Flights From Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) from AU$193

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

Airfares from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl. for one-way flights were as low as AU$193 and round trip flights were AU$248 within the past 7 days, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia
Jetstar
Virgin Australia
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar

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 23 mins
Direct Flight Time
3 hours 20 mins
Flight Price
AU$248

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Airport right now?
If you’re travelling from Tullamarine Airport to CNS and want to avoid getting caught out, check the Covid-19 Travel Advisor prior to booking. It’s here you’ll find important info on your destination’s quarantine and flying restrictions.
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.
What happens if I need to change my flight booking to CNS due to COVID-19?
If your travel plans to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) have been affected by COVID-19, you may be able to make a no-change-fee cancellation and score a credit that you can use on another flight. Sign in to your Wotif account to see if your booking is eligible. If you still have questions, our Customer Service Portal is the place to go for more info.
Does Wotif offer flights with flexible change policies?
Some airlines offer the option to change your Cairns Airport flight without a fee. That way, you won’t get stung with extra costs — but you’ll have to pay any difference between the old flight and the new one. Stress less by keeping your eye out for the “no change fees” filter when you book.
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.
If I'm planning to fly, what are some airlines that have COVID-19 measures and social distancing rules?
There are many airlines that have social distancing rules and use COVID-19 measures, including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. Now you can take that long overdue vacation with confidence knowing that strategies, which may include electrostatic cleaning and providing passenger masks, are in place.
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$248

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 20 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$248 and rising to AU$293 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 October)
  • 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, 4870
The price is AU$114 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
AU$114
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
7.6/10 Good! (996 reviews)
"Our first trip to cairns kids loved the pools and food Great for adults too happy hour cocktails walking distance to a club Down side a little way from town and had to Uber a lot"

Reviewed on 22 May 2023

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns North, QLD, 4870
The price is AU$206 per night from 26 Jun to 27 Jun
AU$206
per night
26 Jun - 27 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great facilities in a great location. Looking forward to staying again!"

Reviewed on 29 May 2023

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD, 4870
The price is AU$159 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
AU$159
per night
21 Jun - 22 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Attentive staff great location and enjoyable breakfast."

Reviewed on 23 May 2023

Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside, an IHG Hotel
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.