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$76+ Cheap flights from Sydney to Cairns (SYD - CNS)

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 10/12. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SYD — CNS
Oct 16 — Oct 231
Thu 10/16
Thu 10/23
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 28 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Friday

Cheap flight deals from Sydney to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated September 16, 2025.

Round-trip from

$144
(Jetstar)

One-way from

$76
(CheapOair)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$216

Good round-trip deal

$195 or less

Good one-way deal

$114 or less
From Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns
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One-way flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 9% potential increase in price ($23 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($6 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in September 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns.
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Find flight deals from Sydney to Cairns

Cheapest flights from Sydney to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Sydney to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on September 16, 2025.

This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/13. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 9/157:45 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 10/156:45 amCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 9/13$144
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 10/133:10 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 10/166:00 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 9/15$145
This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 10/156:10 amSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 10/156:00 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 9/15$150
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 10/126:10 amSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 10/196:45 amCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 9/14$153
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 10/133:10 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Mon 10/206:45 amCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 9/15$156
This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 9/236:10 amSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 9/254:10 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 9/15$157
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/178:45 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 10/196:45 amCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 9/15$159
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 9/227:45 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Mon 10/206:45 amCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 9/15$160
This Virgin Australia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Virgin Australia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 11/1312:50 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mVirgin Australia
Thu 11/135:35 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mVirgin Australia
Deal found 9/15$167
This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 9/167:45 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 9/187:00 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 9/15$168
This FlightHub deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 10/98:45 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 10/156:45 amCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 9/14$169

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Sydney to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated September 16, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Sydney to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Sydney

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 1/11

8:25 pm-10:30 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Sat 1/17

6:40 am-10:40 am

Nonstop3h 00m

$144

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sat 10/11

3:10 pm-5:15 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Thu 10/16

6:00 pm-9:55 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$144

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Thu 11/13

12:50 pm-2:55 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Thu 11/13

5:35 pm-9:35 pm

Nonstop3h 00m

$167

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 1/7

8:25 pm-10:30 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Sat 1/10

9:00 am-12:55 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$183

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 10/12

6:10 am-8:15 am

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Tue 10/14

6:00 pm-9:55 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$183

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 2/15

8:10 am-10:15 am

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Wed 2/18

2:40 pm-10:25 pm

1 stop6h 45m

$188

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 3/6

7:30 am-11:00 am

1 stop4h 30m

Cairns

Mon 3/9

10:55 am-2:55 pm

Nonstop3h 00m

$189

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 2/18

6:00 am-11:00 am

1 stop6h 00m

Cairns

Sat 2/21

10:55 am-2:55 pm

Nonstop3h 00m

$195

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 11/19

6:20 am-8:20 am

Nonstop3h 00m

Cairns

Wed 11/19

6:05 pm-10:05 pm

Nonstop3h 00m

$198

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 2/15

12:50 pm-2:55 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Mon 2/16

3:45 pm-7:45 pm

Nonstop3h 00m

$199

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 9/14

Showing 1-10 of 22 results
1
2
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Best time to book a flight from Sydney to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Sydney with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Sydney to Cairns

How far ahead should I book a flight from Sydney to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Sydney to Cairns. Price data was last updated on September 12, 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Sydney to Cairns, you should look to book at least 28 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Sydney to Cairns?

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Sydney to Cairns (average of $1,140). Flying from Sydney to Cairns in December is currently the most expensive (average of $1,878). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from SYD to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from Sydney to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated September 16, 2025.

A simple way to save on the total cost of your ticket is to fly from Sydney to Cairns in the afternoon. If you’re flexible enough to do this you can expect to save up to 12% on your trip compared to booking a flight at noon.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Sydney to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from Sydney to Cairns. Price data was last updated on September 14, 2025.

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Sydney to Cairns flight should consider departing on Tuesday evenings when fares are most often at their lowest. Sunday evenings flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated September 16, 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Jetstar from Sydney to Cairns. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
416 reviews

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Food

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,Jun 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
416 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
416 reviews

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Food

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,Jun 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
907 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
416 reviews

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Food

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,Jun 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
474 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
416 reviews

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Food

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,Jun 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Sydney to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airports do I use to fly from Sydney to Cairns?

    If you book a flight from Sydney to Cairns, you will be flying from Kingsford Smith to Cairns. Flights to Cairns (CNS) from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) take 3h 05m for a nonstop flight. There are 34 flights from Kingsford Smith to Cairns per day from 3 airlines.

  • How popular is this Sydney to Cairns flight route?

    Flights from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns have been viewed 19 times in the past calendar month.

  • How long is the flight from Sydney to Cairns?

    For as low as $144, Jetstar can have you in Cairns from Sydney in 3h 05m. There are 1224 mi between Sydney and Cairns. Generally, flights for this route are nonstop.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Sydney to Cairns round-trip?

    Currently priced at $132, Jetstar will fly you from Sydney to Cairns and back. In addition to Jetstar, many other airlines offer competitively priced options for your trip. Search Cheapflights for deals from Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways - these airlines can fly you to your destination from $141 and $213, respectively. These flights start at 36% lower than the current average price 3 months from now.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Sydney to Cairns?

    Looking for the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time? Our data shows these are most likely to get you from Sydney to Cairns on time: Qatar Airways (89%), Air India (84%), LATAM Airlines (83%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Sydney to Cairns?

    Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $71. While the most popular route (Sydney Kingsford Smith - Cairns) can be booked for $177 on average, our data indicates $273 when flying from Sydney to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Sydney to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Sydney to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Sydney to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Sydney to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Sydney to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Sydney to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Sydney to Cairns?

    Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Sydney to Cairns (average of $1,140). Flying from Sydney to Cairns in December is currently the most expensive (average of $1,878). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

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Alternative routes for Sydney to Cairns

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Sydney to Coolangatta flights
Sydney to Proserpine flights

Top 3 airlines flying from Sydney to Cairns

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Sydney to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated September 16, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$132Average$206FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$141Average$238FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$213Average$388FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%

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