$515 Cheap Flights to Cairns
One-way
Departing from
United States
Going to
Cairns, Australia
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • February, 2026
94% AI deal score
$2,925 $710
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • February, 2026
79% AI deal score
$1,825 $601
Top Cheap Flight Deals from United States to Cairns
Recent round-trip flight deals to Cairns
Thu, Feb 19 - Thu, Feb 26
Cheapest
Los Angeles (LAX) - Cairns (CNS)
Fiji Airways airlines • 1 stop • Nadi (NAN)
Cairns (CNS) - Los Angeles (LAX)
Fiji Airways airlines • 1 stop • Nadi (NAN)
$1,950
$742
-$1,208
62%
Tue, Mar 17 - Sun, Mar 22
Seattle (SEA) - Cairns (CNS)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Los Angeles (LAX), Nadi (NAN)
Cairns (CNS) - Seattle (SEA)
Jetstar airlines • 2 stops • Brisbane (BNE), Los Angeles (LAX)
$1,425
$1,034
-$391
27%
Fri, Mar 6 - Sat, Mar 14
Hagåtña (GUM) - Cairns (CNS)
Philippine Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Cebu (CEB), Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Hagåtña (GUM)
Jetstar airlines • 2 stops • Brisbane (BNE), Cebu (CEB)
$1,211
Tue, Apr 14 - Thu, May 14
Washington, D.C. (BWI) - Cairns (CNS)
Frontier Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Dallas (DFW), Nadi (NAN)
Cairns (CNS) - Washington, D.C. (BWI)
Fiji Airways airlines • 2 stops • Nadi (NAN), Dallas (DFW)
$1,675
$1,497
-$178
11%
Tue, May 12 - Mon, May 18
Richmond (RIC) - Cairns (CNS)
Breeze Airways airlines • 2 stops • Los Angeles (LAX), Nadi (NAN)
Cairns (CNS) - Richmond (RIC)
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Sydney (SYD), Los Angeles (LAX), Providence (PVD)
$1,508
Mon, Apr 20 - Tue, May 19
Long Beach (LGB) - Cairns (CNS)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Honolulu (HNL), Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Long Beach (LGB)
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines airlines • 2 stops • Sydney (SYD), Honolulu (HNL)
$4,125
$1,517
-$2,608
63%
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
We found last-minute flight deals to Cairns, Australia, departing in the next two weeks, with prices starting from $489.
⌛ Last-Minute
Denver - CNS
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 4 days ago
$489
one-way
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
Sat, Sun
Based on the data, Friday has the highest chance of finding a deal for Cairns airport. Saturday, Sunday and Monday also have a high chance of having good deals.
Avg. deal survival time
16.4 hours
Deals from Cairns airport typically survive for around 16.4 hours. This means you should book quickly if you find a deal you like!
Rare deal frequency
5 deals
In the past month, we've identified 5 rare deals for flights from Cairns Airport. These exceptional offers, with an AI Deal Score of 90+, typically arise from mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-67%
On average, flights to Cairns experience a price drop of 66.7%. This means you have a good chance of finding a deal if you monitor prices for flights to CNS.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Cairns Flight Forecast - Next Month
The forecast for Cairns flights next month shows stable pricing with a slight potential increase due to the upcoming school holidays. Currently, there are no significant price drops expected, so booking in advance is advisable.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on February 17
London - CNS
$6,500 → $574
91%
Found on February 22
Dunedin - CNS
$1,255 → $208
83%
Found on February 23
Christchurch - CNS
$675 → $122
82%
Found on February 16
Wellington - CNS
$935 → $178
81%
Found on February 23
Nelson - CNS
$1,110 → $215
81%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near CNS sometimes drop rare deals too:
Hughenden (HGD)
~8 rare deals/month
Paraburdoo (PBO)
~12 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially HGD and PBO 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
‘jakuzuré: inhabited’ exhibition closing event
Experience Jakuzuré 蛇崩, an immersive live event by Tetsuya Tabata and Mariana Verdaasdonk, blending sound, movement, and projected visuals. Join us Friday, January 31st, from 3-4pm for this unique artistic collaboration.
your local wedding guide gold coast expo
Stay informed about events and activities happening throughout New Zealand with The Guide!
monthly club dive – passions of paradise – sat 31st jan 2026
Join us for our next Regular Club Dive with Passions of Paradise, departing from Cairns for an exciting underwater adventure.
burnt toast aerial show
Burnt Toast is a captivating live aerial theatre show, celebrating the beauty found in unexpected moments, accompanied by delectable music and a special guest performance!
Cairns Weather
Weather in Cairns
Mon, Feb 23
45%
30° 24°
45%
Tue, Feb 24
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!
