Cheap Flights from Cairns to Sydney

Compare Cairns to Sydney flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Sydney

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Flight deals from Cairns to Sydney

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Cairns to Sydney? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Sydney.$155 per passenger.Departing Thu, 8 May, returning Sat, 24 May.Return flight with Virgin Australia.Outbound direct flight with Virgin Australia departs from Cairns on Thu, 8 May, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Virgin Australia departs from Sydney on Sat, 24 May, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $155, select.

Sydney.$156 per passenger.Departing Thu, 12 Jun, returning Sun, 15 Jun.Return flight with Virgin Australia.Outbound direct flight with Virgin Australia departs from Cairns on Thu, 12 Jun, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Virgin Australia departs from Sydney on Sun, 15 Jun, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $156, select.

Sydney.$184 per passenger.Departing Sat, 31 May, returning Mon, 2 Jun.Return flight with Virgin Australia and Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Virgin Australia departs from Cairns on Sat, 31 May, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Mon, 2 Jun, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $184, select.

Sydney.$199 per passenger.Departing Tue, 1 Apr, returning Tue, 8 Apr.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Tue, 1 Apr, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Tue, 8 Apr, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $199, select.

Sydney.$208 per passenger.Departing Wed, 30 Apr, returning Sat, 24 May.Return flight with Jetstar and Virgin Australia.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 30 Apr, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Virgin Australia departs from Sydney on Sat, 24 May, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $208, select.

Sydney.$211 per passenger.Departing Tue, 16 Dec, returning Thu, 22 Jan.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Tue, 16 Dec, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Thu, 22 Jan, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $211, select.

Sydney.$211 per passenger.Departing Wed, 24 Sep, returning Wed, 8 Oct.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 24 Sep, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Wed, 8 Oct, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $211, select.

Sydney.$211 per passenger.Departing Wed, 8 Oct, returning Sat, 18 Oct.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 8 Oct, arriving in Sydney.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Sydney on Sat, 18 Oct, arriving in Cairns.Price includes taxes and charges.From $211, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Sydney

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Cairns to Sydney flights are currently cheapest in May.

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Direct flights from Cairns to Sydney

Cairns to Sydney: Alternative routes

Compare routes from Cairns to Sydney below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than Sydney.

Cairns to Sydney: Flight information

The things to know before you go.

Cheapest flight found	$155
Cheapest month to fly	May
Average flight time	2 hrs, 57 mins
Most popular airline	Qantas
Average flights per week	260

Finding cheap flights from Cairns to Sydney: Frequently asked questions

How much are return flights from Cairns to Sydney?

The best price we found for a return flight from Cairns to Sydney is $155. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.

How long does it take to fly from Cairns to Sydney?

2 hours and 57 minutes is the average flight time from Cairns to Sydney.

Which airlines fly direct from Cairns to Sydney?

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia fly direct from Cairns to Sydney.

How many flights are there a week from Cairns to Sydney?

As of March 2025, there are 290 flights per week flying from Cairns to Sydney.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Cairns to Sydney?

The cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Sydney is usually March 2025.

Which upcoming date is cheapest to fly from Cairns Airport to Sydney Airport on?

After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Cairns Airport to Sydney Airport on Thursday, 8 May 2025.

Can I get a direct flight from Cairns Airport to Sydney Airport?

Yes – the average flight time is 2 hours and 57 minutes.

How can I find the best flight deal to Sydney?

We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Sydney but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.

When is the best time to book flights to Sydney?

We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Sydney is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.

Which is the cheapest airline to fly from Cairns Airport to Sydney with?

Currently, Virgin Australia offers the cheapest flight tickets to Sydney.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Cairns to Sydney

Unlock potential savings on your journey from Cairns to Sydney using Skyscanner. Start by comparing fares across a Whole Month to identify the most affordable dates to fly. Next, set up a Price Alert for your preferred flights to stay informed on fare fluctuations and secure a deal when prices are optimal.

If you require non-stop travel, filter results for Direct Flights when searching for cheap tickets to focus your results on the most straightforward routes.

When March comes around, take advantage of historically lower prices — this is usually when flying from Cairns to Sydney is at its most affordable.

Handy information about Cairns airport

Cairns Airport is a major city in north Queensland, Australia, consisting of two distinct terminals. Terminal 1 caters to both international and domestic travellers. It is equipped with various transport links to the city, including taxis, shuttle buses, and car hire services. Passengers can enjoy shopping at duty-free outlets alongside a selection of retail stores and dining options. Terminal 2 primarily serves low-cost carriers and manages domestic and international flights. Similar transport options are available here, with the added convenience of retail and food outlets to cater to passengers' needs before departing from Cairns.

Sydney airport: good to know

Sydney Airport is the primary gateway to the bustling metropolis of Sydney, New South Wales, offering international and domestic travel through its three terminals. Terminal 1 is dedicated to international flights, connecting to various global destinations. For those travelling within Australia, Terminals 2 and 3 handle domestic travel. Terminal 2 accommodates full-service and low-cost airlines, while Terminal 3 predominantly hosts low-cost carriers for domestic flights. Each terminal ensures travellers have access to practical transport options, including trains, taxis, rideshare services, public buses, and car rentals to transition from the airport to the heart of Sydney smoothly. Prepare for your flight from Cairns to Sydney by familiarising yourself with local customs, weather and airport travel options ahead of time.

Best time to fly from Cairns to Sydney

The best time to fly from Cairns to Sydney is during autumn or spring, when Sydney enjoys moderate temperatures ranging from 12°C to 23°C, providing a comfortable climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities. With balmy days and cooler evenings, March to May and September to November are ideal for experiencing the city's natural charm without the extremes of summer heatwaves or winter chills. The spring bloom and autumnal colours are perfect backdrops for your holiday snapshots.

Reasons to visit Sydney

When planning your trip to Sydney, check out the city's various activities and attractions. Immerse yourself in the creative canvas of Vivid Sydney, an annual event that transforms the city into a spectacular display of light, music, and ideas. Marvel at the iconic Sydney Opera House, a hub of performing arts and a symbol of architectural excellence, nestled on the foreshore of the breathtaking Sydney Harbour. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views of the city skyline and waterways, a testament to engineering mastery and a must-visit landmark. Lastly, soak up the sun or surf the waves at Bondi Beach, which epitomises the outdoor lifestyle and surf culture for which Sydney is renowned.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your Cairns to Sydney flight

Planning your trip to Sydney is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. Discover various transport options, including reputable car hire providers like Hertz, Europcar, and East Coast. Navigate the city at your own pace, visiting iconic landmarks and local hot spots. Book your stay confidently, choosing from esteemed accommodations, including the sophisticated Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, or the elegant Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. All the essentials for your Sydney adventure are just a few clicks away.