1 Adult (Economy)
  • Economy
  • - + 12+
  • - + 2-11
  • - + <2 (on lap)
  • Done
Compare

Cheap Flights from Darwin to Cairns

Filter
Close
Return
One Way
Reverse direction: CNS to DRW
Depart
Return
Well, this is embarrassing...
We haven't got any flight history to show you for the 'Depart' and 'Return' values you selected.

Click Here to show all the flights on this route.

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

Do you need to catch a flight to Darwin? Check out our domestic flights to Darwin. If Darwin 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 Darwin


Cheapest Time of Year to Fly from Darwin to Cairns

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

Jul 2026
$599
Aug 2026
$502
Sep 2026
$644
Oct 2026
$674
Nov 2026
$640
Dec 2026
$817
Feb 2027
$658
Mar 2027
$722

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns is August 2026, with return fares from $502 — 39% cheaper than the most expensive month (December 2026, from $817).

When Should You Fly to Cairns?

Based on the fares we've tracked, August is typically the cheapest month to fly to Cairns, with return fares from $502. December is the most expensive month, with the cheapest return fares around $817 as school holidays and the Christmas peak push prices up.

Across the year, return fares to Cairns average around $657. If you can travel in the off-peak months of August, July and November, you'll generally pay up to 24% less than the yearly average.


Cheapest Darwin to Cairns Return Prices

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

July 2026
$599
August 2026
$502
September 2026
$644
October 2026
$674
November 2026
$640
December 2026
$817
February 2027
$658
March 2027
$722

Average Darwin to Cairns Return Prices

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

July 2026
$1,182
August 2026
$1,013
November 2026
$942

Frequently Asked Questions about flying from Darwin to Cairns

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

The cheapest month to travel is typically August.

Which airlines fly direct from Darwin to Cairns?

Qantas, Alliance Air Pty and Airnorth Regional fly direct.

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

The shortest direct flight usually takes 2 hours and 30 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 Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin 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.

Sign up to I Know The Pilot for all the latest flight deals

Join 300,000+ Australians getting the best airfares delivered to their mailbox

As seen in:
7 News Today Show News Com Au The Guardian Daily Mail Mama Mia