What percentage of Brisbane to Cairns flights are direct?

In the trailing 90 days, approximately 58.7% of flights from Brisbane to Cairns were direct. For flights that included stopovers, the median number of stopovers was 1. This indicates that a significant portion of the available flights on this route offer the convenience of a direct journey. Travelers have a good chance of finding non-stop options for their trip.

What's the flight time from Brisbane to Cairns?

The median flight time for a direct flight from Brisbane to Cairns is typically 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 1392 kilometers. For flights with one stop, the median duration extends significantly to 10 hours. Travelers should factor in these differences when planning their journey, as direct flights offer a considerably shorter travel experience compared to those with connections.

Should I set a price alert for Brisbane to Cairns flights?

Historically, deals for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are classified as frequent. This suggests that price fluctuations and opportunities for good fares occur regularly. Setting a price alert can be beneficial for this route, as it allows travelers to be notified when prices drop. Given the frequent nature of deals, an alert can help secure a favorable price within a 30-day window.

Flights From Brisbane

To Cairns

Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

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Deals from

Brisbane

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Cairns

Prices updated 5 days ago

459 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Sep 8, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Brisbane to Cairns

2026-09-10 – 2026-09-21
BNE - Cairns
50% AI deal score
A$347
A$272
Round trip
2026-09-09 – 2026-09-21
BNE - Cairns
48% AI deal score
A$341
A$284
Round trip
2026-09-12 – 2026-09-21
BNE - Cairns
49% AI deal score
A$345
A$284
Round trip
2026-09-17 – 2026-09-21
BNE - Cairns
49% AI deal score
A$364
A$302
Round trip
2026-09-23 – 2026-09-24
BNE - Cairns
47% AI deal score
A$317
A$302
Round trip
2026-09-15 – 2026-09-21
BNE - Cairns
47% AI deal score
A$338
A$309
Round trip
2026-09-16 – 2026-09-21
BNE - Cairns
47% AI deal score
A$347
A$309
Round trip
2026-09-23 – 2026-09-29
BNE - Cairns
43% AI deal score
A$287
A$316
Round trip
2026-09-08 – 2026-09-21
BNE - Cairns
46% AI deal score
A$352
A$319
Round trip
2026-09-23 – 2026-09-30
BNE - Cairns
43% AI deal score
A$287
A$320
Round trip

Brisbane to Cairns: Overview

Insights for flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Right now, 22% of recent fares for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are considered a good price. Fares for this route typically range from $153–$611, with a median of $362. Current prices are near the typical level for this route. New deals for this route appear almost daily, suggesting frequent opportunities to find competitive pricing.

When looking for cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns, the data indicates that September is often the most affordable month, with a median fare of $78. Following closely are November and January, both with median fares of $90. These months present the best opportunities for travelers seeking lower prices on this route.

A typical journey from Brisbane to Cairns takes about 2h 30m, including connections. This route is classified as a short-haul flight, covering a distance of 1392 kilometers. For itineraries that include connections, the median travel time extends to 11h 25m, while direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns typically take 2h 30m.

For this route, a meaningful share of itineraries are non-stop, with the rest connecting once. Specifically, 58.7% of recent fares were for direct flights. When a connection is involved, most itineraries include one stopover.

How much is a round trip from Brisbane to Cairns

Regular price: A$187 - A$404

Prices for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for this route is typically between 187 AUD and 404 AUD. The current lowest deal is 179 AUD with Jetstar for travel from Oct 17-Oct 24.

now A$179

Low A$187

High A$404

The cheapest time to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

The cheapest month to fly from Brisbane to Cairns is January, with a median price of $90. The most expensive month is June, with a median price of $520. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

January

Cheapest

Flights from A$90

June

Most Expensive

Flights from A$520

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Jetstar

Last-minute flights going from Brisbane to Cairns

Wed, Sep 2

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

A$741

A$371

One-way

Wed, Sep 2

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

A$891

A$436

One-way

Sat, Dec 12

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$323

A$198

One-way

Tue, Jan 5

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$311

A$190

One-way

Tue, Jan 5

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$310

A$190

One-way

Wed, Jan 6

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$310

A$190

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Brisbane to Cairns

7 nights

Sep 2 - Sep 9

A$756 → A$371

51%

5 nights

Jan 18 - Jan 23

A$337 → A$190

44%

5 nights

Jan 24 - Jan 29

A$339 → A$191

43%

3 nights

Jan 24 - Jan 27

A$334 → A$190

43%

Popular Airports to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Brisbane - Cairns route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares near the typical level

Recent fares for Brisbane to Cairns are near the typical level of $362.

📅 Best time to fly

September offers the lowest median prices

Historically, September, November, and January offer the lowest median prices for this route.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights take 2h 30m

The typical direct flight from Brisbane to Cairns takes 2h 30m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Direct flights are a mixed share

Direct flights make up 58.7% of routes, with connecting flights having 1 stopover.

🏆 Airline highlight

Jetstar offers direct flights

Jetstar is an airline offering direct flights on the Brisbane to Cairns route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent for this route

Deals for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are frequent, appearing within 30 days.

Brisbane main airports to depart from

Brisbane (BNE)

Cheapest

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is a primary departure point for flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

📍 ~13 km from city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~A$181

Brisbane Archerfield Airport (ACF)

Brisbane Archerfield Airport (ACF) offers an alternative departure option for your trip to Cairns.

📍 ~11 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~A$1,748

Cairns main airports to arrive at

Cairns (CNS)

Cheapest

Cairns Airport is a convenient arrival point for flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

📍 ~5 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~A$179

Airports nearby Cairns used as alternative

Townsville (TSV)

Townsville Airport is a useful alternative, offering a balance of proximity and flight frequency to major hubs.

📍 ~350 km from Cairns (approximately 4-5 hours drive)

💸 Flights from ~A$229

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Cairns

$546

Save $150

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns

Historically, the optimal time to purchase tickets for flights from Brisbane to Cairns is typically 60+ days before departure. During this period, the average price observed was $187. In contrast, purchasing tickets 0-6 days before departure saw average prices rise to $497, and 7-13 days out, the average price was $430. Planning ahead by at least two months can lead to significant savings on this route.

Across the trailing quarter, a flight from Brisbane to Cairns is generally considered a good deal if the price is at or below $153. The median price for this route historically stands at $362. Prices above $611 are typically in the more expensive range, representing the top 25% of fares observed over a 90-day period. Aiming for prices around or below the $153 mark is advisable for budget-conscious travelers.

Historically, September has been one of the cheapest months to fly from Brisbane to Cairns, with a median price of $78. November and January also offered competitive prices, both with a median of $90. The annual median price for this route, based on a 270-day window, is $362. Travelers looking for the lowest fares should consider these months for their travel plans.

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Brisbane to Cairns: Overview

Insights for flights from Brisbane to Cairns

How much is a round trip from Brisbane to Cairns

Regular price: A$187 - A$404

Prices for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for this route is typically between 187 AUD and 404 AUD. The current lowest deal is 179 AUD with Jetstar for travel from Oct 17-Oct 24.

now A$179

Low A$187

High A$404

The cheapest time to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

January

Cheapest

Flights from A$90

June

Most Expensive

Flights from A$520

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec