$535 Cheap Flights to Cairns
One-way
Departing from
United States
Going to
Cairns, Australia
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • January, 2026
92% AI deal score
$1,950 $535
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • December, 2026
91% AI deal score
$5,850 $1,824
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • January, 2026
90% AI deal score
$1,950 $722
Top Cheap Flight Deals from United States to Cairns
Recent round-trip flight deals to Cairns
Mon, Feb 2 - Thu, Feb 5
Cheapest
Boise (BOI) - Cairns (CNS)
Alaska Airlines, Inc. airlines • 3 stops • Portland (PDX), Los Angeles (LAX), Sydney (SYD)
Cairns (CNS) - Boise (BOI)
Jetstar airlines • 3 stops • Brisbane (BNE), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA)
$1,825
$1,362
-$463
25%
Thu, Jan 29 - Mon, Feb 16
Las Vegas (LAS) - Cairns (CNS)
Frontier Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Los Angeles (LAX), Sydney (SYD)
Cairns (CNS) - Las Vegas (LAS)
Jetstar airlines • 2 stops • Denpasar (DPS), Seoul (ICN)
$1,625
$1,382
-$243
15%
Mon, Feb 2 - Thu, Mar 5
Columbus (CMH) - Cairns (CNS)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Sydney (SYD)
Cairns (CNS) - Columbus (CMH)
Jetstar airlines • 3 stops • Brisbane (BNE), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA)
$1,445
Mon, Feb 2 - Thu, Mar 5
Columbus (CMH) - Cairns (CNS)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Sydney (SYD)
Cairns (CNS) - Columbus (CMH)
Jetstar airlines • 3 stops • Brisbane (BNE), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA)
$1,451
Wed, Feb 4 - Tue, Feb 10
New York (JFK) - Cairns (CNS)
Etihad Airways airlines • 2 stops • Abu Dhabi (AUH), Denpasar (DPS)
Cairns (CNS) - New York (JFK)
Cathay Pacific airlines • 1 stop • Hong Kong (HKG)
$2,925
$1,454
-$1,471
50%
Mon, Feb 2 - Thu, Mar 5
Columbus (CMH) - Cairns (CNS)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Sydney (SYD)
Cairns (CNS) - Columbus (CMH)
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Brisbane (BNE), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA)
$1,467
The cheapest time to fly to Cairns
Ready to jet to Cairns on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights from United States to Cairns
Need to get to Cairns ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flight Deals
Find last minute flights to Cairns, Australia starting from $5393, departing in the next two weeks.
⌛ Last-Minute
Columbus - CNS
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 1 week ago
$5393
round-trip
Facts About Flights from United States to Cairns
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Cairns flight facts and tips.
Cairns city airports
Cairns Airport (CNS) is the primary airport serving Cairns and Far North Queensland. As a major gateway for both domestic and international travelers, it offers a wide range of flights connecting Cairns to major Australian cities, as well as international destinations in Asia-Pacific. The airport features modern facilities, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and services to cater to passengers' needs. Conveniently located a short drive from the city center, Cairns Airport provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and other popular tourist attractions in the region, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
Pro tip: search “Cairns (Any)” to see fares to all Cairns airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Cairns
Cheapest airport
Cairns (CNS)
Cairns Airport (CNS) is your gateway to tropical paradise! Nestled in Queensland, Australia, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views as you arrive. Get ready to explore the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests right from the doorstep of this convenient hub.
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
Cairns Airport (CNS) acts as a secondary airport, offering both domestic and international routes; popular routes include connections to major Australian cities like Brisbane and Sydney, as well as international destinations in Asia and the Pacific.
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
Cairns is serviced by over ten airlines, including full-service options like Qantas and Virgin Australia, along with budget-friendly choices such as Jetstar and Bonza.
CNS Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
CNS airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Mon, Sun
Based on the provided data, Monday is the best day to find cheap flight deals from Cairns airport. Sunday also shows a high number of deals, making it another potentially good day to search.
Avg. deal survival time
17.4 hours
Deals from Cairns airport typically survive for around 17.4 hours. This means you need to be quick to book any bargains you find!
Rare deal frequency
7 deals
In the past month, we discovered 7 rare flight deals for Cairns Airport that achieved an AI Deal Score of 90+. These rare deals typically consist of mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-68%
Based on our data, flights to Cairns typically see an average price drop of 68.1%. This means you could potentially save a significant amount by monitoring prices and booking when they fall.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Cairns Flight Forecast - April 2026
Based on current trends, flight prices to Cairns are expected to remain stable throughout April 2026 with a slight increase expected towards the end of the month due to school holidays. No significant price drops are anticipated.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on January 1
Bangkok - CNS
$8,985 → $1,026
89%
Found on December 31
Dunedin - CNS
$1,400 → $197
86%
Found on January 4
Wellington - CNS
$815 → $162
80%
Found on December 30
Tauranga - CNS
$1,300 → $268
79%
Found on December 30
Napier - CNS
$1,400 → $293
79%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near CNS sometimes drop rare deals too:
Paraburdoo (PBO)
~12 rare deals/month
Whitsunday Coast (PPP)
~11 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially PBO and PPP for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from United States to Cairns
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Cairns:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
November is often the cheapest month to fly to Cairns. The weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and lower humidity compared to the summer months. Plus, you'll avoid the peak tourist season, meaning fewer crowds and potentially lower prices on accommodations and activities.
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
Tuesday is often the best day to book flights to Cairns. Airlines tend to release deals early in the week to try and fill up empty seats. Keep an eye on flash sales and limited-time offers that might pop up on Tuesdays.
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday is often the cheapest day to fly to Cairns. Mid-week flights tend to be less popular with business travelers and weekend vacationers. Flying on Wednesday can save you some serious cash, leaving you with more spending money for your trip.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
The sweet spot for booking flights to Cairns is generally around two months in advance. This timeframe often strikes the right balance between availability and price. Booking too early might not give you the best deals, while waiting until the last minute can lead to higher fares.
Cairns Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Cairns airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Cairns’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Cairns Airport (CNS)
G'day, travel bugs! Cairns Airport (CNS) is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Daintree Rainforest. Just a hop, skip, and a jump (about 7km) from Cairns city center, this airport is super convenient. Once you land, you'll find a bunch of shops and restaurants to grab a bite or snag a souvenir. Getting into town is a breeze with shuttle buses, taxis, and ride-share options readily available. Plus, the airport has a relaxed vibe, making your arrival or departure a piece of cake.
Tip: Snag a window seat on your flight in for a sneak peek at the stunning coastline!
Other airports
While Cairns Airport (CNS) is the main gateway, consider flying into nearby cities like Townsville or even Brisbane for potentially cheaper flights. However, factor in the extra travel time and cost to get to Cairns, which could involve a domestic flight, a long bus ride, or a scenic but lengthy drive. Make sure you compare the total cost, including transportation, before booking!
Airport transfers
Getting around from Cairns Airport is a breeze with several options, including airport shuttle buses that drop you off at your hotel, convenient taxi services, and rideshare options like Uber and Ola. For those wanting more independence, you can rent a car from the many car rental agencies located at the airport and explore the city at your own pace.
What to Do in Cairns
Cairns isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Cairns, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & Landmarks
Cairns is a city that has many sightseeing opportunities, you can visit the Cairns Esplanade, a popular waterfront park with a swimming lagoon, walking paths, and barbecue areas. Also, the Cairns Botanic Gardens showcase tropical flora, and the nearby Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome offers animal encounters and panoramic city views.
Arts & Culture
Cairns has a unique art and culture scene that you can explore. The Cairns Regional Gallery exhibits contemporary and historical art, while the Tanks Arts Centre, housed in former World War II fuel tanks, hosts performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
Food & Nightlife
You can explore diverse dining options and nightlife venues in Cairns. The Cairns Esplanade and city center offer a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes serving local and international cuisine. Night markets and live music venues provide entertainment into the late hours.
Shopping & Fashion
Cairns has many shopping destinations that will fill your needs, from souvenirs to high fashion. Cairns Central Shopping Centre offers a variety of retail stores, while the Cairns Night Markets provide an opportunity to purchase souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.
Nearby Getaways
From Cairns there are many nearby getaway locations that you can visit. Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling and diving, the Daintree Rainforest for guided tours, and Kuranda for scenic train and cable car rides are all great options. These locations offer unique natural experiences within easy reach of Cairns.
Events in Cairns This Month
iconic seafood buffet at pullman cairns international – friday & saturday night
Indulge in a seafood extravaganza at Coco's Kitchen + Bar, located inside the Pullman Cairns International. Due to popular demand, the Friday Night Seafood Buffet is now also available on Saturdays for a limited time. Don't miss this opportunity to savor a wide array of fresh seafood delights.
new year’s eve at the benson
Celebrate New Year's Eve in style at The Benson's exclusive adults-only party! Get ready to welcome 2026 with a night filled with excitement, music, and unforgettable moments.
chaos masquerave | hard techno x violin exclusive set | nye rave
Get ready to rave into the new year with CHAOS! They're back to close out 2025 with a loud, dark, and unforgettable party experience. Prepare for a night of hard-hitting beats and high-energy vibes.
new year's eve at the hound small bar!
Join us for a New Year's Eve celebration at The Hound! Enjoy a night of music with a Vinyl DJ spinning tunes all night long, complemented by a 3-hour drinks package. Celebrate the start of a new year in style without the hassle of traveling in and out of town.
Cairns Weather
Weather in Cairns
Mon, Jan 5
46%
29° 24°
46%
Tue, Jan 6
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Cairns
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Cairns flights:
Be Flexible with Your Dates: Cairns calling! If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can snag some serious savings. Mid-week flights and off-season travel often come with significantly lower price tags. Keep an open mind and let the deals guide you!
Set Up Price Alerts: Don't let the perfect fare slip away! Use RatePunk to set up price alerts for your Cairns flights. You'll be notified the moment prices drop, ensuring you never miss out on a bargain. It's like having a personal flight-deal detective!
