Traveling from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns Airport (CNS): what you need to know
Around 2 hours 30 minutes is how long you'll be traveling on a direct flight from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport.
The timezone in Cairns is UTC+10, which is 30 minutes ahead of Darwin.
Each week, there are 13 Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport flights. To be on board early, opt for the 07:30 Qantas flight. If you'd rather make the most of your day before flying, the latest flight is at 19:20 with Qantas.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your DRW to CNS flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid sprinting to your gate.
Traveling during a peak time like July? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
A number of airlines operate direct flights from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport, so jetting to Cairns (and then exploring more of Australia!) is easy. Leading carriers that fly nonstop include:
Most passengers choose to travel with Jetstar on this route.
Qantas is the most punctual carrier that offers DRW to CNS flights. An exceptional 80.33% of its departures on this route arrive as planned.
If you'd like to include a stop along the way, just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport. These are the most popular stopovers between DRW and CNS:
Brisbane Airport
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns Airport (CNS)
$202 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport flight. A return flight starts at $405. These fares can change based on availability and demand.
To pick up cheap tickets from DRW to CNS, reserve your journey three months before your departure date.
The cheapest month for flights from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport is February. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest prices if you have flexible dates.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll send you an update as soon as a special offer becomes available on cheap flights from DRW to CNS.
Find the ideal flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Of all flights departing from Darwin International Airport, 73.13% touch down on time at their destination.
Central Darwin to Darwin International Airport is approximately 8 miles. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 15 minutes to get there if you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving.
Catching public transport? Expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near DRW:
Arriving at Cairns Airport (CNS)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport flight. Reserve one of these accommodation options near CNS instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Cairns Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals or East Coast and experience the lesser-explored corners of Cairns and beyond.
For the best deal, book your ride from Cairns Airport about two weeks before you set off.
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
Cairns Airport to the center of Cairns has a drive time of around 10 minutes. It's approximately 4 miles away.
Traveling by public transport takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
When to fly to Cairns Airport (CNS)
The quietest month for a flight from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport is February, while July is the most popular. Choose the best time to visit Cairns based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Lock in your flight from Darwin International Airport to Cairns Airport for January if you'd like to go to Cairns during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 73ºF and 88ºF.
August sees average temperatures of between 61ºF and 77ºF. Look for cheap tickets from DRW to CNS around that time if you like traveling in cooler conditions.
Explore more of Australia
Cairns has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Australia waiting to be explored. About 180 miles south of Cairns, a trip to Townsville will keep your itinerary packed. Start with popular sights like The Strand Beach, Castle Hill and Big Mama Sailing- Magnetic Island & Townsville.
If there's time to check out another well-known destination in Australia, consider Bowen, roughly 270 miles south-east of Cairns. Holbourne Island National Park, The Big Mango and Grays Bay are key highlights.
