Cairns to Brisbane Flights CNSBNE

Cairns International Airport Brisbane International Airport

🇦🇺 Cairns, AU 🇦🇺 Brisbane, AU

The Cairns to Brisbane route connects Cairns International Airport (CNS) in AU with Brisbane International Airport (BNE) in AU. This short-haul flight covers approximately 865 miles (1392 km) with a typical flight time of 1h 57m. This route is served by 4 airlines: Alliance Airlines, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 17 daily flights on this route.

About This Route

Route Overview

The flight from Cairns International Airport (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE) is a popular domestic route in Australia, covering a distance of 865 miles (1392 km). With approximately 187 weekly flights operated by 4 airlines, it's a well-serviced connection point for international travelers arriving in Cairns and heading further south. The flight typically takes around 2 hours, making it a quick and convenient way to travel between these two major Queensland cities. Many travelers choose this route to connect to international flights from Brisbane or to explore the diverse attractions of Southeast Queensland after experiencing the Great Barrier Reef and other natural wonders of Northern Queensland.

Travel Tips

For the best deals, book your flight well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season. Consider flying mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) for potentially lower fares. At Cairns Airport, allow ample time to navigate security, especially during busy periods. Brisbane Airport is well-signposted; familiarize yourself with the terminal layout to streamline connections. On board, expect standard domestic flight service with options to purchase snacks and drinks. A travel hack: bring an empty water bottle to fill after security to stay hydrated. Keep an eye on your baggage allowance to avoid any unexpected fees.

Destination Highlights

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, offers a vibrant mix of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Top attractions include South Bank Parklands, a 17-hectare oasis on the Brisbane River; the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA); and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Explore the trendy Fortitude Valley for live music and nightlife, or wander through the historic Paddington with its charming boutiques. Don't miss out on the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and modern Australian fare. A must-try is Moreton Bay bugs, a unique local crustacean.

Best Time to Fly

The best time to fly depends on your priorities. Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm weather year-round. Peak travel times are during school holidays (December-January, April, and July) and during major events like the Brisbane Festival in September. For better value and pleasant weather, consider flying during the shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November). The winter months (June-August) offer mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

AI-Generated Content: This information was compiled using AI from web sources on Dec 25, 2025. Content may not be current; please verify with airlines before booking.

Airport Information

Departure Airport

Cairns International Airport

ICAO Code:
YBCS
IATA Code:
CNS
City:
🇦🇺 Cairns
Country:
AU
Elevation:
10 ft

Destination Airport

Brisbane International Airport

ICAO Code:
YBBN
IATA Code:
BNE
City:
🇦🇺 Brisbane
Country:
AU
Elevation:
13 ft

Route Statistics

4

Operators

17

Daily Flights

865

Miles

1h 57m

Flight Duration

Route Map

Great Circle
Flight route map from Cairns to Brisbane

Operating Airlines

Airline ICAO IATA
Alliance Airlines UTY QQ
Virgin Australia VOZ VA
Jetstar JST JQ
Qantas QFA QF

Flight Schedule Pattern

Day Flights Observed Frequency Activity
Monday 36 14%
Tuesday 40 15%
Wednesday 23 9%
Thursday 26 10%
Friday 51 20%
Saturday 65 25%
Sunday 19 7%

Pattern Analysis

Data Points: 260
API observations used to build this analysis
Weekdays: 176 flights
Weekend: 84 flights
Business Route More active on weekdays

All Flight Routes

4 Routes
Note: This table shows aggregated route data by airline. Each airline may operate multiple daily flights at different times. See the "Spotted Departure Times" section below for all observed departure times.
Airline Flight Numbers Aircraft Type Typical Time Days Active Last Seen Status
UTY1881 UTY1883 UTY1889 UTY1885 UTY1887 E190 09:20 9:20 AM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
Jan 30, 2026 Active
Jetstar
JST / JQ
JST929 JST931 JST933 JST935 A320 09:55 9:55 AM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
Jan 30, 2026 Active
Qantas
QFA / QF
QFA7313 QFA713 B738 14:50 2:50 PM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
Jan 28, 2026 Active
VOZ770 VOZ776 VOZ784 VOZ786 VOZ780 B738 09:15 9:15 AM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
Jan 30, 2026 Active
Total Routes: 4
Active Routes: 4
Unique Airlines: 4
Aircraft Types: 4

Spotted Departure Times

Departure Time Operator ICAO IATA
09:15 9:15 AM Virgin Australia VOZ VA
09:20 9:20 AM Alliance Airlines UTY QQ
09:55 9:55 AM Jetstar JST JQ
14:50 2:50 PM Qantas QFA QF

Time Information

Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (UTC).

Total Departure Times: 4
Time Range:
09:15 - 14:50
These are typical departure times observed from actual flights. Times may vary by season and schedule changes.