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$70+ 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 5/24. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SYD — CNS
Feb 25 — Mar 41
Tue 2/25
Tue 3/4
1 adult, Economy
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The best prices from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns are usually found in May or February, booked 60 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Monday and return on a Wednesday

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 February 20, 2025.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$134
(Jetstar)

One-way from

$70
(Booking.com)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

May

Average price

$185

Good round-trip deal

$159 or less

Good one-way deal

$87 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Sydney Kingsford Smith-Cairns flight deals.
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Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Sydney Kingsford Smith-Cairns flights.
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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. 10% potential increase in price ($24 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($7 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in February 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 February 20, 2025.

This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/20. 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.
Thu 4/311:30 amSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 4/56:00 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 2/20$134
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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 2/249:00 amSYD - CNS
1 stop6h 00mMultiple Airlines
Sat 3/16:20 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 2/19$194
This Virgin Australia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/20. 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.
Tue 12/307:00 pmSYD - CNS
1 stop5h 15mVirgin Australia
Mon 1/125:35 pmCNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mVirgin Australia
Deal found 2/20$212
This Qantas Airways deal was found by Cheapflights users on 2/19. 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 Qantas Airways is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 5/51:20 pmSYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 10mQantas Airways
Thu 5/151:15 pmCNS - SYD
1 stop5h 10mQantas Airways
Deal found 2/19$309

Find flights from Sydney to Cairns within your budget

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 February 20, 2025.

Fly from

Sydney

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Thu 4/3

11:30 am-1:35 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Sat 4/5

6:00 pm-9:55 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$134

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sat 5/3

3:10 pm-6:15 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Fri 5/9

7:15 pm-10:10 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$161

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sat 7/26

8:10 am-11:25 am

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Sun 7/27

7:15 pm-10:10 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$185

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Mon 4/21

1:20 pm-4:30 pm

Nonstop3h 10m

Cairns

Mon 4/28

5:35 pm-8:30 pm

Nonstop2h 55m

$280

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sat 5/24

3:10 pm-6:15 pm

Nonstop3h 05m

$70

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 3/5

8:10 am-10:15 am

Nonstop3h 05m

$93

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 3/19

9:45 am-11:50 am

Nonstop3h 05m

$152

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 2/28

7:30 pm-9:05 am

2 stops14h 35m

$273

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 3/21

8:45 am-1:50 pm

2 stops30h 05m

$608

SydneyCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Tue 6/24

5:55 pm-12:05 pm

2 stops18h 10m

$621

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 2/19

Compare providers for flights from Sydney to Cairns

Provider information is updated monthly. Please note that these providers often have deals for this flight, but the availability may vary on a day-by-day basis on Cheapflights.
Use the table below to compare price accuracy, trust ratings, and cancellation policies for each provider offering flight deals from Sydney to Cairns in February.
ProviderPrice AccuracyTrust Score*
FlightHubPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
Kiwi.comPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*2 stars
eDreamsPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
JetabroadPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
FlightnetworkPrice Accuracy2 starsTrust Score*3 stars
Trip.comPrice Accuracy1 starTrust Score*3 stars
MytripPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
GotogatePrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars

*The Trust Score is based on feedback from users after their booking experience. It measures overall satisfaction, helping us identify issues like hidden fees, problems during the ticketing process, and the quality of customer service. This score is our best indicator of the provider's quality and reliability.

  • Most accurate provider: When it comes to deals on Sydney-Cairns flights, users find the pricing of FlightHub to be most consistent on Cheapflights vs. FlightHub Users can find the same prices on Sydney-Cairns flight deals on Cheapflights vs. FlightHub >95% of the time. Price accuracy is based on data collected from Sydney-Cairns flight searches over the past month and is updated monthly.
  • Most trusted provider: When it comes to deals on Sydney-Cairns flights, Cheapflights users trust FlightHub the most. FlightHub has received a user feedback score of 3 out of 3 stars (3 being the best), meaning they have been trusted the most by Cheapflights users looking for Sydney-Cairns flight deals. Provider user feedback score is based on Cheapflights searches over the past month and is updated monthly.

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.

Travel insights for flights from Sydney to Cairns

Get recent, data-driven insights about flights from Sydney to Cairns including ideal travel times, pricing trends, and more.

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 February 14, 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Sydney to Cairns, you should look to book at least 60 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 $1,136). Flying from Sydney to Cairns in December is currently the most expensive (average of $2,397). 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 February 20, 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 71% on your trip compared to booking a flight in the morning.

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 February 16, 2025.

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

Weekly flight availability from Sydney to Cairns

Explore weekly flight availability from Sydney to Cairns. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated February 20, 2025.

The most flights from SYD to CNS are scheduled on a Thursday (33 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Sunday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (18 on average).

Rainfall in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Cairns ranges from 0.8 - 16.9 inches per month. March is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 16.9 in. July is typically the driest time to visit Cairns when rainfall is around 0.8 in.

Temperature in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Cairns, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 80.6 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 69.8 F).

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 February 20, 2025.
To help decide which airline to fly from Sydney to Cairns, see what other customers have to say about Emirates, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia. Reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Emirates
8.1
Very good
3,276 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.3

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.1

Food

7.9

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Jun 2024

DXB - IAH

It was not a good experience the seats were small and uncomfortable the food was not good and they forgot to serve me my breakfast - there were 5 us in 2 rows that they just completely skipped us. Very disappointed.

Emirates
8.1
Very good
3,276 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very good
3,276 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.3

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.1

Food

7.9

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Jun 2024

DXB - IAH

It was not a good experience the seats were small and uncomfortable the food was not good and they forgot to serve me my breakfast - there were 5 us in 2 rows that they just completely skipped us. Very disappointed.

Air New Zealand
7.9
Good
461 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very good
3,276 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.3

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.1

Food

7.9

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Jun 2024

DXB - IAH

It was not a good experience the seats were small and uncomfortable the food was not good and they forgot to serve me my breakfast - there were 5 us in 2 rows that they just completely skipped us. Very disappointed.

Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
417 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very good
3,276 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.3

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.1

Food

7.9

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Jun 2024

DXB - IAH

It was not a good experience the seats were small and uncomfortable the food was not good and they forgot to serve me my breakfast - there were 5 us in 2 rows that they just completely skipped us. Very disappointed.

Qantas Airways
7.4
Good
815 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very good
3,276 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.3

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.1

Food

7.9

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Jun 2024

DXB - IAH

It was not a good experience the seats were small and uncomfortable the food was not good and they forgot to serve me my breakfast - there were 5 us in 2 rows that they just completely skipped us. Very disappointed.

Jetstar
6.6
Okay
444 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very good
3,276 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Crew

8.3

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.1

Food

7.9

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,Jun 2024

DXB - IAH

It was not a good experience the seats were small and uncomfortable the food was not good and they forgot to serve me my breakfast - there were 5 us in 2 rows that they just completely skipped us. Very disappointed.

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 23 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 21 times in the past calendar month.

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

    Currently priced at $134, 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 $185 and $280, respectively. These flights start at 37% lower than the current average price 3 months from now.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Sydney to Cairns one-way?

    For one-way options, check prices for Jetstar. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $70. Users have also found prices from $93 and $152 on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, respectively.

  • 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: ANA (100%), Etihad Airways (93%), Qatar Airways (93%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Sydney to Cairns?

    Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $65. While the most popular route (Sydney Kingsford Smith - Cairns) can be booked for $177 on average our data indicates $241 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 $1,136). Flying from Sydney to Cairns in December is currently the most expensive (average of $2,397). 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.

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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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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 February 20, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$133Average$202FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$141Average$246FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$271Average$404FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
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