Flying from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Cairns Airport is located in Cairns. Following the UTC+2 timezone, Johannesburg is eight hours behind Cairns.
To avoid missing your CNS to Johannesburg flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a peak month like July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
We make it easy to book plane tickets from CNS to Johannesburg with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. The most sought-after stopovers include:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Perth Airport (PER)
CNS is around 5 kilometres from central Cairns. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Want an easy start to your travels? Stay near CNS. Whether you're catching an early flight from Cairns Airport to Johannesburg or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to Cairns Airport's on-time performance, 71.55% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Johannesburg
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Cairns Airport to Johannesburg flight is $1,223. The cheapest price for a return flight is $1,772. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from CNS to Johannesburg if you book ahead. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Cairns Airport to Johannesburg across the month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from CNS to Johannesburg by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save on your flight from Cairns Airport to Johannesburg with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
The distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is roughly 29 kilometres. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Cairns Airport to Johannesburg, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near JNB:
Begin your adventure by picking up an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and experience the lesser-explored corners of Johannesburg and beyond.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from O.R. Tambo International Airport about three weeks ahead of your flight from CNS to Johannesburg.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
The centre of Johannesburg is located around 48 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). After your flight from Cairns Airport to Johannesburg has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 50 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to HLA. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your CNS to Johannesburg flight:
First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire and Firefly powered by Hertz make picking up a Lanseria International Airport rental car simple. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at HLA can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
Before locking in your flights from Cairns Airport to Johannesburg, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Johannesburg offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the low season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Johannesburg is January, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your Cairns Airport to Johannesburg plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from CNS to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Johannesburg
Once you've booked your flight from Cairns Airport to Johannesburg, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Johannesburg:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Maboneng Precinct, Constitution Hill and Johannesburg Zoo are top sights which should be on any well-planned Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
Pietermaritzburg is just one of the many cities in South Africa waiting to be explored once you've seen Johannesburg. Around 451 kilometres away to the south-east, well-known attractions include KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Comrades Marathon House and The Old Prison.
If you're interested in discovering another great destination in South Africa, consider Bloemfontein, about 370 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg. Naval Hill Planetarium, Bloemfontein Zoo and Anglo Boer War Museum are among the biggest draws.
