- Recommended
Cairns Museum
Regional museum covering Cairns’ Indigenous, maritime and social history through well-curated galleries in the city centre.
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Brisbane to Cairns is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brisbane to Cairns will cost around £519 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £243.
On Sun 01 Nov, we found 34 flights from Brisbane to Cairns, including 7 direct services.
These direct flights cover the 1390 km distance in an average of 2 h 23 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
The slowest flights will take 2 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
JQ932
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JQ930
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VA783
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VA346 · VA1297
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Flights from Brisbane to Cairns depart on average 37 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £53 if you book in advance.
There are 7 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:55, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 1390 km distance in 2h 15m. February is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1390 km |
Average flight duration 4h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £53 |
Flights per day 37 |
Direct flights 7 |
Fastest flight 2h 15m |
First flight 0:55 |
Last flight 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Brisbane to Cairns.
The table below shows live departures for Brisbane to Cairns flights for tomorrow, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VA908 · VA1421 | 6:05 Brisbane | 10h40 | 16:45 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA908 · VA1419 | 6:05 Brisbane | 8h50 | 14:55 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA912 · VA1419 | 6:35 Brisbane | 8h20 | 14:55 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA912 · VA1421 | 6:35 Brisbane | 10h10 | 16:45 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA308 · VA1297 | 6:55 Brisbane | 12h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA916 · VA1421 | 7:05 Brisbane | 9h40 | 16:45 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA916 · VA1419 | 7:05 Brisbane | 7h50 | 14:55 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA920 · VA1421 | 7:35 Brisbane | 9h10 | 16:45 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA920 · VA1419 | 7:35 Brisbane | 7h20 | 14:55 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA314 · VA1297 | 7:55 Brisbane | 11h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA924 · VA1421 | 8:05 Brisbane | 8h40 | 16:45 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA924 · VA1419 | 8:05 Brisbane | 6h50 | 14:55 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA775 | 8:35 Brisbane | 2h25 | 11:00 Cairns | 0 changesdirect | |
JQ930 | 8:55 Brisbane | 2h25 | 11:20 Cairns | 0 changesdirect | |
VA318 · VA1297 | 8:55 Brisbane | 10h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA932 · VA1421 | 9:05 Brisbane | 7h40 | 16:45 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA932 · VA1419 | 9:05 Brisbane | 5h50 | 14:55 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA322 · VA1297 | 9:55 Brisbane | 9h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA324 · VA1297 | 10:55 Brisbane | 8h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA942 · VA1421 | 11:05 Brisbane | 5h40 | 16:45 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA368 · VA1297 | 11:25 Brisbane | 7h40 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA783 | 11:35 Brisbane | 2h25 | 14:00 Cairns | 0 changesdirect | |
VA326 · VA1297 | 11:55 Brisbane | 7h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA785 | 14:15 Brisbane | 2h25 | 16:40 Cairns | 0 changesdirect | |
JQ932 | 14:55 Brisbane | 2h20 | 17:15 Cairns | 0 changesdirect | |
VA334 · VA1293 | 14:55 Brisbane | 20h10 | 11:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA336 · VA1297 | 15:55 Brisbane | 27h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA336 · VA1293 | 15:55 Brisbane | 19h10 | 11:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA342 · VA1293 | 16:55 Brisbane | 18h10 | 11:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA342 · VA1297 | 16:55 Brisbane | 26h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA346 · VA1293 | 17:55 Brisbane | 17h10 | 11:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
VA346 · VA1297 | 17:55 Brisbane | 25h10 | 19:05 Cairns | 1 change | |
JQ936 | 18:55 Brisbane | 2h20 | 21:15 Cairns | 0 changesdirect | |
VA799 | 20:40 Brisbane | 2h25 | 23:05 Cairns | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
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Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Cairns — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cairns trip today.
Regional museum covering Cairns’ Indigenous, maritime and social history through well-curated galleries in the city centre.
Leading contemporary art gallery with changing exhibitions focused on Far North Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Hands-on natural history museum featuring fossils, minerals, insects and wildlife displays that appeal to curious families and adults.
Seafront promenade with lagoon, play areas and walking paths; a central place for views, exercise and relaxed city strolls.
Popular public swimming lagoon on the Esplanade, ideal for cooling off near the city centre with open grassy surrounds.
Botanic gardens showcasing tropical plants, rainforest walks and shaded paths, well suited to a leisurely half-day visit.
Mud crab is a Far North Queensland staple, usually served simply to highlight its sweet, rich flesh from tropical estuaries and coastal waters.
Barramundi is a classic northern Australian fish, prized for its mild flavour and flaky texture, often grilled or pan-fried in Cairns seafood venues.
Tiger prawns from tropical Queensland are a local favourite, commonly cooked on the grill and valued for their fresh, sweet flavour.
Busy casual seafood spot popular for fish, prawns and shellfish platters, with simple counter service near the waterfront.
Long-running local market venue serving Japanese dishes, especially ramen and gyoza, in a lively casual setting in Rusty’s Market.
Refined waterfront dining focused on local seafood and premium Australian produce, with polished service and views over Trinity Inlet.
Moderate for Australia. Hotels and tours can be pricey in peak season, but casual meals, local buses and supermarket food help keep daily costs manageable.
Tipping is not expected. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafés usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Cairns Airport, Cairns -> Cairns Central Station, Cairns
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brisbane to Cairns by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairns, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Brisbane to Cairns flights use the Brisbane to Cairns airport pair. Use this guide to compare Brisbane and Cairns airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Brisbane is 7 km from Brisbane city centre. Public transport options include:
Brisbane has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office and Car Rental.
Food options include: Various restaurants are located in both domestic and intertiol terminals, including fast food and sit-down options like Hudsons Coffee and The Coffee Club.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering various banking services.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brisbane: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brisbane: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brisbane: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Nearby hotels include Hotels like the ibis Brisbane Airport Hotel are located within walking distance of the airport..
Cairns is 5 km from Cairns city centre. Public transport options include:
Cairns has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants are located in both domestic and intertiol terminals, offering options like fast food and cafes.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout the airport, including major banks like ANZ and Commonwealth Bank.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cairns: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cairns: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cairns: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels such as the Cairns Airport Hotel within walking distance..
See which airports are used for flights between Brisbane and Cairns, including airport details.