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Cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne Airport from $126

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 21/2. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CNS — MEL
17 Feb — 24 Feb1
1 adult

The best prices from Cairns to Melbourne are usually found in January or February, booked 44 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Friday and return on a Thursday

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 12 February 2025.

Round-trip from

$247

One-way from

$126

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

January

Average price

$328

Good round-trip deal

$279 or less

Good one-way deal

$179 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 25/2-1/3
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 40m total
  • Cairns to Melbourne
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 19/2
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 25m total
  • Cairns to Melbourne
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 16% potential increase in price ($127 potential increase over avg. return price).
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($16 potential savings vs. average return price).
Average for round-trip flights in February 2025
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Cairns to Melbourne.
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Cairns to Melbourne.

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 12 February 2025.

Fri 21/207:35CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Mon 24/206:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 11/2$247
Wed 19/309:15CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Thu 20/306:05MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 10/2$253
Fri 21/209:45CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mMultiple Airlines
Mon 24/206:00MEL - CNS
1 stop5h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/2$352
Thu 13/212:45CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mQantas Airways
Wed 19/209:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mQantas Airways
Deal found 11/2$619
Sat 1/306:00CNS - MEL
2 stops13h 40mAir New Zealand
Sun 2/317:00MEL - CNS
2 stops20h 05mAir New Zealand
Deal found 11/2$1,915

Find flights from Cairns to Melbourne within your budget

Customise 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 647,157 searches. Data last updated 12 February 2025.

Fly from

Any airport

Fly to

Any airport

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Thu 27/3

09:05-13:30

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Thu 3/4

17:20-19:40

Nonstop3h 20m

$242

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Mon 24/2

11:45-16:10

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Fri 28/2

08:35-11:05

Nonstop3h 30m

$250

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Thu 27/3

11:45-16:10

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Mon 31/3

21:15-09:10

1 stop12h 55m

$299

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 14/3

06:00-16:00

1 stop9h 00m

Melbourne

Fri 14/3

23:55-22:45

2 stops23h 50m

$1,332

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 21/2

07:00-22:50

2 stops14h 50m

Melbourne

Mon 24/2

07:00-18:30

2 stops12h 30m

$1,778

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Sat 1/3

06:00-20:40

2 stops13h 40m

Melbourne

Sun 2/3

17:00-12:05

2 stops20h 05m

$1,915

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 21/2

09:45-14:15

Nonstop3h 30m

$126

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Mon 17/3

09:15-13:40

Nonstop3h 25m

$161

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Tue 18/3

12:45-17:10

Nonstop3h 25m

$259

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 25/4

06:00-14:35

2 stops8h 35m

$325

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 10/2

Showing 1-10 of 13 results
1
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 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.

Travel insights for flights from Cairns to Melbourne

Get recent, data-driven insights about flights from Cairns to Melbourne including ideal travel times, pricing trends, and more.

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

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Cairns to Melbourne. Price data was last updated on 7 February 2025.

Booking 44 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne Airport. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

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

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport (average of $132). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in October is currently the most expensive (average of $184). 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 12 February 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in the afternoon. Doing so could potentially save you 80% on the flight price compared to flying at midday, which is usually more expensive.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Cairns to Melbourne Airport?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Cairns to Melbourne. Price data was last updated on 10 February 2025.

Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Cairns to Melbourne Airport flight should consider departing on Saturday afternoons when fares are most often at their lowest. Saturday at midday flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

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 12 February 2025.

The most flights from CNS to MEL are scheduled on a Tuesday (15 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Thursday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (11 on average).

Rainfall in Melbourne by month

Plan your trip to Melbourne by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Melbourne Airport ranges from 30.0 - 60.0 inches per month. November is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 60.0 mm. March is typically the driest time to visit Melbourne Airport when rainfall is around 30.0 mm.

Temperature in Melbourne by month

Plan your trip to Melbourne by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Melbourne Airport, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 20.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of July, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 8.0 C).

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 12 February 2025.

Comfort

7.9

Entertainment

7.4

Boarding

8.2

Overall

7.9

Food

7.2

Crew

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20

4.0
Okay

eric,Jan 2025

SFO - BOS

Connection Booked by United was one hour and 20 minutes to come from international Auckland to San Francisco, deplane, clear customs and immigration, collect baggage, transfer baggage, go through TSA, walk/run across terminals 20 minutes and barely make connection When united informed pre-vacation of the tightness of the connection,would not switch to a flight two hours later, despite open seats, the flight that the baggage actually took Passengers made connection; baggage did not Food: nonexistent for a cross country six hour flight Arrived early, but of course gate unavailable and then plane door to get off stuck for 20 minutes

