CNS - SYD

$100 Find Cheap Flights from Cairns to Sydney

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Cairns to Sydney departing on 28/6. 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.
1 adult

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Sydney

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Cairns to Sydney, 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 Cairns to Sydney, as well as popular online travel agencies
Travellers love KAYAK
41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

Save 22% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Cheap Flight Deals from Cairns to Sydney (CNS-SYD)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Cairns to Sydney 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 Cairns to Sydney

KAYAK's recommended return flight deals from the most popular airlines that fly from Cairns to Sydney.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
Jetstar Logo
19:00 - 21:55CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
Jetstar Logo
19:45 - 22:50SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
$208Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, 12 Jun - Mon, 16 Jun
Jetstar Logo
19:00 - 21:55CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:10 - 09:15SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
$210Jetstar
Find Deal
Sat, 10 May - Sun, 11 May
Jetstar Logo
06:45 - 09:45CNS-SYD
3h 00mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:10 - 09:15SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
$211Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, 4 Jun - Mon, 9 Jun
Jetstar Logo
06:45 - 09:45CNS-SYD
3h 00mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:10 - 09:15SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
$213Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, 4 Jun - Mon, 9 Jun
Virgin Australia Logo
19:15 - 22:10CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
15:20 - 18:35SYD-CNS
3h 15mdirect
$266Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Tue, 22 Jul - Sat, 26 Jul
 Logo
11:50 - 16:40CNS-SYD
4h 50m1 stop
 Logo
06:10 - 09:15SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
Wed, 4 Jun - Mon, 9 Jun
 Logo
06:00 - 11:40CNS-SYD
5h 40m1 stop
 Logo
06:10 - 09:15SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
Wed, 4 Jun - Mon, 9 Jun
Virgin Australia Logo
19:15 - 22:10CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
19:00 - 23:35SYD-CNS
4h 35m1 stop
$340Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Sun, 22 Jun - Thu, 26 Jun
Qantas Airways Logo
17:35 - 20:30CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
09:45 - 12:55SYD-CNS
3h 10mdirect
$480Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Sat, 10 May - Sun, 11 May
Qantas Airways Logo
17:35 - 20:30CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
09:45 - 12:55SYD-CNS
3h 10mdirect
$482Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Sat, 10 May - Sun, 11 May

KAYAK's insights & trends for Cairns to Sydney flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Cairns to Sydney 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 Cairns to Sydney?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Cairns to Sydney clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
If you are looking for a flight deal from Cairns to Sydney, look for departures on Tuesdays and avoid leaving on a Saturday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Sydney, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly and Tuesday is the most expensive.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Cairns to Sydney, 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 Cairns to Sydney is March, where tickets cost $221 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and April, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $366 and $365 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from Cairns to Sydney?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.
No, with an average price for the route of $491, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Cairns to Sydney?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Cairns to Sydney, 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 Cairns to Sydney, you should book around 5 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 19 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

April

Cheapest flight

$100
Best time to beat the crowds (16% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (15% more expensive on average)
Flight from Cairns to Sydney

When to book flights from Cairns to Sydney

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

  • Does Cairns Airport offer free Wi-Fi?

    Whether you need to make a last-minute booking, get some more information on your destination or finish up some work, you can stay connected with the free Wi-Fi offered in all areas of both Cairns Airport terminals. Access is unlimited and granted after a short and simple registration process.

  • Does Cairns Airport have parents’ facilities?

    If you’re travelling with infants, you can take care of changing, feeding and the rest of your parental responsibilities in one of the several parenting rooms at Cairns Airport. Parents’ facilities are conveniently located both before and after security control in T1 International and T2 Domestic.

  • How much is a taxi fare to Sydney city centre from the airport?

    Taxis can be easily hired at the taxi ranks outside the arrivals area on Level 1 of the terminal building for travellers who prefer a private transfer to their final destination. The duration of the trip between Sydney Airport and the city centre can be anywhere from 20 to 25 minutes, with fares at around $45-55.

  • Does Sydney Airport have an on-site hotel?

    For travellers with early return flights, or those that simply wish to stick close to the terminal, the Mantra Hotel and Ibis Hotel are a short walk from Sydney Airport’s Domestic Terminals 2 & 3. Ibis offers both standard and budget accommodation to serve travellers on any budget. Rates can fluctuate depending on the season, so try to book early for a good price.

  • Which budget airlines fly from Cairns to Sydney?

