This is the cheapest retur flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 10/12. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
29 Nov — 6 Dec1
Return
1 adult
Economy
Return
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags
Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in February or March, booked 83 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Tuesday and return on a Friday
Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns
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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 30 October 2026.
Mon 14/1206:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Wed 23/1223:55 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Deal found 29/10$271
Wed 2/1215:25 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Wed 9/1214:40 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 28/10$273
Fri 11/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Fri 18/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 26/10$283
Thu 10/1206:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Thu 17/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 25/10$287
Tue 1/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Thu 10/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 27/10$288
Thu 10/1206:00 -
1 stop12h 30m
Tue 15/1218:05 -
1 stop14h 40m
Deal found 28/10$455
Wed 2/1206:00 -
1 stop8h 30m
Wed 9/1206:40 -
1 stop6h 25m
Deal found 28/10$459
Wed 2/1206:00 -
1 stop8h 30m
Tue 8/1218:05 -
1 stop14h 40m
Deal found 29/10$466
Wed 2/1206:00 -
1 stop12h 30m
Mon 7/1206:40 -
1 stop15h 35m
Deal found 29/10$475
Thu 10/1206:00 -
1 stop12h 30m
Wed 16/1206:40 -
1 stop6h 25m
Deal found 27/10$477
Thu 10/1206:00 -
1 stop8h 30m
Sun 13/1218:05 -
1 stop14h 40m
Deal found 25/10$489
Fri 27/1120:55 -
1 stop12h 25m
Tue 1/1218:05 -
1 stop14h 40m
Deal found 25/10$492
Best flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover carefully curated flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 30 October 2026.
Sat 30/119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Thu 4/209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 29/10$286
Wed 3/308:35 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Sat 6/311:45 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Deal found 29/10$375
Sat 30/108:10 -
1 stop6h 20m
Thu 4/215:45 -
1 stop6h 30m
Deal found 29/10$533
Thu 28/106:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Mon 1/210:15 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 30/10$298
Sun 28/219:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Fri 12/314:40 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 29/10$311
Sun 13/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Sun 20/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 29/10$331
Mon 23/1116:10 -
1 stop7h 55m
Mon 30/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Deal found 26/10$416
Mon 23/1106:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Mon 30/1109:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 26/10$334
Wed 28/406:25 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Thu 6/506:00 -
1 stop6h 20m
Deal found 26/10$416
Thu 26/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Sun 29/1109:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 29/10$364
Mon 14/1221:15 -
1 stop12h 20m
Wed 23/1215:55 -
1 stop6h 20m
Deal found 30/10$570
Sun 3/106:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Wed 6/109:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 28/10$408
Tue 10/1111:40 -
2 stops12h 25m
Sat 14/1106:40 -
1 stop15h 35m
Deal found 26/10$730
Fri 18/1215:25 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Sat 2/107:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 28/10$467
Wed 2/1206:00 -
1 stop12h 30m
Mon 7/1206:40 -
1 stop15h 35m
Deal found 29/10$475
Tue 1/1211:40 -
1 stop6h 50m
Tue 15/1206:40 -
1 stop6h 25m
Deal found 28/10$521
Mon 14/1211:40 -
1 stop6h 50m
Wed 23/1218:05 -
1 stop12h 30m
Deal found 25/10$607
Thu 17/1206:00 -
1 stop8h 30m
Sun 20/1218:05 -
1 stop12h 30m
Deal found 29/10$681
Sun 3/121:15 -
1 stop12h 45m
Wed 6/118:05 -
1 stop12h 30m
Deal found 27/10$692
Tue 17/1121:15 -
1 stop15h 05m
Wed 25/1118:05 -
1 stop14h 40m
Deal found 25/10$747
Tue 17/1106:00 -
1 stop8h 30m
Sat 21/1112:05 -
1 stop7h 35m
Deal found 26/10$756
Wed 30/1221:15 -
1 stop12h 45m
Sat 2/106:00 -
1 stop13h 40m
Deal found 27/10$874
Direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore direct flight options from Melbourne to Cairns based on user searches, and compare prices and availability for your desired travel dates. Data last updated 30 October 2026.
