As the global incidence of cancer continues to rise, tumor metastasis has emerged as the leading cause of death among cancer patients. The formation of the pre-metastatic niche creates a favorable microenvironment for tumor cell colonization and metastasis, significantly driving the spread of cancer. In this context, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have garnered significant attention for their multifaceted roles in tumor progression. CAFs contribute to the establishment of the pre-metastatic niche and enhance the invasive behavior of tumor cells by remodeling the extracellular matrix, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stimulating angiogenesis, and modulating the tumor immune microenvironment. These actions not only accelerate the metastatic process but also facilitate immune evasion by the tumor. This review delves into the pivotal mechanisms and functions of CAFs in tumor metastasis, exploring their potential applications in cancer research and therapy, and offering new perspectives for the development of anti-metastatic strategies.