Find flights
Airlines
Travel Guide

R16 486+ Cheap flights to Cairns

This is the cheapest retur flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 5/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
— CNS
Dec 17 — Dec 241
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Flights to Cairns in 2025

Find the latest flights to Cairns in 2025, with up-to-date prices and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 594 507 searches and data was last updated on 17 November 2025.

Return from

R16 486

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

October

Average price

R17 851
Cathay Pacific
  • Cathay Pacific
  • 5/3-9/3
  • 4 total stops
  • 112h 20m total
  • Johannesburg to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 15% potential increase in price (R3 319 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease (R510 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for return flights in November 2025
Search Deals

Find flight deals to Cairns

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Best flights to Cairns
Discover carefully curated flight deals to Cairns that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 17 November 2025.

Thu 5/311:00JNB - CNS
2 stops63h 45mCathay Pacific
Mon 9/314:50CNS - JNB
2 stops48h 35mCathay Pacific
Deal found 14/11R16 486
Fri 16/119:55JNB - CNS
1 stop61h 25mSingapore Airlines
Fri 23/118:35CNS - JNB
1 stop32h 00mSingapore Airlines
Deal found 15/11R19 404
Thu 5/317:30JNB - CNS
1 stop36h 20mQantas Airways
Mon 9/317:35CNS - JNB
2 stops53h 25mQantas Airways
Deal found 14/11R22 869
Thu 5/313:40JNB - CNS
1 stop19h 40mSingapore Airlines
Mon 9/318:35CNS - JNB
1 stop19h 35mSingapore Airlines
Deal found 14/11R20 224
Fri 16/19:50JNB - CNS
3 stops39h 15mMultiple Airlines
Fri 23/114:50CNS - JNB
2 stops22h 15mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 15/11R216 043

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Locate flights to Cairns that fit your budget, with regularly updated fares and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 594 507 searches and data was last updated on 17 November 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Johannesburg

Route

Depart

Return

Price

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 5/3

11:00-10:45

2 stops63h 45m

Cairns

Mon 9/3

14:50-7:25

2 stops48h 35m

R16 486

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Fri 16/1

19:55-17:20

1 stop61h 25m

Cairns

Fri 23/1

18:35-18:35

1 stop32h 00m

R19 404

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 5/3

13:40-17:20

1 stop19h 40m

Cairns

Mon 9/3

18:35-6:10

1 stop19h 35m

R20 224

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 5/3

17:30-13:50

1 stop36h 20m

Cairns

Mon 9/3

17:35-15:00

2 stops53h 25m

R22 869

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Fri 16/1

9:50-9:05

3 stops39h 15m

Cairns

Fri 23/1

14:50-5:05

2 stops22h 15m

R216 043

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 14/11

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
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

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 39 hours 45 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, Qantas Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
From R12 378
Qantas Airways
Qantas Airways
From R16 140
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific
From R14 546

What are the cheapest airlines that fly to Cairns?

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

Rainfall in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average rainfall totals 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

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average temperature totals 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

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 17 November 2025.
Check out reviews from past customers who have flown Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, andQantas 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
8,1
Very Good
1 403 reviews
Check prices

Overall

8,1

Crew

8,6

Boarding

8,3

Entertainment

8,0

Food

7,8

Comfort

8,0

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Juliet,Oct 2025

PUS - SIN

Very kind staff to arrange my luggage and really appreciate all help.
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 403 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 403 reviews
Check prices

Overall

8,1

Crew

8,6

Boarding

8,3

Entertainment

8,0

Food

7,8

Comfort

8,0

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Juliet,Oct 2025

PUS - SIN

Very kind staff to arrange my luggage and really appreciate all help.
Cathay Pacific
7,6
Good
1 060 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 403 reviews
Check prices

Overall

8,1

Crew

8,6

Boarding

8,3

Entertainment

8,0

Food

7,8

Comfort

8,0

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Juliet,Oct 2025

PUS - SIN

Very kind staff to arrange my luggage and really appreciate all help.
Qantas Airways
7,5
Good
937 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 403 reviews
Check prices

Overall

8,1

Crew

8,6

Boarding

8,3

Entertainment

8,0

Food

7,8

Comfort

8,0

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Juliet,Oct 2025

PUS - SIN

Very kind staff to arrange my luggage and really appreciate all help.

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. Homestay - Butterfly Haven is the closest property to Cairns (0,0 km away from Cairns).

See more FAQs

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Search flights to Cairns by cabin class

Find flights to Cairns, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class.
First Class
Business Class
Prem Econ Class
Economy class

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights to Cairns?

Cheapflights makes it easy to find Cairns flights by helping our users search from 900+ travel sites for deals. We also provide you with filters for cabin, price, airline, airports, number of stops, and many more to narrow down that perfect flight.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets to Cairns?

Cheapflights helps you find that perfect flight to Cairns by searching from hundreds of airlines and agencies you know and love. We are also free to use, in case you were wondering!

Can Cheapflights find flights to Cairns with no change fees?

Yes, we can. To see specific flights to Cairns with no change fees, users can toggle flexible booking options after using the search form above to find flights.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Cairns flights so you can book your flight when prices are ideal. Enable price alerts by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

100% Free

Cheapflights is completely free to use, so you can start saving the moment you arrive.

Book with Flexibility

Our users can plan ahead with confidence and find flights with no change fees

Travel Smart

Millions of people come to us for their flight needs every year. We help make travel planning easy by providing useful insights and data-driven graphs that can inform your decisions.