Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

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Cheapest Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Virgin Australia
Mon., 9 Dec. - Thu., 12 Dec.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$261 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$261
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon., 9 Dec. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Thu., 12 Dec., priced at AU$261 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Wed., 15 Jan. - Fri., 17 Jan.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$268 Return, found 6 hours ago
AU$268
Return
found 6 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Wed., 15 Jan. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Fri., 17 Jan., priced at AU$268 found 6 hours ago
Jetstar
Wed., 15 Jan. - Fri., 17 Jan.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$282 Return, found 6 hours ago
AU$282
Return
found 6 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Wed., 15 Jan. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Fri., 17 Jan., priced at AU$282 found 6 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun., 12 Jan. - Tue., 14 Jan.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$296 Return, found 6 hours ago
AU$296
Return
found 6 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun., 12 Jan. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Tue., 14 Jan., priced at AU$296 found 6 hours ago
Virgin Australia
Fri., 6 Dec. - Mon., 16 Dec.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$300 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$300
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Fri., 6 Dec. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Mon., 16 Dec., priced at AU$300 found 1 day ago

Best Day to Book Flight from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

Melbourne to Cairns Flight Information

Find the Cheapest Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

Work hard, travel harder! Wotif brings you the cheapest Melbourne to Cairns flights, making it possible to have a five star holiday without that five star price tag. Browse and compare our top MEL to CNS routes and airport options. So, go ahead and treat yourself, your sweetheart, or the kids to an unforgettable holiday this year.

Melbourne to Cairns Information

Traveling From
Tullamarine
Origin Airport
Melbourne
Origin Airport IATA Code
MEL
Traveling To
Cairns Intl.
Destination Airport
Cairns
Destination Airport IATA Code
CNS
Number of Airlines Serving
11
Average Flight Time
3 hours 24 mins
Direct Flight Time
3 hours 15 mins
Flight Price
AU$261

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from MEL to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
So, you’re flying from Melbourne to Cairns? Then you’ll have roughly 3 hours and 21 minutes to while away. Stuff your carry-on with plenty of entertainment, as well as your trusty neck pillow, and time will zoom by.
What airlines fly direct from MEL to CNS?
The only thing standing between you and Cairns is just one, seamless flight (and maybe a few cold ones from the drinks cart). You can fly directly from MEL to CNS with a range of airlines, including Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
How many flights are there from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Airport?
If you have to head to Cairns on the double, you just got lucky. All you need to do is choose one of the 8 flights that operate between MEL and CNS every day.
What are the cheapest days to fly?
Here’s an insider tip: Monday is typically the cheapest day to fly! Looking at flight demand on Wotif in 2021, we found that flights departing on a Monday generally had the lowest average price, closely followed by flights on a Saturday. You might want to think twice about flying on a Thursday though; generally, our data showed that it had the highest average ticket price.
What is the best day to buy a plane ticket?
Guess what? It turns out that early in the week is the best time to score the cheapest plane tickets. Looking at flight demand on Wotif in 2021, we found that flights purchased on a Monday had the lowest airfares on average. Booking your plane ticket on the weekend also seems to score pretty good deals. However, airfares purchased on a Friday generally have a higher than average ticket value, so you might want to prepare your budget if you’re booking on that day.
What is the cheapest month to fly?
When comparing airfares booked through Wotif in 2021, our data shows February is one of the cheapest months to fly. On the other hand, the month of December can be one of the most expensive times to travel, with the highest average ticket price, so it’s best to get in early if December is your preferred travel month.
How far in advance can you book a flight?
Trying to figure out how early you should book your flight? It’s possible to start comparing international airfares on Wotif up to 12 months in advance. However, it does depend on the carrier as not all airlines release their prices that far out. According to Wotif’s 2021 flight demand trends, you can bag a bargain with some of the cheapest airfares appearing just 1 week prior to travel.*According to flight demand on Wotif.com from January to December 2021. Savings are subject to change and may vary depending on selections made.
Address:
Cairns QLD,
Australia
IATA code:
CNS
Longitude:
145.754041
Latitude:
-16.876538
Time zone:
Australia/Brisbane
Address:
Melbourne VIC,
Australia
IATA code:
MEL
Longitude:
144.843013
Latitude:
-37.673295
Time zone:
Australia/Sydney

Melbourne to Cairns Flight Deals from AU$261

Considering a quick trip to Cairns, but not sure which is the best route for you? Well, you’re in luck! Wotif has done the hard work, so all you need to do is check out these flights from MEL to CNS. With heaps of cheap fares from Melbourne, we guarantee you’ll be arriving to your holiday destination in style without emptying your bank account in the process.

It’s easy to book flights to Cairns from Melbourne  

For a huge choice of flights, simply enter your travel dates and hit search and we’ll hunt out fantastic deals on one-way, return and multi-city airfares to Cairns from Melbourne from 10 different airlines. If you click the ‘direct flights’ box, you see flights that’ll get you to Cairns in just 3 hour(s) and 15 mins, too.   

Snap up great deals on flights to Cairns from Melbourne 

Choose from 20 flights a day on average, with prices starting at AU$261 and rising to AU$300 depending on the cabin class, travel dates, and airline carrier. And if you’re up for a last-minute getaway, you can get great deals on flights from Melbourne to Cairns today!  

Find cheap airfares to Cairns from Melbourne 

Here are our insider tips for bagging a flight bargain: 

  • Look for midweek flights and late night, early morning arrival and departure times
  • Check out other airports near Melbourne and Cairns
  • Avoid peak season (prices tend to be lower in December)
  • Be flexible with your travel dates and you can usually get cheaper options  

Reasons to book your flights to Cairns from Melbourne with Wotif

Wotif is a super-easy way to find the best flight for you to Cairns. Get more bang for your buck on flight and hotel or car rental combos and download the free Wotif app to tap into exclusive deals. Book now with Wotif and have a great flight!

 

Great places to stay after flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is AU$139 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
AU$139
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"I booked this hotel because it promised a tranquil retreat. As a lone traveller with a stressful job, I craved a bit of me time. Sadly this wasn’t the case. There were kids everywhere! Don’t get me wrong if you have a family with young kids this is a fabulous hotel for you. However, if you’re wanting ..."

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2024

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
4 out of 5
209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$171 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
AU$171
includes taxes & fees
14 Dec - 15 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and went above and beyond to accommodate all my requests. 10/10 would recommend and would stay again."

Reviewed on 23 Nov. 2024

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Acacia Court Hotel
Acacia Court Hotel
3.5 out of 5
223-227 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$144 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
AU$144
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
5.8/10 (999 reviews)
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Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2024

Acacia Court Hotel
See all 1,283 properties in Cairns Intl.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Flights From MEL

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^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on Wotif.com from , as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.