Direct (nonstop) flights from Townsville to Cairns

3 airlines fly nonstop from Townsville (TSV) to Cairns International (CNS). It's 176 miles (284 km), about 1h in the air. Operated by Qantas, Skytrans, Rex Airlines.

TSV
Townsville
🇦🇺 Townsville, Australia
CNS
Cairns International
🇦🇺 Cairns, Australia
Flight Time
1h
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 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Qantas QF Qantas
Route
TSV → CNS
Flight Time
1h
Distance
176 mi
Skytrans QN Skytrans
Route
TSV → CNS
Flight Time
1h
Distance
176 mi
Rex Airlines ZL Rex Airlines
Route
TSV → CNS
Flight Time
1h
Distance
176 mi

Alternative Routes

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

TSV LAB (Lablab) CNS
Leg 1: 55m (940 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (789 mi) Total: ~2h 25m 🍃 330 kg CO₂ (+900% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TSV → LAB
55m · 940 mi
View TSV to LAB flights →
Leg 2
LAB → CNS
1h 30m · 789 mi
View LAB to CNS flights →
TSV ISA (Mount Isa) CNS
Leg 1: 1h 45m (483 mi) Leg 2: 2h (486 mi) Total: ~3h 45m 🍃 204 kg CO₂ (+518% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TSV → ISA
1h 45m · 483 mi
View TSV to ISA flights →
Leg 2
ISA → CNS
2h · 486 mi
View ISA to CNS flights →
TSV BNE (Brisbane) CNS
Leg 1: 1h 55m (690 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (863 mi) Total: ~4h 25m 🍃 313 kg CO₂ (+848% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TSV → BNE
1h 55m · 690 mi
View TSV to BNE flights →
Leg 2
BNE → CNS
2h 30m · 863 mi
View BNE to CNS flights →
TSV HID (Horn Island) CNS
Leg 1: 2h 45m (667 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (491 mi) Total: ~4h 30m 🍃 240 kg CO₂ (+627% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TSV → HID
2h 45m · 667 mi
View TSV to HID flights →
Leg 2
HID → CNS
1h 45m · 491 mi
View HID to CNS flights →
TSV DRW (Darwin) CNS
Leg 1: 2h 50m (1,157 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (1,041 mi) Total: ~5h 20m 🍃 397 kg CO₂ (+1103% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TSV → DRW
2h 50m · 1,157 mi
View TSV to DRW flights →
Leg 2
DRW → CNS
2h 30m · 1,041 mi
View DRW to CNS flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Townsville to Cairns?

A nonstop flight from Townsville (TSV) to Cairns (CNS) takes approximately 1 hours. The distance is 176 miles (284 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Townsville to Cairns?

3 airlines: Qantas, Skytrans, Rex Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Townsville to Cairns?

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

How far is Townsville from Cairns?

The flight distance from Townsville to Cairns 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 Townsville to Cairns?

At 1h, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

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

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

Is the return flight from Cairns to Townsville 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 Townsville to Cairns?

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 Townsville for this flight?

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