Direct (nonstop) flights from Cairns to Brisbane

3 airlines fly nonstop from Cairns International (CNS) to Brisbane International (BNE). It's 863 miles (1,389 km), about 2h 15m in the air. Operated by Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia.

CNS
Cairns International
🇦🇺 Cairns, Australia
BNE
Brisbane International
🇦🇺 Brisbane, Australia
Flight Time
2h 15m
Distance
863 mi
1,389 km
CO₂/pax
160 kg
−26 kg vs. layover
Airlines
3
Jetstar +2
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by Jetstar Jetstar Qantas Qantas Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Jetstar JQ Jetstar
Route
CNS → BNE
Flight Time
2h 15m
Distance
863 mi
Qantas QF Qantas
Route
CNS → BNE
Flight Time
2h 15m
Distance
863 mi
Virgin Australia VA Virgin Australia
Route
CNS → BNE
Flight Time
2h 15m
Distance
863 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Cairns to Brisbane with one stop · direct emits 160 kg CO₂ per passenger

CNS TSV (Townsville) BNE
Leg 1: 55m (176 mi) Leg 2: 1h 55m (690 mi) Total: ~2h 50m 🍃 186 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → TSV
55m · 176 mi
View CNS to TSV flights →
Leg 2
TSV → BNE
1h 55m · 690 mi
View TSV to BNE flights →
CNS PPP (Proserpine) BNE
Leg 1: 1h 25m (308 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (556 mi) Total: ~3h 🍃 185 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → PPP
1h 25m · 308 mi
View CNS to PPP flights →
Leg 2
PPP → BNE
1h 35m · 556 mi
View PPP to BNE flights →
CNS MOV (Moranbah) BNE
Leg 1: 1h 45m (387 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (485 mi) Total: ~3h 35m 🍃 187 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → MOV
1h 45m · 387 mi
View CNS to MOV flights →
Leg 2
MOV → BNE
1h 50m · 485 mi
View MOV to BNE flights →
CNS SYD (Sydney) BNE
Leg 1: 2h 55m (1,221 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (464 mi) Total: ~4h 25m 🍃 317 kg CO₂ (+98% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → SYD
2h 55m · 1,221 mi
View CNS to SYD flights →
Leg 2
SYD → BNE
1h 30m · 464 mi
View SYD to BNE flights →
CNS ISA (Mount Isa) BNE
Leg 1: 2h 5m (486 mi) Leg 2: 2h 20m (976 mi) Total: ~4h 25m 🍃 280 kg CO₂ (+75% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → ISA
2h 5m · 486 mi
View CNS to ISA flights →
Leg 2
ISA → BNE
2h 20m · 976 mi
View ISA to BNE flights →

Looking for the return flight?

BNE → CNS: Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Cairns to Brisbane?

A nonstop flight from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE) takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The distance is 863 miles (1,389 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Cairns to Brisbane?

3 airlines: Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia.

Is there a nonstop flight from Cairns to Brisbane?

Yes. 3 airlines: Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia.

How far is Cairns from Brisbane?

The flight distance from Cairns to Brisbane is 863 miles (1,389 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Madrid.

What type of aircraft flies from Cairns to Brisbane?

At 2h 15m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Cairns to Brisbane?

Roughly 160 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 800 km.

Is the return flight from Brisbane to Cairns also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Cairns to Brisbane?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Cairns International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.