MEL - CNS

$126 Find Cheap Flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns departing on 21/2. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Melbourne to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Melbourne to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flight Deals from Melbourne to Cairns (MEL-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Melbourne to Cairns that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.

Recent return flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Recommended return deals departing in the coming months from the most popular airlines that fly from Melbourne to Cairns.
Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
06:15 - 08:30MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
09:45 - 14:15CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
$234Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, 13 Mar - Thu, 20 Mar
06:05 - 08:35MEL-CNS
3h 30mdirect
11:45 - 16:10CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$239Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Tue, 11 Mar - Thu, 13 Mar
06:15 - 08:30MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
09:45 - 14:15CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
$244Jetstar
Find Deal
Mon, 17 Mar - Thu, 20 Mar
06:15 - 08:30MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
07:35 - 12:00CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$245Jetstar
Find Deal
Tue, 11 Mar - Sat, 15 Mar
19:50 - 22:10MEL-CNS
3h 20mdirect
20:30 - 00:55CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$247Jetstar
Find Deal
Fri, 28 Mar - Tue, 1 Apr
06:15 - 08:30MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
09:45 - 14:15CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
$248Jetstar
Find Deal
Fri, 21 Feb - Sun, 23 Feb
06:15 - 08:30MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
07:35 - 12:00CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$251Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, 12 Mar - Wed, 19 Mar
06:15 - 08:30MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
07:35 - 12:00CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
$253Jetstar
Find Deal
Fri, 14 Mar - Thu, 20 Mar
06:15 - 08:30MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
19:55 - 00:20CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
Thu, 6 Mar - Mon, 10 Mar
06:15 - 09:40MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
16:35 - 22:05CNS-MEL
5h 30m1 stop
$357Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Mon, 12 May - Fri, 16 May

Flights from Melbourne to Cairns - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Melbourne to Cairns to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
For Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Thursday is the most expensive. Flying from Cairns back to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), the best deals are generally found on Thursday, with Tuesday being the most expensive.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.
The cheapest month for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is February, where tickets cost $267 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and June, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $484 and $476 respectively.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.
To get a below average price on the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should book around 7 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 23 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

July

Cheapest flight

$126
Best time to beat the crowds (34% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (19% more expensive on average)
Flight from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns

When to book flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Melbourne to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns flights

  • Is there a hotel near the airport in Cairns?

    Yes – if you are considering booking a hotel close to the airport, check out The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa or the Comfort Inn Discovery Cairns. Both of them are located a few minutes’ drive from the airport and provide transfers for an additional fee. For those who are travelling on a budget, Calypso Inn Backpackers Resort near the terminal building might be a better option.

  • Can I hire a car at Cairns Airport?

    Yes, you can choose from six car rental companies with counters in the Arrivals Hall at Cairns Airport. It is possible to check the full list of companies on the airport website and contact them to make all the necessary arrangements before your flight from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Are there any shops at the airport in Cairns?

    Yes, there are a number of shops operating at the airport in Cairns, which between them sell a wide range of products. You will easily find snacks, travel accessories, cosmetics, reading material, souvenirs, electronics and some items of clothing.

  • What are the transportation options available at the Cairns Airport?

    The most convenient option for getting to your final destination from the airport is to book a hotel that offers airport transfers, but if this is not possible you can use the Sun Palm shuttle, which will drop you off in front of your hotel. To book the shuttle, simply look for the Sun Palm welcome desks at the airport. Passengers who prefer public transportation can catch the Airport Connect bus (a ticket costs $6) and then connect to a Translink bus costing around $2.

  • Which airline is best for travellers with restricted mobility on this route?

    Virgin Australia is committed to providing a convenient airport and in-flight experience for travellers with limited mobility. You can enjoy priority boarding and wheelchair assistance, including battery-powered mobility aids that meet the airline’s requirements. Also, Virgin Australia has trained staff that will help you board and disembark from your flight.

  • Do flights from Melbourne to Cairns allow pets on board?

    Various airlines servicing the Melbourne to Cairns route allow pets on board, including Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar. You can travel with your four-legged buddy in the cabin or as checked luggage, but size and weight restrictions apply. Check with your airline to learn its pet policy in advance.

  • Which airline is ideal for travellers with larger luggage items?

    Qantas offers a generous luggage policy for travellers with larger luggage items on this route. You can travel with a carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg plus an extra bag not exceeding 4 kg. Also, you can check in up to 32 kg. The weight and size restrictions on this airline vary with the travel class.

  • Why is Singapore Airlines great for families flying from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Singapore Airlines is an excellent fit for hassle-free family travel from Melbourne to Cairns, offering various family-friendly amenities. Families with infants enjoy priority boarding and child-friendly onboard services like kids’ meals, kid-friendly entertainment and child restraint devices, including bassinets and child seats.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns was $79 for a one-way ticket and $147 for a return.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

    oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and Cairns, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

