Flying from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS): what you need to know
There are two main airports to choose from in Seattle. Explore your options departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Lake Union Sea Plane Base (LKE) when planning your flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS).
The timezone in Cairns is UTC+10, which is 17 hours ahead of Seattle. Cairns Airport is located in Cairns.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for stress-free travel. Make sure you're at the airport on time to board your flight from Seattle to CNS.
Popular months like July or high seasons such as summer and spring break will mean bigger waits at check-in and security. Play it safe and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and up four hours ahead of international flights is a smart idea.
Airports in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Whether you're eager to visit a new place along the way or just have a break, we make it a cinch to find a flight with a stopover. To compare your options departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Haneda Airport (HND) is a stop you can make during your flight from Seattle to CNS.
SEA is about 23 kilometres from the centre of Seattle. To help you work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This useful traveller tool will show you the quickest route and available public transport options.
Catching an early flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by picking one of these stays close to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
Lake Union Sea Plane Base (LKE)
Think about adding a stop at Haneda Airport (HND). It's a key stopover on a flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS) departing Lake Union Sea Plane Base. Use a longer layover to explore nearby, or take advantage of a quick break to visit an airport cafe.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Seattle to LKE in about 23 minutes. The terminal is roughly 3 kilometres away, and getting there by car will take approximately 11 minutes.
Kick off your vacation early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Seattle to CNS, unwind in one of these hotels close to Lake Union Sea Plane Base:
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport. Book one of these accommodation options near CNS instead:
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
Cairns Airport is approximately 6 kilometres from central Cairns. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is about 10 minutes.
Travelling on public transport takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS)
For a one-way ticket from Seattle to Cairns Airport, C$818 is the cheapest price. You can also book a return flight from just C$1,879. These are currently the lowest fares but are subject to change depending on availability.
We recommend booking as soon as possible to lock in flight tickets from Seattle to CNS. You're more likely to bag a bargain and enjoy a larger selection of flight times and dates.
Getting flight tickets from Seattle to Cairns Airport is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to see the best prices across each month and land a great deal.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a deal you can't miss. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you time searching for flight tickets from Seattle to CNS every day.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Seattle to Cairns Airport.
The best time to fly from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS)
July is the busiest month to board a flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to visit Cairns, consider the pace you prefer to travel at.
Before you book a flight from Seattle to CNS, think about the type of weather you enjoy. January is the warmest month in Cairns, with the temperature ranging from 23ºC to 31ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport in August when temperatures average between 16ºC and 25ºC.
More about Cairns
Start your Cairns trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport, check out our range of hotels including:
Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station and Cairns Esplanade Western High Water Pier are just two of the top attractions to put on your Cairns itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Complete your Cairns trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport isn't the only thing we're good at. Check out our car rentals in Cairns and have more freedom to explore. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.