Mon 14/1206:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Wed 23/1223:55 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Deal found 29/10$271
Wed 2/1215:25 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Wed 9/1214:40 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 28/10$273
Fri 11/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Fri 18/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 26/10$283
Thu 10/1206:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Thu 17/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 25/10$287
Tue 1/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Thu 10/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 27/10$288
Last-minute flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover last-minute flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns. Data last updated 30 October 2026 and is based on user searches.
Sat 7/1116:35 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Sun 6/1207:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 28/10$321
Sat 21/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Mon 30/1109:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 25/10$322
Sat 21/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Sun 29/1107:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 27/10$338
Sun 22/1116:05 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Sun 13/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 25/10$318
Tue 24/1121:15 -
1 stop15h 05m
Tue 1/1218:05 -
1 stop14h 40m
Deal found 27/10$494
Fri 27/1115:25 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Mon 30/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Deal found 27/10$327
Fri 27/1120:55 -
1 stop12h 25m
Tue 1/1218:05 -
1 stop14h 40m
Deal found 25/10$492
Sat 28/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Sun 6/1207:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 26/10$290
Sat 28/1106:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Sun 29/1107:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 27/10$313
Sat 28/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Wed 2/1209:45 -
Nonstop3h 30m
Deal found 29/10$315
Sun 29/1119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Fri 11/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Deal found 25/10$307
Mon 30/1106:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Fri 4/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 25m
Deal found 28/10$337
One-way flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Search for one-way flight options from Melbourne to Cairns. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 30 October 2026.
Thu 10/1206:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 25/10$139
Thu 14/119:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 29/10$142
Fri 11/1219:50 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 29/10$145
Mon 30/1106:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 26/10$146
Fri 4/1215:25 -
Nonstop3h 20m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 28/10$148
Tue 24/1106:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 25/10$151
Thu 17/1206:15 -
Nonstop3h 15m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 28/10$156
Tue 26/117:00 -
1 stop17h 05m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 30/10$189
Sat 23/117:00 -
1 stop17h 05m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 29/10$197
Mon 18/121:15 -
1 stop12h 45m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 25/10$199
Thu 21/117:00 -
1 stop17h 05m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 25/10$200
Mon 25/117:00 -
1 stop17h 05m
Wed 31/1200:00 -
Nonstop0h 00m
Deal found 26/10$202
Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (ME1) 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 30 October 2026.
Customise 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 7,457,451 searches. Data last updated 30 October 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne to Cairns that are best for you.
Fly from
Fly to
Route
Depart
Return
Price
Cheapest return flight
MelbourneCairns
MEL Melbourne - CNS Cairns
MELCNS
Melbourne
Sat 24/4
06:25-09:45
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$145
MelbourneCairns
MEL Melbourne - CNS Cairns
MELCNS
Melbourne
Fri 11/12
19:50-22:10
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$145
MelbourneCairns
MEL Melbourne - CNS Cairns
MELCNS
Melbourne
Fri 23/4
11:20-14:40
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$146
Fastest return journey
MelbourneCairns
MEL Melbourne - CNS Cairns
MELCNS
Melbourne
Wed 25/11
06:15-08:30
Nonstop3h 15m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$175
MelbourneCairns
AVV Melbourne Avalon - CNS Cairns
AVVCNS
Melbourne Avalon
Tue 26/1
17:00-09:05
1 stop17h 05m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$196
MelbourneCairns
AVV Melbourne Avalon - CNS Cairns
AVVCNS
Melbourne Avalon
Sat 23/1
17:00-09:05
1 stop17h 05m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$197
MelbourneCairns
MEL Melbourne - CNS Cairns
MELCNS
Melbourne
Fri 20/11
06:15-08:30
Nonstop3h 15m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$209
MelbourneCairns
AVV Melbourne Avalon - CNS Cairns
AVVCNS
Melbourne Avalon
Mon 19/4
20:55-09:20
1 stop12h 25m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$230
MelbourneCairns
AVV Melbourne Avalon - CNS Cairns
AVVCNS
Melbourne Avalon
Wed 28/4
06:00-18:25
1 stop12h 25m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$232
MelbourneCairns
AVV Melbourne Avalon - CNS Cairns
AVVCNS
Melbourne Avalon
Thu 28/1
10:20-17:30
1 stop8h 10m
Cairns
Wed 31/12
00:00-00:00
Nonstop0h 00m
$237
Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.
Deals found on 27/10
Showing 1-10 of 46 resultsSorted by cheapest first
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2
3
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5
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.
