- Recommended
Cairns Museum
Regional museum on Cairns history, people, and tropical life. Worth visiting for clear exhibits on the city's development and culture.
Flights from Sydney to Cairns depart on average 39 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $79 (€65) if you book in advance.
There are 5 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 1218 miles (1961 km) distance in 3h 0m. September is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1218 miles (1961 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€65) |
Flights per day 39 |
Direct flights 5 |
Fastest flight 3h 0m |
First flight 5:45 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Cheapest price on Oct 01
$354
Average ticket price on Oct 01
$576
Fastest journey on Oct 01
3 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
3 h 11 m
Flights on Oct 01
60
Distance
1961 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Sydney to Cairns is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sydney to Cairns will cost around $576 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $354.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 60 flights from Sydney to Cairns, including 6 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct flights cover the 1961 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the longest flights will take 3 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
VA814 · VA1291
VA933 · VA799
VA943 · VA799
VA909 · VA799
VA931 · VA799
JQ952
JQ954
JQ956
JQ950
VA1419The table below shows live departures for Sydney to Cairns flights for tomorrow, Thursday, October 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JQ501 · JQ942 | 6:00 AM Sydney | 8h40 | 2:40 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ784 · JQ808 | 6:05 AM Sydney | 10h55 | 5:00 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ950 | 6:10 AM Sydney | 3h10 | 9:20 AM Cairns | 0 transfersDirect | |
JQ503 · JQ942 | 6:30 AM Sydney | 8h10 | 2:40 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ505 · JQ942 | 7:00 AM Sydney | 7h40 | 2:40 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA909 · VA799 | 7:00 AM Sydney | 16h20 | 11:20 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA810 · VA1293 | 7:15 AM Sydney | 5h45 | 1:00 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ402 · JQ894 | 7:20 AM Sydney | 11h25 | 6:45 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA812 · VA1293 | 7:30 AM Sydney | 5h30 | 1:00 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA814 · VA1291 | 7:45 AM Sydney | 26h05 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA917 · VA799 | 8:00 AM Sydney | 15h20 | 11:20 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ404 · JQ894 | 8:10 AM Sydney | 10h35 | 6:45 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ507 · JQ942 | 8:15 AM Sydney | 6h25 | 2:40 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ507 · JQ944 | 8:15 AM Sydney | 10h40 | 6:55 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ515 · JQ944 | 8:50 AM Sydney | 10h05 | 6:55 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA925 · VA799 | 9:00 AM Sydney | 14h20 | 11:20 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ509 · JQ944 | 9:45 AM Sydney | 9h10 | 6:55 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA931 · VA799 | 10:00 AM Sydney | 13h20 | 11:20 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ406 · JQ894 | 10:25 AM Sydney | 8h20 | 6:45 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA933 · VA799 | 10:30 AM Sydney | 12h50 | 11:20 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ952 | 10:30 AM Sydney | 3h10 | 1:40 PM Cairns | 0 transfersDirect | |
JQ816 · JQ934 | 10:35 AM Sydney | 10h25 | 9:00 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ511 · JQ944 | 10:35 AM Sydney | 8h20 | 6:55 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ513 · JQ944 | 12:05 PM Sydney | 6h50 | 6:55 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ513 · JQ946 | 12:05 PM Sydney | 10h25 | 10:30 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ410 · JQ894 | 12:20 PM Sydney | 6h25 | 6:45 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ517 · JQ946 | 12:35 PM Sydney | 9h55 | 10:30 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA1419 | 12:40 PM Sydney | 3h15 | 3:55 PM Cairns | 0 transfersDirect | |
VA943 · VA799 | 1:00 PM Sydney | 10h20 | 11:20 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA846 · VA1291 | 2:00 PM Sydney | 19h50 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ818 · JQ934 | 2:25 PM Sydney | 6h35 | 9:00 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ519 · JQ946 | 2:25 PM Sydney | 8h05 | 10:30 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA951 · VA771 | 3:00 PM Sydney | 17h40 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA1423 | 3:10 PM Sydney | 3h15 | 6:25 PM Cairns | 0 transfersDirect | |
JQ954 | 3:15 PM Sydney | 3h10 | 6:25 PM Cairns | 0 transfersDirect | |
