Cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne - Compare the best flight deals

Prices shown below were available within the past 3 days for the period specified and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from Cairns to Melbourne

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week: 1 Sept - 7 Sept

Flights from just $211

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$288

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Currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

10%Trains are 10% more expensive in Melbourne than in Cairns.

Cairns$5.40

Melbourne$5.94

MealMid-priced restaurant

67%The average meal is 67% more expensive in Melbourne than in Cairns.

Cairns$19.42

Melbourne$32.37

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

45%A taxi fare in Melbourne is 45% cheaper than in Cairns.

Cairns$10.79

Melbourne$5.94

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

5%Coffee in Melbourne is 5% cheaper than in Cairns.

Cairns$6.38

Melbourne$6.05

Exchange rate

1 NZD = 0.93 AUD

1 AUD = 1.08 NZD

Last checked on Tue, 17/06

Distance: 2325 kms

Cairns airports

Cairns International Airport (CNS)How far from city centre: 5 kms

Melbourne airports

Melbourne Airport (MEL)How far from city centre: 11 kms

Avalon Airport (AVV)How far from city centre: 50 kms

Comprehensive Guide to Flights from Cairns to Melbourne

Cairns and Melbourne, two vibrant Australian cities, offer a unique travel experience. Cairns, nestled in tropical Queensland, is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, teeming with natural beauty. Melbourne, Victoria's capital, boasts a rich cultural heritage, world-class arts scene, and stunning urban landscapes. The flight from Cairns to Melbourne provides a direct connection between these contrasting yet equally captivating destinations.

Flight duration: A direct flight from Cairns to Melbourne typically takes around 3.5 hours. However, flight time can be affected by weather conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used. Expect potential delays during peak seasons or inclement weather.

Flight frequency & airlines: Several major airlines, including Qantas and Jetstar, offer frequent direct flights between Cairns and Melbourne. The frequency varies depending on the day and season, with several flights daily. You're unlikely to require a stopover with these direct options.

Alternative routes & stopover cities: Although less common, you might find connecting flights involving a stopover. These are typically not the fastest or cheapest routes, but can offer better deals if booked in advance.

Best time to book: The cheapest months to fly are generally during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) and the off-peak season (June-August). For the best deals, try to book flights at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date. Airfares generally increase significantly closer to the travel date.

Peak & off-peak travel: Melbourne experiences peak seasons during the summer months (December-February) when the weather is warmest, and the city hosts numerous events and festivals. This attracts a significant tourist influx, resulting in higher airfares and accommodation costs. The quietest time to travel is typically during the winter months (June-August), with potentially lower costs.

Best time to fly to Melbourne

Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate, offering diverse weather patterns throughout the year. Summers (December to February) are warm, with average temperatures ranging from 15-30 °C. Expect sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities. Winters (June to August) are cool, with average temperatures between 5-15°C. Expect some rain and occasional frosts. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) offer mild temperatures and pleasant conditions, making them ideal for sightseeing. Spring tends to be slightly wetter than Autumn.

Cairns airports

Cairns has one major airport that serves commercial flights: Cairns Airport (CNS).

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport is the main airport serving Cairns and the surrounding region. It's a modern airport with good facilities and multiple airlines offering flights to various domestic and international destinations.

Main airlines for this route

Qantas
Jetstar
Virgin Australia

Melbourne airports

Melbourne has two main airports that serve commercial flights: Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV).

Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Melbourne Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Victoria, Australia. It's a major international and domestic hub, with numerous airlines operating from its multiple terminals. To reach the city centre, you can utilise SkyBus, a direct airport coach service, take a taxi or rideshare, or rent a car.

Avalon Airport (AVV)

Avalon Airport is a smaller airport located southwest of Melbourne. It primarily serves low-cost airlines and offers mainly domestic flights. Public transport options are limited, with taxis and ride-sharing services being the most convenient modes of transport to Melbourne city. Car rentals are available at the airport.

What to do and see in Melbourne

Melbourne, a captivating city, offers a plethora of attractions and experiences. From its vibrant street art scene to its world-renowned culinary delights, there's something to suit every taste.

Explore Melbourne's Laneways: Discover hidden gems, quirky cafes, and colourful street art in Melbourne's iconic laneways. Wander through Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, or Degraves Street.
Visit Federation Square: This lively public space is a hub for events, exhibitions, and festivals. Enjoy the iconic architecture, relax in the plaza, or catch a show.
Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens: Escape the city buzz and explore the serene Royal Botanic Gardens. Discover diverse plant collections, tranquil pathways, and stunning views.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Cairns to Melbourne

Is it safe to travel from Cairns to Melbourne during the Covid-19 situation?

At eDreams we do our best to ensure that your travel plans won't be affected by restrictions or possible cancellations that Australia may apply. Using the flexible ticket gurantee you can decide if you rather rebook or get a refund!

For flights from Cairns to Melbourne, how can I find the cheapest price?

The cheapest price for a flight from Cairns to Melbourne is 101$. At eDreams we use different machine learned based methodologies to find our costumers the best option available, considering airline combinations, stopovers and direct flights as well as different criteria for inbound and outbound journeys.

Is Melbourne more expensive than Cairns to visit?

Looking at cab fares, a ride in Melbourne costs an average of 5.94 NZD , 45% cheaper than Cairns, with a fare of 10.79 NZD,

while train tickets cost 10% more at Melbourne: $ 5.94 NZD versus $ 5.40 NZD at Cairns.

If you compare the price of a lunch meal, however, you can find it from 32.37 NZD in Melbourne, 67% more than the 19.42 NZD in Cairns.

The price of the coffee is around 5% cheaper in Melbourne, with an average of 6.05 NZD, while in Cairns the coffee costs 6.38 NZD.

How long does the flight from Cairns to Melbourne take?

Flight length from Cairns to Melbourne is around 03:25 hours on average, at an average distance of 2,330 km, for flights for the route (which may have 1 or more stops in other cities in between).

Which airports have flights between Cairns and Melbourne?

The main route from Cairns to Melbourne is: Cairns International Airport (CNS) to Melbourne Airport (MEL). The following airlines fly this route:

Jetstar.

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