Flights from Cairns (CNS) to San Francisco (SFO)
Reasons to fly with Qantas
Food and drinks on every flight
Enjoy a meal or snack every time you fly with us, as well as a range of refreshments including beer and wine.
Baggage included in every fare
Pack more into your trip with checked and carry-on baggage included in every fare.
Change your travel dates as often as you need
We've introduced further flexibility on eligible Qantas operated flights. Booking and travel dates apply.
Visiting from Cairns to San Francisco
San Francisco travel information
San Francisco has all the energy of a big city combined with quirky and quaintness of a small town. Historical pastel-hued houses sit side-by-side with new American cuisine, hubs of creative communities and tech-giants. Nature lovers, art lovers, foodies and those looking for romance, are all easily charmed by this classic coastal city.
When to visit
Best time to visit San Francisco
The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. Fall (August to October) offers some of the city's warmest temperatures year-round, not to mention fewer crowds than summer. There are lovely sunny days, street fairs and perfect to enjoy California’s farm fresh cuisine. Spring is another good time to visit thanks to its mild temperatures and lack of rain (compared to other parts of California) and a great time to get outdoors.
Arrival information
What is the main airport called?
San Francisco Airport (SFO)Opens external site in a new window is the main international airport serving the city of San Francisco, USA, being the largest airport in Northern California region and the second busiest after Los Angeles Airport. San Francisco Airport is located (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco, close to the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno. The airport has four terminals, the international terminal and three domestic terminals.
Arriving in San Francisco
The helpful staff at San Francisco Airport will greet you when you land and assist you with your needs. Once you collect your bags from the arrivals area, there are various transport options available to get you on your way.
Getting into San Francisco from San Francisco Airport
There are many transport options available at SFO to get to San Francisco city centre. The AirTrain offers transfer between terminals. Board one of the 5 bus lines available at San Francisco Airport operated by SamTrans. Jump in a taxi to get to San Francisco within 30 minutes. SFO BART is the best way to get around San Francisco Airport taking just 25 minutes to get to the city centre. From SFO it is possible to connect to Caltrain services for a cheaper option using public transport. Car rental and ride share services are popular ways to get to the town centre from the terminals.
Getting around San Francisco
Once you're in San Francisco the cable car is both a tourist highlight and great way to see the city. There is also bus, ferry, taxi, the BART and the San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour. A convenient way to see the popular tourist sites such as Alcatraz and the famous Chinatown district is to hire a car, though parking can be tricky. It’s popular to hire a bike to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and walking is ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the US. Most major sites in San Francisco are reachable on foot and the best way to explore a neighbourhood.
Departure information
Fly from Cairns. Once you’ve purchased your tickets from Cairns, there are a few things you should know to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for your upcoming trip.
What is the main airport called?
Cairns Airport. Located 8km (5 miles) from the city centre, Cairns AirportOpens external site in a new window (CNS) is an international airport in Far North Queensland. There are two terminals: Terminal 1 - international airport and Terminal 2 - domestic airport.
Baggage allowance
Passengers on Qantas flights from Cairns are allocated a baggage allowance. If you require extra luggage for your trip, you can purchase an additional baggage allowance online prior to departure.
Checking in
Passengers travelling from Cairns can check-in online up to 24 hours in advance, or visit a kiosk or desk to check-in at the terminal.
Why Qantas
The benefits of flying Qantas
Fly from with Qantas and enjoy a comfortable journey from take-off to touch down.
Seamless check-in
Get your trip to off to the right start with a check-in option that best suits your needs. Visit a kiosk or desk at the airport to check in on arrival or use our online and mobile check-in services to check-in for your flight up to 24 hours before departure.
Included baggage
Enjoy peace of mind knowing baggage is included on all Qantas flights. Use the baggage calculator to find out what is included with your fare.
Can I cancel my flight booking due to COVID-19?
If your flights were booked through a travel agency or third-party website, please contact them directly to discuss your options.
If your plans have changed or you no longer wish to travel, visit Manage Booking to change your travel dates or cancel your flight and request a flight credit to use towards a future flight. Please visit our Booking changes and other options page for more information.
If we’ve cancelled your Qantas flight, including your Classic Flight Reward booking, wait to hear from us before changing your booking. We’ll be contacting anyone whose flight has been impacted as soon as possible.
Important information
Ω This offer applies to Qantas operated flights for the following dates: Australian Domestic: booked between 21 May 2020 and 28 February 2022, for travel between 12 June 2020 and 28 February 2022. Trans-Tasman: booked between 15 October 2020 and 28 February 2022, for travel between 16 October 2020 and 28 February 2022. International: booked between 25 February 2021 and 28 February 2022, for travel between 1 November 2021 and 31 December 2022. If you decide to change the date of your travel, we'll waive the change fee. You'll need to change your flight before your scheduled date of departure and select a new travel date within 12 months of your original booking date. When you're ready to rebook, you'll also need to cover any fare increase for your new flight, if applicable. For all changes, your applicable Fare Rules and the Qantas Conditions of Carriage apply.
∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times. Alcohol offered during select flight times on select flights.
+ Meals, beverages, entertainment and offerings vary between flights and cabins. Alcohol offered during select flight times on select flights.