SYD - CNS

Find cheap flight tickets from Sydney to Cairns

1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Cairns

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Sydney to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Sydney to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
Travellers love KAYAK
41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

Save 17% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Everything you should know

Direct flights
Every day
You can fly direct with Jetstar, Qantas Airways, and Virgin Australia. Average duration is 3h 11m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 88% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 3 weeks in advance save around 25% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 14% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Sydney to Cairns (SYD-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Sydney to Cairns that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Sydney to Cairns

Multiple Airlines Logo
SYD
-
CNS
3171 kmmulti-stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
CNS
-
SYD
3171 kmmulti-stop
Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Sydney to Cairns flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Sydney to Cairns to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Sydney to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Sydney to Cairns is January, where tickets cost ₹ 17,977 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is ₹ 24,095 and ₹ 23,248 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from Sydney to Cairns?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of ₹ 15,105, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Sydney to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Sydney to Cairns, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 25% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 5 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (15% more expensive on average)

When to book flights from Sydney to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Sydney to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Sydney to Cairns

  • What lounges are available in the domestic terminals of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

    If you’d like to relax in comfort before your flight, there are various lounge options in the domestic terminals of Sydney Airport. Terminal 3 has Qantas Business Lounge and The Qantas Club Lounge, which are both located in the departures area, opposite Gates 4 and 5. Terminal 2 has Virgin Australia Lounge, located after security near the main security checkpoint. Please check with your airline for your eligibility to use their lounge.

  • How do you get to Sydney Airport from the Sydney centre?

    There are many options to get from Sydney centre to Sydney Airport. The metro will get you to the airport from Central Station in about 15min. Be sure to get use your Opal card, if you have one, for discounted fares. You can also take a taxi or rideshare service; the cost depends on what part of Sydney you are heading to.

  • How is Cairns Airport accessible for people with disabilities?

    The airport has accessible toilets and public phones. It also has a number of hearing loops that reduce distortion and background noise for those using hearing aids. You can also request a disability-friendly taxi through the taxi concierge staff in the taxi area.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Sydney to Cairns?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Sydney to Cairns flight route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Sydney to Cairns?

    There are direct flights from Sydney to Cairns on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Sydney to Cairns, Virgin Australia or Jetstar?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Sydney to Cairns are Virgin Australia and Jetstar. With an average price for the route of ₹ 27,234 and an overall rating of 7.6, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Jetstar is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of ₹ 16,437 and an overall rating of 6.5.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Sydney to Cairns?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Sydney to Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Sydney to Cairns?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Sydney is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Sydney to Cairns?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Sydney with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Sydney to Cairns?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairns from Sydney up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Sydney to Cairns

  • If you are travelling with infants or young children, there are parents rooms and baby changing facilities in both Domestic Terminals 2 and 3 of Sydney Airport (SYD).
  • If you’re craving a coffee on arrival in Cairns, there is a Macchinetta in the arrival area of Cairns Airport (CNS) serving coffees as well as focaccias and paninis.
  • A great initiative at Sydney Airport is the Airport Ambassador Program. They are volunteers who give of their time each week to give passengers a warm welcome and assist anyone needing help with finding accommodation, facilities, transport or attractions. Look out for them in their bright blue shirts.

Prefer to fly direct from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns?

 
Nonstop data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying nonstop from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns.
Find which airlines fly direct from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns

Monday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith

Monday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top airlines flying from Sydney to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Sydney to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Sydney to Cairns? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.6
Virgin AustraliaOverall score based on 462 reviews
6.4Entertainment
7.5Comfort
6.4Food
8.2Crew
7.7Boarding
Airline reviews

There were no food or entertainment on this short flight. Friendly staff even before getting on the flight. The seats were snug but it was quick flight

10.0 ExcellentSheila, Apr 2026
SYD - MEL
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

There were no food or entertainment on this short flight. Friendly staff even before getting on the flight. The seats were snug but it was quick flight

Very friendly staff. No food service and no entertainment. Only 1hr 20min flight

Flight was late, food and drink an extra charge, my carry on is five rows behind me, and the seats are too narrow. Don’t ask me to be happy about it

I bought flights in August and there wasn’t a flight in the system

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Check-in was good and efficient, Boarding was quick and easy. Didn't like the entertainment side of things requiring your phone to connect for a screen, my eyes are bad enough to use my phone more than I already do. Trip was comfortable and baggage claim was good. If coffee and tea were free, then why not a soda or juice as well, its not like its an alcoholic drink.

