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Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

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Reverse direction: CNS to BNE
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QF Return flights from $375
Dep. Fri 12 FebRet. Mon 15 Feb$375
Dep. Fri 18 DecRet. Mon 28 Dec$375
QFShow more Flights
Dep. Thu 15 OctRet. Sun 18 Oct$375
Dep. Fri 23 OctRet. Mon 26 Oct$375
Dep. Sun 06 SepRet. Tue 08 Sep$376
Dep. Sun 11 AprRet. Fri 16 Apr$376
Dep. Sat 29 AugRet. Sun 30 Aug$376
Dep. Mon 03 AugRet. Wed 05 Aug$376
Dep. Sun 02 AugRet. Thu 13 Aug$399
Dep. Sat 18 JulRet. Wed 29 Jul$403
Dep. Thu 16 JulRet. Mon 20 Jul$446
Dep. Thu 09 JulRet. Sun 12 Jul$761
Dep. Tue 30 JunRet. Sun 05 Jul$990
Dep. Wed 01 JulRet. Fri 03 Jul$1,080
Dep. Sun 28 JunRet. Sun 28 Jun$1,335

Prices are from searches made in the last 24 hours and current prices may differ.

Do you need to catch a flight to Brisbane? Check out our domestic flights to Brisbane. If Brisbane is not your closest airport, then here are all our flights to Cairns from Australia. Maybe a different destination? Here are all the flights from Brisbane


Cheapest Time of Year to Fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Return fares from Brisbane to Cairns by month, based on the cheapest return airfares found for each month.

Jul 2026
$158
Aug 2026
$362
Sep 2026
$209
Nov 2026
$284
Jan 2027
$209
Mar 2027
$322

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns is July 2026, with return fares from $158 — 56% cheaper than the most expensive month (August 2026, from $362).

When Should You Fly to Cairns?

Based on the fares we've tracked, July is typically the cheapest month to fly to Cairns, with return fares from $158. August is the most expensive month, with the cheapest return fares around $362.

Across the year, return fares to Cairns average around $257. If you can travel in the off-peak months of July, September and January, you'll generally pay up to 39% less than the yearly average.


Cheapest Brisbane to Cairns Return Prices

These are the cheapest prices for Brisbane to Cairns return airfares.

July 2026
$158
August 2026
$362
September 2026
$209
November 2026
$284
January 2027
$209
March 2027
$322

Average Brisbane to Cairns Return Prices

These are the average prices for Brisbane to Cairns return airfares.

July 2026
$609
August 2026
$461
September 2026
$470
October 2026
$568
November 2026
$529
January 2027
$403

Frequently Asked Questions about flying from Brisbane to Cairns

When is the cheapest time to travel from Brisbane to Cairns?

The cheapest month to travel is typically July.

How much do return flights from Brisbane to Cairns cost?

The best price we found for a return flight from Brisbane to Cairns is $158.

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

Currently, the cheapest date for a return flight from Brisbane to Cairns is 02 August 2026.

What is the cheapest airline that flys from Brisbane to Cairns?

Currently, the cheapest airline that flys from Brisbane to Cairns is Jetstar.

Which airlines fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns?

Jetstar, Qantas, Alliance Air Pty and Virgin Australia fly direct.

How long does a direct flight from Brisbane to Cairns take?

The shortest direct flight usually takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.

What is the IATA airport code for Cairns?

The IATA code for Cairns is CNS. It is located in Australia at coordinates -16.87469, 145.7537.

When should you book flights to Cairns?

From our data, you should book flights to Cairns 30 days out.


How I Want That Flight can help you

What's the benefit of using I Want That Flight for my Brisbane to Cairns flight?

Think of us as your personal shortcut to a great deal. Instead of you opening fifty different tabs, we instantly cross-check rates across heaps of airlines and booking sites to score you the sweet spot on pricing. Millions of holidaymakers count on us every year to get them airborne, so you're running with a pretty savvy crowd.

Can you sort me out with direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

100%. As soon as the page finishes loading your options, hit the "Direct" filter. The layovers will vanish, leaving you with only the non-stop routes.

How does I Want That Flight find me the best Brisbane to Cairns flights?

Once you punch your details into our search tool, we unlock all kinds of handy tricks to map out your journey. We’ll map out the most budget-friendly calendar dates and takeoff slots, and let you slice and dice the data until you pinpoint the exact itinerary that works for you.

I'm still in the planning phase. Can you ping me if Brisbane to Cairns fares drop?

No worries at all. Just kick off a quick search, drop your email into our price tracker, and we’ll send a heads-up straight to your inbox the moment the price drops.

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