    Several budget airlines fly from Cairns to Sydney. Jetstar, for example, offers a number of daily flights. Jetstar is owned by Qantas, so Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn points on their Jetstar flights. Virgin Australia is another budget-friendly option offering frequent flights.

  • What airlines let me bring more luggage on board?

    Most airlines allow you to bring up to 7 kg of carry-on luggage. Jetstar's economy flex fare allows you to bring up to 14 kg of luggage across your carry-on luggage and your personal item. No individual bag can weigh more than 10 kg. These are perfect for those who want to bring a little bit of extra luggage but don't need enough to book checked luggage.

  • Which major airlines fly from Cairns to Sydney?

    Qantas is a major airline that runs flights from Cairns to Sydney. Most flights are direct but a few have a stopover at Brisbane Airport (BNE). If you're flying business class or are a lounge member, you can visit the Qantas Lounge during your stopover, spread across three levels.

  • How can I get special assistance at the airport?

    If you need assistance moving through the airport or on your flight, you can book mobility assistance through your airline. Make sure to book it at least 48 hours in advance. You can usually access your assistance from the check-in desk. At Cairns Airport, there's a disability drop-off area, right next to the other drop-off area.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Cairns to Sydney?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Cairns to Sydney was $64 for a one-way ticket and $133 for a return.

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

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

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Cairns to Sydney?

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

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Cairns to Sydney are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. With an average price for the route of $381 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 $639 and an overall rating of 7.5.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Cairns to Sydney?

    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 Cairns to Sydney.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Sydney from Cairns 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 Cairns to Sydney?

    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 Sydney with an airline and back to Cairns with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Cairns to Sydney?

    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 Sydney from Cairns 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 Cairns to Sydney

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $126 or less one-way and $214 or less round-trip.
  • Non-stop flights from Cairns to Sydney are quick and easy to find with domestic airlines like TigerAir Australia and Jetstar. Flights between the two cities are generally affordable and will arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. Sydney Airport serves the entire Sydney area and is located approximately 8 km from the city centre.
  • Once your flight lands, you can easily reach hotels and destinations in central Sydney by using public transport. One of the most popular ways to reach the city centre is to take the train. Trains leave from the northern end of the terminal approximately every ten minutes and cost around $19.
  • Renting a car is a good alternative if your travels around Sydney involve areas not served by public transport routes. There is a long list of different rental car agencies that operate at Sydney Airport, including Hertz, Budget and Avis. The car rental kiosks are located on the Arrivals level in Terminal 1.
  • Parking at Cairns Airport is affordable and accessible compared to other busy Australian airports. All car parks are located a short walk away from the terminals, and can be conveniently booked ahead of time via the Cairns Airport online booking system. Fees for parking start at approximately $7 per day.
  • If you’re booking a return or transit flight from Cairns to Sydney, you can grab a bite to eat and relax in one of the many airport lounges located at Sydney Airport. There are varying entrance requirements for the seven different lounges, but six of them can be accessed with single-entry passes starting at approximately $50.
  • If you're hoping to relax in a lounge before your flight from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD), consider booking a flight with Qantas. Their Qantas Club Lounge in the domestic terminal is usually open to business class passengers and Qantas Club members. You can find it on Level 1 of the T2 Terminal.
  • For this domestic route, most airlines ask that you arrive at least 45 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Of course, arriving earlier is a good idea, particularly during school holidays.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith?

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

Direct departures

Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith

Monday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Tuesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Wednesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Thursday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Friday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Saturday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Sunday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns

Monday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

Tuesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

Wednesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

Thursday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

Friday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

Saturday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

Sunday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

ANA, Air Canada, +18 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 3 airlines serving from Cairns to Sydney

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Cairns to Sydney. 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 Cairns to Sydney? 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.
7.5
Qantas AirwaysOverall score based on 827 reviews
6.9Food
7.4Comfort
8.2Crew
7.2Entertainment
7.7Boarding
Airline reviews

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

10.0 ExcellentCarolyn, Apr 2025LAX - SYD
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

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.

The food was terrible. And the flight attendants were very rude. One flight attendant wouldn’t help a passenger lift their carry-on. Another flight attendant wouldn’t give a man an extra blanket. And they walked by not even looking at the passengers to see if they needed a glass of water.

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.

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 Cairns to Sydney

Other airlines flying from Cairns to Sydney

Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from Cairns to Sydney according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.

Not what you’re looking for? Find thousands of other hotels, flights, car hires and package deals with KAYAK.