Cheap flights to Cairns from AUD $123

1 Guest, Economy

From

Departure

Return

Fares found by others to Cairns CNS

From

Budget

AUD $

Cabin Class

Fares found by others to Cairns CNS
From	To	Fare type	Dates	Price
Brisbane (BNE)	Cairns (CNS)	One way - Economy	Departing: 28/05/2026	From AUD $123 Price seen 11 minutes ago
Melbourne (MEL)	Cairns (CNS)	One way - Economy	Departing: 05/07/2026	From AUD $133 Price seen 10 minutes ago
Sydney (SYD)	Cairns (CNS)	One way - Economy	Departing: 08/06/2026	From AUD $135 Price seen 1 minutes ago
Perth (PER)	Cairns (CNS)	One way - Economy	Departing: 23/07/2026	From AUD $359 Price seen 10 hours ago
Adelaide (ADL)	Cairns (CNS)	One way - Economy	Departing: 25/07/2026	From AUD $200 Price seen 25 minutes ago

*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 12hrs from virginaustralia.com and may no longer be available at time of booking. Fares may be for connecting flights which include a stopover. Payment surcharges and additional fees and charges for optional products and services may apply. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Flights to Cairns information

A city famous for its tropical climate, lush rainforest and incredible marine life, Cairns is the ultimate getaway for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and holiday makers looking for warm weather and beautiful beaches.

Not only a destination in itself, Cairns is also the gateway to Far North Queensland and the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re looking to holiday in Cairns, relax at Palm Cove or Port Douglas, explore the reefs on a snorkelling adventure, or see the wonder of the Daintree Rainforest, a tropical escape awaits.

Find the best deals on flights to Cairns and book with Virgin Australia today – offering flexible fare options, in-flight entertainment, and exceptional service.

Arriving at Cairns Airport (CNS)

Virgin Australia domestic flights to Cairns will arrive at Terminal 2 of Cairns Airport, usually between gates 14 and 22. Check the information screens on arrival for your gate details.

Guests with checked baggage should follow the signs to the baggage claim area in the Arrivals Hall. Information monitors will display the carousel number for baggage collection for your flight number.

Guests who are transiting to a connecting domestic flight can remain in the terminal and check the departure screens for their gate number. . For international connections, transfer to Terminal 1 via the covered walkway linking the two terminals.

Transport options from Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport is approximately 7 kilometres from the Cairns CBD (around 10–15 minutes by car), 25 kilometres from Palm Cove (around 25–30 minutes), and 66 kilometres from Port Douglas (around 60–75 minutes). Several transport options are available to reach your accommodation, including:

Shuttle buses: Private and scheduled shuttle services operate between the airport, Cairns CBD, Palm Cove and Port Douglas
Taxi: Sheltered taxi ranks are located outside the terminal, with signage to direct you to the nearest rank. A pick-up fee of may apply to your taxi fare.
Rideshare: Uber and DiDi pick-ups are available from a dedicated zone outside the terminal. Follow the signs indicating Ride Booking/Ride Share from the Arrivals Hall.
Car hire: Car hire desks are located inside the terminal.

Virgin Australia in-flight experience on flights to Cairns

Cabins

There are two cabin classes available on most Virgin Australia flights to Cairns – Economy Class and Business Class. Economy guests are served complimentary water, tea and coffee^{# *^}, and are able to purchase food and drink from the onboard menu. Guests sitting in Virgin Australia’s Business Class cabin can relax on recliner leather seats while enjoying extra legroom, priority check-in and boarding, lounge access^~, as well as a selection of complimentary fresh food.

Virgin Australia also offers Economy X seats on flights to Cairns, with up to 40% more leg room than Economy seats, priority boarding †, and preferred overhead lockers. You can select Economy X at the time of booking, before your flight online or by phone, or during check-in.

Food and drink

Guests in Economy Class will be offered complimentary water, tea and coffee ^{# *^} and will be able to purchase items such as sandwiches, wraps, chocolates and crisps as well as cocktails and soft drinks from the onboard menu. Business Class guests will be offered a complimentary plated meal and a range of hot and cold drinks, including beer and wine.

WiFi

WiFi can be purchased on select Virgin Australia flights to browse, stream, scroll and do work in-flight. Velocity Platinum and Business Class guests enjoy complimentary access.

Entertainment

Free in-flight entertainment is available for guests to enjoy on their own device. Over 400 hours of movies, TV shows and podcasts can be enjoyed from the Virgin Australia entertainment portal – simply connect your mobile phone or tablet to the in-cabin network and enjoy.

Virgin Australia's fare types on flights to Cairns

There are several fare options when you book a flight to Cairns with Virgin Australia, each with its own inclusions.