ME1-CNS
MEL-CNS
AVV-CNS
Estimated return 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 to Cairns
ME1-CNS
MEL-CNS
AVV-CNS
What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?
Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns (average of $257). Flying from Melbourne to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $445). 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 30 October 2026.
Unlike at midday, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 34% on flights from Melbourne to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.
Weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. 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 30 October 2026.
The most flights from ME1 to CNS are scheduled on a Wednesday (22 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Tuesday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (9 on average).
How much does it cost for a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns?
Airfare is typical for this route at the moment.
Melbourne to Cairns flights typically cost between $259 and $398 in December.The cheapest return price found within the last 5 days was $271 on Multiple Airlines (14 Dec–23 Dec).
How often are flights from Melbourne to Cairns delayed?
About 19% of weekly flights between Melbourne and Cairns have experienced delays in the past year, with the average delay time being 111 minutes.
What is the most punctual flight time for Melbourne to Cairns flights?
Historically, flights departing at night are less likely to be delayed, whereas flights leaving in the evening tend to experience delays more often.
What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?
Saturday tends to have the lowest number of delays on this route, whereas Wednesday has historically faced a higher average of delays compared to other days of the week.
Which airline has the best punctuality record on Melbourne to Cairns flights?
Over the past year, Virgin Australia have had the lowest number of delays on this route, with just 13% of flights being delayed.
How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?
The best time to book flights from Melbourne to Cairns is 82 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 day to fly from Melbourne to Cairns?
Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 24 October 2026.
Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne to Cairns flight should consider departing on Wednesday at midday when fares are most often at their lowest. Monday at midday flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.
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 30 October 2026.
See what other customers who have flown with Virgin Australia,Qantas Airways, andJetstar from Melbourne to Cairns have to say. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
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?
For a flight from Melbourne to Cairns, you will be flying into Cairns. Cairns (CNS) is just 4.4 km from the centre vof the city. Cairns is the only Cairns airport and it handles 14 inbound flights from Melbourne per day. 3 airlines have flights to Cairns from Melbourne on a regular basis.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Cairns?
Airlines like Jetstar fly from Melbourne to Cairns in about 3h 20m. The time it takes to get you to your destination is usually consistent. Melbourne and Cairns are separated by a distance of 2311 km. Most flights are nonstop.
What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns round-trip?
Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $108 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, starting at $171 and $267 round-trip. Jetstar is priced at 68% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.
What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Melbourne to Cairns one-way?
$107 is the cheapest one-way deal found within the past few days, from Jetstar. You may also be able to find cheap deals on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, with prices starting from $142 and $213, respectively.
What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne to Cairns?
No one likes to see their flight delayed. When booking a flight from Melbourne to Cairns consider choosing Air India(93%), Air Niugini(90%) or China Eastern(90%), as they are the most reliable in getting you off to your destination on time.
What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $126. While the most popular route (Melbourne - Cairns) can be booked for $273 on average, our data indicates $393 when flying from Melbourne to Cairns.
Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne to Cairns?
Melbourne to Cairns flights have a stopover in Brisbane most of the time.
What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Brisbane?
Roma Street Parkland, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and St. John's Anglican Cathedral are the most popular attractions in Brisbane if you're in need of something to do during your stopover. Roma Street Parkland, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and St. John's Anglican Cathedral can be visited by traveling about 12.6 km, 13.5 km, and 11.9 km respectively from Brisbane. Those looking to explore during their stopover in Brisbane can hire a car from Brisbane for about $57 per day.
Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne to Cairns flights?
The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne to Cairns is Sydney.
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 holiday 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 to Cairns?
Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns (average of $257). Flying from Melbourne to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $445). 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.
Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Mission Beach
Trinity Beach
Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip
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Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on these airlines
Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 30 October 2026.
Explore flights to Cairns departing from other origins. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 30 October 2026.
Discover the top 3 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 7,457,451 searches. Data last updated 30 October 2026.
Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.
How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.
Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?
Cheapflights taps into our reliable network of hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns for you. Better yet — we are completely free to use.
Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?
Need flexible booking options for your flight to Cairns from Melbourne? Don’t worry, Cheapflights have you covered. Use our search filter to only show flights with no change fees.
Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?
Yes, Cheapflights has a feature called Price Alert, which notifies users when flight prices change. Track prices for your flight to Cairns from Melbourne today and book when prices fit your budget.
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