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$80+ Cheap flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 2/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
Jan 16 — Jan 231
Fri 1/16
Fri 1/23
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 44 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Monday and return on a Tuesday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on December 17, 2025.

This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/15. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/176:15 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Fri 12/262:35 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 12/15$278
This Trip.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Trip.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/176:15 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Wed 12/249:15 amCNS - MEL
1 stop7h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/16$291
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/178:30 amMEL - CNS
1 stop7h 25mVirgin Australia
Wed 12/249:15 amCNS - MEL
1 stop7h 00mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/16$309
This Virgin Australia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Virgin Australia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/179:00 amMEL - CNS
1 stop8h 45mVirgin Australia
Sun 12/213:45 pmCNS - MEL
1 stop6h 20mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/16$310
This FlightHub deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 12/238:30 amMEL - CNS
1 stop7h 25mVirgin Australia
Sun 1/43:45 pmCNS - MEL
1 stop6h 20mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/17$334
This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/246:15 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Sun 12/287:45 amCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/17$339
This FlightHub deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 12/256:00 amMEL - CNS
1 stop5h 15mVirgin Australia
Tue 12/309:15 amCNS - MEL
1 stop7h 00mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/16$350
This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/176:15 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Wed 12/247:30 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/16$379
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/246:15 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Fri 12/262:35 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 12/16$399
This Qantas Airways deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/16. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Qantas Airways is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/176:15 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Sat 12/205:00 pmCNS - MEL
1 stop5h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/16$428
This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/17. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 12/227:45 pmMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Fri 12/269:45 amCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/17$458

Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated December 17, 2025.

Most accurate provider

OneTravel
3 stars

Most trusted provider

OneTravel
3 stars

Round-trip from

$160
(Kiwi.com)

One-way from

$80
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$246

Good round-trip deal

$196 or less

Good one-way deal

$120 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Melbourne-Cairns flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Melbourne-Cairns flights.
Search Deals
From Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
One-way flight from Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 10% potential increase in price ($25 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($8 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in December 2025
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated December 17, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 1/22

7:45 pm-10:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Thu 1/29

9:45 am-2:10 pm

Nonstop3h 25m

$160

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 1/30

7:45 pm-10:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Tue 2/3

9:45 am-2:10 pm

Nonstop3h 25m

$165

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 3/17

6:15 am-8:30 am

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Sat 3/21

9:45 am-2:10 pm

Nonstop3h 25m

$165

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 1/26

6:15 am-8:30 am

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Fri 1/30

7:30 pm-11:55 pm

Nonstop3h 25m

$171

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 5/7

5:25 pm-8:50 pm

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Thu 5/14

9:40 pm-1:00 am

Nonstop3h 20m

$190

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sun 1/11

7:45 pm-10:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Fri 1/16

7:50 pm-12:15 am

Nonstop3h 25m

$207

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 1/19

7:45 pm-10:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 1/24

12:05 pm-9:20 pm

1 stop8h 15m

$227

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 1/12

7:45 pm-10:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Fri 1/16

6:00 am-12:15 pm

1 stop5h 15m

$240

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sat 1/31

8:35 am-11:05 am

Nonstop3h 30m

Cairns

Tue 2/3

11:45 am-4:10 pm

Nonstop3h 25m

$253

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 1/22

7:45 pm-10:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

$81

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 12/16

Showing 1-10 of 20 results
1
2

Compare providers for flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Provider information is updated monthly. Please note that these providers often have deals for this flight, but the availability may vary on a day-by-day basis on Cheapflights.
Use the table below to compare price accuracy, trust ratings, and cancellation policies for each provider offering flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns in December.
ProviderPrice AccuracyTrust Score*
eDreamsPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
FlightHubPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*1 star
Kiwi.comPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
OneTravelPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
Trip.comPrice Accuracy2 starsTrust Score*3 stars
CheapOairPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars

*The Trust Score is based on feedback from users after their booking experience. It measures overall satisfaction, helping us identify issues like hidden fees, problems during the ticketing process, and the quality of customer service. This score is our best indicator of the provider's quality and reliability.

  • Most accurate provider: When it comes to deals on Melbourne Airport-Cairns flights, users find the pricing of OneTravel to be most consistent on Cheapflights vs. OneTravel Users can find the same prices on Melbourne Airport-Cairns flight deals on Cheapflights vs. OneTravel >95% of the time. Price accuracy is based on data collected from Melbourne Airport-Cairns flight searches over the past month and is updated monthly.
  • Most trusted provider: When it comes to deals on Melbourne Airport-Cairns flights, Cheapflights users trust OneTravel the most. OneTravel has received a user feedback score of 3 out of 3 stars (3 being the best), meaning they have been trusted the most by Cheapflights users looking for Melbourne Airport-Cairns flight deals. Provider user feedback score is based on Cheapflights searches over the past month and is updated monthly.

Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

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

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on December 12, 2025.

The price you pay for your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns may vary depending on when you book. For the best chance of a lower fare, look to book 44 days in advance of your trip. Fares are likely to increase a fortnight or so before your departure date.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $77). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $133). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated December 17, 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in the evening. Doing so could potentially save you 73% on the flight price compared to flying at noon, which is usually more expensive.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated December 17, 2025.
Peruse reviews from past customers who have flown with Virgin Australia and Jetstar from Melbourne Airport to Cairns to help guide your decision. You can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
428 reviews

Food

6.4

Entertainment

6.4

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.2

Overall

7.6

Boarding

7.7

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,Jun 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
428 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
428 reviews

Food

6.4

Entertainment

6.4

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.2

Overall

7.6

Boarding

7.7

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,Jun 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Jetstar
6.6
Okay
492 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
428 reviews

Food

6.4

Entertainment

6.4

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.2

Overall

7.6

Boarding

7.7

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,Jun 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?

    Cairns (CNS) is the airport you will fly into if you book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns. You should not have trouble finding flights to Cairns from Melbourne; the airport handles an average of 20 inbound flights from Melbourne per day. You should also have plenty of airline options to choose from since 2 airlines have flights to the Cairns airport from Melbourne. It is only a 2.8 mi journey from Cairns (CNS) to Cairns’s city center.

  • How long is the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Jetstar can get you from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in just under 3h 20m. Your travel time will be generally consistent. Airlines will cover a distance of 1436 mi. All flights are typically nonstop.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip?

    Cheapflights users have booked flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip from $119. Another airline that can offer you cheap pricing is Jetstar. Virgin Australia is priced at 43% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns one-way?

    To fly one-way, consider booking your trip with Jetstar, which is currently one of the cheapest options available, starting at $72. Virgin Australia flights start at $97 while deals on Qantas Airways start at $132 one-way.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Looking for the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time? Our data shows these are most likely to get you from Melbourne Airport to Cairns on time: China Southern (100%), Emirates (93%), Air New Zealand (93%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $79. While the most popular route (Melbourne - Cairns) can be booked for $171 on average, our data indicates $454 when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

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

    Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $77). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $133). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Alternative routes for Melbourne to Cairns

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
Melbourne to Coolangatta flights
Melbourne to Brisbane flights

Top 2 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated December 17, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$132Average$281FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
JetstarCheapest$148Average$196FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%

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