Cairns to Adelaide
3h 04m The flight from Cairns International Airport (CNS) to Adelaide International Airport (ADL) covers 2,133 km (1,325 miles) and takes approximately 3h 04m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads south on an initial great-circle bearing of 198°, passing near 26.0° S, 142.4° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 3h 53m | 4h 18m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 2h 44m | 3h 09m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 2h 22m | 2h 47m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 2h 31m | 2h 56m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| CNS | ADL | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Cairns International Airport | Adelaide International Airport |
| City | Cairns | Adelaide |
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| ICAO | YBCS | YPAD |
| Coordinates | -16.8789, 145.7495 | -34.9475, 138.5334 |
| Elevation | 10 ft | 20 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Cairns to Adelaide?
A non-stop flight from Cairns (CNS) to Adelaide (ADL) takes about 3h 04m. The great-circle distance is 2,133 km (1,325 miles, 1,152 nautical miles), flying south on an initial bearing of 198°.
How far is Cairns from Adelaide?
2,133 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 1,325 miles or 1,152 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between CNS and ADL?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 2,133 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.