The flight was delayed by 45 minutes, but boarding, actual flight, and crew were great. However, there was Zero free food and only water, tea, or coffee to drink. Everything else was for sale. No onboard entertainment but it was a short flight.

Boarding took place at the front and back. Weight of luggage was unclear and cost an arm and a leg.

Flight was cancelled and the next available flight they could get me on was 18:30 that night. I was travelling up for a conference so needed to be in Brisbane by 12:00 at the latest. I had to rebook with another carrier and I've had to follow up three times about the refund for this flight. The flight I rebooked cost over $400.

On time, lovely crew, economy-X seating worth the $ for the legroom. In flight entertainment not working, but I wasn’t going to use it anyway. Never had a bad Virgin experience.

Knees in back from passenger behind, limited seat pockets, no entertainment.

Great. Seats are a little cramped with only a very small recline. Service was great. Food was fine.

Flight was fine with boarding starting a few minutes early. Not a fan of the crew pushing political messaging regarding indigenous naming of Brisbane city… really pushed it like I haven’t heard on Jetstar before.

Flight was delayed more than 1.5 hours. Gate changed multiple times

Plane was delayed both on arrival to Sydney and departure. We boarded the plane while it was in the process of being refuelled, which I am certain is against CASA regulations. Comfort for anyone over 6 foot is non existent.

My Dad needed assistance to board the plane. The Jetstar staff were excellent with him and made the experience a lot easier😁

Plane was late leaving darwin so we didn’t get home till 1130pm 2nd time in a fortnight that has happened. Hard when you have to work the next day

They had issues with the plane prior to boarding. You could see it in the gate lounge staff. An hour after the plane was supposed to have taken off, we were still in the gate lounge, not a peep from the staff. Couldn’t seem to bring themselves to give a single verbal update. Then, they give some odd partial message verbally - plane has been downgraded. It’s not going anywhere. We need 37 people with carry on only to volunteer to go onto another flight + we’ll give you a $200 voucher - so this caused chaos, as people rushed to the desk. No mention of what those with checked baggage should do. About another 20 mins later, another lady at the desk makes a reference to going to another gate but stops mid sentence. Fed up, I approach the desk and ask if they can give some clear instructions to those that have checked baggage about what we should do. Another lady then gives a message over the PA telling those with checked baggage to go to a different gate. So we go to the new gate, spend an hour there waiting while the confusion between staff and passengers continues. Eventually board only to sit on the plane for about another hour as confused staff clearly have too many people on the plane and not enough seats. They finally figure it out and the flight leaves 3h25mins late. Things like this happen all the time I’d imagine, so you’d think dealing with it should be their bread and butter. Keep customers updated. Give clear instructions. Apologise for the delays. Not hard, but seemingly all lost on the Jetstar team that day. Pathetic.

The flight was cancelled 7 hours before it was due to fly and Jetstar said they couldn't get us on any other flight that day. We took a refund and easily booked a Virgin flight close to the time of the canvelled Jetstar flight.

Why is it so hard for Jetstar to get boarding a plane correct? In this current environment why have everyone on the plane early to just sit on the plane while they work out where their boarding system went wrong resorting to using a hand held counter to check numbers on the plane Having everyone on the plane for longer than necessary is very annoying then when arriving at the destination it takes 1/2 for ground crew handling baggage to get the bags out again this creates issues with keeping people in confined spaces longer than necessary

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports