$220 Cheap Flights from Darwin (DRW) to Cairns (CNS)

View $220 flight on Wed, Apr 15, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

Cheap Flights from Darwin to Cairns (DRW-CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $220 for one-way flights and $524 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Virgin Australia
Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$524 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$524
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sat, May 2 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $524 found 2 days ago
Virgin Australia
Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$572 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$572
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sat, May 2 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $572 found 2 days ago
Qantas Airways
Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$589 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$589
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Sat, May 2 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $589 found 2 days ago
Qantas Airways
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Oct 31
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$598 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$598
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $598 found 5 days ago
Qantas Airways
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Oct 31
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$619 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$619
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $619 found 5 days ago
Virgin Australia
Tue, Mar 31 - Sat, Apr 4
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$621 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$621
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Tue, Mar 31 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, Apr 4, priced at $621 found 5 days ago
Airnorth Regional
Sun, Jul 5 - Sat, Jul 11
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$622 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$622
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Airnorth Regional flight, departing Sun, Jul 5 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, Jul 11, priced at $622 found 1 day ago
Qantas Airways
Sun, May 10 - Fri, May 29
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$626 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$626
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Sun, May 10 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Fri, May 29, priced at $626 found 1 day ago
Airnorth Regional
Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$632 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$632
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Airnorth Regional flight, departing Sat, May 2 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $632 found 2 days ago
Airnorth Regional
Sun, May 10 - Fri, May 29
DRW
Darwin
CNS
Cairns
$637 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$637
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Airnorth Regional flight, departing Sun, May 10 from Darwin to Cairns, returning Fri, May 29, priced at $637 found 1 day ago

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $220 and cheap return flights from $524 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $238 and $1368, and return flights often range between $813 and $1121. 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DRW to CNS is May 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Qantas Airways operates around 12 direct flights from DRW to CNS every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Qantas Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Darwin Intl. (DRW) to Cairns Intl. (CNS), with round-trip tickets starting from around $792. 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin 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 airline to fly with from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Darwin, NT (DRW) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Qantas Airways offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Qantas Airways typically offers the lowest fares. Virgin Australia offers the most daily flights from DRW to CNS, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin 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.
How many flights per day from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
You can find approximately 2 nonstop flights per day from Darwin Intl. (DRW) to Cairns Intl. (CNS). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Darwin (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) generally departs at around 12:10 AM, operated by Jetstar. This seasonal service is available in January, February, March, November, and December, allowing you to make the most of your time in Queensland. 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Darwin (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) are in the early morning, from midnight to 3am. About 38% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar Airways, provide flights during this period. This timing works well for travelers looking to maximize their time in Cairns upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Direct flights from DRW to CNS usually take about 2 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 1,041 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 1 hour to your journey. 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the DRW to CNS route with Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways.
How much is a business class flight from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
A non-stop, one-way business class flight from Darwin (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) is usually around $463 - $992. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin 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 Darwin Intl. (DRW)?
If you're planning to travel to Cairns from Darwin Intl. (DRW), you can fly into Cairns Intl. (CNS) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Tullamarine (MEL), Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD), ADL (ADL) 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin 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 Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
If you booked your Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin 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
Darwin Intl.
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Airlines serving
Airnorth Regional, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Roundtrip price
$524
Distance
1040 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 32 mins

Book with confidence

Darwin to Cairns Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Darwin 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 Darwin to Cairns are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Darwin to Cairns with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Darwin to Cairns

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin to Cairns in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $220 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 Darwin 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 Darwin 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.

 

Darwin to Cairns Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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*Available to One Key members.