$1,055 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Cairns (CNS)
Popular airlines from Denver Intl. Airport (DEN) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)
Qantas AirwaysQantas Airways
Japan AirlinesJapan Airlines
Air CanadaAir Canada
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Cheap Flights from Denver to Cairns (DEN-CNS)
Alternative airports near Cairns
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Denver (DEN) to Cairns (CNS) at a glance
Travel from Denver (DEN) to Cairns (CNS) with a selection of airlines on this international long-haul route. Compare various flights from Denver to Cairns to discover the best airfares to Cairns (CNS) that suit your budget and schedule. As you plan your journey to explore Cairns's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, find all the essential details for flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Cairns International Airport (CNS).
- Fastest flight duration: around 20h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 6 hours total layover with two or more stops
- Route distance: roughly 8,000 miles (12,870 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $520–$1040, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Cairns International Airport (CNS)
According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Denver to Cairns are favored for their multi-stop services, with popular layovers at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) featuring approximately a 3h 30m stop, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with about a 2h 15m layover, and Brisbane Airport (BNE) offering around 2h 30m. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best travel experience.
- American Airlines: This full-service airline provides multi-stop options with one-way fares generally falling between $520 and $690. It represents about 37% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 20 hours and 45 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of approximately 26 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
- Qantas Airways: As a full-service airline, Qantas offers multi-stop services with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $550 to $885. This carrier makes up around 26% of departures for this route, with an in-air time of 20 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey length of about 26 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
- Air Canada: Offering multi-stop service as a full-service airline, Air Canada's one-way fares typically range from $645 to $935. It accounts for roughly 21% of the departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 20 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 26 hours and 45 minutes, including layover periods.
Alternative route from Denver (DEN) to Cairns (CNS)
- Denver to Bloomfield (DEN-BFC): Located approximately 75 miles from Cairns International Airport (CNS), Bloomfield Airport (BFC) offers travelers a convenient option for their journey.
How to find the best prices for flights from Denver (DEN) to Cairns (CNS)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Denver to Cairns is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking at least two months in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures between 12 PM and 6 PM tend to be less expensive and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday often results in lower prices, although Friday remains the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Cairns hotel and flight deals.
- Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Cairns International Airport from Denver International Airport
Cairns welcomes travelers from Denver with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Cairns efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cairns, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Cairns International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cairns International Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From Cairns International Airport, Cairns Station, a train station, and Cairns Seaport, a seaport, are both located about 5 miles away by car, providing convenient travel options for those looking to explore the region.
Denver to Cairns Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Denver 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 Denver to Cairns are during the month of March. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Denver to Cairns with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Denver to Cairns
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver to Cairns in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $1,055 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 Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $1,055 and cheap return flights $1,537 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $894 and $3285, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1493 to $8173. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DEN to CNS is March when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Enter DEN to CNS and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Cairns Intl. (CNS), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1870 with a layover in Los Angeles Intl. (LAX). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Cairns International Airport (CNS) typically departs at around 12:55 AM, operated by JetBlue Airways and Japan Airlines. This is a seasonal service available in December, and an early flight can help you start your adventure in Cairns. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Cairns Intl. (CNS) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 47% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Air Canada and Delta, offer flights during this period. This timing works well for travelers looking to maximize their time in Denver before departure.
How long does it take to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Flights from DEN to CNS with one stop typically take around 24 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 7,988 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the DEN to CNS route with American Airlines and United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Cairns from Denver Intl. (DEN)?
From Denver Intl. (DEN), you can fly typically into Cairns Intl. (CNS) to reach Cairns. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Vancouver Intl. (YVR), San Francisco Intl. (SFO) before reaching Cairns. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) Cairns Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
If you booked your Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | Denver Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Cairns Intl. Airport |
Distance | 7,987 miles away |
Airlines serving | Qantas Airways, Japan Airlines, Air Canada |
Popular airline | Qantas Airways |
Roundtrip price | $1,537 |