Flying from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS): what you need to know
Planning your trip starts with working out where you'll leave from in Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS) departing from here.
Cairns is 4 hours 30 minutes ahead of Colombo. Cairns Airport is located in Cairns, which operates on the UTC+10 timezone.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your flight from Colombo to CNS.
Travelling during a peak month like August? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
We make it a breeze to find a flight from Colombo to CNS that includes a stopover. To see your options departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers between CMB and CNS include:
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
CMB is approximately 32 kilometres from central Colombo. To help work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This handy travel app will give you the best route and your public transport options.
Catching an early flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels near Bandaranaike International Airport:
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options near CNS instead:
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
Cairns Airport is approximately 6 kilometres from the centre of Cairns. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 10 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour and 26 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS)
C$581 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Cairns Airport. Return flights start from C$1,178. Prices may vary depending on availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find flight tickets from Colombo to CNS if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
Getting flight tickets from Colombo to Cairns Airport is easier if you're flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest fares across each month and bag a great deal.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Colombo to CNS is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Colombo to Cairns Airport. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS)
July is the most popular month to catch a flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Cairns, consider the pace you like to travel at.
Lock in your flight from Colombo to CNS for January if you're eager to head to the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Cairns to range from 23ºC to 31ºC.
Visit in August if you want to explore when it's cooler. Average temperatures range between 16ºC and 25ºC. However, this city promises a good time whenever you book your cheap flights from Colombo to Cairns Airport.
More about Cairns
After locking in your flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Cairns:
Every great vacation has to include a little sightseeing. Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station, Cairns Esplanade Western High Water Pier and Cairns Botanic Gardens are must-visits when exploring Cairns.
Complete your Cairns trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport to track down your ideal ride. Check out our car rentals in Cairns and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to know, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.