Fare type	Lite	Choice	Flex	Business
Cabin class	Economy	Economy	Economy	Business
Carry-on baggage	8kg total	8kg total	8kg total	14kg total
Checked baggage	Not included	1 × 23kg	1 × 23kg	2 × 23kg

Read more about Virgin Australia’s domestic fare types, including Velocity rewards, changes & cancellations.

Learn more about the updated allowances.

Virgin Australia's flight routes to Cairns

Virgin Australia operates flights to Cairns from major Australian cities as well as a range of regional destinations, making it easy to reach this tropical getaway.

The most popular direct flights to Cairns include:

Flights to Cairns with connections include:

Adelaide to Cairns, via Sydney or Melbourne
Perth to Cairns, via Brisbane
Hobart to Cairns, via Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane
Darwin to Cairns, via Brisbane

Quick facts about flying to Cairns

Plane

Boeing 737-800 / Boeing 737-700 / 737-8 / Airbus A320

Airport

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Average flight time

3hrs

Cabins

Business, Economy

Timezone

GMT+10

Airport transfer time

Approx. 10mins to city, 1hr 15mins to Port Douglas

Best things to do in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef

Famous for its clear water, colourful corals and vibrant marine life.

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

Where reef meets rainforest for two World Heritage–listed wonders

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Perfect views while gliding through the ancient Wet Tropics rainforest

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

A scenic saltwater lagoon ideal for families to cool off.

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Home to one of Australia's best tropical plant displays.

Barron Gorge National Park & Barron Falls Lookouts

A nature lover's haven 40 mins from Cairns

Kuranda Scenic Railway

A scenic journey winds through dense rainforest and cascading waterfalls.

Cairns Aquarium

A hands-on marine experience for the whole family without leaving the mainland.

Rusty’s Markets

180 bustling stalls with food, handmade wares and gourmet gifts.

How long is the flight to Cairns?

The average direct flight time to Cairns from Australia’s major cities is typically around 3 hours, with longer flight times on flights with connections.

Flights from Melbourne to Cairns – Approx. 3h 25min (direct)
Flights from Brisbane to Cairns – Approx. 2h 20min (direct)
Flights from Sydney to Cairns – Approx. 3h 5min (direct)
Flights from Hobart to Cairns – Approx. 6h 35min (including stopover)
Flights from Adelaide to Cairns – Approx. 5h 30min (including stopover)
Flights from Canberra to Cairns – Approx. 5h 50min (including stopover)
Flights from Perth to Cairns – Approx. 7h 40min (including stopover)

Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.

Which airport do I fly into Cairns?

Virgin Australia flights arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS), the main airport serving the city, located about 7km from the CBD.

What plane will I be on for my flight to Cairns?

The aircraft of your Virgin Australia flight to Cairns depends on your departure point and the flight schedule. You could be travelling on a Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-8, Saab 340B, or an Airbus A320. Check your booking details for the information about aircraft. Please note that the nominated aircraft may change due to operational needs. Find out more about the Virgin Australia fleet and view seat maps.

What terminal do Virgin Australia flights to Cairns arrive at?

Virgin Australia domestic flights to Cairns arrive at the Domestic Terminal, Terminal 2 (T2) at Cairns Airport.

How early should I book flights to Cairns for the best price?

Flight prices to Cairns can vary depending on demand, seasonality, and major events. To secure the best fares, it’s generally recommended to book a few months in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak periods like school holidays or the winter months.
That said, there’s always a chance to find a great deal on a flight to Cairns. Sign up to V-mail to receive sale alerts, flight specials, and Happy Hour deals. You can also use your Velocity Frequent Flyer points to book reward seats or use Points + Pay to reduce the cost of your fare to Cairns. Flying mid-week can also help you find even better deals on your flights to Cairns.

What’s the cheapest time of year to fly to Cairns?

Typically, the best months to get a good deal on flights to Cairns are December to February during the city’s summer and off-season. While fares may be cheaper during this time, it may not be the best time to experience the beauty the region has to offer. Not only can the average temperatures reach uncomfortably hot levels, but it’s also the city’s rainiest period. For cheaper fares and better weather, we’d recommend booking your flight to Cairns from April to May, or September to October during the tourist shoulder seasons. However, it’s always recommended to check fares and compare prices before booking and be sure to sign up to V-mail to receive sale alerts, flight specials, and Happy Hour deals.

Which airports have direct flights to Cairns?

Several major Australian airports offer direct flights into Cairns Airport (CNS), including:

• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• Sydney (SYD)
• Brisbane Airport (BNE)

What is the check-in deadline for flights to Cairns?

