BNE - CNS

$84 Find Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns departing on 1/6. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flight Deals from Brisbane to Cairns (BNE-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Brisbane 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.

Recent return flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns

KAYAK's recommended return flight deals from the most popular airlines that fly from Brisbane to Cairns.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$167Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, 5 Jun - Thu, 12 Jun
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$175Jetstar
Find Deal
Mon, 12 May - Wed, 14 May
Jetstar Logo
08:45 - 11:15BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$177Jetstar
Find Deal
Tue, 20 May - Tue, 27 May
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$178Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, 8 May - Sun, 11 May
Jetstar Logo
08:45 - 11:15BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$180Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, 8 May - Sun, 11 May
 Logo
06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS
2h 25mdirect
 Logo
06:00 - 08:15CNS-BNE
2h 15mdirect
Mon, 12 May - Fri, 16 May
 Logo
13:40 - 16:10BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
 Logo
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
Fri, 20 Jun - Tue, 24 Jun
Virgin Australia Logo
21:05 - 23:35BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
06:00 - 08:15CNS-BNE
2h 15mdirect
$231Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Thu, 8 May - Sun, 11 May
Virgin Australia Logo
21:05 - 23:35BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
16:55 - 19:10CNS-BNE
2h 15mdirect
$247Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Fri, 12 Sep - Mon, 29 Sep
Qantas Airways Logo
20:20 - 22:50BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$381Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Thu, 8 May - Sun, 11 May

KAYAK's insights & trends for Brisbane to Cairns flights

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

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Brisbane to Cairns?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Brisbane to Cairns clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Cairns on a Wednesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly from Brisbane to Cairns. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Friday and avoiding Mondays for the best deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Brisbane 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 Brisbane to Cairns is March, where tickets cost $203 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and September, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $334 and $289 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane to Cairns, you should book around 4 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

April

Cheapest flight

$84
Best time to beat the crowds (15% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 4% lower on average.
Flight from Brisbane to Cairns

When to book flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Brisbane 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 Brisbane to Cairns

  • Is there anything to eat at Cairns Airport?

    If you’re looking for a bite to eat after your flight, you can find something to suit you in the Domestic Terminal of the Cairns Airport. Hudsons Coffee can offer you a quick pastry and a shot of caffeine to keep you going, or there’s the Macchinetta Coffee just outside the terminal where you can sit down in the fresh air.

  • How do I get from Cairns Airport to Cairns?

    There aren’t any public transport options available to take you from the Cairns Airport into the city centre. There are a few private shuttle and bus companies that offer shared services to your destination of choice, including Excellence Coaches or Cairns Bus Charters. Many visitors to Cairns use the CairnsTaxi from the taxi ranks directly outside the Domestic Terminal. It takes about 10 minutes to get to downtown Cairns.

  • What parking is available at the Brisbane Airport?

    If you need to leave your car somewhere during your flight from Brisbane to Cairns, Brisbane Airport has several different parking options available to suit all kinds of travellers. Premium long-term parking can be found directly outside the Domestic Terminal on Level 3, next to the skywalk. Budget-friendly travellers can choose between open or undercover parking with AIRPARK, who also offer a shuttle service from the carparks to the terminal.

  • Is there anywhere I can relax before my flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Brisbane Airport offers many opportunities to relax before your flight. If you enjoy shopping, you can use the free shuttle to head over to the Skygate Mall where you can find a range of shopping and eateries, or just relax at the Anton & Blair hair salon. Massage and acupuncture are also available there at the Chi Link spa.

  • Where can I store my luggage at Cairns or Brisbane Airport?

    If you need to store some luggage during your stay in Cairns, you can find self-service storage lockers at the Cairns Airport undercover, near the Terminal 2 Carpark. Storage for oversized items is also available. If you prefer to leave your luggage at the Brisbane Airport, storage is available outside the Virgin and Qantas areas of the Domestic Terminal.

  • What kind of food is served on flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    The flight from Brisbane to Cairns is quite short, usually around 2h 30min. For most airlines, this means the food offered will be light meals and snacks like sandwiches, small pies or sausage rolls (served hot) and bakery items like croissants and muffins. Note that on most airlines operating this route, food costs extra, while water, tea and coffee are usually complimentary.

