How often are flights from San Francisco to Cairns delayed?

Historically, on average around 14% of flights between San Francisco and Cairns have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 180 minutes.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week which experiences the fewest number of delays on this flight route. Wednesday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

What is the most punctual flight time for San Francisco to Cairns flights?

Generally, flights departing in the early afternoon tend to experience fewer delays. Flights at night have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco to Cairns?

Qantas Airways is the most popular carrier operating from San Francisco to Cairns

Which airline has the best punctuality record on San Francisco to Cairns flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the least number of delays on this route over the last 12 months; with about 13% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?

Prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?

As of January 2026, there are 2 operators available to choose from for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport.

How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Cairns Airport can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Cairns Airport. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

$463 Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Cairns in 2026

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6:25 pm - 1:40 pm

SFO

CNS

26h 15m

2 stops

6:00 am - 10:20 am

CNS

SFO

21h 20m

2 stops

$1,197Multiple Airlines

Mon, May 11 - Mon, May 18

10:05 pm - 4:55 pm

SFO

CNS

25h 50m

2 stops

3:35 pm - 12:55 pm

CNS

SFO

38h 20m

2 stops

$1,208Air New Zealand

Mon, May 11 - Mon, May 18

6:25 pm - 1:40 pm

SFO

CNS

26h 15m

2 stops

7:10 pm - 10:20 am

CNS

SFO

32h 10m

2 stops

$1,242Multiple Airlines

Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9

10:40 pm - 10:45 am

SFO

CNS

43h 05m

2 stops

3:35 pm - 12:55 pm

CNS

SFO

38h 20m

2 stops

$1,271Air New Zealand

Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9

1:20 pm - 3:55 pm

SFO

CNS

33h 35m

2 stops

6:00 am - 10:20 am

CNS

SFO

21h 20m

2 stops

$1,304Multiple Airlines

Thu, Apr 23 - Fri, May 1

3:17 pm - 5:10 pm

SFO

CNS

32h 53m

2 stops

11:40 am - 2:45 pm

CNS

SFO

20h 05m

1 stop

$1,318Multiple Airlines

Mon, May 11 - Mon, May 18

4:45 pm - 4:30 am

SFO

CNS

42h 45m

1 stop

11:40 am - 2:45 pm

CNS

SFO

20h 05m

1 stop

$1,346Multiple Airlines

Mon, May 11 - Mon, May 18

4:45 pm - 4:30 am

SFO

CNS

42h 45m

1 stop

11:40 am - 2:45 pm

CNS

SFO

20h 05m

1 stop

$1,347Multiple Airlines

Mon, May 11 - Mon, May 18

4:30 pm - 11:00 am

SFO

CNS

24h 30m

2 stops

6:00 am - 7:57 pm

CNS

SFO

30h 57m

2 stops

$1,376Multiple Airlines

Wed, Jan 28 - Thu, May 14

11:20 am - 2:55 pm

SFO

CNS

33h 35m

2 stops

6:00 am - 10:39 am

CNS

SFO

21h 39m

2 stops

$1,379Air Canada

Sat, Mar 7 - Wed, Mar 11

Air New Zealand flights from San Francisco to Cairns

Our best Air New Zealand deals on San Francisco to Cairns flight tickets

Air New Zealand

May 11

SFO10:05 pmSan Francisco

25h 50m

2 stops

CNS4:55 pmCairns

May 18

CNS3:35 pmCairns

38h 20m

2 stops

SFO12:55 pmSan Francisco

$1,208

Air New Zealand

May 2

SFO10:40 pmSan Francisco

43h 05m

2 stops

CNS10:45 amCairns

May 9

CNS3:35 pmCairns

38h 20m

2 stops

SFO12:55 pmSan Francisco

$1,271

Air New Zealand

May 2

SFO10:45 pmSan Francisco

43h 00m

1 stop

CNS10:45 amCairns

May 9

CNS3:35 pmCairns

38h 20m

2 stops

SFO12:55 pmSan Francisco

$1,409

Qantas Airways flights from San Francisco to Cairns

Our best Qantas Airways deals on San Francisco to Cairns flight tickets

Qantas Airways

Jan 28

SFO4:30 pmSan Francisco

24h 30m

2 stops

CNS11:00 amCairns

May 15

CNS3:35 pmCairns

25h 14m

2 stops

SFO11:49 pmSan Francisco

$1,396

Qantas Airways

Apr 23

SFO7:45 pmSan Francisco

28h 50m

2 stops

CNS5:35 pmCairns

May 1

CNS1:40 pmCairns

21h 05m

1 stop

SFO5:45 pmSan Francisco

$1,448

Qantas Airways

Jan 28

SFO4:30 pmSan Francisco

25h 20m

2 stops

CNS11:50 amCairns

May 15

CNS3:35 pmCairns

25h 14m

2 stops

SFO11:49 pmSan Francisco

$1,478

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Mon 5/11

6:25 pm-1:40 pm

2 stops26h 15m

Cairns

Mon 5/18

6:00 am-10:20 am

2 stops21h 20m

$1,197

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Mon 5/11

10:05 pm-4:55 pm

2 stops25h 50m

Cairns

Mon 5/18

3:35 pm-12:55 pm

2 stops38h 20m

$1,208

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Sat 5/2

6:25 pm-1:40 pm

2 stops26h 15m

Cairns

Sat 5/9

7:10 pm-10:20 am

2 stops32h 10m

$1,242

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Sat 5/2

10:40 pm-10:45 am

2 stops43h 05m

Cairns

Sat 5/9

3:35 pm-12:55 pm

2 stops38h 20m

$1,271

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Thu 4/23

1:20 pm-3:55 pm

2 stops33h 35m

Cairns

Fri 5/1

6:00 am-10:20 am

2 stops21h 20m

$1,304

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Mon 5/11

3:17 pm-5:10 pm

2 stops32h 53m

Cairns

Mon 5/18

11:40 am-2:45 pm

1 stop20h 05m

$1,318

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Mon 5/11

4:45 pm-4:30 am

1 stop42h 45m

Cairns

Mon 5/18

11:40 am-2:45 pm

1 stop20h 05m

$1,346

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Mon 5/11

4:45 pm-4:30 am

1 stop42h 45m

Cairns

Mon 5/18

11:40 am-2:45 pm

1 stop20h 05m

$1,347

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Wed 1/28

4:30 pm-11:00 am

2 stops24h 30m

Cairns

Thu 5/14

6:00 am-7:57 pm

2 stops30h 57m

$1,376

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Sat 3/7

11:20 am-2:55 pm

2 stops33h 35m

Cairns

Wed 3/11

6:00 am-10:39 am

2 stops21h 39m

$1,379

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Cairns

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Delays

Can stopping save me money on San Francisco to Cairns flights?

You could potentially save up to 64% on your flight if you consider stops on a San Francisco to Cairns flight.

