BNE - CNS

$58 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 7/12. 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
1 adult, Economy

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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Flights Deals

Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns (BNE-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip 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.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns

Fri, Jul 18 - Mon, Jul 28
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:25 amBNE-CNS
2h 25mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:10 amCNS-BNE
2h 10mnonstop
$122Jetstar
Find Deal
Sun, Jul 27 - Mon, Jul 28
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:25 amBNE-CNS
2h 25mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:10 amCNS-BNE
2h 10mnonstop
$128Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, Jul 23 - Mon, Jul 28
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:25 amBNE-CNS
2h 25mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:10 amCNS-BNE
2h 10mnonstop
$129Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, Jul 24 - Sun, Jul 27
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:25 amBNE-CNS
2h 25mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:10 amCNS-BNE
2h 10mnonstop
$130Jetstar
Find Deal
Mon, Sep 22 - Thu, Sep 25
Virgin Australia Logo
5:50 pm - 8:20 pmBNE-CNS
2h 30mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
6:00 am - 8:15 amCNS-BNE
2h 15mnonstop
$157Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Wed, Jun 25 - Wed, Jul 9
 Logo
6:00 am - 8:25 amBNE-CNS
2h 25mnonstop
 Logo
6:00 am - 8:15 amCNS-BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Mon, Sep 22 - Thu, Sep 25
Virgin Australia Logo
9:05 pm - 11:35 pmBNE-CNS
2h 30mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
6:00 am - 8:15 amCNS-BNE
2h 15mnonstop
$167Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Mon, Jun 23 - Sat, Jun 28
 Logo
5:50 pm - 8:20 pmBNE-CNS
2h 30mnonstop
 Logo
7:00 pm - 7:30 amCNS-BNE
12h 30m1 stop
Sat, Jul 26 - Mon, Jul 28
Qantas Airways Logo
6:05 am - 8:35 amBNE-CNS
2h 30mnonstop
Qantas Airways Logo
6:50 pm - 9:00 pmCNS-BNE
2h 10mnonstop
$255Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Tue, Jun 24 - Tue, Jul 1
Qantas Airways Logo
6:00 am - 10:20 amBNE-CNS
4h 20m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
5:20 pm - 7:30 pmCNS-BNE
2h 10mnonstop
$472Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Useful Info

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.

When flying from Brisbane to Cairns, you should consider leaving on a Tuesday and avoid Sundays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Brisbane, you’ll find the best rates on Wednesdays and the most expensive ones on Tuesdays.

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 $131 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and September, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $208 and $184 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 17 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
High seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$58
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 14% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 15% increase in price.
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 round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips 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 is the cheapest flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns was $58 for a one-way ticket and $122 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Brisbane and Cairns?

    A passport is not required to fly from Brisbane to Cairns.

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

    When flying out of Brisbane you will be using Brisbane. You will be landing at Cairns, also known as 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 nonstop 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 $207 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 $301 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 round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Brisbane with another airline. Booking your flights between Brisbane and CNS can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • 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.

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 $74 or less one-way and $174 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.

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 Canada, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Friday

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

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Saturday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +8 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Brisbane

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Tuesday

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

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Wednesday

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

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Thursday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +8 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +9 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, +7 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +8 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 3 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.
7.5
Qantas AirwaysOverall score based on 854 reviews
7.4Comfort
7.7Boarding
8.2Crew
7.1Entertainment
6.9Food
Airline reviews

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

4.0 OkayAnonymous, May 2025SYD - ADL
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

Inflight entertainment, poor that there are no headrest screens on aircraft used for an international flight.

The Emerits/Qantas flight was cancelled to Wellington. We need a refund. Had to buy another airline ticket. How do we get the refund. Still not in Wellington.

Delayed QF59 flight once again, Qantas doesn't fail in maintaining there delayed departures and arrivals. USB points do not work nor do the power point sockets on the plane, Qantas staff admitted that on the flight. Don't expect to your charge devices. Saving grace, was the ice cream. Bottom line, if you expect to fly to HND and make it on time avoid Qantas and if you're interested in ice cream - visit 7/11.

Pretty excellent. I don’t know what the pilot could have done better with the bumping ( there was a storm) nor what happened to my ears coming down into bendigo. It doesn’t happen coming down into Sydney just the return flight. I wonder why?

Touch screens were very difficult to use, generally being laggy and unresponsive- it was quite an art to get it to play the thing you wanted rather than some thing at random. Selection of films and Tv was good when touchscreen decided to finally respond.

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

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.

4.5 hr international flight. We got a glass of water. Ranks up there with Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Spirit and Frontier. Expected better.

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.

stuck in the aircraft for over three hours due to engineering work, significantly delayed and made a lot of passengers missed the connecting transport, no mention any compensation

Very quiet plane!! One of the quietest planes we have been on.

Jetsatar refused to take my foldable stroller in the plane, despite following all the rules on dimensions and packaging. Similar thing happened on our previous fight. However, at that instance, they offered to check in the stroller. At this fight, the staff was rude, trying to rush us to board the flight. They made excuses that the stroller was not allowed and even offer to leave it behind and ship it back at our own cost. Fortunately, we had someone else attending. Since the flight was about to take off, they left it behind and send it back to us on the next available flight.

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

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports

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