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Cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne 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 16/1. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CNS — MEL
2 Nov — 9 Nov1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Cairns to Melbourne are usually found in February or March, booked 52 days in advance, depart on a Friday or Thursday and return on a Tuesday

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 (ME1). 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 3 October 2025.

Round-trip from

$230

One-way from

$120

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$378
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 15/12-15/1
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 40m total
  • Cairns to Melbourne
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Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 16/1
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 25m total
  • Cairns to Melbourne
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 2% potential increase in price ($12 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($12 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
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Find flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

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 3 October 2025.

Mon 15/1219:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Thu 15/106:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 30/9$230
Mon 10/1119:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Thu 4/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 1/10$232
Thu 11/1214:35CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Mon 15/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 30/9$235
Thu 16/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Wed 22/1020:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 2/10$239
Fri 10/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Sun 12/1020:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 30/9$241
Thu 23/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Wed 29/1006:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 30/9$244
Mon 17/1119:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Mon 24/1122:00MEL - CNS
1 stop14h 20mJetstar
Deal found 2/10$245
Wed 29/1023:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Wed 5/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 1/10$248
Wed 12/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Sun 16/1106:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 1/10$253
Sun 16/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Sun 23/1106:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 1/10$254
Fri 24/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Thu 30/1006:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 1/10$256
Thu 16/1016:10CNS - AVV
1 stop5h 40mJetstar
Wed 22/1014:55AVV - CNS
1 stop8h 55mJetstar
Deal found 2/10$306

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
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 3 October 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Cairns to Melbourne that are best for you.

Fly from

Cairns

Fly to

Melbourne

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Mon 15/12

19:30-23:55

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Thu 15/1

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

$230

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Thu 16/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Wed 22/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

$239

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 5/12

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Sat 6/12

15:25-17:45

Nonstop3h 20m

$242

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Thu 23/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Wed 29/10

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

$244

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 7/11

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Sun 9/11

21:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

$248

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 14/11

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Fri 21/11

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

$248

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Sat 14/2

18:40-23:05

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Mon 16/2

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

$248

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Wed 5/11

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Wed 12/11

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

$251

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Wed 12/11

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Sun 16/11

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

$253

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

Fri 2/1

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

Sun 4/1

16:25-18:45

Nonstop3h 20m

$253

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 30/9

Showing 1-10 of 43 results
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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.

Cheapflights Insights

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

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

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Cairns to Melbourne. Price data was last updated on 26 September 2025.

Booking 52 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne. 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?

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne (average of $132). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne 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 3 October 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Cairns to Melbourne in the evening. Doing so could potentially save you 58% 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?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Cairns to Melbourne. Price data was last updated on 16 December 2024.

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

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

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 3 October 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Virgin Australia and Jetstar from Cairns to Melbourne 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
417 reviews
Check prices

Food

6.4

Overall

7.6

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

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

Food

6.4

Overall

7.6

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
474 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
417 reviews
Check prices

Food

6.4

Overall

7.6

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,June 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 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 12 outbound flights to Melbourne per day. 2 airlines have flights to Melbourne from Cairns on a regular basis.

  • How long is the flight from Cairns to Melbourne?

    Departing from Cairns to Melbourne will take you 3h 25m. Airlines will cover a distance of 2311 km. Generally, flights for this route are direct.

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

    Our cheapest airline available from Cairns to Melbourne is Virgin Australia. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $192 on this airline. An additional option worth looking into is Jetstar, starting at $194. Virgin Australia is priced at 38% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

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

    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 on time: Cathay Pacific (88%), Jetstar (87%), IndiGo (86%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Cairns to Melbourne?

    On average you can expect to pay $315 for a flight from Cairns to Melbourne. The cheapest flight overall is $115 while the most popular route, (Cairns - Melbourne) is currently priced at $151.

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

    Cairns to Melbourne 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?

    Most Brisbane visitors opt to spend their time experiencing Roma Street Parkland, Treasury Casino, and Cathedral of St Stephen. Roma Street Parkland, Treasury Casino, and Cathedral of St Stephen are located about 12.6 km, 13.0 km, and 12.3 km, respectively from Brisbane. Those on a stopover in Brisbane in need of a car hire can book one at Brisbane for about $67.

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

    Cairns to Melbourne flights have a stopover in Sydney least often.

  • 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?

    Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne (average of $132). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne 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

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Top 2 airlines flying from Cairns to Melbourne

Discover the top 2 airlines 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 647,157 searches. Data last updated 3 October 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$192Average$406FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
JetstarCheapest$194Average$301FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar 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 Cairns to Melbourne?

When you search for this flight from Cairns to Melbourne, Cheapflights searches on 900+ travel sites to save you time finding great flight deals online. Additionally, we offer filter features so you can choose a preferred cabin class or airline, see different price ranges, and much more so you can book the flight for you.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Cairns to Melbourne?

It’s simple! Cheapflights, which is free to use for everyone, saves millions of users time and money every year by helping them find the cheapest and most suitable flights from Cairns to Melbourne.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Cairns to Melbourne with no change fees?

Certainly. Search results for flights to Melbourne from Cairns shown to you on Cheapflights can be narrowed down with different useful search filters, which includes flexible booking options.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Cairns to Melbourne become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights has a feature called Price Alert, which notifies users when flight prices change. Track prices for your flight to Melbourne from Cairns today and book when prices fit your budget.

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