MEL - CNS

$88 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 5/1. 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, 0 bags

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
Travelers love KAYAK
41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

Save 23% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Bundle and saveSave money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$176
Overall average: $239
Jetstar
Tue 4/7Fri 4/10
MEL - CNS • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$88
Typical prices: $78-$136
Jetstar
Fri 5/1
MEL - CNS • Non-stop
Top airlines
Jetstar
Cheapest • from $176 (round-trip)
Virgin Australia
Best reviews • 7.6 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
Every day
You can fly direct with Jetstar, Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia. Average duration is 3h 22m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Virgin Australia
Most punctual • 90% on-time
Night flights
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Top layover airports
Brisbane (BNE)
Cheapest • Avg $390 (round-trip)
Brisbane (BNE)
Shortest trip • 6h 00m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
4 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 25% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
March
Cheapest • 20% price drop
July
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
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.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Tue, Apr 7 - Fri, Apr 10
Jetstar Logo
6:25 am - 9:45 am
MEL
-
CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
9:40 pm - 1:00 am
CNS
-
MEL
3h 20mnonstop
$176Jetstar
Sun, Apr 12 - Fri, Apr 17
Jetstar Logo
5:25 pm - 8:50 pm
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
9:40 pm - 1:00 am
CNS
-
MEL
3h 20mnonstop
$178Jetstar
Sun, Mar 29 - Mon, Mar 30
Jetstar Logo
8:15 pm - 10:40 pm
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:10 pm - 11:35 pm
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$179Jetstar
Wed, Mar 25 - Sun, Mar 29
Jetstar Logo
7:45 pm - 10:05 pm
MEL
-
CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:10 pm - 11:35 pm
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$180Jetstar
Fri, Apr 17 - Mon, Apr 20
Jetstar Logo
11:20 am - 2:40 pm
MEL
-
CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
8:10 pm - 11:35 pm
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$182Jetstar
Thu, Apr 23 - Sat, May 30
Jetstar Logo
7:15 pm - 10:40 pm
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
9:40 pm - 1:00 am
CNS
-
MEL
3h 20mnonstop
$183Jetstar
Sat, Apr 25 - Sat, May 2
Jetstar Logo
6:25 am - 9:45 am
MEL
-
CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
11:00 am - 2:30 pm
CNS
-
MEL
3h 30mnonstop
$184Jetstar
Sat, Mar 21 - Sat, Mar 28
Jetstar Logo
6:15 am - 8:30 am
MEL
-
CNS
3h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:40 pm - 11:05 pm
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$188Jetstar
Mon, Mar 30 - Wed, Apr 8
Jetstar Logo
6:25 am - 8:45 am
MEL
-
CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
9:40 pm - 1:00 am
CNS
-
MEL
3h 20mnonstop
$190Jetstar
Sat, Mar 21 - Sat, Mar 28
Jetstar Logo
6:15 am - 8:30 am
MEL
-
CNS
3h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
6:40 pm - 11:05 pm
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$191Jetstar
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 Friday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Cairns, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and Wednesday 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 $170 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and September, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $287 and $255 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 $228, 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 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 25% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 5 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$88
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 20% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 34% 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 $88 for a one-way ticket and $176 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.

  • 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 $310 and an overall rating of 7.6, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Jetstar is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $196 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 $108 or less one-way and $180 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

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Melbourne

Monday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top airlines flying 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.
7.6
Virgin AustraliaOverall score based on 445 reviews
8.2Crew
6.4Food
7.7Boarding
7.5Comfort
6.4Entertainment
Airline reviews

High fees for excess checked baggage and somehow ridiculous rules for carry on bags.

6.0 GoodFernando, Feb 2026
HBA - PER
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

High fees for excess checked baggage and somehow ridiculous rules for carry on bags.

Flight was late, food and drink an extra charge, my carry on is five rows behind me, and the seats are too narrow. Don’t ask me to be happy about it

I bought flights in August and there wasn’t a flight in the system

Our 6.30am flight was boarded then cancelled to fly at 10.55am . We were flying to Brisbane to attend a funeral at 12 noon an hour away . This means missing the funeral due to unreliability of Virgin . Unimpressed !!

It was with Link Airways and the Saab 340 jet was noisy and little comfort.

They didn’t sent my luggage I got it 24 hours later

Plane was late and they wouldn’t check our bags through to Tokyo

Overall experience was good but what really impressed me the most was the care the flight attendants took of a sick passenger who was sitting in front of me. The flight attendants would come and check on her quite regularly providing her support and comfort. Brilliant service!

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.

local frequent travellers know that Jetstar’s flights between MEL and LST are turnaround flights so those in the morning tend to run on time and become delayed increasingly through the day. We observed how the staff at check in and boarding try to assist, guide and facilitate travellers - they were courteous, efficient, amiable while enforcing Jetstar’s baggage requirements. They try to speed up boarding by having passengers board from both front and back. We would take Jetstar again.

The issue was a 4 hour delay to takeoff with very sketchy information provided about the available of the flights delay. Passengers were not informed of gate changes and how long the delay might be. It ended with a late night 2 hour drive to our home which was not ideal for elderly people.

Flight was fine with boarding starting a few minutes early. Not a fan of the crew pushing political messaging regarding indigenous naming of Brisbane city… really pushed it like I haven’t heard on Jetstar before.

Improved experience over our last years flight when also we flew local but on an international scheduled flight. The double processing is still unwelcome i.e. by security and then by border force having to produce a licence and boarding pass repeatedly on departure and return. Obviously suits the airline rather than the local traveller. The flight and crew were good though a helper on return was offhand having to push the wheel chair did the bare minimum we felt.

Flight was delayed both directions but once in the air was ok. Boarding out of Melbourne is just a mess.

Although a local trip via international flight it was fairly straight forward albeit more checks than desirable for local travel. On arrival Perth collecting luggage the trollies were hidden in one end of the long hall.

Jet star delayed both trips with poor communication. Passengers were made to change gates often and then left to stand with no seating. As someone getting over surgery this was very trying.

Delayed twice. Poor communication and people made to change gates too often.

Excellent help with Wife needing disability access at Brisbane airport

The flight was delayed by 2 hours but the Jetstar crew were fantastic.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports