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Low Price Flights from Darwin to Cairns

Darwin to Cairns Flight Information

The approximate distance between Darwin and Cairns is 1,690.3km. Average flight time from Darwin to Cairns is around 3 hours 10 minutes. According to Trip.com data, travel demand hits its peak in July. The cheapest month to book flights is November.

Cheapest one-way
AU$ 291
Airnorth Airnorth DRW-CNS 3h 30m · Direct Mon, Sep 14
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Cheapest return
AU$ 570
Airnorth Airnorth DRW-CNS 3h 30m · Direct Fri, Sep 18 - Thu, Sep 24
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Recommended airlines
Airnorth Airnorth Cheapest · From AU$ 291 Qantas Airways Qantas Airways Most booked
Best time to book
January
Cheapest
July
Peak season for travel
Route details
1,690.3km
Flight distance
3h 10m
Average flight time

Explore the cheapest flights from Darwin to Cairns in the next three months. Based on Trip.com's data from the latest 7 days, one-way direct flights start at AU$ 291, and direct return tickets start at AU$ 570.

      • Cheapest nonstop
        DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Fri, Sep 18 | Airnorth
        CNS 13:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        DRW 16:35
        Cairns - Darwin | Thu, Sep 24 | Airnorth
        AU$ 570 AU$ 773
        26% off
        26% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 570
      • DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Thu, Sep 17 | Airnorth
        CNS 13:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        DRW 16:35
        Cairns - Darwin | Thu, Sep 24 | Airnorth
        AU$ 570 AU$ 773
        26% off
        26% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 570
      • DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Sun, Sep 20 | Airnorth
        CNS 10:45
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 12:55
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Sep 25 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 647 AU$ 773
        16% off
        16% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 647
      • DRW 17:35
        2h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 20:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Fri, Sep 11 | Qantas Airways
        CNS 10:45
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 12:55
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Sep 14 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 685
        11% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 685
      • DRW 07:05
        2h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 10:05
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Aug 25 | Qantas Airways
        CNS 14:40
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 16:50
        Cairns - Darwin | Fri, Aug 28 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 686
        11% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 686
      • DRW 17:35
        2h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 20:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Fri, Oct 9 | Qantas Airways
        CNS 14:40
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 16:50
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Oct 12 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 693
        10% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 693
      • DRW 07:05
        2h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 10:05
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Oct 6 | Qantas Airways
        CNS 10:45
        2h 40m
        Direct
        DRW 12:55
        Cairns - Darwin | Mon, Oct 12 | Qantas Airways
        AU$ 695
        10% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 695
      • DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Sep 15 | Airnorth
        CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Tue, Sep 22 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 649
        16% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 649
      • DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Wed, Sep 16 | Airnorth
        CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Tue, Sep 22 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 651
        16% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 651
      • DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Sep 14 | Airnorth
        CNS 06:45
        18h 15m
        1 stop
        DRW 00:30
        Cairns - Darwin | Sat, Sep 19 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 682
        12% off
        AU$ 773 AU$ 682
      • DRW 13:00
        17h 25m
        1 stop
        CNS 14:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Aug 17 | Normal Airline
        CNS 15:00
        6h
        Direct
        DRW 16:00
        Cairns - Darwin | Wed, Aug 19 | Normal Airline
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      • Cheapest nonstop
        DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Sep 14 | Airnorth
        AU$ 291 AU$ 344
        15% off
        15% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 291
      • DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Wed, Sep 16 | Airnorth
        AU$ 291 AU$ 344
        15% off
        15% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 291
      • DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Fri, Sep 18 | Airnorth
        AU$ 291 AU$ 344
        15% off
        15% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 291
      • DRW 08:00
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Sun, Sep 20 | Airnorth
        AU$ 291
        15% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 291
      • DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Sep 15 | Airnorth
        AU$ 293
        15% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 293
      • DRW 08:35
        3h 30m
        Direct
        CNS 12:35
        Darwin - Cairns | Thu, Sep 17 | Airnorth
        AU$ 293
        15% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 293
      • DRW 01:15
        21h 35m
        1 stop
        CNS 23:20
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Oct 13 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 306
        11% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 306
      • DRW 17:00
        26h 20m
        1 stop
        CNS 19:50
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Oct 5 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 309
        10% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 309
      • DRW 01:15
        19h 15m
        1 stop
        CNS 21:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Wed, Sep 9 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 309
        10% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 309
      • DRW 17:00
        26h 20m
        1 stop
        CNS 19:50
        Darwin - Cairns | Tue, Oct 6 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 309
        10% off
        AU$ 344 AU$ 309
      • DRW 13:00
        17h 25m
        1 stop
        CNS 14:00
        Darwin - Cairns | Mon, Aug 17 | Normal Airline
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Find Cheapest Airlines Flying from Darwin to Cairns

