How often are flights from Cairns to Sydney delayed?

Historically, on average around 14% of flights between Cairns and Sydney have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 98 minutes.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on Cairns to Sydney flights?

According to our data, Virgin Australia has had the least delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 13% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

How many flights depart from Cairns to Sydney on average per week?

178 flights are operational weekly from Cairns to Sydney as of June 2026. The most popular departure day for this route is Thu, with 17% of flights per week taking off on this day.

How many flights depart from Cairns to Sydney on average per day?

As of June 2026, there are 25 flights per day flying from Cairns to Sydney. The most common time of day flights depart is 1:00p.m., with 61% of flights taking off in the afternoon.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Sunday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Thursday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith?

Jetstar and Virgin Australia are the most popular carriers operating from Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith

What is the most punctual flight time for Cairns to Sydney flights?

Generally, flights departing in the morning tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing at night have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

Prices for flights from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport refresh daily.

How old do you have to be to fly from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

The required travel and health documents for your Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

C$ 119 Cheap Flights from Cairns to Sydney in 2026

Q: What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Cairns and Sydney?

Prices are currently low for flights on this route. Typical prices usually range from C$ 319 to C$ 196. The lowest price recently found on this route was C$ 223.

Save money when you book flights with momondo

Big names, great deals

Search 100s of travel sites to compare prices.

Filter for what you want

Free Wi-Fi? Early arrival? Instantly customize your results

Trusted and free

We’re completely free to use - no hidden charges or fees.

Price Alerts

Not ready to book? to track prices.

Search flight deals

Find the cheapest flights from Cairns to Sydney

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

6:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

CNS

SYD

3h 00mdirect

7:15 p.m. - 10:25 p.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 223Jetstar

Fri, 3 Jul - Fri, 17 Jul

7:10 p.m. - 10:05 p.m.

CNS

SYD

2h 55mdirect

3:15 p.m. - 6:25 p.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 225Jetstar

Fri, 3 Jul - Fri, 17 Jul

7:10 p.m. - 10:05 p.m.

CNS

SYD

2h 55mdirect

6:10 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 230Jetstar

Thu, 23 Jul - Sun, 26 Jul

7:10 p.m. - 10:05 p.m.

CNS

SYD

2h 55mdirect

7:15 p.m. - 10:25 p.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 247Jetstar

Wed, 29 Jul - Fri, 31 Jul

6:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

CNS

SYD

3h 00mdirect

5:05 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 258Jetstar

Wed, 12 Aug - Fri, 14 Aug

7:10 p.m. - 10:05 p.m.

CNS

SYD

2h 55mdirect

6:10 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 277Jetstar

Fri, 31 Jul - Mon, 3 Aug

6:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

CNS

SYD

3h 00mdirect

7:15 p.m. - 10:25 p.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 288Jetstar

Tue, 15 Sep - Tue, 15 Sep

6:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

CNS

SYD

3h 00mdirect

6:10 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 297Jetstar

Wed, 16 Sep - Wed, 23 Sep

6:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

CNS

SYD

3h 00mdirect

6:10 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 298Jetstar

Wed, 16 Sep - Wed, 23 Sep

7:10 p.m. - 10:05 p.m.

CNS

SYD

2h 55mdirect

7:15 p.m. - 10:25 p.m.

SYD

CNS

3h 10mdirect

C$ 306Jetstar

Mon, 29 Jun - Mon, 6 Jul

Jetstar flights from Cairns to Sydney

Our best Jetstar deals on Cairns to Sydney flight tickets

Jetstar

3 Jul

CNS6:45 a.m.Cairns

3h 00m

SYD9:45 a.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

17 Jul

SYD7:15 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

3h 10m

CNS10:25 p.m.Cairns

C$ 223

Jetstar

3 Jul

CNS7:10 p.m.Cairns

2h 55m

SYD10:05 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

17 Jul

SYD3:15 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

3h 10m

CNS6:25 p.m.Cairns

C$ 225

Jetstar

23 Jul

CNS7:10 p.m.Cairns

2h 55m

SYD10:05 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

26 Jul

SYD6:10 a.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

3h 10m

CNS9:20 a.m.Cairns

C$ 230

Virgin Australia flights from Cairns to Sydney

Our best Virgin Australia deals on Cairns to Sydney flight tickets

Virgin Australia

30 Jun

CNS7:15 p.m.Cairns

2h 55m

SYD10:10 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

7 Jul

SYD6:30 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

4h 50m

1 stop

CNS11:20 p.m.Cairns

C$ 344

Virgin Australia

16 Jul

CNS6:00 a.m.Cairns

5h 40m

1 stop

SYD11:40 a.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

23 Jul

SYD3:10 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

3h 15m

CNS6:25 p.m.Cairns

C$ 369

Virgin Australia

26 Aug

CNS4:55 p.m.Cairns

5h 25m

1 stop

SYD10:20 p.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

29 Aug

SYD8:10 a.m.Sydney Kingsford Smith

3h 15m

CNS11:25 a.m.Cairns

C$ 420

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Fri 3/7

6:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Nonstop3h 00m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 17/7

