How to get from Cairns to Sydney

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What is the best way to travel from Cairns to Sydney?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Flights for the journey to Sydney from Cairns. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all available companies to find your perfect trip!
Flight is the cheapest and fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Flight
2h 55m
$80
$174
98

What is the cheapest way to reach Sydney from Cairns?

You can get to Sydney with just $80 by taking a Flight from Jetstar Airways, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

Tuesday
from $86
Wednesday
from $80
Thursday
from $86
Friday
from $105
Saturday
from $89
Sunday
from $123
Monday
from $137

    Cheapest Flights Tuesday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $86
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    4:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    7:30 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $104
  • Alliance Airlines
    8h 35m
    0
    9:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    5:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $159
  • Qantas Airways
    8h 35m
    0
    9:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    5:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $160
  • Air New Zealand
    9h 55m
    0
    11:55 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:50 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Air New Zealand
    Economy
    from $583

    Cheapest Flights Wednesday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $80
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    12:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    3:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $104
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 40m
    0
    12:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    6:15 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $167
  • Alliance Airlines
    4h 55m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:55 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $168
  • Airnorth
    27h 55m
    0
    12:50 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    4:45 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Airnorth
    Economy
    from $1,037

    Cheapest Flights Thursday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $86
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    7:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $86
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    7:15 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $89
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    12:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    3:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $105
  • Qantas Airways
    8h 35m
    0
    9:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    5:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $153

    Cheapest Flights Friday

  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    7:15 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $105
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $122
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    10:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $139
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    4:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    7:30 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $140
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 55m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    11:55 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $171

    Cheapest Flights Saturday

  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    7:15 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $89
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $91
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    4:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    7:30 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $105
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    10:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $140
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    6:20 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:15 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $146

    Cheapest Flights Sunday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $123
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    10:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $123
  • Virgin Australia
    4h 20m
    0
    9:20 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:40 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $149
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 20m
    0
    9:20 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    2:40 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $149
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    1:40 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    4:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $233

    Cheapest Flights Monday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $137
  • Virgin Australia
    23h 20m
    0
    9:20 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    8:40 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $156
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 25m
    0
    4:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:20 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $163
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    7:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $188
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    6:20 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:15 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $243

What are the fastest trips from Cairns to Sydney?

You can get to Sydney from Cairns in just 2h 55m with a Flight from Virgin Australia. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

Tuesday
from 2h 55m
Wednesday
from 2h 55m
Thursday
from 2h 55m
Friday
from 2h 55m
Saturday
from 2h 55m
Sunday
from 2h 55m
Monday
from 2h 55m

    Fastest Flights Tuesday

  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    4:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    7:30 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $104
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $86
  • Alliance Airlines
    8h 35m
    0
    9:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    5:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $159
  • Qantas Airways
    8h 35m
    0
    9:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    5:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $160
  • Air New Zealand
    9h 55m
    0
    11:55 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:50 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Air New Zealand
    Economy
    from $583

    Fastest Flights Wednesday

  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    12:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    3:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $104
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $80
  • Alliance Airlines
    4h 55m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:55 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $168
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 40m
    0
    12:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    6:15 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $167
  • Airnorth
    27h 55m
    0
    12:50 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    4:45 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    0
    Airnorth
    Economy
    from $1,037

    Fastest Flights Thursday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    7:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $86
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    7:15 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $89
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    12:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    3:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $105
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $86
  • Qantas Airways
    8h 35m
    0
    9:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    5:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $153

    Fastest Flights Friday

  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    7:15 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $105
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    10:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $139
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    4:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    7:30 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $140
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $122
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 55m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    11:55 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $171

    Fastest Flights Saturday

  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    7:15 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $89
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 55m
    0
    4:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    7:30 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $105
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    10:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $140
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    6:20 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:15 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $146
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $91

    Fastest Flights Sunday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    10:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:10 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $123
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    1:40 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    4:35 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $233
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $123
  • Virgin Australia
    4h 20m
    0
    9:20 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    1:40 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $149
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 20m
    0
    9:20 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    2:40 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $149

    Fastest Flights Monday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    7:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:05 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $188
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 55m
    0
    6:20 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:15 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $243
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 0m
    0
    6:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    9:45 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $137
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 25m
    0
    4:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    10:20 PM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $163
  • Virgin Australia
    23h 20m
    0
    9:20 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    8:40 AM
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $156
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Cairns to Sydney

What are the most popular stations in Cairns and Sydney?

In Cairns, you will usually depart from Pier Point, City Centre Bus station or Bus Stop, while in Sydney you will be arriving at Central Bus Station, Central Station or Fish Market Train Station, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Sydney from Cairns? With 5 connections between  Flight operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Cairns and Sydney, you can pay as low as $80 with a Flight from Jetstar Airways.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Flight from Virgin Australia: you will get to Sydney in just 2h 55m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Cairns and Sydney are Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Cairns and Sydney is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Edge Hill or to Alexandria, and look at flights from Cairns Airport, and landing at Sydney Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Cairns to Sydney?

The most popular companies between Cairns and Sydney, are Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Airlines: Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways and 3 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Cairns to Sydney

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Cairns to Sydney. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Cairns to Sydney

How can I reach Sydney from Cairns?

Every day, there are on average 5 connections between Flight, with which you can get to Sydney from Cairns.

How far is Sydney from Cairns?

The distance between Cairns and Sydney is 1,218.8 miles.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Cairns and Sydney?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 53 kgs of CO2, a train 69 kgs, a car 333 kgs, and a flight 483 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Cairns to Sydney?

You can get to Sydney with just $80 by taking a Flight from Jetstar Airways.

What is the fastest way to get from Cairns to Sydney?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Sydney in just 2h 55m with a Flight from Virgin Australia.

More routes to Cairns and to Sydney

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Cairns and to Sydney. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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