Travelling from Dubai to Cairns Airport (CNS): What you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Dubai. Check out your options leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when booking your flight from Dubai to Cairns Airport (CNS).
The timezone in Cairns is UTC+10, which is six hours ahead of Dubai. Cairns Airport is located in Cairns.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your flight from Dubai to CNS.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow even more breathing space. The recommendation for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even explore a different city. When browsing cheap flights from Dubai to CNS departing from Dubai Airport (DXB), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to find out where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Located around 14 kilometres from the centre of Dubai, DXB can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 50 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Dubai to Cairns Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Dubai Airport:
Of the flights that depart from Dubai Airport, 74.31% arrive on time at their destination.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
DWC is around 56 kilometres from central Dubai. It'll take you 45 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes.
Start your holiday sooner with an additional night away from home. Before your Dubai to CNS flight, stay in one of these hotels near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 56.64%.
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
If you have a late flight from Dubai to Cairns Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these options near CNS:
Pick up a Cairns Airport rental car and discover Cairns and beyond with your own wheels. Simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast are top providers you can book with here.
Booking your ride around two weeks ahead of your Dubai to Cairns Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
Cairns Airport is about 5 kilometres from central Cairns. How long it'll take to get there by car hire or cab will depend on the time of day. Do a little research before you go.
Travelling on public transport will take you roughly 1 hour 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Cairns Airport (CNS)
Right now, 329 € is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Cairns Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is 770 €. Remember fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from Dubai to CNS. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest Dubai to Cairns Airport tickets throughout the month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Spend less time searching for cheap plane tickets from Dubai to CNS by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Find the best deal on a flight from Dubai to Cairns Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from Dubai to Cairns Airport (CNS)
It's time to work out when to book your flight from Dubai to Cairns Airport (CNS). July is the busiest month to travel to Cairns. If you like things a bit more low-key, go in February.
The warmest month in Cairns is January, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Lock in your Dubai to CNS plane ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap tickets from Dubai to Cairns Airport in August if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).
More about Cairns
After booking your flight from Dubai to Cairns Airport, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Cairns:
Your Cairns visit wouldn't be complete without a bit of sightseeing. Attractions worth exploring include Great Barrier Reef, Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard.
Explore more of Australia
Townsville is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be explored once you've seen Cairns. Around 290 kilometres away to the south, popular attractions include Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Reef HQ and Botanic Gardens.
If you want to check out another major destination in Australia, consider North Ward, about 290 kilometres south-east of Cairns. The Strand Jetty, Ocean Siren Statue and The Drill Hall Studio are among the biggest draws.
