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Low Price Flights from Cairns to Darwin

Cairns to Darwin Flight Information

The approximate distance between Cairns and Darwin is 1,690.3km. Average flight time from Cairns to Darwin is around 3 hours 16 minutes. According to Trip.com data, travel demand hits its peak in July. The cheapest month to book flights is October.

Cheapest one-way
AU$ 295
Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways CNS-DRW 18h 50m · 1 stop Wed, Oct 7
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Cheapest return
AU$ 647
Qantas Airways Qantas Airways CNS-DRW 2h 40m · Direct Fri, Sep 11 - Tue, Sep 15
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Recommended airlines
Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways Cheapest · From AU$ 295 Qantas Airways Qantas Airways Most booked
Best time to book
August
Cheapest
July
Peak season for travel
Route details
1,690.3km
Flight distance
3h 16m
Average flight time

Explore the cheapest flights from Cairns to Darwin in the next three months. Based on Trip.com's data from the latest 7 days, one-way direct flights start at AU$ 331, and direct return tickets start at AU$ 647.

      • Cheapest nonstop
        CNS 10:45
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 12:55
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Sep 11 | Qantas Airways
        DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Sep 15 | Airnorth
        AU$ 647 AU$ 868
        25% off
        25% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 647
      • CNS 14:40
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 16:50
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Aug 28 | Qantas Airways
        DRW 17:35
        2h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 20:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Aug 31 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 691 AU$ 868
        20% off
        20% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 691
      • CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Sep 7 | Jetstar Airways
        DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Sep 14 | Airnorth
        AU$ 668 AU$ 868
        23% off
        23% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 668
      • CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Thu, Sep 10 | Jetstar Airways
        DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Thu, Sep 17 | Airnorth
        AU$ 685
        21% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 685
      • CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Tue, Sep 8 | Jetstar Airways
        DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Sep 15 | Airnorth
        AU$ 689
        21% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 689
      • CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Sep 11 | Jetstar Airways
        DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Sep 15 | Airnorth
        AU$ 689
        21% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 689
      • CNS 06:45
        18h 10m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:25
        Cairns - Darwin | Wed, Sep 16 | Jetstar Airways
        DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Sun, Sep 20 | Airnorth
        AU$ 689
        21% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 689
      • CNS 15:35
        9h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Thu, Oct 15 | Jetstar Airways
        DRW 17:00
        15h 15m
        1 stop
        CNS 08:45
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Oct 19 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 690
        21% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 690
      • CNS 06:00
        8h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 13:45
        Cairns - Darwin | Wed, Sep 9 | Virgin Australia
        DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Sep 15 | Airnorth
        AU$ 690
        21% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 690
      • CNS 06:00
        8h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 13:45
        Cairns - Darwin | Wed, Sep 16 | Virgin Australia
        DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Sun, Sep 20 | Airnorth
        AU$ 694
        20% off
        AU$ 868 AU$ 694
      • CNS 13:00
        17h 25m
        1 stop
        DRW 14:00
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Aug 21 | Normal Airline
        DRW 15:00
        6h
        Direct
        CNS 16:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Sun, Aug 23 | Normal Airline
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      • Cheapest nonstop
        CNS 14:40
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 16:50
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Sep 14 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 331 AU$ 428
        23% off
        23% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 331
      • CNS 14:40
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 16:50
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Oct 9 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 342 AU$ 428
        20% off
        20% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 342
      • CNS 06:00
        18h 50m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Wed, Oct 7 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 295 AU$ 428
        31% off
        31% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 295
      • CNS 19:10
        29h 50m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Sep 21 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 302
        28% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 302
      • CNS 14:50
        10h
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Thu, Oct 8 | Virgin Australia
        AU$ 305
        28% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 305
      • CNS 06:00
        18h 50m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Thu, Oct 8 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 307
        28% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 307
      • CNS 06:00
        18h 50m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Sep 14 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 313
        27% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 313
      • CNS 18:10
        29h 50m
        1 stop
        DRW 23:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Wed, Oct 14 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 313
        27% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 313
      • CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Sep 7 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 321
        25% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 321
      • CNS 15:35
        9h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Sat, Oct 17 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 321
        25% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 321
      • CNS 06:00
        18h 50m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Oct 16 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 321
        25% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 321
      • CNS 06:00
        18h 50m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:20
        Cairns - Darwin | Sat, Oct 10 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 321
        25% off
        AU$ 428 AU$ 321
      • CNS 13:00
        17h 25m
        1 stop
        DRW 14:00
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Aug 21 | Normal Airline
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Find Cheapest Airlines Flying from Cairns to Darwin

Choose from 3 carriers that fly from Cairns to Darwin, including Qantas Airways, Airnorth, and Virgin Australia. Enjoy the cheapest tickets on this route with Jetstar Airways.
Qantas Airways logo Qantas Airways
Airnorth logo Airnorth
Virgin Australia logo Virgin Australia
Airlines are determined based on actual purchased flight tickets from Cairns to Darwin according to previous 12 months data from Trip.com.

