HomeSearch by dateVacation packagesHotelsFlight dealsCar rentalTravel tips & news
Melbourne

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

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 8/12. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CNS — MEL
Jul 8 — Jul 151
Tue 7/8
Tue 7/15
1 adult, Economy
We work with more than 300 partners to bring you better travel deals

Find cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne with Cheapflights

1. Tell us where you want to go

Enter your travel information like dates, passengers, trip type (one-way or round trip), and preferred cabin class then click “Find deals”

2. Select your favorite providers

We find the providers serving your travel needs. Choose up to four travel providers to compare side-by-side for flights, hotels, or car rentals.

3. Compare prices and book

Review each provider’s pricing and select the best option for you! Book through your favorite provider’s website for a seamless experience.

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Cairns to Melbourne are usually found in February or March, booked 44 days in advance, depart on a Saturday or Tuesday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL). 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 July 3, 2025.

Round-trip from

$157
(Kiwi.com)

One-way from

$80
(Jetstar)

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$289

Good one-way deal

$128 or less
From Cairns to Melbourne
Search Deals
One-way flight from Cairns to Melbourne
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 13% potential increase in price ($33 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($6 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in July 2025
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Cairns to Melbourne.
Search Deals

Find flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne

Cheapest flights from Cairns to Melbourne
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Cairns to Melbourne. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on July 3, 2025.

This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/2. 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.
Mon 8/49:30 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Thu 8/77:45 pmMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 7/2$157
This Virgin Australia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/2. 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.
Tue 11/411:55 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Sat 11/84:35 pmMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 7/2$220
This Trip.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 7/2. 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.
Tue 8/129:30 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Sun 8/171:00 pmMEL - CNS
1 stop5h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/2$250
This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 6/30. 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 Booking.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 7/291:40 pmCNS - MEL
2 stops43h 10mBritish Airways
Tue 8/53:55 pmMEL - CNS
2 stops45h 00mBritish Airways
Deal found 6/30$3,119

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Customize your flight search to find flights from Cairns to Melbourne 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 July 3, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Cairns to Melbourne Airport that are best for you.

Fly from

Cairns

Fly to

Melbourne

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Mon 8/4

9:30 pm-12:55 am

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Thu 8/7

7:45 pm-11:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

$157

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Tue 11/4

11:55 pm-4:20 am

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Sat 11/8

4:35 pm-7:05 pm

Nonstop3h 30m

$220

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Tue 8/12

9:30 pm-12:55 am

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Sun 8/17

1:00 pm-6:35 pm

1 stop5h 35m

$250

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Tue 7/29

1:40 pm-8:50 am

2 stops43h 10m

Melbourne

Tue 8/5

3:55 pm-12:55 pm

2 stops45h 00m

$3,119

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Tue 8/12

9:30 pm-12:55 am

Nonstop3h 25m

$80

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Wed 11/5

11:55 pm-4:20 am

Nonstop3h 25m

$105

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Wed 11/5

9:45 am-6:35 pm

2 stops7h 50m

$206

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Sat 10/4

6:00 am-5:45 pm

1 stop11h 45m

$277

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 7/2

Best time to book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Melbourne from Cairns 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 Cairns to Melbourne Airport

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

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Cairns to Melbourne. Price data was last updated on June 27, 2025.

The best time to book flights from Cairns to Melbourne Airport is 44 days before your desired departure date. The cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight.

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

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport (average of $1,071). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in December is currently the most expensive (average of $1,774). 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 CNS to MEL?

Find hourly flight availability from Cairns to Melbourne. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated July 3, 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in the afternoon. Doing so could potentially save you 33% on the flight price compared to flying in the morning, which is usually more expensive.

Weekly flight availability from Cairns to Melbourne Airport

Explore weekly flight availability from Cairns to Melbourne. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated July 3, 2025.

The most flights from CNS to MEL are scheduled on a Tuesday (24 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Saturday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (16 on average).

Reviews of airlines servicing Melbourne

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. Reviews last updated July 3, 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, and British Airways from Cairns to Melbourne Airport have to say. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
868 reviews

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
868 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
868 reviews

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
408 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
868 reviews

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!
British Airways
6.6
Okay
7,093 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
868 reviews

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
455 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
868 reviews

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Cairns to Melbourne. 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 from for flights from Cairns to Melbourne?

    Cairns (CNS) is the airport you will fly out of if you book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne. You should not have trouble finding flights to Melbourne from Cairns; the airport handles an average of 21 outbound flights to Melbourne per day. You should also have plenty of airline options to choose from since 1 airline has flights from the Cairns airport to Melbourne. It is only a 2.8 mi journey to Cairns (CNS) from Cairns’s city center.

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

    According to our current data, Jetstar ($157), Virgin Australia ($220), and British Airways ($3,119) offers the cheapest pricing from Cairns to Melbourne Airport. Jetstar is currently priced 28% below the average price you’ll pay for this route.

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

    For one-way options, check prices for Jetstar. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $80. Users have also found prices from $105 and $277 on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, respectively.

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

    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 Cairns to Melbourne Airport on time: Cathay Pacific (100%), Etihad Airways (95%), Qatar Airways (91%).

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

    While on average a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport is generally $194, our data shows the cheapest flight currently is $79. When looking at the most popular route, (Cairns - Melbourne), you can expect to pay $331 for that flight.

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

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

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

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

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

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne 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 Cairns to Melbourne Airport?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport (average of $1,071). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in December is currently the most expensive (average of $1,774). 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

Traveling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Geelong
Tullamarine
Dandenong
Doncaster
Phillip Island

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Alternative routes for Cairns to Melbourne

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

Top airline flying from Cairns to Melbourne

Discover the top airline that operate flights from Cairns to Melbourne. 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 July 3, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$142Average$176FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%

100% Free

Cheapflights is completely free to use, so you can start saving the moment you arrive.

Book with Flexibility

Our users can plan ahead with confidence and find flights with no change fees

Travel Smart

Millions of people come to us for their flight needs every year. We help make travel planning easy by providing useful insights and data-driven graphs that can inform your decisions.