Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Change your flight without a fee on select flights

Money Saving Bundle when you purchase Hotel + Flight! 

Get mobile alerts about flight delays, gate changes and more with the FREE Wotif app

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

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Tue, 9 Dec - Thu, 11 Dec
SYD
Kingsford Smith Intl.
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$230 Return, found 9 hours ago
AU$230
Return
found 9 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 9 Dec from Kingsford Smith Intl. to Cairns Intl., returning Thu, 11 Dec, priced at AU$230 found 9 hours ago
Jetstar
Tue, 9 Dec - Thu, 11 Dec
SYD
Kingsford Smith Intl.
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$239 Return, found 9 hours ago
AU$239
Return
found 9 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 9 Dec from Kingsford Smith Intl. to Cairns Intl., returning Thu, 11 Dec, priced at AU$239 found 9 hours ago
Jetstar
Sat, 6 Dec - Mon, 8 Dec
SYD
Kingsford Smith Intl.
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$249 Return, found 9 hours ago
AU$249
Return
found 9 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sat, 6 Dec from Kingsford Smith Intl. to Cairns Intl., returning Mon, 8 Dec, priced at AU$249 found 9 hours ago
Jetstar
Sat, 6 Dec - Mon, 8 Dec
SYD
Kingsford Smith Intl.
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$258 Return, found 9 hours ago
AU$258
Return
found 9 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sat, 6 Dec from Kingsford Smith Intl. to Cairns Intl., returning Mon, 8 Dec, priced at AU$258 found 9 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, 7 Dec - Tue, 9 Dec
SYD
Kingsford Smith Intl.
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$259 Return, found 9 hours ago
AU$259
Return
found 9 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, 7 Dec from Kingsford Smith Intl. to Cairns Intl., returning Tue, 9 Dec, priced at AU$259 found 9 hours ago

Best Day to Book Flight from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Sydney to Cairns Flight Information

Find the Cheapest Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Work hard, travel harder! Wotif brings you the cheapest Sydney to Cairns flights, making it possible to have a five star holiday without that five star price tag. Browse and compare our top SYD to CNS routes and airport options. So, go ahead and treat yourself, your sweetheart, or the kids to an unforgettable holiday this year.

to Information

Traveling From
Kingsford Smith Intl.
Origin Airport
Origin Airport IATA Code
SYD
Traveling To
Cairns Intl.
Destination Airport
Destination Airport IATA Code
CNS
Number of Airlines Serving
Average Flight Time
 hours mins
Direct Flight Time
 hours mins
Flight Price
AU$230

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Mascot Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
The usual travel time from Sydney Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) is roughly 3 hours and 7 minutes. Adjust your seat, relax and enjoy your favourite shows.
What airlines fly direct from Sydney Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
There's no need to stress about annoying stopovers or your gear going astray. You can choose from a number of airlines flying direct from Mascot Airport to CNS, including Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
How many flights are there from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Airport?
At least 9 flights cruise the skies daily between SYD and CNS. So c'mon — it's time to book that seat and experience the epicness of Cairns.
What are the cheapest days to fly?
Here's an insider tip: Monday is typically the cheapest day to fly! Looking at flight demand on Wotif in 2021, we found that flights departing on a Monday generally had the lowest average price, closely followed by flights on a Saturday. You might want to think twice about flying on a Thursday though; generally, our data showed that it had the highest average ticket price.
What is the best day to buy a plane ticket?
Guess what? It turns out that early in the week is the best time to score the cheapest plane tickets. Looking at flight demand on Wotif in 2021, we found that flights purchased on a Monday had the lowest airfares on average. Booking your plane ticket on the weekend also seems to score pretty good deals. However, airfares purchased on a Friday generally have a higher than average ticket value, so you might want to prepare your budget if you're booking on that day.
What is the cheapest month to fly?
When comparing airfares booked through Wotif in 2021, our data shows February is one of the cheapest months to fly. On the other hand, the month of December can be one of the most expensive times to travel, with the highest average ticket price, so it's best to get in early if December is your preferred travel month.
How far in advance can you book a flight?
Trying to figure out how early you should book your flight? It's possible to start comparing international airfares on Wotif up to 12 months in advance. However, it does depend on the carrier as not all airlines release their prices that far out. According to Wotif's 2021 flight demand trends, you can bag a bargain with some of the cheapest airfares appearing just 1 week prior to travel.*According to flight demand on Wotif.com from January to December 2021. Savings are subject to change and may vary depending on selections made.
Address:
Cairns QLD,
Australia
IATA code:
CNS
Longitude:
145.754041
Latitude:
-16.876538
Time zone:
Australia/Brisbane
Address:
Sydney NSW,
Australia
IATA code:
SYD
Longitude:
151.179898
Latitude:
-33.932922
Time zone:
Australia/Sydney

Sydney to Cairns Flight Deals from AU$230

Considering a quick trip to Cairns, but not sure which is the best route for you? Well, you’re in luck! Wotif has done the hard work, so all you need to do is check out these flights from SYD to CNS. With heaps of cheap fares from Sydney, we guarantee you’ll be arriving to your holiday destination in style without emptying your bank account in the process.

It’s easy to book flights to Cairns from Sydney  

For a huge choice of flights, simply enter your travel dates and hit search and we’ll hunt out fantastic deals on one-way, return and multi-city airfares to Cairns from Sydney from 10 different airlines. If you click the ‘direct flights’ box, you see flights that’ll get you to Cairns in just hour(s) and mins, too.   

Snap up great deals on flights to Cairns from Sydney 

Choose from flights a day on average, with prices starting at AU$230 and rising to AU$259 depending on the cabin class, travel dates, and airline carrier. And if you’re up for a last-minute getaway, you can get great deals on flights from Sydney to Cairns today!  

Find cheap airfares to Cairns from Sydney 

Here are our insider tips for bagging a flight bargain: 

  • Look for midweek flights and late night, early morning arrival and departure times
  • Check out other airports near Sydney and Cairns
  • Avoid peak season (prices tend to be lower in December)
  • Be flexible with your travel dates and you can usually get cheaper options  

Reasons to book your flights to Cairns from Sydney with Wotif

Wotif is a super-easy way to find the best flight for you to Cairns. Get more bang for your buck on flight and hotel or car rental combos and download the free Wotif app to tap into exclusive deals. Book now with Wotif and have a great flight!

 

Great places to stay after flight from Sydney to Cairns

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is AU$118 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$118
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Love this place everytime"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$168 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$168
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,036 reviews)
"Nice room ocean view"

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel

4 out of 5
295 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$167 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$167
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Clean. Easy access to eateries"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Cairns Sheridan Hotel
See all 1,330 properties in Cairns Intl.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

More Destinations

^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on Wotif.com from , as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.