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Low Price Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Top Airlines Flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Choose from 3 airlines fly from Melbourne to Cairns, including Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Airways. Jetstar Airways has lowest fares on this route.
Jetstar Airways logo Jetstar Airways Virgin Australia logo Virgin Australia Qantas Airways logo Qantas Airways

Search direct flights: from Melbourne to Cairns for the next 3 months. Book one way from AU$ 112 | Return ticket from AU$ 216.

      • Cheapest nonstop
        MEL 15:25
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 17:45
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Nov 22 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 09:45
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 14:10
        Cairns - Melbourne | Sat, Nov 29 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 216 AU$ 288
        25% OFF
        25% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 216
      • MEL 06:15
        3h 15m
        Direct
        CNS 08:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Tue, Dec 2 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 19:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 23:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Mon, Dec 8 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 220 AU$ 288
        24% OFF
        24% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 220
      • MEL 06:15
        3h 15m
        Direct
        CNS 08:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sun, Nov 30 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 18:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 22:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Sat, Dec 6 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 220 AU$ 288
        24% OFF
        24% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 220
      • MEL 19:45
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 22:05
        Melbourne - Cairns | Wed, Nov 26 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 18:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 22:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Dec 3 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 220
        24% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 220
      • MEL 06:15
        3h 15m
        Direct
        CNS 08:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sun, Dec 7 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 09:45
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 14:10
        Cairns - Melbourne | Sun, Dec 14 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 229
        20% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 229
      • MEL 19:45
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 22:05
        Melbourne - Cairns | Mon, Dec 15 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 19:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 23:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Dec 17 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 230
        20% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 230
      • MEL 06:15
        3h 15m
        Direct
        CNS 08:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Wed, Dec 10 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 19:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 23:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Tue, Dec 16 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 230
        20% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 230
      • MEL 06:15
        3h 15m
        Direct
        CNS 08:30
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Dec 6 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 09:45
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 14:10
        Cairns - Melbourne | Thu, Dec 11 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 230
        20% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 230
      • MEL 19:45
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 22:05
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Jan 10 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 19:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 23:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Sat, Jan 17 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 230
        20% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 230
      • MEL 19:45
        3h 20m
        Direct
        CNS 22:05
        Melbourne - Cairns | Thu, Jan 8 | Jetstar Airways
        CNS 19:30
        3h 25m
        Direct
        MEL 23:55
        Cairns - Melbourne | Wed, Jan 14 | Jetstar Airways
        AU$ 231
        20% OFF
        AU$ 288 AU$ 231
      • MEL 13:00
        17h 25m
        1 stop
        CNS Invalid Date
        Melbourne - Cairns | Sat, Nov 15 | Normal Airline
        CNS 15:00
        6h
        Direct
        MEL 16:00
        Cairns - Melbourne | Mon, Nov 17 | Normal Airline
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Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Flight Information from Melbourne to Cairns

The distance between Melbourne and Cairns is about 2,320.47km. The direct flights take around 3 hours 27 minutes. Visit Cairns during July for peak season energy, or opt for October for fewer crowds and cheaper flights.

Cheapest one-way flight priceAU$ 112
Cheapest return ticket priceAU$ 216
Off-season for travelOctober
Peak season for travelJuly
Flight distance2,320.47km
Average flight time3 hours 27 minutes
Popular airlineJetstar Airways

Best Time to Book Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

The cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns are available between Jan 4 and Jan 11, with one way flights starting from AU$ 111.

Cheapest flights
From price
Search
  • 916
  • 1623
  • 2330

  • Dec

    307
  • 714
  • 1421
  • 2128

  • Jan

    284
  • 411
  • 1118
  • 1825

  • Feb

    251
Displayed prices are calculated based on the cheapest average weekly prices of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

FAQ

  • Which airlines offer direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    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 27 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.
  • Based on Trip.com data in the past 4 weeks, there is 65 flight per week flying from Melbourne to Cairns. You can check the weekly schedule for popular airlines on this route below: Jetstar Airways: S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- JQ942 (16:29)
  • The cheapest months to fly from Melbourne to Cairns is October, when demand for travel is lower.
  • After crunching the numbers on our November flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from Melbourne to Cairns on November 27, 2025 with Jetstar Airways, with prices starting at AU$ 212.
  • You can land at any one of the following hubs in Cairns, with Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport (MEL-CNS) is by far the most common option on this route: Cairns Airport (CNS).
  • The time difference between Cairns and Melbourne is 0h.
  • 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.

Melbourne to Cairns by air

If you're looking to fly from Melbourne to Cairns or searching for flights between Melbourne and Cairns, we have you covered. Start your search for the most competitive airfares by entering your travel date above. Alternatively, continue reading to explore your journey in more detail. Find information about airlines, flight schedules, tips for finding affordable tickets, and much more.

Melbourne to Cairns airfares

Airfares from Melbourne to Cairns varies greatly from time to time. The price is influenced by various factors such as demand, travel date and time, seat availability, and airline pricing strategies. The airfares also change due to the travel classes of you choice, i.e. first class, business class and economy class.

How to find cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Getting the cheapest Melbourne to Cairns flights requires some flexibility, persistence, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to help you secure the best prices:

  • 1. Be flexible with your travel dates and time: airfares are generally cheaper in the early morning, late evening and weekdays.
  • 2. Be open to alternative airports.
  • 3. Consider booking outbound and inbound flights from different airlines - two one-way Melbourne to Cairns flight tickets may be cheaper than a round-trip ticket.
  • 4. Book connection flight from Melbourne to Cairns
  • 5. Look out for last minute flight deals.

Airlines from Melbourne to Cairns

Travellers have a few options to choose airlines that flying from Melbourne to Cairns. One standout choice is Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia, known for its full-service flights on this route. They place a high priority on passenger comfort and satisfaction, offering an extensive range of onboard services and amenities. On the other hand, Jetstar Airways have gained popularity as top low-cost carriers, providing competitive fares for budget-conscious travelers without sacrificing quality.

Melbourne to Cairns flight time

On average, the flight duration from Melbourne to Cairns is approximately 3 hours 25 mins, with the fastest flight completing the journey in just 3 hours 15 mins from Melbourne airport to Cairns airport.

Everything you need to know about Melbourne airport

Melbourne Airport, known as Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is Melbourne's main international airport. With four terminals offering a range of amenities like shopping, dining, and currency exchange, the airport serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting Melbourne to destinations worldwide. Convenient transportation options, including taxis, SkyBus shuttles, and public transportation, make traveling between the airport and city center a breeze. The distance of approximately 23 kilometers can be covered in about 25-30 minutes by car or 30-45 minutes by public transportation, depending on traffic conditions.

Arriving at Cairns airport

Nestled in the vibrant city of Cairns, Queensland, Cairns Airport (CNS) stands ready to connect you to the breathtaking wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Boasting a modern terminal, CNS efficiently handles both domestic and international flights. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar are just a few of the prominent airlines operating from CNS, offering a wide range of flight options. The airport is conveniently located approximately 7 kilometers from the city center, and travelers can easily reach their destinations via airport shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services, with an average travel time of 15-20 minutes.

Book Melbourne to Cairns flights on Trip.com to unlock extra benefits

At Trip.com, we go beyond just finding cheap airfares from Melbourne to Cairns. We also offer additional perks and benefits to enhance your travel experience. When you book your flight, you gain access to exclusive discounts on hotels, car rentals, and airport transfers, helping you save even more on your journey. As a token of our appreciation, Trip.com rewards you with Tripcoins through our loyalty program, which can be redeemed for extra benefits on your future trips.

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