JQ828 · JQ934 | 3:30 PM Sydney | 5h30 | 9:00 PM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA858 · VA1291 | 4:00 PM Sydney | 17h50 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA957 · VA771 | 4:00 PM Sydney | 16h40 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA862 · VA1291 | 4:30 PM Sydney | 17h20 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA866 · VA1291 | 5:00 PM Sydney | 16h50 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA965 · VA771 | 5:00 PM Sydney | 15h40 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA868 · VA1291 | 5:15 PM Sydney | 16h35 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA870 · VA1291 | 5:30 PM Sydney | 16h20 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA872 · VA1291 | 5:45 PM Sydney | 16h05 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA874 · VA1291 | 6:00 PM Sydney | 15h50 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA973 · VA771 | 6:00 PM Sydney | 14h40 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA876 · VA1291 | 6:15 PM Sydney | 15h35 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA977 · VA771 | 6:30 PM Sydney | 14h10 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA878 · VA1291 | 6:30 PM Sydney | 15h20 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA882 · VA1291 | 7:00 PM Sydney | 14h50 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA981 · VA775 | 7:00 PM Sydney | 16h10 | 11:10 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA981 · VA771 | 7:00 PM Sydney | 13h40 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
JQ956 | 7:15 PM Sydney | 3h10 | 10:25 PM Cairns | 0 transfersDirect | |
VA884 · VA1291 | 7:15 PM Sydney | 14h35 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA985 · VA775 | 7:30 PM Sydney | 15h40 | 11:10 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA985 · VA771 | 7:30 PM Sydney | 13h10 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA886 · VA1291 | 7:30 PM Sydney | 14h20 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA993 · VA771 | 8:30 PM Sydney | 12h10 | 8:40 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA993 · VA775 | 8:30 PM Sydney | 14h40 | 11:10 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
VA892 · VA1291 | 8:30 PM Sydney | 13h20 | 9:50 AM Cairns | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Cairns — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cairns trip today.
Regional museum on Cairns history, people, and tropical life. Worth visiting for clear exhibits on the city's development and culture.
Modern gallery featuring changing exhibitions by local and national artists. A strong stop for contemporary art in the city center.
Cultural center and gallery presenting Yidinji traditions, dance, and art. Valuable for learning about Aboriginal culture near Cairns.
Waterfront promenade with lagoon, public art, gardens, and walking paths. A classic Cairns visit for relaxing, strolling, and city views.
Popular public swimming lagoon on the waterfront. Great for cooling off safely and enjoying the Esplanade atmosphere in the city center.
Botanic gardens with rainforest plant collections, shaded paths, and easy access to nearby walks. A favorite for nature close to town.
Barramundi is a prized local fish, often grilled or pan-fried. It is a Far North Queensland staple valued for its mild flavor and fresh tropical seafood identity.
Mud crab from tropical north Queensland is usually served simply cooked to highlight its sweet meat. It is a classic regional seafood choice in Cairns.
Tiger prawns are commonly served fresh, grilled, or chilled with sauce. They reflect Cairns' strong connection to local reef and coastal seafood.
Busy seafood venue by the marina serving reef fish, prawns, oysters, and platters in a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Refined waterfront dining focused on tropical North Queensland produce and seafood in an elegant, modern setting on the Cairns esplanade.
Polished dining room known for premium steaks, local seafood, and a broad wine list in central Cairns.
Moderate for Australia. Hotels can be pricey in peak season, but casual meals and local buses are manageable for most tourists.
Tipping is not expected. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Cairns Airport, Cairns -> Cairns City, Cairns
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sydney to Cairns by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairns, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sydney to Cairns flights use the Sydney to Cairns airport pair. Use this guide to compare Sydney and Cairns airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Sydney is 2 km from Sydney city centre. Public transport options include:
Sydney has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Various restaurants are located in both domestic and intertiol terminals, including fast food and gourmet options like McDold's and Wolfgang Puck.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport, with a simple login process. ATMs are located in both domestic and intertiol terminals, offering multiple currency options.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sydney: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Sydney: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sydney: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Nearby hotels include Hotels within walking distance, including Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel..
Cairns is 5 km from Cairns city centre. Public transport options include:
Cairns has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants are located in both domestic and intertiol terminals, offering options like fast food and cafes.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout the airport, including major banks like ANZ and Commonwealth Bank.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cairns: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cairns: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cairns: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels such as the Cairns Airport Hotel within walking distance..
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