  • Do any major airlines operate flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Qantas does offer flights from Brisbane to Cairns. However, these are sometimes connecting flights with a stopover in Townsville. They do offer a few direct flights, and these are often the flights with the smallest carbon footprint.

  • How can I book special assistance on this route?

    Book special assistance at least 48 hours in advance through your airline. Most airlines can take bookings over the phone or online. Qantas asks passengers who need a wheelchair to book through their Wheelchair Assistance Request online.

  • Where is the car hire centre at Cairns Airport?

    If you're planning on hiring a car in Cairns, it can be convenient to pick it up at the airport. There are car hire counters in both terminals in the arrivals area. A couple of available companies include Avis and Budget, and they have desks in both terminals.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns was $54 for a one-way ticket and $107 for a return.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Brisbane airport is called Brisbane and the only airport in Cairns is Cairns.

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

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

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Brisbane and Cairns, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

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

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

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Brisbane to Cairns, Virgin Australia or Qantas Airways?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. With an average price for the route of $267 and an overall rating of 7.5, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Qantas Airways is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $497 and an overall rating of 7.5.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Brisbane 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 Brisbane to Cairns.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Brisbane 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 Brisbane up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

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

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $120 or less one-way and $195 or less round-trip.
  • Direct flights regularly fly from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns Airport (CNS). You can find direct flights to suit your needs from local airline services including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Tigerair.
  • Rental car companies are available in the Arrivals Area, in the northern end of the Domestic Terminal at Cairns Airport. The pickup and drop off location for rental cars is across the road from the terminal in the parking building.
  • Brisbane Airport is made up of two terminals—the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. If you need to move between these terminals, it’s a short walk or you can take advantage of the free-to-use AirTrain.
  • Virgin Australia or Qantas fliers can take advantage of the airline lounges in the Domestic Terminal of the Brisbane Airport. Qantas Club members or pay-to-use guests can find the Qantas Lounge on Level 2, or there is the Virgin Australia Lounge opposite Gate 41.
  • If you’re feeling a little lost or need some help with the airport facilities, you can find Airport Ambassadors throughout the Brisbane Airport. They’re easy to spot in their blue shirts with a bright yellow ‘i’ on the back.
  • Getting dropped off at Brisbane Airport? You can find a drop-off point kerbside of the terminal. However, you won’t be given much time to say goodbye before being waved on by a Kerbside Officer. For an extended farewell, you can park in the nearby short-term parking.
  • Virgin Australia offers multiple flights each day from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns Airport (CNS). You can choose between their Flex, Choice and Business fares. All three offer checked luggage and the option to choose your seat. Flex also offers extra flexibility around changing your flight dates. In Business, you'll get extra space and priority boarding.
  • If you only need to bring cabin luggage on your flight from Brisbane to Cairns, consider booking with Jetstar. They offer budget-friendly fares with the option to book checked luggage as an additional extra. You can also upgrade your fare slightly to get up to 14 kg of carry-on luggage.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns?

Find which airlines fly direct from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Brisbane to Cairns

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Thursday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +10 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Saturday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Brisbane

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Thursday

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, China Southern, +10 more

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +11 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Saturday

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, China Southern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 4 airlines serving from Brisbane to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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.
9.4
RexOverall score based on 27 reviews
8.6Comfort
6.9Entertainment
9.1Boarding
8.0Food
9.6Crew
Airline reviews

Fantastic staff and plane Only issue was flying out from terminal 2 at Perth nothing was open to get food or drink, we were there 3 hours early with 2 kids and not prepared to not be able to purchase food or drinks. Having self check in and bag drop would be wonderful too, as we had to wait for staff to arrive to check in despite checking in online the day before . Nothing major but would have made a great trip fantastic!

10.0 ExcellentBec, July 2024PER - ADL
Read more Rex reviews

Fantastic staff and plane Only issue was flying out from terminal 2 at Perth nothing was open to get food or drink, we were there 3 hours early with 2 kids and not prepared to not be able to purchase food or drinks. Having self check in and bag drop would be wonderful too, as we had to wait for staff to arrive to check in despite checking in online the day before . Nothing major but would have made a great trip fantastic!

Enjoyed the comfort of the seats, slight delay to departure time but prompt takeoff and landing.