When to book flights from San Francisco to Cairns

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from San Francisco to Cairns according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated round-trip price

Cheap San Francisco to Cairns (SFO to CNS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from San Francisco to Cairns

Fastest flight time	19h 40m
Direct flights	None

The fastest flight from San Francisco to Cairns takes 19h 40m

There are no direct flights from San Francisco to Cairns. There are no popular flight routes from San Francisco to Cairns.

Search flight deals

How far is San Francisco to Cairns by plane?
There are 7020.0 mi between San Francisco and Cairns. Typically, this will take 19h 40m by plane in normal conditions.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?
Prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport are updated daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?
As of January 2026, there are 2 operators available to choose from for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport.
How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?
The travel and health documents required for your trip to Cairns Airport can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Cairns Airport. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.
What is the most popular airline from San Francisco to Cairns?
Based on momondo bookings for flights between San Francisco and Cairns, the leading airline is Fiji Airways, making up 58% of the total bookings. Other popular airlines include Qantas Airways with 42%.

Best airlines flying from San Francisco to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from San Francisco to Cairns with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Fiji Airways	PriceFrom $368	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 216 reviews		Search Fiji Airways flights
Qantas Airways	PriceFrom $1,213	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.5 971 reviews		Search Qantas Airways flights

Port Douglas

Mission Beach

Palm Cove

Trinity Beach

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from San Francisco to Cairns?

We help find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agents and helps you filter them to find the best flight from San Francisco to Cairns for you.

Can I find flights from San Francisco to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

All flight searches from San Francisco to Cairns on momondo can be filtered to show those which offer flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from San Francisco to Cairns?

Once you have performed a search for San Francisco to Cairns flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a flight from San Francisco to Cairns right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes momondo offers price alerts on flights to Cairns from San Francisco. After performing a search on this page you should be able to see the price alert set up feature. Simply provide a valid email address and momondo will instantly alert you when prices change.

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Cheap flights from San Francisco to Cairns from $463

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Cairns departing on 2/27. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Air New Zealand flights from San Francisco to Cairns

Our best Air New Zealand deals on San Francisco to Cairns flight tickets

Qantas Airways flights from San Francisco to Cairns

Our best Qantas Airways deals on San Francisco to Cairns flight tickets

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Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San Francisco to Cairns that are best for you.

See travel insights to Cairns from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Cairns

Can stopping save me money on San Francisco to Cairns flights?

You could potentially save up to 64% on your flight if you consider stops on a San Francisco to Cairns flight.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco to Cairns?

Qantas Airways is the most popular carrier operating from San Francisco to Cairns

How often are flights from San Francisco to Cairns delayed?

Historically, on average around 14% of flights between San Francisco and Cairns have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 180 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for San Francisco to Cairns flights?

Generally, flights departing in the early afternoon tend to experience fewer delays. Flights at night have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week which experiences the fewest number of delays on this flight route. Wednesday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on San Francisco to Cairns flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the least number of delays on this route over the last 12 months; with about 13% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

When to book flights from San Francisco to Cairns

Cheap San Francisco to Cairns (SFO to CNS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from San Francisco to Cairns

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

How far is San Francisco to Cairns by plane?

When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?

How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Cairns Airport?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

What is the most popular airline from San Francisco to Cairns?

Best airlines flying from San Francisco to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from San Francisco to Cairns with momondo

Traveling to a place near Cairns?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from San Francisco to Cairns?

Can I find flights from San Francisco to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from San Francisco to Cairns?

I’m not ready to book a flight from San Francisco to Cairns right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Cairns trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to Australia

Airports servicing Queensland