For domestic flights to Cairns, check-in opens 48 hours before your flight’s departure and will close 30 minutes before departure.
For domestic flights, including flights to Cairns, we recommend that you check in – and drop off bags if needed – at least 60-90 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
For domestic flights to Cairns with a connection to an international flight, we recommend you are checked in with bags dropped at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check your bags after this time.
For international flights to Cairns, we recommend you are checked in with bags dropped at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 60 minutes before departure, and you will not be able to check your bags after this time.
Read more: Check-in information for Virgin Australia flights

What is the baggage allowance for flights to Cairns?

The baggage allowance on Virgin Australia flights to Cairns is based on the fare type you have booked, as well as your Velocity Frequent Flyer status.

Lite fare
• One personal item: Purse, handbag, laptop bag or camera bag, small backpack or hand carried item (e.g. reading material) See full list.
• Carry-on baggage: 8kg total – One Standard bag (56cm x 36cm x 23cm)
• Checked baggage: Not included in the fare – available to purchase at an additional cost.

Choice fare
• One personal item: Purse, handbag, laptop bag or camera bag, small backpack or hand carried item (e.g. reading material) See full list.
• Carry-on baggage: 8kg total – One Standard bag (56cm x 36cm x 23cm)
• Checked baggage: 23kg
  – Non-members and Red Velocity Frequent Flyers: 1 x 23kg.
  – Silver Velocity Frequent Flyers: 2 x 23kg.
  – Gold Velocity Frequent Flyers: 2 x 23kg.
  – Platinum Velocity Frequent Flyers: 3 x 23kg.

Flex fare
• One personal item: Purse, handbag, laptop bag or camera bag, small backpack or hand carried item (e.g. reading material) See full list.
• Carry-on baggage: 8kg total – One Standard bag (56cm x 36cm x 23cm)
• Checked baggage: 23kg
  – Non-members and Red Velocity Frequent Flyers: 1 x 23kg.
  – Silver Velocity Frequent Flyers: 2 x 23kg.
  – Gold Velocity Frequent Flyers: 2 x 23kg.
  – Platinum Velocity Frequent Flyers: 3 x 23kg.

Business fare
• One personal item: Purse, handbag, laptop bag or camera bag, small backpack or hand carried item (e.g. reading material) See full list.
• Carry-on baggage: One Standard piece 8kg total (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) OR two small bags 14kg total weight (48cm x 34cm x 23cm) cannot exceed a combined weight of 14kg, with no single bag over 8kg OR one standard piece (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) and one suit pack (114cm x 60cm x 11cm) 14kg total weight, with no single bag over 8kg.
• Checked baggage: 32kg
  – Non-members and Red Velocity Frequent Flyers: 2 x 32kg.
  – Silver Velocity Frequent Flyers: 2 x 32kg.
  – Gold Velocity Frequent Flyers: 2 x 32kg.
  – Platinum Velocity Frequent Flyers: 3 x 32kg.

Read more details about carry-on baggage and checked baggage allowances

Is there in-flight entertainment on flights to Cairns?

Yes! Most Virgin Australia Cairns flights offer free in-flight entertainment including movies, TV shows, podcasts, and family-friendly programmes. Use your own hand-held device, tablet or laptop to connect to the Virgin Australia WiFi network and access the latest Hollywood releases, full series of must-see TV shows, and kid-friendly films. Read more about how to connect and supported devices and browsers on our in-flight entertainment page.

Virgin Australia’s in-flight entertainment is available on selected aircraft and selected routes on the Virgin Australia domestic and international network and is subject to availability.

Is there food on flights to Cairns?

Yes, food and drinks are available on Virgin Australia flights to Cairns.
In Economy Class, Virgin Australia offers complimentary water, tea and coffee^{*^} on all flights over 55 minutes, with additional food and drink options available for purchase.
In Business Class, guests are offered a plated meal, as well as a range of hot and cold drinks, including beer and wine.

How do I change or cancel my flight to Cairns?

We know that things sometimes happen, and you may need to change or cancel your flight to Cairns. When it comes to changes like name changes, flight changes and fare type changes, the flexibility of your booking depends on your fare type and some changes may attract fees and surcharges. Refer to the Changes & cancellations section on our Domestics Fares page for more information.
To change or cancel your booking, you can:

• Go to Manage Your Booking online (before checking in) and retrieve your itinerary details;
• Get in touch with the Guest Contact Centre; or
• Contact your travel agent (if applicable)

What’s the best way to get from Cairns Airport to the city?

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Cairns Airport to the city is by taxi, shuttle, rideshare or car hire,with travel times averaging 10-15 minutes. However, if you’re travelling further to Palm Cove or Port Douglas, the best transport options from Cairns Airport are hire car or shuttle bus, as these are more cost-effective for the time and distance.

