Traveling from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS): What you need to know
There are a couple of airports to choose from in Seattle. Explore your options leaving from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE) when reserving 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.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Seattle to CNS. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid sprinting to your gate.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself some extra wiggle room. The recommendation for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Whether you're hoping to visit a new city on the way or just have a break, we make it a breeze 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 when searching for cheap flights from Seattle to CNS.
Located around 14 miles from central Seattle, SEA can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 55 minutes.
Want an easy start to your vacation? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has a strong on-time performance, making delays less likely. Departures from SEA land at their destination as scheduled 81.27% of the time.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
LKE is about 2 miles from central Seattle. It'll take 10 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city center. Public transport takes approximately 25 minutes.
Taking off bright and early? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport the day before your Seattle to CNS flight:
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
Have a late flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport? Don't let it rob you of real rest. Stay at one of these hotels near CNS and be in snooze mode sooner:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Cairns Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals or East Coast and experience the lesser-explored corners of Cairns and beyond.
Booking your ride around two weeks in advance of your Seattle to Cairns Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
The center of Cairns is around 3 miles from Cairns Airport. Travel times by car rental or cab will vary depending on time of day and traffic conditions, so do a little research ahead of your trip.
Traveling on public transport takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS)
$649 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Seattle to Cairns Airport. Return flights start at $1,269. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
To find cheap flights from Seattle to CNS, book ahead. Airlines generally offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest Seattle to Cairns Airport tickets across each month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Finding a cheap plane ticket from Seattle to CNS is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as a better deal is available.
Filters make it easier to track down a bargain for your flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport. Choose the airlines, flight times and number of stops that work for you. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS)
February is the quietest month for flights from Seattle to Cairns Airport (CNS), while July is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to visit Cairns based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Cairns is January, with temperatures ranging between 73ºF and 88ºF. Book your Seattle to CNS plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Search for cheap tickets from Seattle to Cairns Airport in August if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 61ºF and 77ºF.
More about Cairns
Start your Cairns trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Seattle to Cairns Airport, check out our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city, it can be hard to work out where to begin. Great Barrier Reef, Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard are leading attractions which should feature on every Cairns itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Cairns has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Australia just waiting to be discovered. About 180 miles south of Cairns, a visit to Townsville will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with popular sights like Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Reef HQ and Botanic Gardens.
Around 180 miles south-east of Cairns, North Ward is another favorite stop in Australia. Experience major highlights starting with The Strand Jetty, Ocean Siren Statue and The Drill Hall Studio.
