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R19 967+ Cheap flights to Cairns

— CNS
Oct 7 — Oct 141
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Flights to Cairns in 2026

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Cheapest flights to Cairns

Tue 20/1020:55 -
2 stops51h 35m
Wed 2/1215:45 -
2 stops55h 50m
Deal found 6/9R19 967
Wed 21/1010:05 -
2 stops52h 40m
Wed 28/106:00 -
2 stops42h 35m
Deal found 6/9R26 150
Mon 19/1022:20 -
2 stops50h 20m
Mon 26/1015:40 -
2 stops32h 55m
Deal found 4/9R26 294
Tue 20/1020:25 -
1 stop60h 35m
Wed 2/1218:20 -
1 stop19h 50m
Deal found 6/9R26 692
Tue 20/1020:55 -
3 stops51h 50m
Wed 2/1211:45 -
2 stops35h 50m
Deal found 6/9R29 975

Find flight deals to Cairns

Return from

R19 967

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

November

Average price

R24 031
Qatar Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • 20/10-2/12
  • 4 total stops
  • 107h 25m total
  • Johannesburg to Cairns
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 1% potential increase in price (R249 potential increase over avg. return price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease (R448 potential savings vs. average return price).
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Average for return flights in September 2026
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Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Use the filters below to find and compare flights to Cairns that are best for you.

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Route

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Return

Price

Cheapest return flight
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JohannesburgCairns

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - CNS Cairns

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 11/2

13:40-17:15

1 stop19h 35m

Cairns

Mon 15/2

18:20-6:10

1 stop19h 50m

R21 051

JohannesburgCairns

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - CNS Cairns

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 11/2

20:20-11:05

2 stops54h 45m

Cairns

Mon 15/2

11:45-8:40

2 stops52h 55m

R22 708

JohannesburgCairns

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - CNS Cairns

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 21/10

10:05-22:45

2 stops52h 40m

Cairns

Wed 28/10

6:00-16:35

2 stops42h 35m

R26 150

JohannesburgCairns

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - CNS Cairns

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 19/10

22:20-8:40

2 stops50h 20m

Cairns

Mon 26/10

15:40-16:35

2 stops32h 55m

R26 294

JohannesburgCairns

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - CNS Cairns

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 20/10

20:25-11:10

2 stops30h 45m

Cairns

Wed 2/12

18:20-6:10

1 stop19h 50m

R29 066

JohannesburgCairns

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - CNS Cairns

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 20/10

20:25-13:40

3 stops33h 15m

Cairns

Wed 2/12

19:15-8:40

3 stops45h 25m

R105 509

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 1/9

Sorted by cheapest first

Best time to book a flight to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight to Cairns

How long is the flight to Cairns?

On average, a flight from Johannesburg to Cairns takes 19 hours 35 minutes. Flights to Cairns from other popular cities in South Africa will vary in length. Below are a few examples of popular routes and their flight times.

What are the most popular airlines that fly to Cairns?

The most popular airlines flying from Johannesburg to Cairns are Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Qantas Airways.

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
From R13 638
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways
From R18 518
Qantas Airways
Qantas Airways
From R16 062

What are the cheapest airlines that fly to Cairns?

The cheapest airlines flying from Johannesburg to Cairns are Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways and Qatar Airways.

Rainfall in Cairns by month

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Cairns ranges from 20.0 - 430.0 mm per month. March is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 430.0 mm. July is typically the driest time to visit Cairns when rainfall is around 20.0 mm.

Temperature in Cairns by month

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Cairns, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 27.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 21.0 C).

