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Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Cairns (CNS)

View AU$1,166 flight on Sun, 6 Dec 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Cairns (CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Air Canada
Mon, 9 Nov - Sat, 21 Nov
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$1,914 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$1,914
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Mon, 9 Nov from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Sat, 21 Nov, priced at AU$1,914 found 2 days ago
Air Canada
Mon, 9 Nov - Sat, 21 Nov
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$1,962 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$1,962
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Mon, 9 Nov from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Sat, 21 Nov, priced at AU$1,962 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Mon, 9 Nov - Sat, 21 Nov
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,076 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$2,076
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Mon, 9 Nov from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Sat, 21 Nov, priced at AU$2,076 found 2 days ago
United
Mon, 9 Nov - Sat, 21 Nov
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,121 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$2,121
Return
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, 9 Nov from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Sat, 21 Nov, priced at AU$2,121 found 2 days ago
United
Mon, 9 Nov - Sat, 21 Nov
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,128 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$2,128
Return
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, 9 Nov from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Sat, 21 Nov, priced at AU$2,128 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, 25 Aug - Mon, 31 Aug
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,160 Return, found 5 days ago
AU$2,160
Return
found 5 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, 25 Aug from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Mon, 31 Aug, priced at AU$2,160 found 5 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, 27 Aug - Wed, 2 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,184 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$2,184
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, 27 Aug from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Wed, 2 Sept, priced at AU$2,184 found 2 days ago
Air Canada
Mon, 9 Nov - Sat, 21 Nov
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,187 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$2,187
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Mon, 9 Nov from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Sat, 21 Nov, priced at AU$2,187 found 2 days ago
Qantas Airways
Fri, 4 Sept - Fri, 11 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,282 Return, found 6 days ago
AU$2,282
Return
found 6 days ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Fri, 4 Sept from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Fri, 11 Sept, priced at AU$2,282 found 6 days ago
American Airlines
Wed, 18 Nov - Sat, 5 Dec
SFO
San Francisco
CNS
Cairns
AU$2,289 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$2,289
Return
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, 18 Nov from San Francisco to Cairns, returning Sat, 5 Dec, priced at AU$2,289 found 1 day ago

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) cost?
You can find one-way and return flights from SFO to CNS with Expedia. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see our cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when SFO to CNS ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The cheapest months to fly from SFO to CNS are typically during off-peak season when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you are able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Enter SFO to CNS and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Alaska Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting return flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), with prices starting from around AU$2106 for flights that can be booked for departure within the next year. These flights typically include a layover in Daniel K. Inouye Intl. (HNL). These prices are per adult for economy/coach class. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
How do I find cheap flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
There are approximately 28 connecting flights per day from San Francisco International (SFO) to Cairns International (CNS). Some common connection points include Los Angeles International (LAX), Hong Kong International (HKG), and Vancouver International (YVR).
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Cairns Intl. (CNS) typically departs around 12:05 AM. This service is seasonal, active only in September, and is operated by airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Qantas Airways. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cairns International Airport (CNS) on a Sunday, with around 25 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include American Airlines, United, and Delta. Looking at the week, Sunday offers notably more flight options compared to other days, ensuring you have a good selection to choose from.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Cairns Intl. (CNS) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. Many major carriers, including Delta, Air Canada and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer this because it allows you to make the most of your day in San Francisco before your flight, and you'll arrive in Cairns ready to start your adventure.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
There are no nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cairns International Airport (CNS). The distance between these two airports is approximately 11,300 kilometres. Flights with one stop typically take around 22 hours, while flights with two or more stops usually take a bit longer, averaging about 24 hours. Keep in mind that these are average travel times, and your actual flight duration can vary depending on the specific routing, layover times, and even factors like wind patterns.
Can you fly business or first class from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Yes, you can fly business class between SFO and CNS. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
  • Fiji Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Air Canada
  • Qantas Airways
  • United
  • American Airlines
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Cairns, QLD (CNS) from San Francisco, CA (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Cairns from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly directly into Cairns Intl. (CNS) which offers international flights and connections. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Vancouver Intl. (YVR), or Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) before reaching Cairns. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
San Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines
Return price
AU$1,914
Distance
11235 km

Book with confidence

Your quick guide to flights from San Francisco to Cairns

Pick up great flights from San Francisco to Cairns

With Expedia, you have your pick of flights a day with 20 airlines covering flights from San Francisco to Cairns. Whether you’re on a business trip, a family holiday or a luxury break, just enter your travel dates, hit search then check out your choice of flights. Select from return, one way or multi-city flights, and use the advance search tool if you want a direct or refundable flight. You can narrow your search to show you just your preferred cabin class and airline, too. It’s all easy. You can book direct flights from San Francisco to Cairns that take around hours.

Find cheap flights from San Francisco to Cairns

From the great flight deals with prices currently ranging from AU$1,914 to AU$2,289, you can choose to see the cheapest flights first. Generally, you can book the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Cairns around 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid weekends and peak seasons – when you are more likely to grab the lowest prices. Even last minute, there are some impressive deals. The cheapest time to fly to Cairns is normally in November.

Reasons to book your flight from San Francisco to Cairns with Expedia

Expedia makes it easy to find, book, and travel, with everything you need all in one place. When you enter your travel details, find fantastic deals just for you on flight tickets from San Francisco to Cairns across all the main airline carriers, so you can save time, dollars, and hassle finding the perfect flight. If you think your plans could change, choose refundable flights so any changes won’t cost you more. Book your flight to Cairns right now and, if you join Expedia Rewards, you earn points this time and every time you travel with Expedia.

Your quick guide to flights from San Francisco to Cairns

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*Available to Expedia members.