Direct (nonstop) flights from Cairns to Darwin

1 airline flys nonstop from Cairns International (CNS) to Darwin Intl (DRW). It's 1,041 miles (1,676 km), about 2h 40m in the air. Operated by Qantas.

CNS
Cairns International
🇦🇺 Cairns, Australia
DRW
Darwin Intl
🇦🇺 Darwin, Australia
Flight Time
2h 40m
Distance
1,041 mi
1,676 km
CO₂/pax
176 kg
−48 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Qantas
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Qantas Qantas

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Qantas QF Qantas
Route
CNS → DRW
Flight Time
2h 40m
Distance
1,041 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Cairns to Darwin with one stop · direct emits 176 kg CO₂ per passenger

CNS GOV (Gove) DRW
Leg 1: 1h 50m (676 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (401 mi) Total: ~3h 🍃 224 kg CO₂ (+27% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → GOV
1h 50m · 676 mi
View CNS to GOV flights →
Leg 2
GOV → DRW
1h 10m · 401 mi
View GOV to DRW flights →
CNS TSV (Townsville) DRW
Leg 1: 55m (176 mi) Leg 2: 2h 50m (1,157 mi) Total: ~3h 45m 🍃 254 kg CO₂ (+44% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → TSV
55m · 176 mi
View CNS to TSV flights →
Leg 2
TSV → DRW
2h 50m · 1,157 mi
View TSV to DRW flights →
CNS ASP (Alice Springs) DRW
Leg 1: 2h 20m (903 mi) Leg 2: 2h 10m (808 mi) Total: ~4h 30m 🍃 342 kg CO₂ (+94% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → ASP
2h 20m · 903 mi
View CNS to ASP flights →
Leg 2
ASP → DRW
2h 10m · 808 mi
View ASP to DRW flights →
CNS BNE (Brisbane) DRW
Leg 1: 2h 15m (863 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,771 mi) Total: ~6h 30m 🍃 484 kg CO₂ (+175% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → BNE
2h 15m · 863 mi
View CNS to BNE flights →
Leg 2
BNE → DRW
4h 15m · 1,771 mi
View BNE to DRW flights →
CNS OOL (Coolangatta (Gold Coast)) DRW
Leg 1: 2h 15m (921 mi) Leg 2: 4h 25m (1,819 mi) Total: ~6h 40m 🍃 502 kg CO₂ (+185% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → OOL
2h 15m · 921 mi
View CNS to OOL flights →
Leg 2
OOL → DRW
4h 25m · 1,819 mi
View OOL to DRW flights →

Looking for the return flight?

DRW → CNS: Flights from Darwin to Cairns

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Cairns to Darwin?

A nonstop flight from Cairns (CNS) to Darwin (DRW) takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. The distance is 1,041 miles (1,676 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Cairns to Darwin?

Just Qantas.

Is there a nonstop flight from Cairns to Darwin?

Yes. 1 airline: Qantas.

How far is Cairns from Darwin?

The flight distance from Cairns to Darwin is 1,041 miles (1,676 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Miami.

What type of aircraft flies from Cairns to Darwin?

At 2h 40m, 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 Darwin?

Roughly 176 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 880 km.

Is the return flight from Darwin 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 Darwin?

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.