Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

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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
12
Average Flight Time
3 hours 25 mins
Direct Flight Time
3 hours 15 mins
Flight Price

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Tullamarine Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
The journey between Melbourne and Cairns takes on average 3 hours and 21 minutes — consider the trip ahead and bring all you need to be comfortable.
What airlines fly direct from MEL to Cairns Airport?
You won’t have to bother about long stopovers or your belongings going to another part of the world. Take your pick of a number of airlines flying direct from Tullamarine Airport to Cairns Airport, such as Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
How many flights are there from Tullamarine Airport to Cairns Airport?
Fasten your seat belt, because your ride to Cairns is ready to leave. At least 8 flights operate each day between MEL and Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS).
What are the cheapest days to fly?
Here’s an insider tip: Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to fly! Looking at flights booked on Wotif.co.nz in 2021, we found that flights departing on a Tuesday generally had the lowest average price. Wotif data also shows Wednesdays and Fridays generally have the highest average ticket prices according to our demand data.
What is the best day to buy a plane ticket?
Guess what? Saturday is actually the best day to score the cheapest plane tickets. Looking at flight demand on Wotif.co.nz in 2021, we found that flights purchased on Saturdays had the lowest airfares on average. Thursday, on the other hand, can be the most expensive day of the week to buy your airfare, with generally a higher than average ticket value.
What is the cheapest month to fly?
When comparing 2021 flight demand on Wotif.co.nz, September is one of the cheapest months to fly, when ticket prices are generally at their lowest. May is a close second for the cheapest time to fly. The months December and January are often the most expensive ones to travel, with higher than average ticket prices, so plan ahead and book early for your travel plans.
How far in advance can you book a flight?
Are you a super organised traveller? Even though not all airlines release their fares a year in advance, you can start researching your flights 12 months in advance for many carriers. It’s good to book your international flights to popular destinations early, particularly in peak holiday periods. According to Wotif’s 2021 travel trends, last minute planners can also bag a bargain with some of the cheapest fares appearing 1-2 weeks prior to travel.*According to flight demand on Wotif.co.nz 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

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 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 26 flights a day on average, with prices starting at and rising to 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 )
  • 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 NZ$154 per night from 6 Jan to 7 Jan
NZ$154
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan 2025
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Especially appreciated the room being very clean and staff friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 18 Dec. 2024

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Acacia Court Hotel
Acacia Court Hotel
3.5 out of 5
223-227 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is NZ$140 per night from 8 Jan to 9 Jan
NZ$140
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 Jan 2025
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 (998 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2024

Acacia Court Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St, Cairns, QLD
The price is NZ$188 per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
NZ$188
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Double Yree by Hilton
"The Double Tree is always a good olace to stay when in Cairns.. It’s location is great and metres from The Esplanade and restaurants etc.. Easy to get to the boats if you’re going to the Islands of Cairns ."

Reviewed on 19 Dec. 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
See all 1,307 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.co.nz 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.