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Check out reviews from past customers who have flown Singapore Airlines,Qantas Airways, andQatar Airways to Australia to help guide your decision. You can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 596 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Crew

8,6

Overall

8,2

Entertainment

8,1

Food

7,8

Reviews

1 / 20
2,0
Mediocre

Sanku,Jul 2026

TRV - SIN

Very bad, not able check in using the email link. Very bad quality food. No TV in front of the seats.
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 596 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 596 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Crew

8,6

Overall

8,2

Entertainment

8,1

Food

7,8

Reviews

1 / 20
2,0
Mediocre

Sanku,Jul 2026

TRV - SIN

Very bad, not able check in using the email link. Very bad quality food. No TV in front of the seats.
Qantas Airways
7,5
Good
1 090 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 596 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Crew

8,6

Overall

8,2

Entertainment

8,1

Food

7,8

Reviews

1 / 20
2,0
Mediocre

Sanku,Jul 2026

TRV - SIN

Very bad, not able check in using the email link. Very bad quality food. No TV in front of the seats.
Qatar Airways
7,3
Good
3 733 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 596 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Crew

8,6

Overall

8,2

Entertainment

8,1

Food

7,8

Reviews

1 / 20
2,0
Mediocre

Sanku,Jul 2026

TRV - SIN

Very bad, not able check in using the email link. Very bad quality food. No TV in front of the seats.

FAQs about flying to Cairns

Cairns climate

There are two seasons – a wet season that runs from November to May (summer) and a dry season that starts about June and stretches to October (winter). January, February and March are the wettest months and there is the greatest chance of cyclones between December and April. Temperatures are pretty stable throughout the year. Daytime temps range between 14 and 26 degrees Celsius in the dry season while visitors can expect temperatures of between about 24 to 33 degrees during the wet season. Tourists should bear in mind that the Marine Stinger season stretches from November to May.

Getting around Cairns

Cairns’s city centre is small enough to walk around, but if you are planning on getting out to the Daintree National Park (a three-hour drive north of Cairns) or Kuranda Village (a 40-minute drive), renting a car is best. There are car-rental desks at Cairns Airport. Alternatively, you could take a four-wheel drive (4WD) tour. Several companies offer 4WD tours to the most popular destinations including Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, Cape York, Undara National Park and Chillagoe. If you’re visiting the region during the wet season (November-April) a four-wheel drive is the best way of getting around. Sunbus is the bus service around Cairns. There are eight routes, serving destinations such as the Botanic Gardens, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach and Yorkeys Knob. 

What is good to know if travelling to Cairns?

  • Walsh’s Pyramid is located about 20km south of Cairns. It’s the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world. At 922 metres high, it is a popular, if strenuous, hike. 
  • Crystal Cascades is a little-known freshwater swimming hole in a tropical rainforest. To get there, drive to Redlynch, and then follow the signs to Crystal Cascades. When you see the Red Beret Pub, you’ll be just 10km from the swimming hole. 
  • Josephine Falls are considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland. Take the Bruce Highway, then drive towards Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain. You’ll see signs to the falls. 
  • If you’re in Cairns between May and October, grab a picnic and catch a film at the Starry Night Cinema in the Flecker Botanic Gardens. The local film club screens non-mainstream films for a $10 entrance fee. Gates open at 6pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. 
  • Fitzroy Island is just 45 minutes from Cairns. Just 339 hectares, of which 324 is designated Fitzroy Island National Park. It’s a castaway island where you can snorkel, hike, or kayak.

  • When is the best time to fly to Cairns?

    Peak Season: July to October is high season.  Off Season: The “wet season” is low season. Wet season runs from November to April when there are torrential rains and humidity levels are high. If you’re willing to brave the rains it’s a good time to book cheap flights to Cairns and take up the discounts offered by tour operators, hotels and apartments. Divers will experience the best underwater visibility during the “wet” months, more than 50 metres sometimes. Stinger (Box jellyfish) Season is November-May and bathers should ensure that they follow the lifeguards’ advice about swimming within enclosures and between lifeguard flags.  Shoulder Season: May and June are shoulder months.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns?

    If you book a flight to Cairns, you will be flying into Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4,4 km from the centre of Cairns.

  • Can I find cheaper flights to Cairns if I am willing to have stopovers?

    Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Cairns on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

  • What is the best airline to fly to Cairns?

    Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Singapore Airlines is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Cairns.

  • Does Cairns have car hire?

    Yes. Those touching down at Cairns can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

  • Are there hotels close to Cairns?

    Yes. Cairns has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Spacious 7-Bedroom Queenslander Retreat | Privacy, Comfort & Bushland Serenity is the closest property to Cairns (0,0 km away from Cairns).

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