It asks about entertainment tho it’s not applicable. 10/10 for Rex 👌🏻

Not sure how to answer on the entertainment as there wasn’t any.. Comfort, I wasn’t comfortable as I was on the window side and a morbidly obese man sat in the middle and eased out into my space. I had sciatica so I wasn’t able to move much to get comfortable. Food wise I have a wheat allergy and asked if there was a gluten free option and was given a Byron bay cookie which was lovely tho it wasn’t wheat free. Not to worry. I wasn’t expecting there to be any appropriate snacks for me anyhow. The staff were very generous with the snacks and their concern for the passengers. The staff were amazing tho. Truly amazing ! One of the staff must have noticed my discomfort and helped me out to stand in the back of the plane to stretch which I really appreciated. I would fly with REX again without hesitation. Thank you very much. It was my first flight with you and I look forward to my return flight home on Tuesday. Best wishes to your company 👌🏻

All good, was a one hour flight so no food or entertainment which was expected

Rex is an underrated airline. Its my first time flying them and they were fantastic. the only things that annoyed me about my flight were things other passengers did so it was nothing i or REX could change

Really enjoyed flying with Rex the boarding and booking baggage on was easier than most. I will beat using Rex next time.

On time and a quick flight and staff vert good

Loved the staff. The economy seats could have been bigger.

Their aircraft are old and amenities lack way behind other international carriers leaving from BNE. Even in economy

Airport and crew experience was excellent. We had to queue for the runway - no one’s fault, but it did mean we were 30 minutes late leaving

Overall good experience with flight and airport wheelchair staff. Also got Indian food in the flights

I liked the service, the menu, and the comfort of the seats! Even tho we were seated by the bathrooms, the reclining seats and movie selection was very good, my husband and I didn’t mind at all

Very good as always, stand out airline. The passengers whom choose to stuff baggage that otherwise should be checked-in is a real bother but that's not the airlines doing. A real frustration that passengers just don't want to check-in luggage. This is a pet hate unfortunately.

It’s a two prop flight so I had problems with my ears on re- entering ! But otherwise fine

I love flying with Qantas. There was no onscreen entertaining on this flight, and only a snack provided (not a meal) but still better than Jetstar or Virgin (in my opinion) so still happy.

Wheelchair assistance to move through the terminals and to/from the plane door was excellent. No vegan snack on the flight, only something with salami and cheese in it.

I have flown Qantas multiple times in the past it seemed this flight the plane had less seat room or the seats were way less comfortable than before. Everything else was about the same. Thanks

Gluten free options less explicit on business class, but great service

Very good… seems the virgin staff particularly in the lounge and in flight exceeded expectations.

I liked everything about the experience but would have liked some free snacks!

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

Being told why we delayed three hours and not even given an apology by someone. Not a word. Not my airline of choice ever.

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

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.

Virgin changed the flight to an Alliance flight. Smaller plane, tea coffee and water the only refreshments available and not sure what happened to the extra money I paid to sit in a selected seat with extra leg room. This is obviously a regular switch as it happened on our flight there and back. Do not recommend.

Late boarding, late departure due to weather and slow boarding, packed 5+hour flight, only 2 toilets for main cabin, tight leg room, no free food except tea, coffee, and water, arrived 75 minutes late.

Cramped, crowded flight, with no complimentary food except coffee, tea, or water.

Overall, it was good. The only concern was that I couldn't charge my phone because the USB port didn't work after we took off. One of the crew members tried to restart it but never came back to me with an update.

Comfortable seats, boarding was easy and staff were very nice.

Flight was fine but a domestic flight was called by Jetstar international. This meant going through immigration and custom scanning twice. Long queues were experienced which were frustrating. We were using a wheelchair and exit at Perth needed a scissor lift as no air bridge provided. No fast lane at Perth for wheelchair. The staff were helpful but this system is poor.

The crew were great. The seat was older than an old Holden with a big metal bar sticking right into my back. The passenger next to me complained that hers was the same. The pre purchase system for food was disappointing as the pie/quiche took 20 mins to warm up, arrived too hot and with no utensils. It was one of the most uncomfortable flights I've ever been on.

Not very good, no food and not drink ( caffe or tea). Never ever fly with jet star.

Fabulous I have no issues with JetStar great service always use them to fly

Flight was as expected - we got what we paid for which was a base fare

Hardly we had overweight and we were asked to pay $75. We were checked by a female and weight was alright

Unaware of charge for carry on until i got to gate

I got what I paid for - flight was clean, staff were friendly

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports

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