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R19 459+ 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 11/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
— CNS
Jul 8 — Jul 151
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
Explore the most affordable flight options available to Cairns. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on 8 June 2026.

Tue 11/820:25
JNB
-
CNS
1 stop60h 35m
Singapore Airlines
Tue 8/918:15
CNS
-
JNB
1 stop33h 05m
Singapore Airlines
Deal found 3/6R19 459
Tue 8/1212:45
JNB
-
CNS
2 stops38h 20m
Qatar Airways
Tue 12/16:00
CNS
-
JNB
2 stops34h 40m
Qatar Airways
Deal found 3/6R19 706
Tue 11/822:30
JNB
-
CNS
2 stops30h 25m
Qantas Airways
Tue 8/96:45
CNS
-
JNB
1 stop41h 40m
Qantas Airways
Deal found 3/6R22 779
Thu 13/811:10
JNB
-
CNS
2 stops43h 50m
Multiple Airlines
Thu 10/96:00
CNS
-
JNB
2 stops33h 55m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 3/6R23 407
Thu 23/711:10
JNB
-
CNS
2 stops40h 40m
Multiple Airlines
Thu 30/76:00
CNS
-
JNB
2 stops33h 55m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 8/6R24 133
Thu 23/718:45
JNB
-
CNS
1 stop19h 40m
Qantas Airways
Thu 30/715:45
CNS
-
JNB
2 stops36h 20m
Qantas Airways
Deal found 8/6R25 752
Tue 8/1213:40
JNB
-
CNS
1 stop19h 40m
Singapore Airlines
Tue 12/118:20
CNS
-
JNB
1 stop43h 50m
Singapore Airlines
Deal found 3/6R27 784
Tue 8/1213:45
JNB
-
CNS
2 stops37h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Tue 12/118:20
CNS
-
JNB
1 stop19h 50m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 3/6R29 403
Thu 13/813:45
JNB
-
CNS
1 stop19h 15m
Singapore Airlines
Thu 10/912:10
CNS
-
JNB
2 stops26h 00m
Singapore Airlines
Deal found 3/6R30 543

Find flight deals to Cairns

Find the latest flights to Cairns in 2026, 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 8 June 2026.

Return from

R19 459

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

October

Average price

R20 598
Singapore Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • 11/8-8/9
  • 2 total stops
  • 93h 40m total
  • Johannesburg to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 6% potential increase in price (R1 237 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease (R580 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for return flights in June 2026
Search Deals

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 8 June 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest return flight

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 13/8

11:10-15:00

2 stops43h 50m

Cairns

Thu 10/9

6:00-7:55

2 stops33h 55m

R23 407

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 23/7

11:10-11:50

2 stops40h 40m

Cairns

Thu 30/7

6:00-7:55

2 stops33h 55m

R24 133

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 23/7

18:45-22:25

1 stop19h 40m

Cairns

Thu 30/7

15:45-20:05

2 stops36h 20m

R25 752
Fastest return journey

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 13/8

13:45-17:00

1 stop19h 15m

Cairns

Thu 10/9

12:10-6:10

2 stops26h 00m

R30 543

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 11/8

11:10-8:40

2 stops37h 30m

Cairns

Tue 8/9

6:00-7:45

3 stops33h 45m

R31 864

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 3/6

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
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 38 hours 20 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 Qatar Airways.

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
From R13 481
Qantas Airways
Qantas Airways
From R16 650
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways
From R19 196

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

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 8 June 2026.
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
1 536 reviews
Check prices

Boarding

8,3

Comfort

8,0

Crew

8,7

Food

7,8

Entertainment

8,1

Overall

8,2

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,May 2026

SYD - SIN

creat a group of Senior (75 above) to allow them board the flight ahead of other groups.
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 536 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 536 reviews
Check prices

Boarding

8,3

Comfort

8,0

Crew

8,7

Food

7,8

Entertainment

8,1

Overall

8,2

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,May 2026

SYD - SIN

creat a group of Senior (75 above) to allow them board the flight ahead of other groups.
Qantas Airways
7,5
Good
1 045 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 536 reviews
Check prices

Boarding

8,3

Comfort

8,0

Crew

8,7

Food

7,8

Entertainment

8,1

Overall

8,2

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,May 2026

SYD - SIN

creat a group of Senior (75 above) to allow them board the flight ahead of other groups.
Qatar Airways
7,4
Good
3 727 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,2
Very Good
1 536 reviews
Check prices

Boarding

8,3

Comfort

8,0

Crew

8,7

Food

7,8

Entertainment

8,1

Overall

8,2

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,May 2026

SYD - SIN

creat a group of Senior (75 above) to allow them board the flight ahead of other groups.

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).

See more FAQs

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