£68 Cheap Flights from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney (SYD)

View £68 flight on Mon, 11 May 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) to Sydney Airport (SYD)

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Cheap Flights from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney (SYD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at £68 for one-way flights and £144 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Virgin Australia
Thu, 15 Oct - Mon, 19 Oct
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£144 Return, found 3 days ago
£144
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Thu, 15 Oct from Cairns to Sydney, returning Mon, 19 Oct, priced at £144 found 3 days ago
Jetstar
Sat, 6 Jun - Sun, 7 Jun
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£146 Return, found 1 hour ago
£146
Return
found 1 hour ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sat, 6 Jun from Cairns to Sydney, returning Sun, 7 Jun, priced at £146 found 1 hour ago
Virgin Australia
Thu, 15 Oct - Sun, 18 Oct
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£151 Return, found 3 days ago
£151
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Thu, 15 Oct from Cairns to Sydney, returning Sun, 18 Oct, priced at £151 found 3 days ago
Virgin Australia
Thu, 15 Oct - Tue, 20 Oct
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£153 Return, found 3 days ago
£153
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Thu, 15 Oct from Cairns to Sydney, returning Tue, 20 Oct, priced at £153 found 3 days ago
Virgin Australia
Fri, 16 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£154 Return, found 3 days ago
£154
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Fri, 16 Oct from Cairns to Sydney, returning Sun, 1 Nov, priced at £154 found 3 days ago
Virgin Australia
Tue, 22 Sept - Thu, 15 Oct
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£155 Return, found 3 days ago
£155
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Tue, 22 Sept from Cairns to Sydney, returning Thu, 15 Oct, priced at £155 found 3 days ago
Jetstar
Sat, 6 Jun - Sun, 7 Jun
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£156 Return, found 1 hour ago
£156
Return
found 1 hour ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sat, 6 Jun from Cairns to Sydney, returning Sun, 7 Jun, priced at £156 found 1 hour ago
Jetstar
Thu, 7 May - Thu, 14 May
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£159 Return, found 3 days ago
£159
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu, 7 May from Cairns to Sydney, returning Thu, 14 May, priced at £159 found 3 days ago
Virgin Australia
Thu, 15 Oct - Sat, 17 Oct
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£161 Return, found 3 days ago
£161
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Thu, 15 Oct from Cairns to Sydney, returning Sat, 17 Oct, priced at £161 found 3 days ago
Qantas Airways
Wed, 14 Oct - Thu, 15 Oct
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney
£169 Return, found 3 days ago
£169
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Wed, 14 Oct from Cairns to Sydney, returning Thu, 15 Oct, priced at £169 found 3 days ago

Alternative airports near Sydney

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Kingsford Smith Intl. SYD. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city centre is 16 minutes. Flights from £175
SYD
Kingsford Smith Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city centre16 min
Flights from £175

Frequently asked questions

How much is a flight from Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) to Sydney Airport?
If you're planning on travelling from Cairns Airport to SYD, round-trip journeys start from £144. This figure is based on fares listed within the last 7 days on Expedia for flights departing within the next year, so don't let a good deal slip through your fingers. Book now and save yourself both money and time. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD)?
When it comes to cancellation fees, every airline has its own terms and conditions. If you decide to cancel your getaway, visit our Customer Service Portal.
How do I find cheap flights from Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) to Mascot Airport that have flexible change policies?
Many airlines offer the option to reschedule your flight without a change fee. All you pay is the difference between the original flight and the new flight. When you're searching for Cairns Airport to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) flights, you'll see a "no change fees" filter for you to select.
How far is the flight from Cairns Airport to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD)?
You'll be in the air for a while, as the flight distance from Cairns to Sydney is 1,950 kilometres. Set up a playlist of your favourite tunes before you leave home to stay entertained during the flight.
Which airlines fly direct from Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) to Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD)?
Whether you need a return or one-way flight, you'll have your choice of airlines that will fly you straight from CNS to Mascot Airport. These are some of the most popular ones:

  • Jetstar - (JQ) with 95 monthly flights
  • Virgin Australia - (VA) with 78 monthly flights
  • Qantas - (QF) with 56 monthly flights
  • Alliance Airlines - (QQ) with 4 monthly flights

