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Low Price Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

What to know about flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

The approximate distance between Melbourne and Cairns is 2,320.47km. Average flight time from Melbourne to Cairns is around 3 hours 25 minutes. According to Trip.com data, travel demand hits its peak in July. The cheapest month to book flights is October.

Cheapest one-way
AU$ 105
Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways MEL-CNS 3h 20m · Direct Tue, Nov 3
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Cheapest return
AU$ 226
Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways MEL-CNS 3h 25m · Direct Sat, Oct 10 - Thu, Oct 15
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Recommended airlines
Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways Cheapest · From AU$ 105 Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways Most booked
Best time to book
November
Cheapest
July
Peak season for travel
Route details
2,320.47km
Flight distance
3h 25m
Average flight time

Explore the cheapest one-way and round-trip flights from Melbourne to Cairns over the next 90 days, with one-way fares from AU$ 105 and round-trip from AU$ 226. Based on Trip.com's latest 7-day flight data.

      • Cheapest nonstop
        MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Oct 10 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 20:35
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 00:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Thu, Oct 15 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 226 AU$ 318
        28% off
        28% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 226
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Fri, Oct 23 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 19:50
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 00:15
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Oct 28 | Virgin Australia
        AU$ 241 AU$ 318
        24% off
        24% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 241
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Tue, Oct 6 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 19:35
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 23:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Mon, Oct 12 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 243 AU$ 318
        24% off
        24% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 243
      • MEL 17:25
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 19:50
        Melbourne - Cairns | Tue, Oct 13 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 20:40
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 01:00
        Cairns - Melbourne | Thu, Oct 15 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 245
        23% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 245
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Mon, Oct 12 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 20:35
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 00:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Oct 14 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 248
        22% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 248
      • MEL 06:25
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 08:45
        Melbourne - Cairns | Wed, Oct 14 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 12:30
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 16:50
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Oct 21 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 251
        21% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 251
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sun, Oct 11 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 20:35
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 00:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Fri, Oct 16 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 251
        21% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 251
      • MEL 17:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 19:55
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Oct 17 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 20:35
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 00:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Thu, Oct 22 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 252
        21% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 252
      • MEL 06:15
        3h 15m
        Direct
        CNS 08:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Wed, Nov 4 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 10:15
        3h 30m
        Direct
        MEL 14:45
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Nov 11 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 256
        19% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 256
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Thu, Oct 8 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 20:35
        3h 20m
        Direct
        MEL 00:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Thu, Oct 15 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 257
        19% off
        AU$ 318 AU$ 257
      • MEL 13:00
        17h 25m
        1 stop
        CNS 14:00
        Melbourne - Cairns | Mon, Sep 7 | Normal Airline
        CNS 15:00
        6h
        Direct
        MEL 16:00
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Sep 9 | Normal Airline
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      • Cheapest nonstop
        MEL 16:15
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 18:35
        Melbourne - Cairns | Tue, Nov 3 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 105 AU$ 157
        33% off
        33% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 105
      • MEL 16:15
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 18:35
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sun, Nov 1 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 116 AU$ 157
        26% off
        26% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 116
      • MEL 19:50
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 22:10
        Melbourne - Cairns | Wed, Nov 4 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 118 AU$ 157
        25% off
        25% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 118
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Oct 24 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 118
        25% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 118
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Oct 10 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 119
        24% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 119
      • MEL 20:15
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:40
        Melbourne - Cairns | Tue, Oct 20 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 123
        22% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 123
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Mon, Oct 19 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 124
        21% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 124
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sun, Oct 11 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 124
        21% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 124
      • MEL 06:25
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 08:45
        Melbourne - Cairns | Tue, Oct 13 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 124
        21% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 124
      • MEL 20:05
        3h 25m
        Direct
        CNS 22:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sun, Oct 4 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 127
        19% off
        AU$ 157 AU$ 127
      • MEL 13:00
        17h 25m
        1 stop
        CNS 14:00
        Melbourne - Cairns | Mon, Sep 7 | Normal Airline
        Find more flights
        Find more flights

Flight.News
Flights from Melbourne to Cairns operate an average of 28 times per day over the past 7 days, with a 47.9% on-time departure rate and a 89.7% on-time arrival rate.

Which airlines are the most popular for Melbourne to Cairns flights?

The most popular airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns are Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Airways, among 3 carriers on this route. Jetstar Airways offers the lowest fares. Based on Trip.com's flight booking data from the previous 12 months.
Jetstar Airways logo Jetstar Airways
Virgin Australia logo Virgin Australia
Qantas Airways logo Qantas Airways
Airlines are determined based on actual purchased flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns according to previous 12 months data from Trip.com.

Trip.com Price Insights on Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

What is the cheapest month for one-way flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Average price of one-way flights from Melbourne to Cairns purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months.

According to Trip.com's data, the cheapest month for flights from Melbourne to Cairns is November, with an average price of AU$ 135. Conversely, the most expensive month is typically June, with an average price of up to AU$ 308.

AU$ 308
AU$ 222
AU$ 135
AU$ 49
    Cheapest
  • AU$ 168
    Aug
  • AU$ 205
    Sep
  • AU$ 147
    Oct
  • AU$ 135
    Nov
  • AU$ 145
    Dec
  • AU$ 162
    Jan
  • AU$ 198
    Feb
  • AU$ 198
    Mar
  • AU$ 195
    Apr
  • AU$ 180
    May
  • AU$ 308
    Jun
  • AU$ 237
    Jul

What is the cheapest month for return flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Average price of round-trip flights from Melbourne to Cairns purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months.

According to historical data from Trip.com, the lowest prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns are found during February, with an average price of AU$ 289. Conversely, the highest prices are found during April, with an average price of up to AU$ 533.

AU$ 533
AU$ 411
AU$ 289
AU$ 167
    Cheapest
  • AU$ 453
    Aug
  • AU$ 367
    Sep
  • AU$ 317
    Oct
  • AU$ 384
    Nov
  • AU$ 420
    Dec
  • AU$ 431
    Jan
  • AU$ 289
    Feb
  • AU$ 311
    Mar
  • AU$ 533
    Apr
  • AU$ 361
    May
  • AU$ 426
    Jun
  • AU$ 483
    Jul

What's the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne to Cairns?

Data is based on the average flight price for each day of the week from Melbourne to Cairns on Trip.com over the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com data from the past 12 months, the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne to Cairns is Tuesday, with average prices lower than on other days. Avoid Thursday, as prices are usually highest then.

AU$ 240
AU$ 220
AU$ 200
AU$ 180
  • AU$ 223
    Mon
  • AU$ 200
    Tue
  • AU$ 217
    Wed
  • AU$ 240
    Thu
  • AU$ 236
    Fri
  • AU$ 239
    Sat
  • AU$ 211
    Sun

When is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne to Cairns during Labour Day?

Data is based on the lowest one-way fares from Melbourne to Cairns during Labour Day, sourced from the Trip.com database over the last 3 days.

Labour Day is scheduled for Oct 5. The lowest flight fares from Melbourne to Cairns are available on Oct 1, starting from AU$ 182.

AU$ 249
AU$ 216
AU$ 182
AU$ 149
  • AU$ 182
    1
    Oct
  • AU$ 249
    2
  • AU$ 235
    3
  • AU$ 209
    4
  • AU$ 192
    5
  • AU$ 192
    6
  • AU$ 210
    7

Flight FAQs

  • Which airlines offer the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Based on Trip.com data, Jetstar Airways offers Cheapest nonstop one-way flights from AU$ 105 (for example, MEL–CNS on Tue, Nov 3). For a Cheapest nonstop return flight, Jetstar Airways offers fares from AU$ 226, departing on Sat, Oct 10 and returning on Thu, Oct 15.
  • At the moment, you can catch a direct flight from Melbourne to Cairns with the following airlines, including: Jetstar Airways Virgin Australia Qantas Airways Selected airlines are based on historical data collected from flight bookings users made on Trip.com within the last 90 days.
  • It takes about 3 hours 25 minutes to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS).
  • By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns is around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance, and the best time to fly is usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tuesday typically offers the cheapest flights for departure, while Saturday offers the best return deals.
  • On average, 70 direct flights operate each week between Melbourne and Cairns. See below the schedules of the main airlines serving this route:
    Jetstar Airways: S/M/T/W/T/F/S – JQ942 (departure at 11:57) Virgin Australia: S/M/T/W/T/F/S – VA1291 (departure at 06:32)
  • Here are some tips for finding the best flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns on Trip.com:
    · Be flexible with your travel dates. The cheapest flight is currently on Tue, Nov 3, with one-way fares from just AU$ 105.
    · Compare airlines. Jetstar Airways currently offers the lowest fares on this route.
    · Set up a price alert to track fare changes without searching every day.
    · Check Trip.com regularly for flight deals and available promo codes.
    · Avoid peak season or book early. July is generally the busiest month for travel to Cairns.
    · Get exclusive promo codes on the Trip.com app.
  • The cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns is usually October, when demand is lower.
  • After crunching the numbers on our September flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from Melbourne to Cairns on September 8, 2026 with Jetstar Airways, with prices starting at AU$ 183.
  • Flights to Cairns can arrive at: Cairns Airport (CNS). The most common route connects Melbourne Airport and Cairns Airport (MEL–CNS).
  • The time difference between Cairns and Melbourne is 0m.
  • Tickets can only be changed or cancelled if permitted by airline policy. To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy. However, if the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.
  • Based on Trip.com data for flights departing in the next 30 days, the average one-way fare from Melbourne to Cairns is AU$ 275. Fares vary by travel date, airline and availability.
  • Based on Trip.com data for travel in the next 30 days, the average round-trip fare from Melbourne to Cairns is AU$ 487. The final price depends on the outbound and return dates, airline and fare conditions.
  • Enter Melbourne and Cairns, choose your travel dates and passengers, then compare flights by price, duration and baggage. Select a fare, review the change and cancellation rules, enter traveler details and complete payment to receive your confirmation.
  • Jetstar Airwaysare the most popular budget airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns. Check baggage, seat and payment fees before comparing the final price.

Flying from Melbourne to Cairns: What You Need to Know

It takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to fly from Melbourne to Cairns—with no time difference (both are in the Australian Eastern Standard Time zone, UTC+10).

  • Departure: You will fly out of Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine.
  • Arrival: You will land at Cairns Airport (CNS), the primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Airlines: Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia dominate this popular route. One-way fares often start around $140–$210 AUD. Budget fares on Jetstar usually include only 7kg of carry-on baggage.

New Updates

  • Airport Upgrades: Cairns Airport is currently undergoing a $55 million upgrade to its Domestic Terminal (T2), aimed at improving security screening speed and expanding retail options for 2026 travelers.
  • Cairns Events: The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is set for July 9–12, 2026, celebrating the culture of the First Nations people of Queensland. Additionally, the Cairns Festival will return from August 28 to September 6, 2026, featuring the iconic Grand Parade.
  • Melbourne Major Concerts: Melbourne’s 2026 lineup is massive, with Guns N' Roses performing at the MCG on October 20, 2026, and Harry Styles bringing his tour to Marvel Stadium in late November 2026.

The Airport in Melbourne

The Airport in Melbourne

View of Heathrow Airport tarmac and airplanes through terminal window during twilight. Via Pexels (by Nunzio La Rosa)

For Cairns flights, you will depart from the domestic terminals of Melbourne’s primary aviation hub. Melbourne Airport (MEL) – The Victorian Gateway MEL is a major international hub that never sleeps. It is the only major Australian airport without a night-time curfew, allowing for flexible late-night or early-morning departures.

  • Where: ~23 km (14 miles) northwest of Melbourne CBD.
  • Terminals: T1 (Qantas), T3 (Virgin Australia), and T4 (Jetstar). Note: T4 is a dedicated budget terminal with a slightly longer walk to gates.
  • Getting to MEL from the CBD:
    • SkyBus: The most frequent option; ~25–40 mins from Southern Cross Station (~$24 AUD).
    • Rideshare (Uber/Didi): ~30 mins from CBD (~$60–$85 AUD).
    • Airport Parking: Features "Value Parking" with a free shuttle for those driving themselves.

