$986 Cheap Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Cairns (CNS)

View $986 flight on Sun, Oct 19, 2025Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

Cheap Flights from Cape Town to Cairns (CPT-CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $986 for one-way flights and for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Cairns (CNS)
Origin airport
Cape Town Intl.
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Distance
7495 mi

Cape Town to Cairns Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Cape Town to Cairns

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Cape Town to Cairns are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Cape Town to Cairns with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Cape Town to Cairns

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Cape Town to Cairns: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Cape Town to Cairns

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Cape Town to Cairns in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $986 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Cape Town to Cairns flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Cape Town to Cairns airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) cost?
Get a cheap one-way flight from $986 or cheap return flight from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) with Expedia. Enter your travel dates and sort by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see our cheapest flight deals on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
is the cheapest month to fly from CPT to CNS. Timing your trip outside of the busy season is often the key to better flight prices.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Expedia's filter tool lets you easily compare airlines, flight times and fares all in one place. Select your preferences, then sort by "Price (lowest to highest)" to find out which carrier offers the cheapest CPT to CNS flight.
How many flights per day from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
You'll need to book a flight with a layover if you're traveling from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). There are no daily direct flights on this route. However, just filter your search to include one or more stops to find an option that works for you.
What day of the week has the most flights from CPT to CNS?
You'll usually find Tuesday the quietest day for flights, while Fridays are often the busiest.* However this can vary from season to season and during public holidays or peak travel times.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
To land at Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) on schedule, select a flight that takes off from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) before 3 PM. The likelihood of cancellations is 22% higher, on average, for departures after this time.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) last-minute?
Waiting until just before your trip to book a flight from CPT to CNS generally means paying more. Although you may find some last-minute offers, they aren't always guaranteed. Be flexible with your travel plans to maximize your chances of getting a bargain.
Is it cheaper to book a CPT to CNS flight and hotel package?
You can save money by securing a CPT to CNS flight and hotel package compared to booking separately. In fact, travelers could save hundreds of dollars by bundling with Expedia. And it's simple to manage it all in one place. After selecting your ideal accommodations and flights, you can add extras such as tours, car rentals and activities.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
In most instances, you're able to cancel or reschedule your CPT to CNS flight. However, additional fees may apply, especially if you made your booking more than 24 hours ago. Check your itinerary for the airline's fees and guidelines on flight changes, or if you want more details, head to our Customer Service portal.

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*Available to One Key members.