Brisbane (BNE) → Cairns (CNS)

1,392 km
2h 14m flight
From $190
Cairns destination photo

About Brisbane to Cairns Flights

Discover the best flights from Brisbane to Cairns, covering 1,392 km in approximately 2h 14m. Brisbane (BNE) to Cairns (CNS) is one of the busy short-haul routes within Australia. With 2 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Brisbane to Cairns.

12-Month Price History

Flight prices from Brisbane to Cairns vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $263, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $445. Savvy travelers can save up to 41% by choosing their travel dates wisely.

Best Time to Fly

Cheapest Month

February

Save up to 40% on average

Most Expensive

July

Peak season pricing

Book in Advance

76 days

For best prices

Booking Tips

For the best prices on Brisbane to Cairns flights, we recommend booking 50 days in advance. Domestic flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.

Airlines Serving This Route

Virgin Australia

VA

Economy

$540

Business

$1550

First

$3010

Qantas

QF

Economy

$540

Business

$1840

First

$2550

Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.

Alternative Flight Options

Cairns destination photo

Gold CoastCairns

Gold Coast (OOL) to Cairns (CNS)

Distance: 1,484 km

Average price: $323

View this route →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

The flight time from Brisbane (BNE) to Cairns (CNS) is approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.

What is the distance between Brisbane and Cairns?

The aerial distance between Brisbane and Cairns is 1,392 kilometers (865 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.

Which airlines fly from Brisbane to Cairns?

Several airlines operate flights between Brisbane and Cairns, including Qantas, Virgin Australia. Direct flights are available on this route.

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

Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Brisbane to Cairns. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.

How far in advance should I book my flight to Cairns?

For the best prices on Brisbane to Cairns flights, we recommend booking 79 days in advance. Domestic flights can sometimes offer good last-minute deals, but advance booking is usually cheaper.

Do I need a visa to travel from Brisbane to Cairns?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Since this is a domestic flight, no visa is required for citizens.

What is the time difference between Brisbane and Cairns?

Brisbane operates on Australia/Brisbane time zone, while Cairns is in the Australia/Brisbane time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.