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 1/22. 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

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$162
Overall average: $207
Jetstar
Sat 1/17Tue 1/20
MEL - CNS • Non-stop
Cheapest non-stop
$151
Typical prices: $168-$335
Jetstar
Sat 12/13Mon 12/15
MEL - CNS • Non-stop
Top airlines
Jetstar
Cheapest • from $162 (round-trip)
Virgin Australia
Best reviews • 7.6 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
When to book
4 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 27% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
March
Cheapest • 24% 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

Sat, Jan 17 - Tue, Jan 20
Jetstar Logo
7:45 pm - 10:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:30 pm - 11:55 pmCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$162Jetstar
Find Deal
Tue, Jan 20 - Sun, Jan 25
Jetstar Logo
6:15 am - 8:30 amMEL-CNS
3h 15mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:45 am - 12:10 pmCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$167Jetstar
Find Deal
Mon, Dec 1 - Fri, Dec 5
Virgin Australia Logo
9:25 pm - 11:55 pmMEL-CNS
3h 30mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
11:55 pm - 4:20 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$168Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Thu, Dec 4 - Mon, Dec 8
Virgin Australia Logo
9:25 pm - 11:55 pmMEL-CNS
3h 30mnonstop
Virgin Australia Logo
11:55 pm - 4:20 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$184Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Thu, May 7 - Thu, May 14
Jetstar Logo
5:25 pm - 8:45 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
9:35 pm - 1:00 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$188Jetstar
Find Deal
Sat, Jan 17 - Tue, Jan 20
Jetstar Logo
7:45 pm - 10:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Jetstar Logo
7:30 pm - 11:55 pmCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$189Jetstar
Find Deal
Fri, Dec 19 - Fri, Dec 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 8:30 amMEL-CNS
3h 15mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:55 pm - 4:20 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$204Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, Dec 17 - Sat, Dec 20
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 10:05 pmMEL-CNS
3h 20mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 12:15 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$226Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, Dec 19 - Fri, Dec 26
Virgin Australia Logo
11:00 am - 4:45 pmMEL-CNS
6h 45m1 stop
Virgin Australia Logo
11:55 pm - 4:20 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$230Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Wed, Dec 17 - Sat, Dec 20
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 8:30 amMEL-CNS
3h 15mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 12:15 amCNS-MEL
3h 25mnonstop
$231Multiple Airlines
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 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 $161 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and September, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $289 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 $224, 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 27% 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 24% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 36% 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 $162 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 $282 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 $195 and an overall rating of 6.6.

  • 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 $88 or less one-way and $221 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 424 reviews
6.4Entertainment
8.2Crew
7.5Comfort
6.4Food
7.7Boarding
Airline reviews

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

6.0 GoodStephen, Oct 2025OOL - SYD
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

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.

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

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

Very disappointed with my recent Jetstar experience. Firstly, it was extremely frustrating that we had to pay extra for basic things like in-flight entertainment and meals. Other airlines provide these essentials even with standard tickets, but Jetstar offered no comfort or amenities without additional charges. For a long international journey, this made the experience very uncomfortable. On top of that, there was a delay on our flight from Melbourne to Bangkok due to parts replacement, which was already inconvenient. But the biggest issue was the massive 5 hours and 15 minutes delay on our return flight, which completely disrupted our plans, caused unnecessary stress, and impacted both our time and health. Jetstar provided vouchers, but they were not nearly sufficient to cover proper meals or any meaningful service at Bangkok Airport. After such a long delay, this felt extremely inadequate and did not compensate for the inconvenience we faced. Overall, this has been one of my worst travel experiences. I am extremely disappointed and will not be booking with Jetstar in the future. I strongly request Jetstar to provide additional compensation for the significant delays and the discomfort we had to go through.

Excellent help with Wife needing disability access at Brisbane airport

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

Late leaving and desintuon board showed ‘gate closed’ when they hadn’t even commenced boarding!

Flight was delayed more than 1.5 hours. Gate changed multiple times

The good thing is that the flight got us from Darwin to Brisbane. However, it would have to be the most uncomfortable flight I have ever taken and if I can possibly avoid flying Jetstar again, I will.

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.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports