MEL - CNS

$79 Find Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns departing on 12/15. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Cairns

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Melbourne to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Melbourne to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Cairns (MEL-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Melbourne to Cairns that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Thu, Sep 11 - Thu, Sep 18
Jetstar Logo
7:45 pm - 11:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:50 pm - 11:20 pmCNS-MEL
3h 30mnonstop
$158Jetstar
Find Deal
Mon, Sep 15 - Wed, Oct 15
Jetstar Logo
7:45 pm - 11:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
8:30 pm - 12:55 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$159Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, Oct 15 - Sat, Nov 15
Jetstar Logo
8:45 pm - 11:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:30 pm - 10:55 pmCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$163Jetstar
Find Deal
Mon, Sep 15 - Mon, Sep 15
Jetstar Logo
6:25 am - 9:45 amMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:50 pm - 11:20 pmCNS-MEL
3h 30mnonstop
$164Jetstar
Find Deal
Sat, Sep 6 - Sat, Sep 6
Jetstar Logo
3:40 pm - 7:00 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
9:30 pm - 12:55 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$165Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, Jan 14 - Thu, Jan 22
Virgin Australia Logo
4:35 pm - 7:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 30mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
11:55 pm - 4:20 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$169Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Wed, Oct 15 - Fri, Oct 31
 Logo
8:45 pm - 11:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
 Logo
7:50 pm - 12:15 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
Fri, Oct 24 - Sun, Nov 2
 Logo
5:20 pm - 7:40 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
 Logo
7:50 pm - 12:15 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
Tue, Oct 28 - Tue, Nov 4
Virgin Australia Logo
9:25 pm - 11:55 pmMEL-CNS
3h 30mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
11:55 pm - 4:20 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$182Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Sun, Jan 4 - Fri, Jan 9
Virgin Australia Logo
9:25 pm - 11:55 pmMEL-CNS
3h 30mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
7:50 pm - 12:15 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$189Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Melbourne to Cairns flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Melbourne to Cairns to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Melbourne to Cairns?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If you are looking for a flight deal from Melbourne to Cairns, look for departures on Wednesdays and avoid leaving on a Saturday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Cairns, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and Sunday is the most expensive.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is March, where tickets cost $163 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are September and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $295 and $289 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $211, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should book around 5 weeks before departure, which saves you about 32% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 23 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$79
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 28% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 28% increase in price.
Flight from Melbourne to Cairns

When to book flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Melbourne to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking Melbourne to Cairns flights

  • Is there a hotel near the airport in Cairns?

    Yes – if you are considering booking a hotel close to the airport, check out The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa or the Comfort Inn Discovery Cairns. Both of them are located a few minutes’ drive from the airport and provide transfers for an additional fee. For those who are travelling on a budget, Calypso Inn Backpackers Resort near the terminal building might be a better option.

  • Can I hire a car at Cairns Airport?

    Yes, you can choose from six car rental companies with counters in the Arrivals Hall at Cairns Airport. It is possible to check the full list of companies on the airport website and contact them to make all the necessary arrangements before your flight from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Are there any shops at the airport in Cairns?

    Yes, there are a number of shops operating at the airport in Cairns, which between them sell a wide range of products. You will easily find snacks, travel accessories, cosmetics, reading material, souvenirs, electronics and some items of clothing.

  • What are the transportation options available at the Cairns Airport?

    The most convenient option for getting to your final destination from the airport is to book a hotel that offers airport transfers, but if this is not possible you can use the Sun Palm shuttle, which will drop you off in front of your hotel. To book the shuttle, simply look for the Sun Palm welcome desks at the airport. Passengers who prefer public transportation can catch the Airport Connect bus (a ticket costs $6) and then connect to a Translink bus costing around $2.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns was $79 for a one-way ticket and $158 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Melbourne and Cairns?

    Even though you are not required to have a passport, keep in mind that an official ID is needed to board the airplane.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Melbourne to Cairns?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Melbourne to Cairns flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Melbourne and Cairns, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns?

    There are nonstop flights from Melbourne to Cairns on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, Virgin Australia or Jetstar?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Melbourne to Cairns are Virgin Australia and Jetstar. With an average price for the route of $309 and an overall rating of 7.5, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Jetstar is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $212 and an overall rating of 6.5.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Melbourne to Cairns?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Melbourne is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Melbourne with another airline. Booking your flights between Melbourne and CNS can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairns from Melbourne up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $102 or less one-way and $177 or less round-trip.
  • Travellers who book their flights from Melbourne to Cairns with Jetstar can purchase some extras to make their flights more comfortable and the travel procedure much smoother. It is possible to, for example, add a larger luggage allowance, pick a seat, pre-order food or choose your entertainment options. Travellers who prefer as many conveniences as possible can, of course, opt for Business Class.
  • To make the time pass faster until your flight from Melbourne to Cairns, connect to the Internet at the airport in Melbourne and enjoy surfing the web, chatting with friends or scrolling through social media. Melbourne Airport offers unlimited Wi-Fi free of charge.
  • Passengers who are travelling with kids can take them to the children’s play area at the airport in Melbourne so that they are not too bored while waiting for the flight. For parents with infants, the airport features many baby changing facilities located throughout both terminal buildings.
  • If after landing at Cairns Airport you realize that you are short on cash, you don’t need to worry. There are a number of cash machines at your disposal, which you will find in the Arrivals Hall.
  • Starving after your flight from Melbourne to Cairns? There are a few restaurants to choose from at Cairns Airport depending on what you’re in the mood for. The options include Hero Sushi, Hungry Jack’s and the Great Northern Bar & Eatery.
  • If you need some help in relation to the city or the airport itself, you can ask one of the roaming Airport Ambassadors for help. To find them, simply look out for smiley people in blue shirts.

Prefer to fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Melbourne to Cairns.
Find which airlines fly direct from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Melbourne to Cairns

Monday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Tuesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Wednesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Thursday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Friday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Saturday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Sunday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +11 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +12 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Melbourne

Monday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Tuesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Wednesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Thursday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Friday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Saturday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Sunday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines serving from Melbourne to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Melbourne to Cairns? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.5
Qantas AirwaysOverall score based on 895 reviews
7.7Boarding
6.9Food
8.2Crew
7.4Comfort
7.2Entertainment
Airline reviews

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

8.0 ExcellentMarcus, Jul 2025SYD - ADL
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

Airline running better than post Covid, proper boarding process now implemented, some aircraft feeling a bit old and tired, crew fine, online experience better.

We were upgraded and after just a short delay in attending to a safety check we were on our way. Would definately fly Qantas International on their Dreamliner again.

Five hour flight instead of four hours due to westerly headwinds which wasn’t the fault of Qantas !

The wifi was out. Otherwise it was great flight. Richard, as CSM, was excellent.

Traditional economy class. Not a full flight so spare seats. Food and drinks were good

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

The Emerits/Qantas flight was cancelled to Wellington. We need a refund. Had to buy another airline ticket. How do we get the refund. Still not in Wellington.

Delayed QF59 flight once again, Qantas doesn't fail in maintaining there delayed departures and arrivals. USB points do not work nor do the power point sockets on the plane, Qantas staff admitted that on the flight. Don't expect to your charge devices. Saving grace, was the ice cream. Bottom line, if you expect to fly to HND and make it on time avoid Qantas and if you're interested in ice cream - visit 7/11.

Pretty excellent. I don’t know what the pilot could have done better with the bumping ( there was a storm) nor what happened to my ears coming down into bendigo. It doesn’t happen coming down into Sydney just the return flight. I wonder why?

Only answered OK and poor as there was no entertainment and I didnt have any food

4.5 hr international flight. We got a glass of water. Ranks up there with Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Spirit and Frontier. Expected better.

Gluten free options less explicit on business class, but great service

Very good… seems the virgin staff particularly in the lounge and in flight exceeded expectations.

I liked everything about the experience but would have liked some free snacks!

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

Being told why we delayed three hours and not even given an apology by someone. Not a word. Not my airline of choice ever.

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Virgin changed the flight to an Alliance flight. Smaller plane, tea coffee and water the only refreshments available and not sure what happened to the extra money I paid to sit in a selected seat with extra leg room. This is obviously a regular switch as it happened on our flight there and back. Do not recommend.

no announcement about why we where delayed which is very poor

It was better than I expected. Thought $5 for a small cup of tea was a bit much!

Overall good trip I find seats a bit hard. We were waiting on board for about an hour for 2 passengers with some document issue. This main our arrival late for our pickup person.

15kg allowance is outrageous. Change of time a few days before departure and more than 2 hours of delay in the end. The worse we’ve taken so far in Oceania.

stuck in the aircraft for over three hours due to engineering work, significantly delayed and made a lot of passengers missed the connecting transport, no mention any compensation

Very quiet plane!! One of the quietest planes we have been on.

Jetsatar refused to take my foldable stroller in the plane, despite following all the rules on dimensions and packaging. Similar thing happened on our previous fight. However, at that instance, they offered to check in the stroller. At this fight, the staff was rude, trying to rush us to board the flight. They made excuses that the stroller was not allowed and even offer to leave it behind and ship it back at our own cost. Fortunately, we had someone else attending. Since the flight was about to take off, they left it behind and send it back to us on the next available flight.

Overall, it was good. The only concern was that I couldn't charge my phone because the USB port didn't work after we took off. One of the crew members tried to restart it but never came back to me with an update.

Comfortable seats, boarding was easy and staff were very nice.

Flight was fine but a domestic flight was called by Jetstar international. This meant going through immigration and custom scanning twice. Long queues were experienced which were frustrating. We were using a wheelchair and exit at Perth needed a scissor lift as no air bridge provided. No fast lane at Perth for wheelchair. The staff were helpful but this system is poor.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Information on your arrival and departure airports

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