The Airport in Cairns

The Airport in Cairns

Aerial view of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, showing parked airplanes and terminal. Via Pexels (by Keegan Checks)

All flights from Melbourne land at Australia’s seventh-busiest airport. Cairns Airport (CNS) – Tropical North Gateway Located just north of the city center, CNS is unique because it is bordered by mangrove swamps and the Coral Sea, offering a scenic landing.

  • Where: ~7 km (4 miles) north of Cairns CBD (approx. 10 mins drive).
  • Terminals: T2 is the Domestic Terminal, connected to the International Terminal (T1) by a covered walkway.
  • Getting from CNS to your destination:
    • Airport Connect: Bus link connecting to the public Translink bus network for budget travelers (~$5–$10 AUD).
    • Shuttle Services: Door-to-door transfers to Port Douglas (~1 hour, ~$50 AUD) or Cairns hotels (~$20 AUD).
    • Taxi/Rideshare: Readily available; a trip to the Cairns Esplanade usually costs ~$25–$35 AUD.

Best Time to Visit Cairns

The ideal time to visit is the Dry Season (May to October). The humidity is low, the water is clear for reef snorkeling, and the temperature is a comfortable 25-28°C. This period also avoids the "stinger season" (jellyfish) and tropical cyclones.

The Green Season (November to April) brings heavy tropical rain and high humidity. While the rainforests and waterfalls (like Barron Falls) look spectacular, some reef tours may be affected by weather.

Where to Stay in Cairns

  • Cairns Esplanade: Best for those wanting to be near the Lagoon, night markets, and the Reef Fleet Terminal for boat tours.
  • Palm Cove: A 25-minute drive north; perfect for a sophisticated, upscale "village" feel with beachfront boutiques and spas.
  • Port Douglas: About an hour north; the top choice for luxury resorts and a more relaxed, high-end holiday experience.
  • Kuranda: Stay here in the rainforest highlands if you prefer cooler mountain air and a quirky, artistic community vibe.

Trip.com Airline Insights on Flights from Melbourne toCairns

Which airlines offer the cheapest nonstop flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Data is based on the average price of all nonstop flights from Melbourne to Cairns on Trip.com in the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com data from the past 12 months, Jetstar Airways offers the cheapest nonstop flights from Melbourne to Cairns, with an average price of AU$ 226.

AU$ 182
AU$ 226
AU$ 271
AU$ 315
AU$ 359
Jetstar Airways
AU$ 226
Jetstar Airways
Virgin Australia
AU$ 271
Virgin Australia
Qantas Airways
AU$ 359
Qantas Airways

Which airlines operate the most flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Data is based on the number of flights from Melbourne to Cairns operated by each airline on Trip.com in the past month.

Based on Trip.com data from the past month, Qantas Airways operates the most flights from Melbourne to Cairns, with 31 flight per week.

9
16
24
31
Qantas Airways
31
Qantas Airways
Jetstar Airways
29
Jetstar Airways
IndiGo
21
IndiGo
Qatar Airways
16
Qatar Airways
Virgin Australia
16
Virgin Australia
Singapore Airlines
16
Singapore Airlines

How many flights are there each day from Melbourne to Cairns?

The data is based on the flight numbers for each day of the week from Melbourne to Cairns within the Trip.com database over the past month.

Based on Trip.com data from the past month, the most flights from Melbourne to Cairns depart on Saturday, and the fewest flights depart on Thursday.

160
132
103
75
Highest
132
Mon
108
Tue
104
Wed
103
Thu
143
Fri
160
Sat
125
Sun

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Real-time pricing updates

Prices, availability, and travel information on this page were updated within last 24 hours—even in real-time. The more popular the route, the more precise the data.

Change & Cancellation Policy

Trip.com displays flight cancellation and change policies for each flight ticket during the booking process, including fees and applicable conditions. Please check the following scenarios:
Voluntary cancellation/change:
To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy.
Cancellation/change due to a flight schedule change:
If the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.