Comfort

7.9

Entertainment

7.4

Boarding

8.2

Overall

7.9

Food

7.2

Crew

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20

4.0
Okay

eric,Jan 2025

SFO - BOS

Connection Booked by United was one hour and 20 minutes to come from international Auckland to San Francisco, deplane, clear customs and immigration, collect baggage, transfer baggage, go through TSA, walk/run across terminals 20 minutes and barely make connection When united informed pre-vacation of the tightness of the connection,would not switch to a flight two hours later, despite open seats, the flight that the baggage actually took Passengers made connection; baggage did not Food: nonexistent for a cross country six hour flight Arrived early, but of course gate unavailable and then plane door to get off stuck for 20 minutes

Comfort

7.9

Entertainment

7.4

Boarding

8.2

Overall

7.9

Food

7.2

Crew

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20

4.0
Okay

eric,Jan 2025

SFO - BOS

Connection Booked by United was one hour and 20 minutes to come from international Auckland to San Francisco, deplane, clear customs and immigration, collect baggage, transfer baggage, go through TSA, walk/run across terminals 20 minutes and barely make connection When united informed pre-vacation of the tightness of the connection,would not switch to a flight two hours later, despite open seats, the flight that the baggage actually took Passengers made connection; baggage did not Food: nonexistent for a cross country six hour flight Arrived early, but of course gate unavailable and then plane door to get off stuck for 20 minutes

Comfort

7.9

Entertainment

7.4

Boarding

8.2

Overall

7.9

Food

7.2

Crew

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20

4.0
Okay

eric,Jan 2025

SFO - BOS

Connection Booked by United was one hour and 20 minutes to come from international Auckland to San Francisco, deplane, clear customs and immigration, collect baggage, transfer baggage, go through TSA, walk/run across terminals 20 minutes and barely make connection When united informed pre-vacation of the tightness of the connection,would not switch to a flight two hours later, despite open seats, the flight that the baggage actually took Passengers made connection; baggage did not Food: nonexistent for a cross country six hour flight Arrived early, but of course gate unavailable and then plane door to get off stuck for 20 minutes

Comfort

7.9

Entertainment

7.4

Boarding

8.2

Overall

7.9

Food

7.2

Crew

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20

4.0
Okay

eric,Jan 2025

SFO - BOS

Connection Booked by United was one hour and 20 minutes to come from international Auckland to San Francisco, deplane, clear customs and immigration, collect baggage, transfer baggage, go through TSA, walk/run across terminals 20 minutes and barely make connection When united informed pre-vacation of the tightness of the connection,would not switch to a flight two hours later, despite open seats, the flight that the baggage actually took Passengers made connection; baggage did not Food: nonexistent for a cross country six hour flight Arrived early, but of course gate unavailable and then plane door to get off stuck for 20 minutes

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?

    For a flight from Cairns to Melbourne, you will be flying from Cairns. Cairns (CNS) is just 4.4 km from the centre of the city. Cairns is the only Cairns airport and it handles 13 outbound flights to Melbourne per day. 2 airlines have flights to Melbourne from Cairns on a regular basis.

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

    Jetstar, at $247, was found to be the cheapest airline from Cairns to Melbourne Airport.Alternate airlines to your destination round-trip include Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand. You may be able to fly from Cairns to Melbourne Airport for 40% less than the average price by searching for these airlines.

  • 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 $126. Users have also found prices from $159 and $259 on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, respectively.

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

    Before booking your flight to Melbourne Airport from Cairns, have a look at the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time: Cathay Pacific (86%), Qatar Airways (84%), Etihad Airways( 83%).

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

    Looking for the cheapest flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport? While on average our users pay $419, our data indicates the cheapest price to be $122. The most popular route (Cairns - Melbourne), is priced around $228.

  • Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Cairns to Melbourne Airport?

  • What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Brisbane?

    Roma Street Parkland, Treasury Casino, 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. Those on a stopover in Brisbane interested in visiting Roma Street Parkland, Treasury Casino, or St. John's Anglican Cathedral can do so by traveling 12.6 km, 13.0 km, and 11.9 km, respectively from Brisbane. Travellers can rent a car at Brisbane for an average daily rate of $45 to make sightseeing during their stopover a little easier.

  • Where are the least popular stopover locations for Cairns to Melbourne Airport flights?

  • 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 holiday 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, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport (average of $132). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in October is currently the most expensive (average of $184). 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
Geelong
Dandenong
Ballarat
Phillip Island
Apollo Bay
Lorne
Tullamarine
St Kilda
Shepparton
Torquay
Daylesford
Sorrento
Mornington
Brighton
Doncaster

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Fly from Cairns to Melbourne on these airlines

Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Cairns to Melbourne. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 12 February 2025.