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 travelers with connecting flights, the median number of stopovers was typically one. This indicates that a significant portion of the available flights on this route offer the convenience of a direct journey.

What's the flight time from Brisbane to Cairns?

The median direct flight time 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 historically extended to 10 hours. This significant difference highlights the time-saving benefits of choosing a direct route when available.

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

Historically, deals for flights from Brisbane to Cairns have been classified as frequent. This suggests that price fluctuations and promotional offers occur with regularity across the trailing 30 days. Setting a price alert could be beneficial to capture these opportunities as they arise.

Flights From Brisbane

To Cairns

Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Browse current best options from Brisbane. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Brisbane

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

Prices updated 1 day ago

461 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 14, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Brisbane to Cairns

2026-11-14 – 2026-11-15
BNE - Cairns
65% AI deal score
A$218
A$190
Round trip
2027-01-19 – 2027-01-26
BNE - Cairns
77% AI deal score
A$307
A$190
Round trip
2027-01-20 – 2027-01-26
BNE - Cairns
77% AI deal score
A$307
A$190
Round trip
2027-01-14 – 2027-01-19
BNE - Cairns
77% AI deal score
A$314
A$190
Round trip
2027-01-13 – 2027-01-20
BNE - Cairns
77% AI deal score
A$307
A$190
Round trip
2026-10-17 – 2026-10-19
BNE - Cairns
67% AI deal score
A$237
A$191
Round trip
2027-01-19 – 2027-01-20
BNE - Cairns
76% AI deal score
A$310
A$191
Round trip
2026-10-22 – 2026-10-31
BNE - Cairns
49% AI deal score
A$213
A$192
Round trip
2026-10-09 – 2026-10-20
BNE - Cairns
47% AI deal score
A$206
A$197
Round trip
2026-10-11 – 2026-10-20
BNE - Cairns
48% AI deal score
A$216
A$199
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$183 - A$363

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

The regular price range for flights from Brisbane to Cairns is between AUD183 and AUD363. The current lowest deal is AUD189 with Jetstar, for travel from Nov 14-Nov 15.

now A$189

Low A$183

High A$363

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

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$196

A$203

One-way

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$207

A$203

One-way

Sun, Oct 11

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$217

A$199

One-way

Sun, Oct 11

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$210

A$203

One-way

Tue, Oct 13

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$229

A$201

One-way

Sat, Oct 17

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$240

A$191

One-way

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

5 nights

Jan 14 - Jan 19

A$316 → A$191

40%

1 night

Jan 19 - Jan 20

A$312 → A$191

39%

7 nights

Jan 13 - Jan 20

A$308 → A$189

39%

6 nights

Jan 20 - Jan 26

A$309 → A$189

39%

Popular Airports to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Brisbane - Cairns route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

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

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in September for the lowest prices.

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

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights take 2h 30m.

The median flight time for direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns is 2h 30m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

58.7% of recent flights are direct.

Over the last 90 days, 58.7% of flights on this route were direct.

🏆 Airline highlight

Jetstar offers direct flights.

Jetstar is an airline that provides direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route.

Deals for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are typically frequent, appearing often.

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

Discover luxury on the budget with premium cabin class on flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

Elite

Best Elite deals to Cairns

Exclusive daily First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy flight deals, refreshed every 24 hours.

From BNE

Elite

Dec 14

Cairns, Australia

72% AI deal score

$789

$540

Save $249

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 13

Cairns, Australia

72% AI deal score

$798

$540

Save $258

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 01

Cairns, Australia

72% AI deal score

$795

$540

Save $255

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Jan 23

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$717

$540

Save $177

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 06

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$743

$540

Save $203

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 10

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$745

$540

Save $205

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 08

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$741

$540

Save $201

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 09

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$745

$540

Save $205

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Jan 22

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$717

$540

Save $177

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 07

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$744

$540

Save $204

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 05

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$736

$540

Save $196

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

From BNE

Elite

Dec 08

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$759

$540

Save $219

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns

Historically, the optimal time to purchase flights from Brisbane to Cairns is 60+ days before departure. During this period, the average price was around $187. In contrast, booking 0-6 days out typically saw average prices rise to $497. Even 28-59 days before departure, the average price was significantly higher at $227, indicating that earlier booking generally yields better value.

