CNS - BNE

$78 Find Cheap Flights from Cairns to Brisbane

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 Brisbane departing on 2/18. 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, 0 bags

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

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

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

Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$118
Overall average: $158
Jetstar
Mon 2/2Fri 2/6
CNS - BNE • Non-stop
Cheapest non-stop
$117
Typical prices: $132-$199
Jetstar
Thu 2/5Sat 2/7
CNS - BNE • Non-stop
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
Qantas Economy Class offers 32 inches of legroom.
Qantas domestic flights offer Wi-Fi on select flights.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
When to book
4 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 47% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
March
Cheapest • 14% price drop
October
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Brisbane!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Cairns to Brisbane (CNS-BNE)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Cairns to Brisbane 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 Cairns to Brisbane

Mon, Feb 2 - Fri, Feb 6
Jetstar Logo
12:05 pm - 2:20 pm
CNS
-
BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
3:00 pm - 5:15 pm
BNE
-
CNS
2h 15mnonstop
$118Jetstar
Wed, Mar 18 - Sat, Mar 21
Jetstar Logo
2:25 pm - 4:40 pm
CNS
-
BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
8:55 am - 11:20 am
BNE
-
CNS
2h 25mnonstop
$128Jetstar
Mon, Feb 2 - Mon, Feb 9
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:15 am
CNS
-
BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:05 am - 9:20 am
BNE
-
CNS
2h 15mnonstop
$138Jetstar
Thu, Feb 5 - Mon, Feb 9
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:15 am
CNS
-
BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:05 am - 9:20 am
BNE
-
CNS
2h 15mnonstop
$139Jetstar
Tue, Feb 3 - Fri, Feb 6
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:15 am
CNS
-
BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
5:30 pm - 7:50 pm
BNE
-
CNS
2h 20mnonstop
$148Jetstar
Tue, Feb 17 - Tue, Feb 24
Jetstar Logo
12:05 pm - 2:20 pm
CNS
-
BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
8:55 am - 11:20 am
BNE
-
CNS
2h 25mnonstop
$151Jetstar
Wed, Jun 3 - Wed, Jun 3
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:10 am
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
2:50 pm - 5:10 pm
BNE
-
CNS
2h 20mnonstop
$152Jetstar
Wed, Jun 3 - Sun, Jun 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 8:10 am
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:50 pm - 11:20 pm
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mnonstop
$155Multiple Airlines
Tue, Jun 2 - Fri, Jun 5
Virgin Australia Logo
1:55 pm - 4:10 pm
CNS
-
BNE
2h 15mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
6:10 am - 8:40 am
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mnonstop
$157Virgin Australia
Mon, Jun 1 - Thu, Jun 4
Jetstar Logo
12:00 pm - 2:10 pm
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:00 am - 8:30 am
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mnonstop
$159Jetstar
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Cairns to Brisbane flights

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

The average price of all round-trip flights from Cairns to Brisbane clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Brisbane on a Monday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Wednesday is the most expensive day to fly from Cairns to Brisbane. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Wednesday and avoiding Thursdays for the best deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Cairns to Brisbane, 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 Brisbane is March, where tickets cost $143 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and August, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $197 and $189 respectively.

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

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 Brisbane, 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 Brisbane, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 47% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 5 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Cairns to Brisbane

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Airlines
United Airlines

Consider Priority Boarding to ensure overhead bin space, especially if you're in a higher boarding zone.


United's Economy Plus offers up to six inches more legroom than standard economy seats for added comfort.

Qantas Airways

Qantas Economy Class offers 32 inches of seat pitch, providing decent legroom for a comfortable journey.


Qantas domestic flights offer Wi-Fi on select flights, enhancing connectivity during your journey.

Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Read more
Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Expert on Qantas Airways

Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Bill is an award-winning travel writer with extensive credits covering airlines and the aviation industry for publications including AARP, AFAR, The Points Guy and Yahoo. Based in Portland, Oregon, Bill has traveled to more than 75 countries - and been late for his flight in most of them. He once achieved top-level frequent flier status for all of American, Delta and United Airlines during a single year.

Read more

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$78
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 11% increase in price.
Flight from Cairns to Brisbane

When to book flights from Cairns to Brisbane

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

  • What is the cheapest flight from Cairns to Brisbane?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Cairns to Brisbane was $78 for a one-way ticket and $118 for a round-trip.

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

    Even though you are not required to have a passport, keep in mind that an official ID is needed to board the airplane.

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

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

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Cairns to Brisbane?

    oneworld is the only airline alliance operating flights between Cairns and Brisbane.

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

    There are nonstop flights from Cairns to Brisbane on a daily basis.

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Cairns to Brisbane are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. With an average price for the route of $172 and an overall rating of 7.6, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Qantas Airways is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $275 and an overall rating of 7.5.

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

    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 Brisbane.

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

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

    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 Brisbane with an airline and back to Cairns with another airline. Booking your flights between Cairns and BNE 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 Cairns to Brisbane?

    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 Brisbane from Cairns 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 Cairns to Brisbane

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $132 or less one-way and $140 or less round-trip.

