the Airport Connect Bus. This bus picks up passengers from the Sheridan Street bus stop in the city. The bus will get you to the airport in about 10 minutes. Tickets to ride the bus are $6 for one way and $8 return.

With Cairns Airport located so close to the city centre, a taxi is a practical option to get to the airport for your flight to Townsville Airport (TSV). A taxi from the city centre only takes about 10 minutes and costs about $20-$25.

Parking at Cairns Airport

If you plan on driving to the airport, be sure to book a spot through the Cairns Airport website in advance. Doing so can save you up to 40% on your parking space.

There is one car park for passengers flying out of the Domestic Terminal. The car park is only a 1-2 minute walk from the terminal and offers both covered and uncovered spots. Uncovered spaces are a bit more affordable, and a 3-day trip from CNS to TSV will cost $55. Covered spaces are ideal for protecting your car from the strong Cairns sun. Parking in a covered space for a 3-day trip will cost you $67.

Arriving in Townsville

Townsville Airport (TSV) is located just 5 km west of the city centre. It only takes 10 minutes to get from the airport into the CBD where you can check into your hotel and get your holiday started.

Getting to the city centre from Townsville Airport (TSV)

An Airport Shuttle is available from Townsville Airport (TSV) that can drop you off at hotels within the city as well as the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. The shuttle meets all major flights that arrive to the airport, and you’ll need to book your spot in advance to guarantee a seat. The more people you are travelling with, the less it costs to ride the shuttle. Tickets are $10 for one person and $15 for two people. If there are three or more people in your group, tickets cost just $5 each.

Taxis and Ubers are both available to pick up passengers from Townsville Airport (TSV). You can catch a taxi right outside of Arrivals, and Ubers pick up passengers in the hire car parking lot. Taxi fare from the airport to the city costs about $15-$20. There is also a $3 airport toll that gets added onto your taxi and Uber fare.