Across the trailing quarter, a good deal for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns was considered to be $153 or less. The median price for this route was $362. Prices above $611 were historically in the more expensive range, representing the 75th percentile of fares observed over a 90-day period.

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 was $362, indicating that these months typically provide significant savings compared to the yearly average.

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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$183 - A$363

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

The regular price range for flights from Brisbane to Cairns is between AUD183 and AUD363. The current lowest deal is AUD189 with Jetstar, for travel from Nov 14-Nov 15.

now A$189

Low A$183

High A$363

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

Direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Jetstar

Last-minute flights going from Brisbane to Cairns

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$196

A$203

One-way

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$207

A$203

One-way

Sun, Oct 11

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$217

A$199

One-way

Sun, Oct 11

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$210

A$203

One-way

Tue, Oct 13

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$229

A$201

One-way

Sat, Oct 17

⌛ Last-Minute

BNE - Cairns

Brisbane (BNE) - Cairns (CNS)

Jetstar

A$240

A$191

One-way

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

5 nights

Jan 14 - Jan 19

A$316 → A$191

40%

1 night

Jan 19 - Jan 20

A$312 → A$191

39%

7 nights

Jan 13 - Jan 20

A$308 → A$189

39%

6 nights

Jan 20 - Jan 26

A$309 → A$189

39%

Popular Airports to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Brisbane - Cairns route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

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

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in September for the lowest prices.

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

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights take 2h 30m.

The median flight time for direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns is 2h 30m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

58.7% of recent flights are direct.

Over the last 90 days, 58.7% of flights on this route were direct.

🏆 Airline highlight

Jetstar offers direct flights.

Jetstar is an airline that provides direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route.

Deals for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are typically frequent, appearing often.

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.

Cairns, Australia

71% AI deal score

$759

$540

Save $219

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns

Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Today’s best flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns

Brisbane to Cairns: Overview

Insights for flights from Brisbane to Cairns

How much is a round trip from Brisbane to Cairns

The cheapest time to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Last-minute flights going from Brisbane to Cairns

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

Popular Airports to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Brisbane - Cairns route insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

Fly in September for the lowest prices.

Direct flights take 2h 30m.

58.7% of recent flights are direct.

Jetstar offers direct flights.

Deals are frequent on this route.

Brisbane main airports to depart from

Cairns main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Cairns used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Cairns

Best Elite deals to Cairns

Dec 14

Dec 13

Dec 01

Jan 23

Dec 06

Dec 10

Dec 08

Dec 09

Jan 22

Dec 07

Dec 05

Dec 08

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns

When should I buy Brisbane to Cairns tickets?

How do I know if a Brisbane to Cairns flight is a good deal?

What's the cheapest month to fly from Brisbane to Cairns?

What percentage of Brisbane to Cairns flights are direct?

What's the flight time from Brisbane to Cairns?

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

Related routes

More routes from Brisbane

Flights to Cairns from other cities

Brisbane to Cairns: Overview

Insights for flights from Brisbane to Cairns

How much is a round trip from Brisbane to Cairns

The cheapest time to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Last-minute flights going from Brisbane to Cairns

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

Popular Airports to fly from Brisbane to Cairns

Brisbane - Cairns route insights

Recent fares are near the typical level.

Fly in September for the lowest prices.

Direct flights take 2h 30m.

58.7% of recent flights are direct.

Jetstar offers direct flights.

Deals are frequent on this route.

Brisbane main airports to depart from

Cairns main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Cairns used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Cairns

Best Elite deals to Cairns

Dec 14

Dec 13

Dec 01

Jan 23

Dec 06

Dec 10

Dec 08

Dec 09

Jan 22

Dec 07

Dec 05

Dec 08

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns

When should I buy Brisbane to Cairns tickets?

How do I know if a Brisbane to Cairns flight is a good deal?

What's the cheapest month to fly from Brisbane to Cairns?