    There are direct flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, Virgin Australia or Jetstar?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Melbourne to Cairns are Virgin Australia and Jetstar. With an average price for the route of $471 and an overall rating of 7.5, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Jetstar is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $394 and an overall rating of 6.6.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairns from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $138 or less one-way and $256 or less round-trip.
  • Travellers who book their flights from Melbourne to Cairns with Jetstar can purchase some extras to make their flights more comfortable and the travel procedure much smoother. It is possible to, for example, add a larger luggage allowance, pick a seat, pre-order food or choose your entertainment options. Travellers who prefer as many conveniences as possible can, of course, opt for Business Class.
  • To make the time pass faster until your flight from Melbourne to Cairns, connect to the Internet at the airport in Melbourne and enjoy surfing the web, chatting with friends or scrolling through social media. Melbourne Airport offers unlimited Wi-Fi free of charge.
  • Passengers who are travelling with kids can take them to the children’s play area at the airport in Melbourne so that they are not too bored while waiting for the flight. For parents with infants, the airport features many baby changing facilities located throughout both terminal buildings.
  • If after landing at Cairns Airport you realize that you are short on cash, you don’t need to worry. There are a number of cash machines at your disposal, which you will find in the Arrivals Hall.
  • Starving after your flight from Melbourne to Cairns? There are a few restaurants to choose from at Cairns Airport depending on what you’re in the mood for. The options include Hero Sushi, Hungry Jack’s and the Great Northern Bar & Eatery.
  • If you need some help in relation to the city or the airport itself, you can ask one of the roaming Airport Ambassadors for help. To find them, simply look out for smiley people in blue shirts.
  • If you have specific preferences on where to sit on your Economy flight from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns Airport (CNS), consider booking an Emirates ticket. This airline allows travellers to select their preferred seats when booking at a surcharge. But you can also check the seat options on the free selection, with limited availability.
  • Jetstar is your go-to airline if you seek flexibility for your Melbourne to Cairns flight. The airline operates Economy, Starter Plus and Starter Max fares, allowing you to choose the onboard experience that fits your needs and budget. You can also tailor your experience with in-flight extras at a cost.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns?

Find which airlines fly direct from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Melbourne to Cairns

Monday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Tuesday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Wednesday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Thursday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Friday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Saturday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

Sunday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +9 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +10 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Melbourne

Monday

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, China Southern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Tuesday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +8 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Wednesday

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, China Southern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Thursday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +8 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Friday

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, China Southern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Saturday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +8 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Sunday

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, China Southern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 3 airlines serving from Melbourne to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Melbourne to Cairns? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.5
Virgin AustraliaOverall score based on 423 reviews
7.6Boarding
7.4Comfort
8.1Crew
6.4Entertainment
6.4Food
Airline reviews

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

4.0 OkayAnonymous, Feb 2025SYD - MEL
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

Being told why we delayed three hours and not even given an apology by someone. Not a word. Not my airline of choice ever.

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Virgin changed the flight to an Alliance flight. Smaller plane, tea coffee and water the only refreshments available and not sure what happened to the extra money I paid to sit in a selected seat with extra leg room. This is obviously a regular switch as it happened on our flight there and back. Do not recommend.

Late boarding, late departure due to weather and slow boarding, packed 5+hour flight, only 2 toilets for main cabin, tight leg room, no free food except tea, coffee, and water, arrived 75 minutes late.

Cramped, crowded flight, with no complimentary food except coffee, tea, or water.

Check-in was good and efficient, Boarding was quick and easy. Didn't like the entertainment side of things requiring your phone to connect for a screen, my eyes are bad enough to use my phone more than I already do. Trip was comfortable and baggage claim was good. If coffee and tea were free, then why not a soda or juice as well, its not like its an alcoholic drink.

Check-in was good and efficient, Boarding was quick and easy. Didn't like the entertainment side of things requiring your phone to connect for a screen, my eyes are bad enough to use my phone more than I already do. Trip was comfortable and baggage claim was good.

The flight was delayed by 45 minutes, but boarding, actual flight, and crew were great. However, there was Zero free food and only water, tea, or coffee to drink. Everything else was for sale. No onboard entertainment but it was a short flight.

It’s a two prop flight so I had problems with my ears on re- entering ! But otherwise fine

I love flying with Qantas. There was no onscreen entertaining on this flight, and only a snack provided (not a meal) but still better than Jetstar or Virgin (in my opinion) so still happy.

Wheelchair assistance to move through the terminals and to/from the plane door was excellent. No vegan snack on the flight, only something with salami and cheese in it.

I have flown Qantas multiple times in the past it seemed this flight the plane had less seat room or the seats were way less comfortable than before. Everything else was about the same. Thanks

The old Plane had not been cleaned properly in a long time.

I got upgraded from economy to business, and the experience was outstanding

I have taken this flight many times. It is ALWAYS late. Every time there is significant delay (1-3 hours) before boarding. It’s very consistent. Even after boarding the expected landing time was delayed twice. The seats are very narrow and cramped. Food is barely editable. Considering an economy ticket often costs about $2,000 it’s one of the worst services ever.

Boarding was over 3 hrs late and we didn’t land until almost 1:30am

Headphone jacks worked poorly, seat recline was broken. Planes were rundown.

Good communication regarding any updates time of flight and flight delayed. The fight was delayed by two and half hours at eleventh hour. That was unexpected, especially when you international passenger.

The crew were great. The seat was older than an old Holden with a big metal bar sticking right into my back. The passenger next to me complained that hers was the same. The pre purchase system for food was disappointing as the pie/quiche took 20 mins to warm up, arrived too hot and with no utensils. It was one of the most uncomfortable flights I've ever been on.

Not very good, no food and not drink ( caffe or tea). Never ever fly with jet star.

Fabulous I have no issues with JetStar great service always use them to fly

Flight was as expected - we got what we paid for which was a base fare

Hardly we had overweight and we were asked to pay $75. We were checked by a female and weight was alright

Unaware of charge for carry on until i got to gate

I got what I paid for - flight was clean, staff were friendly

I like that fare is cheap but because there's no amenities whatsoever. You get what you paid for.

There's a reason why fare is cheap, no amenities.

It is what it is - nothing more, nothing less. No entertainment onboard but one kinda knows that when buying a ticket on a no frills airline. I choose Jetstar only because of price.

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

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