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Latest Flight Deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Book one-way or return flights from Melbourne to Cairns from as little as AU$ 116. Choose from the popular airlines below and book your flight today!

  • One way
  • Return

Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Searching for the best last minute flight from Melbourne to Cairns? Find one-way or return flights that are affordable and fit your itinerary.

Trip.com monitors the ticket fares of flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Stay updated on price trends and snag the best deals for your upcoming trip.

Displayed prices are calculated based on the cheapest average weekly prices of the corresponding route on Trip.com.
Airlines Flying from Melbourne to Cairns

View airlines operating flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare prices, find the option that best suits your travel needs, and enjoy a comfortable journey with a trusted airline.

Jetstar Airways
From AU$ 117
Regional Express Airlines
From AU$ 200
Virgin Australia
From AU$ 262
Qantas Airways
From AU$ 489
Air New Zealand
From AU$ 708
Fiji Airways
From AU$ 998
ANA airlines

Find more flights and airlines

Alternative Routes from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover different routes, airlines, and transfers and find the best alternative flights for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Cheapest
    Jetstar Airways
    MEL
    18:35
    3h 20m
    Direct
    CNS
    21:55
    Melbourne Airport - Cairns Airport
    Tue, Jul 16Jetstar Airways
    AU$ 117
  • Jetstar Airways
    AVV
    20:50
    26h 0m
    1 transfer
    CNS
    22:50
    Avalon Airport - Cairns Airport
    Wed, May 15Jetstar Airways
    AU$ 194
  • Jetstar Airways
    AVV
    20:50
    26h 0m
    1 transfer
    CNS
    22:50
    Avalon Airport - Cairns Airport
    Wed, May 15Jetstar Airways
    AU$ 194
    Find More Flights

How do I find the cheapest flights?

  • When are flight from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) the cheapest?

    Airlines adjust prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns based on the date and time of your booking. By analyzing data from all airlines, on Trip.com, you can find the lowest flight prices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
  • How much are flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) cost?

    According to Trip.com's data, the lowest price is around AU$ 398.
  • How long is the flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)?

    It takes about 3 hours 21 minutes to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS).
  • What is the transportation method from the main airport to downtown in Cairns?

    • The distance from Cairns Airport to downtown is about 5km, by taxi about 20 minutes.
  • What time does the earliest flight from Melbourne to Cairns depart?

    The earliest flight departs from Melbourne (MEL) at 06:00 and arrives in Cairns (CNS) at 09:20.
  • What time does the latest flight from Melbourne to Cairns depart?

    The latest flight departs from Melbourne (MEL) at 19:50 and arrives in Cairns (CNS) at 22:10.
  • What are the most popular airlines that fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)?

  • What's the most popular airline for direct flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)?

    Jetstar Airways operates 28 direct flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS).
  • How many airports in Cairns (CNS)?

    There are 1 airport(s) in Cairns (CNS): Cairns Airport.

How to find a cheap flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Wait until the last minute and flight costs are often sky-high. Plan ahead, book the right way, and your savings can soar. We have loads of saving tips to help you find a cheap flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Book your flights at the right time and save more.
1
Book Early
Once prices are gone, they're gone. Lock in deals while you can!
2
Compare Flight Prices
Compare prices on travel agency and airline websites.
3
Look Out for Deals
Check airline and travel agency websites for latest flight deals
4
Check One-way Fares
Buying two cheap one-way flights can sometimes be a better deal than a round-trip.
5
Try Different Dates
Flying during the week, early in the morning, or late at night can help save money.
6
Use the Trip.com App
Save up to £10 per person when booking your flights on Trip.com
Flight Information from Melbourne to Cairns

Cheapest direct flight price

AU$ 116

Cheapest return ticket price

AU$ 219

Off-season for travel

January

Peak season for travel

October

Flight distance

2,320.47km

Average flight time

3 hours 21 minutes

Popular airline

Jetstar Airways
Flight from Melbourne (MEL) To Cairns (CNS)

Cairns is located in North Queensland and is the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef. The city is cosmopolitan and is geared towards the tourism industry. It mainly caters to the Japanese crowd with several signs in Japanese along with several establishments serving up Japanese food. Home to spectacular beaches, mild weather, and great nightlife, Cairns is a must-visit spot in Queensland.

Tip: The city of Cairns has many different accommodation options to suit every budget. Do your research before booking your stay.

Landing In Cairns (CNS)

All passengers flying in from Melbourne to Cairns will arrive at Cairns International Airport (CNS). The airport has two terminals, one each for domestic and international flights. There are several transport options to the city from Cairns airport, including taxi and city shuttles that run every hour. Passengers looking to fly from Melbourne Airport have a host of flights to choose from. Qantas Airways offers multiple direct flights to Cairns from Melbourne. Qantas Airlines also offer connecting Melbourne to Cairns flights which can prove to be cheaper than direct flights.

Tip: You can walk from the airport to the city centre which is 7km away though we would recommend getting off the airport access road and walking in the suburbs instead.

The Sights of Cairns

There are many reasons to visit Cairns and the city appeals to a large variety of tourists. Being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, many visitors come here to visit this stunning natural wonder. You can enjoy the abundant marine life sheltered by this UNESCO World Heritage Site by snorkelling or scuba diving. If you aren’t comfortable in the water, then head to the underwater observatory. If you are looking to explore the geography surrounding the town, then hop onto the Scenic Railway that heads to Kuranda. A two-hour journey, this train ride provides stunning views of the World Heritage-listed forest.

For the perfect beach holiday, head to Palm Cove, a small village by the sea. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, which is considered one of the best in Cairns. The adventurous can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, and scuba diving. After spending the day relaxing by the water, you might be craving for some hustle and bustle. Head to the city’s markets like the Cairns Night Market and Rusty’s market where you can sample fresh produce, buy souvenirs, and eat at the delicious food stalls.

For those who want to enjoy the rainforest but do not want to trek through it, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an excellent option. The glass-bottomed gondolas offer stunning views of the rainforest that forms the Barron Gorge, National Park.

Tip: Cairns is a hotspot for backpackers and international tourists. As a result, the city has a vibrant nightlife with many options for all budgets.

For cheap flights from Melbourne or Melbourne – Cairns flight booking, look no further than Trip.com. Known for quality service and great travel deals, Trip.com will help you book the perfect trip to Cairns.