Trip.com Price Insights on Flights from Cairns to Darwin

What is the cheapest month for one-way flights from Cairns to Darwin?

Average price of one-way flights from Cairns to Darwin purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months.

According to Trip.com's data, the cheapest month for flights from Cairns to Darwin is August, with an average price of AU$ 410. Conversely, the most expensive month is typically March, with an average price of up to AU$ 565.

AU$ 565
AU$ 488
AU$ 410
AU$ 333
  • AU$ 410
    Aug
  • AU$ 534
    Sep
  • AU$ 491
    Oct
  • AU$ 454
    Nov
  • AU$ 427
    Dec
  • AU$ 449
    Jan
  • AU$ 415
    Feb
  • AU$ 565
    Mar
  • AU$ 489
    Apr
  • AU$ 556
    May
  • AU$ 538
    Jun
  • AU$ 480
    Jul

What's the cheapest day to fly from Cairns to Darwin?

Data is based on the average flight price for each day of the week from Cairns to Darwin on Trip.com over the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com data from the past 12 months, the cheapest day to fly from Cairns to Darwin is Friday, with average prices lower than on other days. Avoid Monday, as prices are usually highest then.

AU$ 547
AU$ 510
AU$ 473
AU$ 436
    Cheapest
  • AU$ 547
    Mon
  • AU$ 475
    Tue
  • AU$ 479
    Wed
  • AU$ 475
    Thu
  • AU$ 473
    Fri
  • AU$ 484
    Sat
  • AU$ 508
    Sun

Flight FAQs

  • Which airlines offer the cheapest flights from Cairns (CNS) to Darwin (DRW)?

    Based on Trip.com data, Jetstar Airways offers one-way fares as low as AU$ 295 on Cheapest nonstop routes (e.g. CNS to DRW on Wed, Oct 7), while Qantas Airways offers Cheapest nonstop round-trips from AU$ 647 departing on Fri, Sep 11 and returning on Tue, Sep 15.
  • At the moment, you can catch a direct flight from Cairns to Darwin with the following airlines, including: Qantas Airways Selected airlines are based on historical data collected from flight bookings users made on Trip.com within the last 90 days.
  • It takes about 3 hours 16 minutes to fly from Cairns (CNS) to Darwin (DRW).
  • By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from Cairns to Darwin is around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance, and the best time to fly is usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tuesday typically offers the cheapest flights for departure, while Saturday offers the best return deals.
  • Based on Trip.com data in the past 4 weeks, there is 21 flight per week flying from Cairns to Darwin. You can check the weekly schedule for popular airlines on this route below: Qantas Airways: S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- QF1980 (11:00) Qantas Airways: -/M/-/W/-/F/S -- QF8666 (16:38) Airnorth: -/M/-/W/-/F/S -- TL161 (16:38)
  • To find best deals on flights from Cairns to Darwin, you can use various tools on Trip.com:
    · Be flexible with your travel dates to get the cheapest flight deal. Now the cheapest flight deal is on Wed, Oct 7, with one-way flights priced at just AU$ 295.
    · Compare airlines strategically. Budget carriers often provide the lowest base fares, while we found the most affordable airline currently operating on this route is Qantas Airways.
    · Set up price alerts to easily monitor ticket prices without having to check every day.
    · Check Trip.com flight deals and promo codes frequently.
    · Avoid peak season unless you book very early. It seems the peak season for Darwin travel is around July.
    · Get exclusive promo codes for Trip.com app users.
  • The cheapest months to fly from Cairns to Darwin is October, when demand for travel is lower.
  • After crunching the numbers on our August flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from Cairns to Darwin on August 28, 2026 with Jetstar Airways, with prices starting at AU$ 268.
  • You can land at any one of the following hubs in Darwin, with Cairns Airport to Darwin International Airport (CNS-DRW) is by far the most common option on this route: Darwin International Airport (DRW).
  • The time difference between Darwin and Cairns is 0m.
  • Tickets can only be changed or cancelled if permitted by airline policy. To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy. However, if the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.
  • Based on Trip.com data for flights departing in the next 30 days, the average one-way fare from Cairns to Darwin is AU$ 455. Fares vary by travel date, airline and availability.
  • Based on Trip.com data for travel in the next 30 days, the average round-trip fare from Cairns to Darwin is AU$ 906. The final price depends on the outbound and return dates, airline and fare conditions.
  • Enter Cairns and Darwin, choose your travel dates and passengers, then compare flights by price, duration and baggage. Select a fare, review the change and cancellation rules, enter traveler details and complete payment to receive your confirmation.
  • Airnorthare the most popular budget airlines flying from Cairns to Darwin. Check baggage, seat and payment fees before comparing the final price.

Cairns to Darwin by air

If you are travelling from Cairns to Darwin by air or looking for Cairns to Darwin flights, you have come to the right place. Start your search for airfares by giving the travelling date above, or continue reading to find out more about the journey, airlines, flight times, schedules, how to find cheap tickets, and much more.