Choose from 4 airlines fly from Darwin to Cairns, including Qantas Airways, Airnorth, and Virgin Australia. Airnorth has lowest fares on this route.
Qantas Airways logo Qantas Airways
Airnorth logo Airnorth
Virgin Australia logo Virgin Australia
Jetstar Airways logo Jetstar Airways
Airlines are determined based on actual purchased flight tickets from Darwin to Cairns according to previous 12 months data from Trip.com.

Trip.com Price Insights on Flights from Darwin to Cairns

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

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

According to Trip.com's data, the cheapest month for flights from Darwin to Cairns is January, with an average price of AU$ 363. Conversely, the most expensive month is typically June, with an average price of up to AU$ 653.

AU$ 653
AU$ 508
AU$ 363
AU$ 218
    Cheapest
  • AU$ 532
    Aug
  • AU$ 568
    Sep
  • AU$ 491
    Oct
  • AU$ 436
    Nov
  • AU$ 564
    Dec
  • AU$ 363
    Jan
  • AU$ 452
    Feb
  • AU$ 437
    Mar
  • AU$ 526
    Apr
  • AU$ 502
    May
  • AU$ 653
    Jun
  • AU$ 471
    Jul

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

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

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

AU$ 546
AU$ 499
AU$ 452
AU$ 405
    Cheapest
  • AU$ 540
    Mon
  • AU$ 502
    Tue
  • AU$ 452
    Wed
  • AU$ 546
    Thu
  • AU$ 514
    Fri
  • AU$ 503
    Sat
  • AU$ 498
    Sun

Flight FAQs

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

    Based on Trip.com data, Airnorth offers one-way fares as low as AU$ 291 on Cheapest nonstop routes (e.g. DRW to CNS on Mon, Sep 14), while Airnorth offers Cheapest nonstop round-trips from AU$ 570 departing on Fri, Sep 18 and returning on Thu, Sep 24.
  • At the moment, you can catch a direct flight from Darwin to Cairns with the following airlines, including: Qantas Airways Jetstar Airways Airnorth 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 10 minutes to fly from Darwin (DRW) to Cairns (CNS).
  • By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from Darwin to Cairns 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 23 flight per week flying from Darwin to Cairns. You can check the weekly schedule for popular airlines on this route below: Qantas Airways: -/M/-/W/-/F/S -- QF8665 (08:41) Qantas Airways: S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- QF1889 (07:01) Airnorth: -/M/-/W/-/F/S -- TL160 (08:41)
  • To find best deals on flights from Darwin to Cairns, 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 Mon, Sep 14, with one-way flights priced at just AU$ 291.
    · Compare airlines strategically. Budget carriers often provide the lowest base fares, while we found the most affordable airline currently operating on this route is Airnorth.
    · 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 Cairns travel is around July.
    · Get exclusive promo codes for Trip.com app users.
  • The cheapest months to fly from Darwin to Cairns is November, when demand for travel is lower.
  • After crunching the numbers on our August flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from Darwin to Cairns on August 18, 2026 with Jetstar Airways, with prices starting at AU$ 280.
  • You can land at any one of the following hubs in Cairns, with Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport (DRW-CNS) is by far the most common option on this route: Cairns Airport (CNS).
  • The time difference between Cairns and Darwin 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 Darwin to Cairns is AU$ 498. 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 Darwin to Cairns is AU$ 912. The final price depends on the outbound and return dates, airline and fare conditions.
  • Enter Darwin and Cairns, 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 Darwin to Cairns. Check baggage, seat and payment fees before comparing the final price.

