Flying from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport (CNS): What you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Los Angeles. Explore your options departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY) when reserving your flight from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport (CNS).
Cairns Airport is located in Cairns. The city operates on the UTC+10 timezone and is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Los Angeles to CNS. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid the mad dash to your gate.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. The recommendation for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing cheap flights from Los Angeles to CNS departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to get ideas for where to visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
LAX is about 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 55 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Los Angeles International Airport gets high marks for on-time performance. 81.05% of flights that depart LAX reach their destination without delay.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Los Angeles to VNY in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The terminal is roughly 32 kilometres away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 35 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your Los Angeles to CNS flight? Unwind in a hotel near Van Nuys Airport before your adventure officially begins. These stays have a room with your name on it:
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport. Make yourself comfy at one of these accommodation options near CNS instead:
Travel at your own speed with a Cairns Airport rental car. Book your wheels from simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals or East Coast and experience more of Cairns and beyond.
To get the best deal, book your ride around two weeks ahead of your Los Angeles to Cairns Airport flight.
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
Central Cairns is about 5 kilometres from Cairns Airport. Travel times by cab or car hire will vary based on traffic conditions, so do some research ahead of your trip.
Travelling by public transport takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport (CNS)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport is RM1,446. For a return flight on this route, the best price is RM3,298. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Los Angeles to CNS if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Los Angeles to Cairns Airport tickets across each month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Spend less time searching for cheap plane tickets from Los Angeles to CNS by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Filters make it easier to find a bargain for your flight from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport. Choose the airlines, flight times and number of stops that check all your boxes. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport (CNS)
It's time to decide when to book your flight from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport (CNS). July is the busiest month to travel to Cairns. If you prefer a quieter vibe, think about going in February.
The warmest month in Cairns is January, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Lock in your Los Angeles to CNS plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Look for cheap tickets from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport in August if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).
More about Cairns
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Cairns Airport, find a hotel that offers a good mix of location and comfort. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Cairns:
Your visit to Cairns should come with a side of sightseeing. Attractions worth exploring include Great Barrier Reef, Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard.
Explore more of Australia
Townsville is just one of the many cities in Australia waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Cairns. Around 290 kilometres away to the south, top sights here include Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Reef HQ and Botanic Gardens.
Around 290 kilometres south-east of Cairns, North Ward is another favourite stop in Australia. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to The Strand Jetty, Ocean Siren Statue and The Drill Hall Studio.
