Cheap flights from Sydney to Cairns
Fly from Sydney to Cairns
Escape the city and head to the tropics! Fly direct from Sydney to Cairns with Jetstar.
Flight facts
| Average direct flight time | 3 hours and 5 minutes |
| Average distance by plane | 2450km |
| Departure airport | Sydney Airport (SYD) |
| Arrival airport | Cairns Airport (CNS) |
| Aircraft | Airbus A321, Airbus A320-200 |
Need to know
Flight time from Sydney to Cairns
The average flight time for direct flights from Sydney to Cairns is 3 hours and 5 minutes.
Distance from Sydney to Cairns by plane
The average distance by plane from Sydney to Cairns is 2450 kilometres.
Time difference between Sydney and Cairns
From March to September, there’s no time difference between Sydney (AEST: UTC +10) and Cairns (AEST: UTC +10). During Daylight Savings (October – April), Sydney is 1 hour ahead.
Number of airports in Cairns
There’s one airport: Cairns Airport opens in new window (CNS).
Distance from Cairns airport to the city centre
The airport is 6 kilometres from Cairns city centre.
Transport from Cairns airport to the city centre
Transport options are car hire, taxi, limousine, rideshare and airport shuttle bus.
Green turtle, Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns travel tips
Where should I take the kids?
There are heaps of free things for kids to do in Cairns opens in new window, especially if you head to the Esplanade for waterside activities.
Is it worth flying to Cairns for a long weekend?
Absolutely! It’s only a few hours away. Check out our tips on how to spend a long weekend in Tropical North Queensland. opens in new window.
Should I stay in Cairns or Port Douglas?
They’re both great, with a slightly different flavour. It depends on your style. Try these things to do in Cairns and Port Douglas opens in new window for size.
Is Cairns a foodie destination?
If you love super-fresh seafood, tropical produce and cult ramen, you’ll love it. Make sure you check out the Port Douglas food scene opens in new window too.
What are the best things to do in the Daintree?
Hike, helicopter, boat or zipline through the ancient rainforest – you really can choose your own adventure in the Daintree opens in new window
Tropical rainforest boardwalk, Cairns.
How much is a...
| Cappuccino | AUD $3.50–4 |
| A ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway | AUD $27.50–82 |
| Lunch and drinks at a mid-range restaurant | AUD $30–50 |
| Room at a 3-star hotel | AUD $70–150 |
| Taxi from the airport | About AUD $30 |
Top 5 attractions
| Underwater | Great Barrier Reef opens in new window |
| Rainforest | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway opens in new window |
| Family friendly | Cairns Lagoon opens in new window |
| Art | Cairns Art Gallery opens in new window |
| Shopping | Rusty’s Markets opens in new window |
Things to do in Cairns
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region are exciting and exotic, offering visitors the chance to explore two World Heritage sites. Snorkel or dive the waters of the Great Barrier Reef to see spectacular corals and marine life. Then explore Daintree National Park – the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest.
Weather and when to go
Cairns is best described as having two seasons: wet and dry. The wet or 'green' summer season begins in December and runs through to February or March. The cool, dry winter season arrives in April or May and generally lasts until September. October and November, which are regarded as 'in-between' months, are the peak period for diving as the conditions are typically ideal.