Travelling from Osaka to Cairns Airport (CNS): What you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your journey from in Osaka. Explore your options leaving from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Kobe Airport (UKB) when planning your flight from Osaka to Cairns Airport (CNS).
Expect to be travelling for 7 hours 10 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct Osaka to Cairns Airport flight.
Cairns Airport is located in Cairns. The city follows the UTC+10 timezone and is one hour ahead of Osaka.
The busiest route is from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Cairns Airport (CNS). You can pick from 4 direct services every week. Jetstar operates a 9:25pm departure between KIX and CNS.
To ensure you get on your flight from Osaka to CNS, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
If you're taking off during a bank holiday or other peak period, allow for even more time. Get there two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
Airports in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport (KIX) makes it easy to travel directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Osaka to Cairns Airport (CNS) take off from this terminal.
When taking off from KIX, you can take a direct flight from Osaka to Cairns Airport with Jetstar.
Most travellers prefer to book seats with Jetstar between KIX and CNS.
Jetstar is the leading carrier for punctuality on this route, with 85.71% of services landing on schedule.
We make it easy to find cheap flights from Osaka to CNS that include a stopover. To explore your options departing from Kansai International Airport (KIX), uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Major stopovers between KIX and CNS include:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
To reach KIX from central Osaka, it takes about 45 minutes to drive the 48 kms (30 miles) or so.
Need a handy place to stay before your flight from Osaka to Cairns Airport? First Cabin Kansai Airport and Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport - 3 Mins Walk to the Airport are near Kansai International Airport. They're a particularly great choice if you're jetting out early.
When it comes to Kansai International Airport's on-time performance, 67.95% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
KIX is located at 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
Consider adding a stopover to your journey at Haneda Airport (HND). It's a key transfer point for flights from Osaka to Cairns Airport (CNS) departing Itami Airport.
Driving from central Osaka to ITM usually takes 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The distance from the city centre to the airport is around 16 kms (10 miles).
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your Osaka to CNS flight? Relax in a hotel near Itami Airport before your holiday officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Itami Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77.41%.
The address for ITM is 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
If you're heading to UKB from central Osaka, it takes around 45 minutes to arrive by car. The journey is roughly 40 kms (25 miles).
Make catching an early Osaka to Cairns Airport flight the easiest part of your journey. Stay at one of these hotels near Kobe Airport and get to your check-in counter feeling relaxed and unhurried:
UKB has a stellar on-time arrivals performance of 85.15%, so you can rely on your flight to stay on schedule and land as expected.
You'll find Kobe Airport at 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Osaka to Cairns Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options near CNS instead:
Follow your own route with a Cairns Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals or East Coast and find adventure across Cairns and beyond.
Booking your vehicle around two weeks in advance of your Osaka to Cairns Airport flight can help you find the best deal.
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
The centre of Cairns is roughly 3 miles from Cairns Airport. Journey times by car hire or cab will vary depending on time of day and traffic conditions, so do some research ahead of time.
Travelling by public transport takes about 1 hour 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Osaka to Cairns Airport (CNS)
At the moment, £132 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Osaka to Cairns Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is £282. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking in advance is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from Osaka to CNS. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Affordable Osaka to Cairns Airport tickets are easier to find when your dates are flexible. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares throughout the month and then choose the cheapest day.
Finding a cheap plane ticket from Osaka to CNS is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Discover the best deal on a flight from Osaka to Cairns Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
The best time to fly from Osaka to Cairns Airport (CNS)
Think about the kind of holiday you want when deciding the best time to fly. February is the quietest month to visit Cairns. July is when most people book flights from Osaka to Cairns Airport (CNS), which may be ideal if you're chasing more action.
Before locking in your Osaka to CNS plane ticket, consider what kind of weather you prefer. January is the warmest month in Cairns, with temperatures ranging from 23ºC (73ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Osaka to Cairns Airport in August when temperatures are between 16ºC (61ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).
More about Cairns
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Cairns right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Osaka to Cairns Airport:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Great Barrier Reef, Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard are essential stops on your Cairns itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Cairns will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of Australia just waiting to be discovered. About 290 kms (180 miles) south of Cairns, a trip to Townsville will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading attractions like Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Reef HQ and Botanic Gardens.
Around 290 kms (180 miles) south-east of Cairns, North Ward is another favourite stop in Australia. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at The Strand Jetty, Ocean Siren Statue and The Drill Hall Studio.