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Cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns from $120

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 23/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
29 Jun — 6 Jul1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags
Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in February or November, booked 83 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Tuesday and return on a Friday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

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 May 2026.

Wed 15/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Wed 29/720:35
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 25/5$247
Thu 6/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Wed 12/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 28/5$248
Mon 24/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Fri 28/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 26/5$250
Wed 21/1020:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Sun 25/1023:55
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 28/5$251
Mon 15/619:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Wed 24/620:10
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 27/5$252
Mon 15/619:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Fri 19/621:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 27/5$254
Fri 21/817:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 23/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 28/5$255
Mon 27/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 2/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 25/5$257
Wed 22/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Wed 29/720:35
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 26/5$258
Fri 20/1119:50
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Mon 30/1123:55
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 27/5$259
Sun 12/721:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Fri 17/721:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 25/5$262
Wed 22/706:00
AVV
-
CNS
1 stop12h 25m
Jetstar
Wed 29/719:10
CNS
-
AVV
1 stop20h 55m
Jetstar
Deal found 26/5$389

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 May 2026.

Round-trip from

$247

One-way from

$120

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$273
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 15/7-29/7
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 45m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 23/8
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 25m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 9% potential increase in price ($45 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($10 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in May 2026
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
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 647,157 searches. Data last updated 30 May 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 - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 21/8

17:25-20:50

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Sun 23/8

21:40-01:00

Nonstop3h 20m

$248

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 27/7

19:15-22:40

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Sun 2/8

21:40-01:00

Nonstop3h 20m

$257

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 22/10

20:15-22:40

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Sat 31/10

19:20-23:45

Nonstop3h 25m

$282
Fastest return journey

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sat 22/8

06:25-09:45

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 5/9

20:10-23:30

Nonstop3h 20m

$291

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 7/9

19:15-22:40

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Thu 10/9

20:10-23:35

Nonstop3h 25m

$304

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 24/7

17:25-20:50

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Mon 27/7

13:15-16:45

Nonstop3h 30m

$393

MelbourneCairns

AVV - CNS

AVVCNS

Melbourne Avalon

Fri 17/7

20:40-08:30

1 stop11h 50m

Cairns

Mon 20/7

06:00-14:20

1 stop8h 20m

$425

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 9/7

17:10-23:20

1 stop6h 10m

Cairns

Thu 16/7

21:00-00:30

Nonstop3h 30m

$428

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sun 21/6

06:00-13:40

1 stop7h 40m

Cairns

Tue 30/6

21:40-01:00

Nonstop3h 20m

$438

MelbourneCairns

AVV - CNS

AVVCNS

Melbourne Avalon

Sat 18/7

16:40-22:25

1 stop5h 45m

Cairns

Fri 24/7

06:00-14:20

1 stop8h 20m

$439

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 25/5

Showing 1-10 of 43 resultsSorted by cheapest first
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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 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

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 $89). Flying from Melbourne to Cairns in May 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 May 2026.

Unlike at midday, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 72% 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 May 2026.

The most flights from ME1 to CNS are scheduled on a Tuesday (23 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Saturday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (14 on average).

How much does it cost for a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

How often are flights from Melbourne to Cairns delayed?

About 18% of weekly flights between Melbourne and Cairns have experienced delays in the past year, with the average delay time being 107 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 early afternoon 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, Qantas Airways have had the lowest number of delays on this route, with just 11% 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 71 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 23 May 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. Sunday 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 May 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.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
459 reviews
Check prices

Entertainment

6.4

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
459 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
459 reviews
Check prices

Entertainment

6.4

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
1,042 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
459 reviews
Check prices

Entertainment

6.4

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
543 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
459 reviews
Check prices

Entertainment

6.4

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Overall

7.6

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

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 19 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 25m. 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 $116 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, starting at $152 and $207 round-trip. Jetstar is priced at 61% 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?

    $102 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 $130 and $223, 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 Qatar Airways(97%), Air India(97%) or China Southern(94%), 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 $116. While the most popular route (Melbourne - Cairns) can be booked for $247 on average, our data indicates $742 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, Cathedral of St Stephen, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre are the most popular attractions in Brisbane if you're in need of something to do during your stopover. Roma Street Parkland, Cathedral of St Stephen, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre can be visited by traveling about 12.6 km, 12.3 km, and 13.5 km respectively from Brisbane. Those looking to explore during their stopover in Brisbane can hire a car from Brisbane for about $54 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 $89). Flying from Melbourne to Cairns in May 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.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Mission Beach
Trinity Beach

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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 May 2026.
Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Qantas Airways flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

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 647,157 searches. Data last updated 30 May 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$116Average$357FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$152Average$350FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$207Average$552FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

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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