What is the most punctual flight time for Melbourne to Cairns flights?

Generally, flights departing at night tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the early afternoon have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Saturday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Wednesday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

How many flights depart from Melbourne Airport to Cairns on average per week?

As of January 2026, 112 flights take off from Melbourne Airport and land in Cairns each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Thu, with 17% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

How often are flights from Melbourne to Cairns delayed?

Historically, on average around 17% of flights between Melbourne and Cairns have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 105 minutes.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on Melbourne to Cairns flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 6% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

Which airlines fly to Cairns?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Cairns from Melbourne Airport according to our data. Jetstar is the first choice among our users, with 75% of people opting to fly with this airline when travelling to Cairns. Keep in mind that there are 3 different airlines that fly to Cairns on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Melbourne to Cairns?

Jetstar is the most popular carrier operating from Melbourne to Cairns

How many flights depart from Melbourne Airport to Cairns on average per day?

As of January 2026, 16 flights take off from Melbourne Airport and land in Cairns each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 08:00, with 60% of daily flights taking off at midday.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?

Prices for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport refresh daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?

As of January 2026, there are 3 operators available to choose from for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport.

How old do you have to be to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and stopovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Cairns Airport can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s licence, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Cairns Airport. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

$117 Cheap Flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in 2026

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Find the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

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Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

17:25 - 20:50

MEL

CNS

3h 25mdirect

07:30 - 13:50

CNS

MEL

6h 20m

1 stop

$234Jetstar

Thu, 7 May - Sun, 10 May

06:15 - 08:30

MEL

CNS

3h 15mdirect

09:45 - 14:10

CNS

MEL

3h 25mdirect

$238Jetstar

Tue, 10 Mar - Mon, 16 Mar

06:15 - 08:30

MEL

CNS

3h 15mdirect

16:00 - 20:20

CNS

MEL

3h 20mdirect

$240Jetstar

Tue, 10 Mar - Wed, 18 Mar

19:45 - 22:05

MEL

CNS

3h 20mdirect

14:35 - 19:05

CNS

MEL

3h 30mdirect

$241Jetstar

Fri, 13 Mar - Wed, 18 Mar

06:15 - 08:30

MEL

CNS

3h 15mdirect

18:30 - 22:55

CNS

MEL

3h 25mdirect

$243Jetstar

Sat, 21 Mar - Tue, 24 Mar

06:15 - 08:30

MEL

CNS

3h 15mdirect

18:40 - 23:05

CNS

MEL

3h 25mdirect

$244Jetstar

Tue, 10 Feb - Sat, 14 Feb

15:35 - 17:55

MEL

CNS

3h 20mdirect

23:55 - 04:20

CNS

MEL

3h 25mdirect

$246Multiple Airlines

Sat, 7 Mar - Mon, 9 Mar

06:15 - 08:30

MEL

CNS

3h 15mdirect

16:00 - 20:20

CNS

MEL

3h 20mdirect

$247Jetstar

Wed, 11 Mar - Wed, 18 Mar

21:25 - 23:55

MEL

CNS

3h 30mdirect

23:55 - 04:20

CNS

MEL

3h 25mdirect

$248Virgin Australia

Mon, 9 Mar - Sun, 22 Mar

21:25 - 23:55

MEL

CNS

3h 30mdirect

23:55 - 04:20

CNS

MEL

3h 25mdirect

$250Virgin Australia

Mon, 9 Mar - Fri, 20 Mar

Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Our best Virgin Australia deals on Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight tickets

Virgin Australia

9 Mar

MEL21:25Melbourne

3h 30m

CNS23:55Cairns

20 Mar

CNS23:55Cairns

3h 25m

MEL04:20Melbourne

$250

Virgin Australia

6 Mar

MEL21:25Melbourne

3h 30m

CNS23:55Cairns

9 Mar

CNS19:50Cairns

3h 25m

MEL00:15Melbourne

$276

Virgin Australia

9 Mar

MEL21:25Melbourne

3h 30m

CNS23:55Cairns

16 Mar

CNS06:00Cairns

5h 15m

1 stop

MEL12:15Melbourne

$348

Jetstar flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Our best Jetstar deals on Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight tickets

Jetstar

10 Mar

MEL06:15Melbourne

3h 15m

CNS08:30Cairns

16 Mar

CNS09:45Cairns

3h 25m

MEL14:10Melbourne

$238

Jetstar

10 Mar

MEL06:15Melbourne

3h 15m

CNS08:30Cairns

18 Mar

CNS16:00Cairns

3h 20m

MEL20:20Melbourne

$240

Jetstar

8 Feb

MEL06:15Melbourne

3h 15m

CNS08:30Cairns

14 Feb

CNS18:40Cairns

3h 25m

MEL23:05Melbourne

$241

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 7/5

17:25-20:50

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Sun 10/5

07:30-13:50

1 stop6h 20m

$234

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 10/3

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Mon 16/3

09:45-14:10

Nonstop3h 25m

$238

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 10/3

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Wed 18/3

16:00-20:20

Nonstop3h 20m

$240

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 13/3

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 18/3

14:35-19:05

Nonstop3h 30m

$241

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sat 21/3

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Tue 24/3

18:30-22:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$243

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 10/2

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Sat 14/2

18:40-23:05

Nonstop3h 25m

$244

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sat 7/3

15:35-17:55

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Mon 9/3

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

$246

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 11/3

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Wed 18/3

16:00-20:20

Nonstop3h 20m

$247

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 9/3

21:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

Cairns

Sun 22/3

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

$248

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 9/3

21:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

Cairns

Fri 20/3

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

$250

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Delays

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns from Melbourne Airport is in February. Flight prices, which tend to average around $233, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you are unable to visit Cairns during the month of February, then departing from Melbourne Airport during the month March is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $233.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

According to our data, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns from Melbourne Airport. The lowest ticket price found for a Tuesday departure recently was $309. Keep in mind that prices can always vary depending on your route and whether or not you are flying domestic or international. If your travel schedule is flexible, try to avoid departing on a Sunday because tickets tend to average around $348. These prices are subject to change though, so be sure to set up a Price Alert for flights to Cairns.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

In the evening is the cheapest time of day to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns when you can find flight prices for as low as $268. Flying to Cairns in the evening is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying at midday when prices are $598 on average. Flights to Cairns from Melbourne Airport at midday are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travellers’ schedules.

What is the cheapest Melbourne to Cairns flight route?

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns for the best Melbourne - Cairns flight prices

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

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Cairns from Melbourne Airport when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Cairns for around $301 when searching weeks before you fly. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Cairns from Melbourne Airport for as low as $271 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on Melbourne to Cairns flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Melbourne to Cairns flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight prices changed over time?

As of January 2026, prices for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights are approximately 3% cheaper when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated return price

Cheap Melbourne Airport to Cairns (MEL to CNS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Best price found	$144
Fastest flight time	3h 15m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Cairns	1 airport

The best one-way flight to Cairns from Melbourne Airport in the past 72 hours is $144. The best return flight deal from Melbourne Airport to Cairns found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $246.

The fastest flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns takes 3h 15m

Direct flights go from Melbourne Airport to Cairns every day.

There is 1 airport in Cairns. From Melbourne Airport there are direct flights to Cairns (CNS).

Search flight deals

How far is Melbourne to Cairns by plane?
Melbourne and Cairns are 2307.1 km apart from one another. By plane, this route typically takes 3h 15m.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?
Prices for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport refresh daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?
As of January 2026, there are 3 operators available to choose from for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport.
How old do you have to be to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and stopovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?
The travel and health documents required for your trip to Cairns Airport can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s licence, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Cairns Airport. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.
What is the most popular plane model from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Based on momondo bookings for this flight route, the most popular plane model on flight routes from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) (40.44% of total bookings). The next most popular plane models are Airbus A321neo (22.06%), Airbus A320-100/200 (22.01%), and Airbus A321-100/200 (6.11%).
What is the most popular airline from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked airline on the route from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Jetstar, representing 75% of all bookings. The subsequent popular airlines are Virgin Australia at 24% and Qantas Airways at 1%.

Best airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free cancellation	Price
Jetstar	PriceFrom $118	Free cancellation	Rating 6.5 514 reviews	Search Jetstar flights
Virgin Australia	PriceFrom $157	Free cancellation	Rating 7.6 432 reviews	Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas Airways	PriceFrom $187	Free cancellation	Rating 7.5 981 reviews	Search Qantas Airways flights

Virgin Australia Flights From Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Virgin Australia is one of the most popular airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, operating 6 flights/week on average for this route. A good Virgin Australia flight deal for Melbourne Airport to Cairns starts from $157 round-trip, up to an average price of $359. Our users have rated Virgin Australia at 7.6/10.
Qantas Airways Flights From Melbourne Airport to Cairns
$187 is the best Qantas Airways flight deal from Melbourne Airport to Cairns found on momondo over the last 72 hours. The average Qantas Airways ticket price found was closer to $530, however, with flight time and availability significantly affecting the price. Qantas Airways (7.5/10 from 981 user reviews) flies into Cairns from Melbourne Airport 18 times in an average week so prices can vary.

Port Douglas

Palm Cove

Trinity Beach

Mission Beach

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Melbourne to Cairns?

momondo collates all your flight options in one place and lets you filter them to find the perfect flight from Melbourne to Cairns. momondo saves you time and could save you money on your trip.

Can I find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo enables you to select and highlight flights to Cairns from Melbourne with this policy.

How can momondo help me find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

momondo offers useful filters to help you find the right flight. Choose specific flight times, airports or even what payment method you prefer. We have numerous options to help you book your ideal flight from Melbourne to Cairns.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

If you are not ready to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns now, use our insights above to find helpful tips or alternatively set up a price alert, where momondo will track prices on flights to Cairns and let you know when they change.

An easier way to manage your Cairns trip

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Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from $117

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns departing on 4/2. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

What is the cheapest Melbourne to Cairns flight route?

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns for the best Melbourne - Cairns flight prices

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

What cabin class options are available on Melbourne to Cairns flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Melbourne to Cairns flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight prices changed over time?

As of January 2026, prices for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights are approximately 3% cheaper when compared to flights at the same time last year.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Melbourne to Cairns?

Jetstar is the most popular carrier operating from Melbourne to Cairns

Which airlines fly to Cairns?

How often are flights from Melbourne to Cairns delayed?

Historically, on average around 17% of flights between Melbourne and Cairns have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 105 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for Melbourne to Cairns flights?

Generally, flights departing at night tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the early afternoon have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Saturday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Wednesday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on Melbourne to Cairns flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 6% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

How many flights depart from Melbourne Airport to Cairns on average per day?

As of January 2026, 16 flights take off from Melbourne Airport and land in Cairns each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 08:00, with 60% of daily flights taking off at midday.

How many flights depart from Melbourne Airport to Cairns on average per week?

As of January 2026, 112 flights take off from Melbourne Airport and land in Cairns each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Thu, with 17% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

When to book flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Cheap Melbourne Airport to Cairns (MEL to CNS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Best price found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Cairns

How far is Melbourne to Cairns by plane?

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?

How old do you have to be to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

What is the most popular plane model from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

What is the most popular airline from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Best airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns with momondo

Virgin Australia Flights From Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Qantas Airways Flights From Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Melbourne to Cairns?

Can I find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

I’m not ready to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Cairns trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to Australia

Airports servicing Queensland