^*Fare terms and conditions

Fare prices on this page have been collected within the last 12hrs from virginaustralia.com and may no longer be available at time of booking. Payment surcharges and additional fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.

Domestic fares: Prices are based on a one-way Economy Lite, Economy Choice, Economy Flex or Business class fare (as stipulated) booked on virginaustralia.com, for flights marketed and operated by Virgin Australia (or operated by a partner airline for Virgin Australia). Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Payment surcharge may apply. Seat selection and checked baggage are not included in Economy Lite fares. Economy Lite fares are not recommended if you require flexibility with your travel as cancellations are not permitted and you may need to pay a fee and any fare difference to make a change. For other Economy fare types, a fee and fare difference may be payable for changing or cancelling your booking. For Business fares, changes incur any applicable fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s domestic Fees page (www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/fees-surcharges/domestic/) for details. Refunds are not permitted for Economy Lite and Choice fares if you cancel your booking. Refunds are permitted for Economy Flex fares on payment of a fee. Refunds are permitted for Business fares. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and other limitations may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs www.virginaustralia.com

International short haul (including Tasman) fares: Prices are based on a one way or return Economy Lite, Economy Choice, Economy Flex or Business class fare (as stipulated) booked on virginaustralia.com, for flights marketed and operated by Virgin Australia (or operated by a partner airline for Virgin Australia). Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. Payment surcharge may apply. Seat selection and checked baggage are not included in Economy Lite fares. Economy Lite fares are not recommended if you require flexibility with your travel as cancellations are not permitted and you may need to pay a fee and any fare difference to make a change. For other fare types, a fee and fare difference may be payable for changing your booking. See Virgin Australia’s international Fees page for details (for Trans-Tasman: www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/fees-surcharges/trans-tasman/ or for other short haul destinations: www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/fees-surcharges/short-haul-international/). Refunds are not permitted for Economy Lite and Choice fares if you cancel your booking. Refunds are permitted for Economy Flex fares on payment of a fee. Refunds are permitted for Business fares. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and other limitations may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs atwww.virginaustralia.com

International long haul fares: Prices are based on a return Economy Choice, Economy Flex or Business class fare (as stipulated) booked on virginaustralia.com, for flights marketed by Virgin Australia (operated by a partner airline). Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. Payment surcharge may apply. Fare inclusions (like different baggage allowances), and change and cancellation fare rules will be different depending on the partner airline operating your flight. See Virgin Australia’s fares pages for information about fees and charges you may incur when you change or cancel your fare operated by a partner airline (https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/flying-with-us/fare-types/international-fares/partner-fares/). You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

^# Hot drinks will not be served in the event of turbulence.

⁺ Tea and coffee are available on most flights over 55 minutes.

^{^} Food and beverage offering on flights operated by partner airlines may differ.

^~ Virgin Australia does not currently operate international lounges. Guests travelling on flights operated by partner airlines may have access to partner airline lounges. Find out more here International lounge access. Read information about one of our 7 domestic Lounges Locations.

¹ Payments can be made by Visa and Mastercard credit, debit and digital wallet cards, American Express credit and digital wallet card, JCB credit card. Note: Payments by cash, Maestro, JCB digital wallet card or pre-paid travel cards are not accepted.

Economy X Terms and Conditions
Please read carefully as there are important terms and conditions that you should be aware of prior to selecting Economy X.

^† Economy X seats are limited and may be sold out at time of booking or at any time prior to your travel date. The applicable Economy X fee will be the fee published at the time you purchase Economy X and is subject to change. Fees are per person, one way and per sector. Fees are in the applicable booking currency, being the country of origin specified in your booking or purchase. Economy X fees are non-refundable, except where you are entitled to a refund of the Economy X fee or of your fare under the Australian Consumer Law. See the Economy X Terms and Conditions for more information on refunds. Not all product benefits are available at all airports. Where some of the product features are not available or utilised by you, you are not entitled to a refund unless otherwise specified in the Economy X terms and conditions. Some Economy X seats are located in Exit Rows and guests must accept the Exit Row Safety Conditions to sit in these rows. If you change your mind and no longer wish to sit in these rows, you may move to an alternate Economy X seat for no additional fee. If however no other Economy X seats are available, you will be assigned a standard Economy seat and entitled to a refund of the Economy X fee. Please let us know as soon as possible if you no longer meet the Exit Row Safety Conditions. If at the time of travel you no longer meet the Exit Row Safety Conditions you will be offered an alternate Economy X seat or you will be assigned a standard Economy seat and entitled to a refund of the Economy X fee. Economy X is only available on flights operated by Virgin Australia and Virgin Australia International. See the Economy X Terms and Conditions