Prefer to fly direct from Cairns to Brisbane?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Cairns to Brisbane.
Find which airlines fly direct from Cairns Airport to Brisbane Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Cairns to Brisbane

Monday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Brisbane to Cairns

Monday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines serving from Cairns to Brisbane

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Cairns to Brisbane. 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 Brisbane? 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.
7.6
Virgin AustraliaOverall score based on 432 reviews
6.4Entertainment
7.5Comfort
8.2Crew
6.4Food
7.7Boarding
Airline reviews

Our 6.30am flight was boarded then cancelled to fly at 10.55am . We were flying to Brisbane to attend a funeral at 12 noon an hour away . This means missing the funeral due to unreliability of Virgin . Unimpressed !!

2.0 MediocreRon, Dec 2025
CBR - BNE
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

Our 6.30am flight was boarded then cancelled to fly at 10.55am . We were flying to Brisbane to attend a funeral at 12 noon an hour away . This means missing the funeral due to unreliability of Virgin . Unimpressed !!

It was with Link Airways and the Saab 340 jet was noisy and little comfort.

They didn’t sent my luggage I got it 24 hours later

Plane was late and they wouldn’t check our bags through to Tokyo

Overall experience was good but what really impressed me the most was the care the flight attendants took of a sick passenger who was sitting in front of me. The flight attendants would come and check on her quite regularly providing her support and comfort. Brilliant service!

Only answered OK and poor as there was no entertainment and I didnt have any food

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!

Flight was canceled. I was not alerted. It was only kayak that alerted me

Flight was 2.5 hours late leaving. We spent 50 minutes of that sitting on the plane with no explanation. They did reduce the time in the air so we arrived a little less late which was something. The cheese and crackers were okay but the wine was terrible.

Excellent as always, I won't fly to Australia, and back to the US on any other airline. The flight crew is always top notch, and have a way to make one feel extra special. Thank you for your service, I would rate Qantas Airways a 10+.

After already paying for excess luggage prior to flight, i was advised AT check in that i had to pay $816 or forfeit my flight! The lady at the counter was SO rude and had already started offboarding me when i said i would pay it after asking her three times for the exact amount! Have lodged a formal complaint yet heard nothing. Will not ever travel via Qantas again

A few more inches of legroom is all i ask

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

Airline running better than post Covid, proper boarding process now implemented, some aircraft feeling a bit old and tired, crew fine, online experience better.

Five hour flight instead of four hours due to westerly headwinds which wasn’t the fault of Qantas !

The wifi was out. Otherwise it was great flight. Richard, as CSM, was excellent.

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

Over four hours late. No entertainment without paying and same for food. Asked to check in at original time even though we were told it was going to be very late leaving. Way too long time to hang around the airport. Arriving to Sydney luggage did not arrive for an hour. Had to get staff to go and find out what was going on. All this made for a very long day and night for a eight hour flight.

I was disappointed to find that the QR code for purchasing in-flight entertainment did not function, leaving me without access to the amenities I had anticipated. (both flights)

I had opted to pay extra for a ticket on Jetstar A321-Neo in the first row, believing it would enhance my travel experience. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The constant line-up for the toilet resulted in people frequently standing next to me, causing significant discomfort throughout the flight. It was difficult to relax with the persistent disturbance from passengers bumping into my seat. Furthermore, I was disappointed to find that the QR code for purchasing in-flight entertainment did not function, leaving me without access to the amenities I had anticipated. Given these circumstances, I will not be purchasing seats in the first two rows in the future, nor will I choose to fly with your airline again.

Jet star delayed both trips with poor communication. Passengers were made to change gates often and then left to stand with no seating. As someone getting over surgery this was very trying.

Delayed twice. Poor communication and people made to change gates too often.

Very disappointed with my recent Jetstar experience. Firstly, it was extremely frustrating that we had to pay extra for basic things like in-flight entertainment and meals. Other airlines provide these essentials even with standard tickets, but Jetstar offered no comfort or amenities without additional charges. For a long international journey, this made the experience very uncomfortable. On top of that, there was a delay on our flight from Melbourne to Bangkok due to parts replacement, which was already inconvenient. But the biggest issue was the massive 5 hours and 15 minutes delay on our return flight, which completely disrupted our plans, caused unnecessary stress, and impacted both our time and health. Jetstar provided vouchers, but they were not nearly sufficient to cover proper meals or any meaningful service at Bangkok Airport. After such a long delay, this felt extremely inadequate and did not compensate for the inconvenience we faced. Overall, this has been one of my worst travel experiences. I am extremely disappointed and will not be booking with Jetstar in the future. I strongly request Jetstar to provide additional compensation for the significant delays and the discomfort we had to go through.

Excellent help with Wife needing disability access at Brisbane airport

The flight was delayed by 2 hours but the Jetstar crew were fantastic.

Late leaving and desintuon board showed ‘gate closed’ when they hadn’t even commenced boarding!

Flight was delayed more than 1.5 hours. Gate changed multiple times

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports