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

Airlines that fly from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

  • Plan, book, fly with confidence

  • trending down icon
    Be in the know
    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
  • bex rewards loyalty icon
    Book smarter
    Save up to 35% on select hotels after you book a flight*
  • payments icon
    Earn twice
    Earn your airline miles on top of our rewards

Cheap Flights from Sydney to Cairns (SYD-CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at AU$112 for one-way flights and AU$224 for return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Flight from Sydney to Cairns route information
Origin airport
Kingsford Smith Intl.
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Airlines serving
Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Return price
AU$224
Distance
1960 km

SYD to CNS Flights

Sydney and Cairns Airports

When was the last time you set your sights to the north? Queensland wears many faces—lush green rainforest, sunny tropical beach, mountainous inland—and Cairns embodies them all. Book cheap flights from Sydney to Cairns here with Expedia.com.au to see for yourself. Begin your adventures by driving to Sydney Airport (SYD). The domestic car parks near terminals 2 and 3 will have you within walking distance of your gate, while the long-term Blu Emu car park offers shuttles every 15 minutes. But if you managed to score a ride to the airport, get dropped off at the departure level.

With your tickets booked, you’ll fly to Cairns and arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS). If you’re waiting on a ride, head to the pick-up area outside of the terminal. In terms of parking, the airport provides several options, including T1 budget, T2, and T2 covered car parks.

Route Information

On Sydney to Cairns flights, you have three hours to take in the scenery or read some magazines while you cross 1,900 km. Once you reach CNS, you’re less than 10 minutes by car to the city centre. Book a rental car in Cairns in advance with us, and have it waiting for you when you land. With your own set of wheels, you can road trip to the fertile Atherton Tableland, tromp through the Wet Tropics of Queensland, or haul your snorkel gear to Flynn Reef. And to think, all this rich exploring starts with cheap flights to Cairns from Sydney.

No Need to Wait

Cairns can wait, but can you? Beaches, rivers, lagoons, and forests are eager to welcome urban-weary travellers. But don’t worry, you’re not left completely to your own devices—Cairns is an active place with plenty for major metropolis lovers to see and do. And when the big city is calling your name, it’s a good thing you got your tickets to Sydney on Expedia.com.au to take you home.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a flight from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Airport?
The lowest price advertised for a round-trip flight between SYD and CNS is AU$224. But you better act soon. This price is based on fares offered within the last 7 days on Expedia for flights departing within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to CNS?
This differs between airlines, as each has its own terms and conditions. Visit the Customer Service Portal, where there are instructions on how to cancel your flight online.
How do I find cheap flights from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Airport that have flexible change policies?
Many airlines offer the option to reschedule your flight without a change fee. All you pay is the difference between the original flight and the new flight. When you’re searching for Sydney Airport to Cairns Airport flights, you’ll see a “no change fees” filter for you to select.
How far is the flight from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
The flight distance between Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) and CNS is 1 950 kilometres. Pack yourself a drink, a few snacks and an interesting book to read. Keep yourself busy in the air and time will zip by.
Which airlines fly direct from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
There are several airlines that travel directly from Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Airport. Jetstar (JQ) is a great choice, offering 82 flights each month. You could also check out fares with Virgin Australia (VA). It operates 73 monthly flights between Sydney and Cairns.
Are Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) to Cairns Airport flight tickets cheaper when they're purchased at the last minute?
It is possible to pick up amazing last-minute deals from Mascot Airport to CNS, but it’s also possible to miss out entirely! As many airlines release seats up to 12 months in advance, it’s worthwhile keeping an eye on fares early and being ready to book when you see a bargain. Expedia compares carrier prices and updates flight deals all the time, so you can rest easy knowing you’re always getting the latest offers.
Sydney Airports

Shellharbour

*Available to Expedia members.