Cairns to Darwin airfares

The Cairns and Darwin airfares can experience significant variations. The air ticket is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the level of demand, the chosen travel dates and times, seat availability, and the pricing strategies employed by different airlines. Moreover, the airfares can also be subject to adjustments based on the travel class you opt for, whether it's first class, business class, or economy class.

How to find cheap flights from Cairns to Darwin

Getting the cheapest Cairns to Darwin flights requires some flexibility, persistence, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to help you secure the best prices:

  • 1. Be flexible with your travel dates and time: airfares are generally cheaper in the early morning, late evening and weekdays.
  • 2. Be open to alternative airports.
  • 3. Consider booking outbound and inbound flights from different airlines - two one-way Cairns to Darwin flight tickets may be cheaper than a round-trip ticket.
  • 4. Book connection flight from Cairns to Darwin
  • 5. Look out for last minute flight deals.

Airlines from Cairns to Darwin

The direct flights from Cairns to Darwin are currently unavailable. However, Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia has come up with a solution by offering convenient connecting flight options, making it easy for passengers to reach Darwin from Cairns.

Cairns to Darwin flight time

The non-stop Cairns to Darwin flight is not available, the travel time from Cairns to Darwin can fluctuate due to the inclusion of connecting flights and layovers. It is crucial to take into account that the duration of the layover can be influenced by factors such as the necessity to retrieve baggage at the connecting airport and whether the connecting flights depart from the same or different airports. These variables can affect the overall travel duration, potentially resulting in deviations from the estimated timeframe. To obtain precise information, it is advisable to verify the flight details on the booking page.

Everything you need to know about Cairns airport

Situated in Cairns, Queensland, Cairns Airport (CNS) serves as the main gateway to the stunning Great Barrier Reef region. The airport features a modern terminal that handles both domestic and international flights, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar operate from CNS, providing excellent connectivity. The airport is conveniently located approximately 7 kilometers from the city center. Travelers can easily reach their destinations using options including airport shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services, which typically take around 15-20 minutes.

Arriving at Darwin airport

Nestled in Marrara, Northern Territory, Darwin Airport stands as the primary aviation gateway connecting travelers to the thriving city of Darwin in Australia. The airport consists of two terminals, catering separately to domestic and international flights, guaranteeing a seamless travel experience. Leading airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar operate from Darwin Airport, offering a wide range of flight options. Situated approximately 13 kilometers from the city center, reaching the airport is convenient with options like taxis, airport shuttles, or rental cars, taking around 15-20 minutes.

Book Cairns to Darwin flights on Trip.com to unlock extra benefits

Trip.com not only helps you find the cheap airfares from Cairns to Darwin, but also provide extra perks and benefits. When you make your flight reservation, you unlock a world of discounts on hotels, car rentals, and airport transfers, allowing you to save more on your journey. As a token of our appreciation, Trip.com rewards you with Tripcoins through our loyalty program, which can be redeemed for additional benefits on your future trips.

Trip.com Airline Insights on Flights from Cairns toDarwin

Which airlines offer the cheapest nonstop flights from Cairns to Darwin?

Data is based on the average price of all nonstop flights from Cairns to Darwin on Trip.com in the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com data from the past 12 months, Jetstar Airways offers the cheapest nonstop flights from Cairns to Darwin, with an average price of AU$ 381.

AU$ 327
AU$ 381
AU$ 435
AU$ 489
AU$ 543
Jetstar Airways
AU$ 381
Jetstar Airways
Virgin Australia
AU$ 409
Virgin Australia
Qantas Airways
AU$ 515
Qantas Airways
Airnorth
AU$ 543
Airnorth

How many flights are there each day from Cairns to Darwin?

The data is based on the flight numbers for each day of the week from Cairns to Darwin within the Trip.com database over the past month.

Based on Trip.com data from the past month, the most flights from Cairns to Darwin depart on Friday, and the fewest flights depart on Tuesday/Thursday.

20
16
12
8
Highest
15
Mon
12
Tue
14
Wed
12
Thu
20
Fri
17
Sat
13
Sun

More Cheap Flights & Deals on Trip.com

Note: Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest price and include all taxes and fees found in the last 24 hours.

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Prices displayed in this page are all-inclusive prices (incl. taxes, fuel surcharge, regulatory fees, etc) with all fees confirmed before payment. Fees for baggage, meals, Wi-Fi, or other additional services are also included as shown in the flight cards.

Real-time pricing updates

Prices, availability, and travel information on this page were updated within last 24 hours—even in real-time. The more popular the route, the more precise the data.

Change & Cancellation Policy

Trip.com displays flight cancellation and change policies for each flight ticket during the booking process, including fees and applicable conditions. Please check the following scenarios:
Voluntary cancellation/change:
To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy.
Cancellation/change due to a flight schedule change:
If the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.