MEL - CNS

Find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns

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KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Cairns

 
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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Useful Info
Flights Deals

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

KAYAK's recommended return flight deals from the most popular airlines that fly from Melbourne to Cairns.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Qatar Airways Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
Qatar Airways Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
Qatar Airways
Find Deal
Etihad Airways Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
Etihad Airways Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
Etihad Airways
Find Deal
Qantas Airways Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Emirates Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
Emirates Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
Emirates
Find Deal
China Southern Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
China Southern Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
China Southern
Find Deal
Jetstar Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 15mdirect
Jetstar Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
Jetstar
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Air India Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 30mdirect
Air India Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
Air India
Find Deal
China Eastern Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
China Eastern Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
China Eastern
Find Deal
Virgin Australia Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 30mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Air New Zealand Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
Air New Zealand Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 25mdirect
Air New Zealand
Find Deal
Singapore Airlines Logo
MEL-CNS
3h 25mdirect
Singapore Airlines Logo
CNS-MEL
3h 30mdirect
Singapore Airlines
Find Deal
Useful Info

KAYAK's insights & trends for Melbourne to Cairns flights

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 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 March, where tickets cost ₹ 13,881 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and September, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is ₹ 26,144 and ₹ 25,037 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

March

High season

July
Best time to beat the crowds (34% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (25% more expensive on average)

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 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 aircraft models fly most regularly from Melbourne to Cairns?

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

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

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

  • On which days can I fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns?

    There are direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns on a daily basis.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Melbourne 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 to Cairns.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Melbourne 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 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 with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Melbourne 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 up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

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 ₹ 6,992 or less one-way.
  • 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.

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 India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Tuesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Wednesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Thursday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Friday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Saturday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Sunday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +10 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +11 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Melbourne

Monday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Tuesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Wednesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Thursday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Friday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Saturday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Sunday

Air India, Air New Zealand, China Eastern, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top airline flying 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.
6.6
JetstarOverall score based on 438 reviews
7.3Crew
6.8Boarding
6.4Comfort
5.1Entertainment
5.7Food
Airline reviews

Overall, it was good. The only concern was that I couldn't charge my phone because the USB port didn't work after we took off. One of the crew members tried to restart it but never came back to me with an update.

8.0 ExcellentSara, Mar 2025SIN - MEL
Read more Jetstar reviews

Overall, it was good. The only concern was that I couldn't charge my phone because the USB port didn't work after we took off. One of the crew members tried to restart it but never came back to me with an update.

Comfortable seats, boarding was easy and staff were very nice.

Flight was fine but a domestic flight was called by Jetstar international. This meant going through immigration and custom scanning twice. Long queues were experienced which were frustrating. We were using a wheelchair and exit at Perth needed a scissor lift as no air bridge provided. No fast lane at Perth for wheelchair. The staff were helpful but this system is poor.

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

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports

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