Darwin to Cairns by air

Whether you're looking to travel from Darwin to Cairns or searching for flights from Darwin to Cairns, you've come to the right place. Start your quest for the best airfares by choosing your desired travel date above. If you're interested in gaining insights about your journey, including airlines, flight times, schedules, money-saving ticket tips, and other valuable information, continue reading below to discover all the essential details.

Darwin to Cairns airfares

The Darwin and Cairns 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 Darwin to Cairns

Finding the most affordable air tickets from Darwin to Cairns requires flexibility, perseverance, and a little bit luck. Here are some valuable tips to help you secure the best prices:

  • 1. Stay flexible with your travel dates and times, as airfares are often more budget-friendly during early mornings, late evenings, and weekdays.
  • 2. Consider nearby alternative airports as they may offer cheaper options.
  • 3. Explore booking separate one-way flights with different airlines, as it can sometimes be more cost-effective than a round-trip ticket.
  • 4. Opt for a connecting flight from Darwin to Cairns as it can potentially result in savings.
  • 5. Keep a vigilant eye out for unexpected last-minute flight deals that may suddenly appear.

Airlines from Darwin to Cairns

Although a direct flight from Darwin to Cairns is not available, Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia offers a convenient solution by providing connecting flights. This allows passengers to smoothly and effortlessly travel from Darwin to Cairns through these highly connected airports.

Darwin to Cairns flight time

With no non-stop flight option, the Darwin to Cairns time can vary due to connecting flights and layovers. It is important to consider that the duration of the layover can be influenced by factors such as the need to retrieve baggage at the connecting airport and whether the connecting flights depart from the same or different airports. These variables have the potential to impact the overall travel duration, resulting in possible deviations from the estimated timeframe. To ensure accurate information, it is recommended to verify the flight details on the booking page.

Everything you need to know about Darwin airport

Located in Marrara, Northern Territory, Darwin Airport serves as the main air hub connecting travelers to the dynamic city of Darwin in Australia. The airport comprises of two terminals - one dedicated to domestic flights and the other for international flights, ensuring efficient connectivity. With reputed airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar operating from Darwin Airport, travelers have a range of options. The airport is conveniently located around 13 kilometers from the city center, and transportation options such as taxis, airport shuttles, or rental cars provide a travel time of approximately 15-20 minutes.

Arriving at Cairns airport

Nestled in the vibrant city of Cairns, Queensland, Cairns Airport (CNS) stands ready to connect you to the breathtaking wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Boasting a modern terminal, CNS efficiently handles both domestic and international flights. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar are just a few of the prominent airlines operating from CNS, offering a wide range of flight options. The airport is conveniently located approximately 7 kilometers from the city center, and travelers can easily reach their destinations via airport shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services, with an average travel time of 15-20 minutes.

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

Finding cheap airfares from Darwin to Cairns is just the beginning with Trip.com. In addition to finding great flight deals, we also offer a range of extra perks and benefits. By making your flight reservation with us, you gain access to exclusive discounts on hotels, car rentals, and airport transfers, allowing you to maximize savings on your journey. As a token of our gratitude, Trip.com rewards you with Tripcoins, our exclusive loyalty program currency, which can be redeemed for your future travels.

Trip.com Airline Insights on Flights from Darwin toCairns

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

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

Based on Trip.com data from the past 12 months, Virgin Australia offers the cheapest nonstop flights from Darwin to Cairns, with an average price of AU$ 452.

AU$ 415
AU$ 452
AU$ 489
AU$ 526
AU$ 563
Virgin Australia
AU$ 452
Virgin Australia
Jetstar Airways
AU$ 468
Jetstar Airways
Airnorth
AU$ 551
Airnorth
Qantas Airways
AU$ 563
Qantas Airways

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

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

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

20
16
12
8
Highest
15
Mon
12
Tue
15
Wed
12
Thu
20
Fri
18
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.