Are Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) to Mascot Airport flight tickets cheaper when they're purchased at the last minute?
Last-minute planners can sometimes nab a bargain, with some of the cheapest fares from CNS to SYD appearing a few weeks before the date of departure. If you'd rather plan ahead, Expedia compares and updates all the best flight deals regularly — as early as a year in advance in some cases. It does depend on the carrier though, as not all airlines quote prices that far in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) cost?
One-way flights typically cost between £210 and £1,283 and return flights often range between £450 and £1,729. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Anaa (AAA) to Toronto, ON (YYZ-Pearson Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
Which airlines fly direct from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Enter CNS to SYD and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) will differ from traveller to traveller. If you like to fly early, VA offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, VA typically offers the lowest fares. VA offers the most daily flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.), which is brilliant if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
There are approximately 8 nonstop flights per day from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.). For even more choice, look at flights that include layovers, as there are around 26 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL), and Townsville (TSV).
What is the earliest flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) typically departs at approximately 12:55 AM local time, operated by Virgin Australia. This is a seasonal service active in July. An early departure like this can help maximise your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) on a Thursday, with around 24 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. Thursday offers notably more flight options compared to other days of the week.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) are between 9am and 12pm. About 34% of passengers prefer this time. Qantas and Virgin Australia offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your travel day a bit later and arrive in Sydney with plenty of time for your afternoon plans.
How long does it take to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from CNS to SYD typically takes around 3 hours, covering approximately 1,226 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 2 hours 50 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for CNS to SYD flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How much is a business class flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) typically costs between £2989 - £3342. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Anaa (AAA) (AAA) to Toronto, ON (YYZ-Pearson Intl.) (YYZ) if you opt for a connecting flight.
How do I earn miles on a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Sydney from Cairns Intl. (CNS)?
If you're planning to travel to Sydney from Cairns Intl. (CNS), you can fly directly into Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD) Some flights may connect through major hubs like BNE (BNE) before reaching Sydney. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
If you booked your Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Cairns Intl.
Destination airport
Kingsford Smith Intl.
Airlines serving
Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Return price
£144
Distance
1960 km
Average flight time
2 hours 55 mins

Book with confidence

Compare flights from Cairns to Sydney easily and book with confidence

For travelling on business or for pleasure, Expedia makes it easy to book your flights from Cairns to Sydney. Operating between them flights per day, 20 airlines cover the route. And fly direct, getting you to Kingsford Smith Intl. in just hours. If you have a preferred carrier, use our advanced search tool to find the right flight from Cairns Intl. to Kingsford Smith Intl..  

To make things even better, in the advanced search, you can also choose to fly economy, premium economy, business or first class, select your maximum number of stops, and pick your preferred departure and arrival time. You can also opt for refundable and direct flights. 

Grab a great deal on your flight from Cairns Intl. (CNS) to Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD)

The easiest way to view the best deals on flights from Cairns to Sydney today is to enter your travel dates and hit search. From here, you can sort your results by price to see the cheapest flights first. Right now, return flights from Cairns Intl. to Kingsford Smith Intl. start at just £144 and range up to £169.  

To find an even better deal, try  

  • being flexible on your dates – midweek flights can be cheaper
  • looking for other airports near Cairns and Sydney
  • booking your flight during October, the cheapest month on this route
  • varying your flight times – early morning and late at night are sometimes cheaper 

Why you should book your Cairns to Sydney flight with Expedia!

We cater for all flight types, cabin classes and airlines. So whether you’re booking flights from Cairns Intl. to Kingsford Smith Intl. for a budget break or a business trip with a bit of pleasure thrown in, we make it easy to secure the seat that’s right for you.  

Thanks to our supersized inventory that offers great choice all in one place, you know you’ll get a great deal with Expedia. Especially if you bundle your flight together with your hotel, you will unlock amazing savings. For added peace of mind, you can choose flexible bookings or filter to find refundable options, so you won’t pay a fee to change your flight.  

Compare flights from Cairns to Sydney easily and book with confidence

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