Direct (nonstop) flights from Cairns to Townsville

3 airlines fly nonstop from Cairns International (CNS) to Townsville (TSV). It's 176 miles (284 km), about 55m in the air. Operated by Qantas, Skytrans, Rex Airlines.

CNS
Cairns International
🇦🇺 Cairns, Australia
TSV
Townsville
🇦🇺 Townsville, Australia
Flight Time
55m
Distance
176 mi
284 km
CO₂/pax
33 kg
−297 kg vs. layover
Airlines
3
Qantas +2
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by Qantas Qantas Skytrans Skytrans Rex Airlines Rex Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Qantas QF Qantas
Route
CNS → TSV
Flight Time
55m
Distance
176 mi
Skytrans QN Skytrans
Route
CNS → TSV
Flight Time
55m
Distance
176 mi
Rex Airlines ZL Rex Airlines
Route
CNS → TSV
Flight Time
55m
Distance
176 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Cairns to Townsville with one stop · direct emits 33 kg CO₂ per passenger

CNS LAB (Lablab) TSV
Leg 1: 1h 30m (789 mi) Leg 2: 55m (940 mi) Total: ~2h 25m 🍃 330 kg CO₂ (+900% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → LAB
1h 30m · 789 mi
View CNS to LAB flights →
Leg 2
LAB → TSV
55m · 940 mi
View LAB to TSV flights →
CNS ISA (Mount Isa) TSV
Leg 1: 2h 5m (486 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (483 mi) Total: ~3h 55m 🍃 204 kg CO₂ (+518% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → ISA
2h 5m · 486 mi
View CNS to ISA flights →
Leg 2
ISA → TSV
1h 50m · 483 mi
View ISA to TSV flights →
CNS BNE (Brisbane) TSV
Leg 1: 2h 15m (863 mi) Leg 2: 2h 10m (690 mi) Total: ~4h 25m 🍃 313 kg CO₂ (+848% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → BNE
2h 15m · 863 mi
View CNS to BNE flights →
Leg 2
BNE → TSV
2h 10m · 690 mi
View BNE to TSV flights →
CNS DRW (Darwin) TSV
Leg 1: 2h 40m (1,041 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (1,157 mi) Total: ~5h 20m 🍃 397 kg CO₂ (+1103% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → DRW
2h 40m · 1,041 mi
View CNS to DRW flights →
Leg 2
DRW → TSV
2h 40m · 1,157 mi
View DRW to TSV flights →
CNS SYD (Sydney) TSV
Leg 1: 2h 55m (1,221 mi) Leg 2: 2h 45m (1,046 mi) Total: ~5h 40m 🍃 408 kg CO₂ (+1136% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CNS → SYD
2h 55m · 1,221 mi
View CNS to SYD flights →
Leg 2
SYD → TSV
2h 45m · 1,046 mi
View SYD to TSV flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Cairns to Townsville?

A nonstop flight from Cairns (CNS) to Townsville (TSV) takes approximately 0 hours and 55 minutes. The distance is 176 miles (284 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Cairns to Townsville?

3 airlines: Qantas, Skytrans, Rex Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Cairns to Townsville?

Yes. 3 airlines: Qantas, Skytrans, Rex Airlines.

How far is Cairns from Townsville?

The flight distance from Cairns to Townsville is 176 miles (284 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Washington DC.

What type of aircraft flies from Cairns to Townsville?

At 55m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

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

Roughly 33 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 165 km.

Is the return flight from Townsville 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 Townsville?

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.