7:15 p.m.-10:25 p.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 223

Quickest round-trip

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Fri 3/7

7:10 p.m.-10:05 p.m.

Nonstop2h 55m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 17/7

3:15 p.m.-6:25 p.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 225

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Thu 23/7

7:10 p.m.-10:05 p.m.

Nonstop2h 55m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sun 26/7

6:10 a.m.-9:20 a.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 230

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Wed 29/7

7:10 p.m.-10:05 p.m.

Nonstop2h 55m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 31/7

7:15 p.m.-10:25 p.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 247

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Wed 12/8

6:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Nonstop3h 00m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 14/8

5:05 p.m.-8:15 p.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 258

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Fri 31/7

7:10 p.m.-10:05 p.m.

Nonstop2h 55m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Mon 3/8

6:10 a.m.-9:20 a.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 277

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Tue 15/9

6:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Nonstop3h 00m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Tue 15/9

7:15 p.m.-10:25 p.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 288

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Wed 16/9

6:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Nonstop3h 00m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 23/9

6:10 a.m.-9:20 a.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 297

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Wed 16/9

6:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Nonstop3h 00m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 23/9

6:10 a.m.-9:20 a.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 298

CairnsSydney

CNS - SYD

CNSSYD

Cairns

Mon 29/6

7:10 p.m.-10:05 p.m.

Nonstop2h 55m

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Mon 6/7

7:15 p.m.-10:25 p.m.

Nonstop3h 10m

C$ 306

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Cairns to Sydney

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Delays

Other information

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Cairns and Sydney?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Sydney?

If you aren’t able to travel to Sydney during the month of January, then flying in June is also cheap. Prices for this month can be found on momondo for an average of C$ 226.

What is the cheapest Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith flight route?

Fly from Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith for the best Cairns - Sydney Kingsford Smith flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight from Cairns to Sydney?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Sydney from Cairns when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Sydney for around C$ 281 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Sydney from Cairns for as low as C$ 168 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on Cairns to Sydney flights?

There are 2 cabin classes available to choose from on Cairns to Sydney flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on Cairns to Sydney flights?

You could potentially save up to 20% on your flight if you consider stops on a Cairns to Sydney flight.

How have Cairns to Sydney flight prices changed over time?

As of June 2026, prices for Cairns to Sydney flights are approximately 12% cheaper when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Cairns to Sydney

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from Cairns to Sydney according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated round-trip price

Cheap Cairns to Sydney (CNS to SYD) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Cairns to Sydney

Fastest flight time	4h 50m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Sydney	1 airport

The fastest flight from Cairns to Sydney takes 4h 50m

Direct flights go from Cairns to Sydney every day.

There is 1 airport in Sydney. From Cairns there are direct flights to Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD).

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from Cairns to Sydney

How far is Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith by plane?
The distance between Cairns and Sydney Kingsford Smith is about 1960.5 km. In terms of flight time, this usually takes a little over 4h 50m.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?
Prices for flights from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport refresh daily.
How old do you have to be to fly from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?
Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?
The required travel and health documents for your Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from Cairns to Sydney?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from Cairns to Sydney is Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets), representing 36.05% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Airbus A320-100/200 at 30.05%, Airbus A321-100/200 at 22.82%, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 at 3.78%.

Charlestown

Bondi Beach

Parramatta

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Cairns to Sydney?

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to Sydney from Cairns.

Can I find flights from Cairns to Sydney with flexible booking policies on momondo?

All flight searches from Cairns to Sydney on momondo can be filtered to show those which offer flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from Cairns to Sydney?

momondo provides multiple filters to help you find the best flight to Sydney from Cairns. Filter by price, airline, airports, cabin, aircraft, payment method, number of stops and more.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Cairns to Sydney right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

If you are simply researching potential flights to Sydney, momondo offers a useful price alert feature which will track prices for flights to Sydney from Cairns and alert you when they change.