Cheap Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Popular airlines from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from Sydney Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Jetstar operates a direct flight departing Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) at 3:10PM and reaching Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) at 6:15PM — a total travel time of 3 hours and 5 minutes. Choose your preferred seat, bring something to keep you entertained and the time will rush by.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) last minute?
Booking your flight from Sydney Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) at the last minute could save you a pretty penny if you get lucky and find a real bargain. However, airfares don't usually get cheaper closer to the departure date. If you take a wait-and-see approach, flights could also be booked solid or the best seats gone (hello, middle seat!). If you'd rather not hedge your bets, book well in advance of your departure date. Don't forget that some of the biggest bargains can be found up to a year in advance. If your favorite carrier hasn't released its airfares yet, check back regularly as offers are updated on Expedia constantly.
What airline has the least delays from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
With an on-time performance score of 82%, Virgin Australia is the airline that's most likely to fly you from Sydney Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) without any hiccups. Flight delays aren't just irritating — they can also result in a missed connection or even ruin your vacation. You can stay updated by checking your flight status through the Expedia App well before you get to the airport. If you're already at your gate and the delay is lengthy, head to the customer service desk to figure out your next move.
What airports do you fly into for Cairns from Sydney?
Sydney to Cairns flights arrive at Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). This terminal is approximately 5 kilometers northwest of the center of Cairns. Snap up a terrific airfare with Expedia and then get set for a travel adventure.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Mascot Airport to Cairns Airport?
Between 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM is when you'll find the largest number of Jetstar flights taking off from SYD to Cairns Airport. Our advice? Book a trip that departs earlier in the day. With air traffic yet to build up around airports, your chances of jumping on a delay-free flight are higher.
Can I change the date of my flight from Mascot Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Expedia makes it easy to make amendments to your SYD to Cairns Airport trip yourself. Just go to the Expedia Trips portal and hit "change flight." Browse around for new flights and book the one that better fits your plans. You'll get an estimate of flight change fees that may apply. You can also visit our Customer Service portal to chat to our Virtual Agent and get answers to all your questions.

Travel information

Travel information

Origin airport
Kingsford Smith Intl.
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Distance
1960 km
Average flight time
2 hours 9 mins

Book with confidence

Book with confidence

Sydney to Cairns Flights

Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or just want to get away for a last-minute break, flights from Sydney to Cairns offer the perfect respite. Not only does exploring Cairns provide the chance to make some magical memories, dip into delectable dishes, and tour the local landmarks, but the cheap airfare means you won’t bust your budget. So no matter whether your ideal itinerary involves flying one way, non-stop, or round trip, you’re bound to find flights that match your schedule on Expedia, and at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

Bagging a cheap flight from Sydney to Cairns may mean more dollars to spend on for one-of-a-kind souvenirs when you arrive, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your travel experience, as Expedia offers a sizzling selection of cheap airlines that’ll put you in your happy place on their planes, whether that’s getting lost in a hair-raising airport thriller, dreaming on the passing landscape over a glass of bubbly, or jotting down your vacation bucket list at 38,000 feet. There’s also bound to be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos of the high life that will make your friends green with envy. After all, enjoying the journey is part of the fun.

With so many affordable flights and so many wonderful adventures awaiting you, there’s no reason to put off booking a fantastic flight from to today. So don’t leave it to the last minute to make your dream trip a reality: pack your bags with your go-to travel accessories, put together your list of must-see attractions and can’t-miss activities, and get ready to broaden your horizons – with Expedia, the wonders of Cairns are only a plane trip away. Book your travel arrangements with us today!

If you would like to book flights to Cairns more flexibly many prefer to purchase one-way tickets with options to take different airlines. A one way ticket to Cairns is now!

Sydney to Cairns Flights

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia