Book cheap flights from Sydney to Cairns

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Discover the cheapest flights from Sydney to Cairns
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The prices shown on this page were available within the last 20 days for the specified periods and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from Sydney to Cairns

If you’re planning to fly this route soon, keep in mind that the lowest fares are usually available at the beginning of May. Take advantage of this period to save on your flight tickets and make the most of your trip. Please note that prices may change after your search.
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week: 4 May - 10 May
$175
$189
$153
$146
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$149
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$199
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Currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket
6%Trains in Cairns are 6% cheaper than in Sydney.
Sydney$6.21
Cairns$5.86
MealMid-priced restaurant
27%A meal in Cairns is 27% cheaper than a meal in Sydney.
Sydney$35.15
Cairns$25.78
TaxiStandard daytime start rate
26%A taxi fare in Cairns is 26% cheaper than in Sydney.
Sydney$5.86
Cairns$4.34
CoffeeRegular cappuccino
15%Coffee is 15% more expensive in Cairns than in Sydney.
Sydney$6.38
Cairns$7.32
Exchange rate
1 NZD = 0.86 AUD
1 AUD = 1.18 NZD
Last checked on Sun, 22/02
Distance: 1961 kms
Sydney airports
Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith Airport) (SYD)How far from city centre: 8 kms
Cairns airports
Cairns International Airport (CNS)How far from city centre: 5 kms

Guide to flying from Sydney to Cairns: what to expect

Cairns offers a unique blend of natural wonders and rich heritage. It draws travellers to its stunning landscapes, providing a gateway to two World Heritage-listed sites. Explore the ancient rainforests, discover vibrant Indigenous cultures, or dive into the underwater marvels of the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns delivers unforgettable experiences, whether you seek adventure or relaxation in a tropical setting.

Flights from Sydney to Cairns are frequent, making your tropical escape easy. The average direct flight duration is around three hours. You will find several airlines offering non-stop services, ensuring convenient travel options throughout the day.

For the best travel experience, consider visiting Cairns during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall, ideal for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding rainforests. While prices might be higher due to peak demand, the comfortable weather conditions make it worthwhile. If you prefer fewer crowds and potentially lower airfares, the shoulder months of April or November can also be a good choice, balancing pleasant weather with better value.

Airports in Sydney

If you're flying from Sydney to Cairns, your journey will begin at Sydney Airport, the primary hub offering direct connections to tropical North Queensland.

Sydney Airport (SYD)

Sydney Airport, officially known as Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, is situated just 8 kilometres south of the central business district, making it easily accessible. This airport operates three terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights, and Terminals 2 and 3 for domestic services. Passengers flying to Cairns will typically depart from either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, depending on their chosen airline. The facilities at this transport hub include a variety of retail stores, dining options, and lounges across its terminals, ensuring amenities are readily available before your flight. Integrated rail links and bus services provide convenient connections from throughout the metropolitan area to the airport's main precincts.

Airports in Cairns

When flying from Sydney to Cairns, you'll most likely arrive at Cairns Airport, the primary gateway to Far North Queensland.

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport serves as a crucial hub for northern Queensland, handling both domestic and international traffic. Situated approximately 7 kilometres north of the Cairns city centre, this facility offers extensive connections across Australia. Travellers arriving at the airport will find a modern terminal layout designed for efficient transit. The precinct features car rental services, taxi ranks, and bus connections, providing various options for onward travel into the city or to nearby destinations like Port Douglas and the Atherton Tablelands. This northern Queensland aerodrome also facilitates access to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests.

Book your flights from Sydney to Cairns at the best price

The air in Cairns feels different, warm and humid, hinting at the tropical wonders awaiting you. The Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant colours and the Daintree Rainforest’s ancient canopy are just a short flight away. With eDreams, you can effortlessly compare flights from a wide range of airlines, ensuring you find the perfect option for your journey. Unlock exclusive discounts and even more savings on flights and hotels with an eDreams Prime subscription. Package your flight and accommodation together for convenience and value. Your adventure to Cairns starts here. Discover and book your perfect flight today.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Sydney to Cairns

Is it safe to travel from Sydney to Cairns during the Covid-19 situation?
At eDreams we do our best to ensure that your travel plans won't be affected by restrictions or possible cancellations that Australia may apply. Using the flexible ticket gurantee you can decide if you rather rebook or get a refund!
For flights from Sydney to Cairns, how can I find the cheapest price?
The cheapest price for a flight from Sydney to Cairns is 115$. At eDreams we use different machine learned based methodologies to find our costumers the best option available, considering airline combinations, stopovers and direct flights as well as different criteria for inbound and outbound journeys.
Is Cairns more expensive than Sydney to visit?
Looking at cab fares, a ride in Cairns costs an average of 4.34 NZD , 26% cheaper than Sydney, with a fare of 5.86 NZD,
while train tickets cost 6% less at Cairns: $ 5.86 NZD versus $ 6.21 NZD at Sydney.
Comparing the price of a meal, they range from 25.78 NZD euros in Cairns, 27% less than the 35.15 NZD euros in Sydney.
The price of the coffee is around 15% more expensive in Cairns, with an average of 7.32 NZD , while in Sydney the coffee costs 6.38 NZD.
How long does the flight from Sydney to Cairns take?
Flight length from Sydney to Cairns is around 3 h and 55 m on average, at an average distance of 1,960.97 km, for flights for the route (which may have 1 or more stops in other cities in between).

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