Prices shown below were available within the past 3 days for the period specified and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from Darwin to Cairns

Flexible with dates? We find the best price for the week of the day you select *Prices may vary after you search.

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week: 26 Jan - 1 Feb

Flights from just $638

$833

$946

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$804

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$646

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$638

$699

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$694

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Local currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

40%Trains are 40% more expensive in Cairns than in Darwin.

Darwin$3.50

Cairns$5.00

MealMid-priced restaurant

10%A meal in Cairns is 10% cheaper than a meal in Darwin.

Darwin$30.00

Cairns$26.00

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

90%Taxis are 90% more expensive in Cairns than in Darwin.

Darwin$5.40

Cairns$10.00

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

16%Coffee is 16% more expensive in Cairns than in Darwin.

Darwin$5.50

Cairns$6.36

Distance: 1681 kms

Darwin airports

Darwin International Airport - RAAF Darwin (DRW)How far from city centre: 2 kms

Cairns airports

Cairns International Airport (CNS)How far from city centre: 5 kms

How to find cheap flights from Darwin to Cairns

Heading from Darwin to Cairns offers a delightful journey to a region celebrated for its profound natural beauty and significant cultural and historical connections. This tropical Queensland destination draws visitors keen to explore its ancient rainforests, access the Great Barrier Reef, and learn about Indigenous heritage that spans thousands of years. Cairns also provides a welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular base for outdoor adventures and engaging with local communities.

When planning your trip from Darwin, direct flights to Cairns typically take around two hours and 30 minutes, offering a quick and convenient way to reach your destination. While Cairns is appealing year-round, the dry season, from May to October, is often considered the best time to visit. During these months, the weather is generally warm and sunny with lower humidity, providing ideal conditions for exploring the natural attractions. This period also sees less rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities and excursions.

Useful information about Gold Coast - Coolangatta airports

Setting off from Darwin, you'll find one primary airport servicing commercial flights for those travelling out of the city. This facility handles all passenger operations, connecting Darwin to various destinations across Australia and beyond.

Darwin Airport (DRW)

Darwin Airport serves as the main gateway for air travel to and from the Northern Territory capital. Located approximately 13 kilometres north of the city centre, it offers a range of facilities including car hire services, short and long-term parking, and connections for public transport to the city.

Cairns airports: good to know

Heading from Darwin to Cairns? You’ll find Cairns is serviced by one primary airport for your arrival. This airport offers comprehensive facilities for travellers visiting Far North Queensland.

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport is the main aviation hub for northern Queensland and is located approximately 7 kilometres north of the Cairns central business district. It operates both domestic and international terminals, handling a wide range of flights connecting to major Australian cities and various international destinations. The airport provides a full suite of services, including car hire desks, taxi ranks, and shuttle bus options for transport into Cairns and beyond to popular northern regional spots.

Find cheap Darwin - Cairns flight deals with eDreams

Wrapping up your journey planning, remember that smart flight booking is about more than just the destination. It's about how you get there. With eDreams, you can effortlessly compare a broad range of airlines, helping you uncover ideal flights and discover flexible fares that suit your travel style. Plus, for those with a Prime subscription, access to exclusive discounts makes finding a great deal even easier. Make your next trip a breeze by letting eDreams handle the flight details.

FAQs about flights from Darwin to Cairns

Can I get a flexible ticket for my trip from Darwin to Cairns?

At eDreams, we want your trip to run smoothly. Whether your flight gets canned or Australia suddenly changes travel rules, you’ll be covered. Flight cancelled? No dramas! With our flexible ticket option, you can rebook your Darwin to Cairns flight with no change fee, or grab a full refund.

How do I score the cheapest flights from Darwin to Cairns with eDreams?

Right now, the lowest fare from Darwin to Cairns is $ 242. Thanks to our clever tech, we line up the top flight options, mixing and matching routes, airlines, and timetables to nail both value and convenience.

Is Cairns more expensive than Darwin?

In Cairns, taxis are about 85% pricier, costing roughly 10.00 AUD, compared with Darwin where a ride averages 5.40 AUD.

Catching the train in Cairns will cost you about 43% more, sitting at 5.00 AUD compared with 3.50 AUD in Darwin.

Meals in Cairns cost around 26.00 AUD, which is about 13% less than the 30.00 AUD you’d fork out in Darwin.

A coffee will set you back about 16% more in Cairns, averaging 6.36 AUD, while in Darwin it’s around 5.50 AUD.

What’s the average flight time from Darwin to Cairns?

A standard flight between Darwin and Cairns takes around 02:41 hours, covering about 1,684 km. This includes both direct flights and connections.

Which airports connect Darwin with Cairns?

The main route linking Darwin with Cairns is between Darwin International Airport - RAAF Darwin (DRW) and Cairns International Airport (CNS). This leg is operated by the following airlines:

Airnorth

Qantas Airways

Virgin Australia

Plan your trip

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