The prices shown on this page were available within the last 20 days for the specified periods and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from Melbourne to Cairns

If you’re planning to fly this route soon, keep in mind that the lowest fares are usually available in the middle of April. Take advantage of this period to save on your flight tickets and make the most of your trip. Please note that prices may change after your search.

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week: 20 Apr - 26 Apr

Flights from just $137

$152

$213

$169

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$137

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$145

$156

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MarchAprilMayJune

Airlines that fly from Melbourne to Cairns

Jetstar

832$

Currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

9%Trains in Cairns are 9% cheaper than in Melbourne.

Melbourne$6.61

Cairns$6.01

MealMid-priced restaurant

12%A meal in Cairns is 12% cheaper than a meal in Melbourne.

Melbourne$30.04

Cairns$26.43

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

27%A taxi fare in Cairns is 27% cheaper than in Melbourne.

Melbourne$6.13

Cairns$4.45

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

16%Coffee is 16% more expensive in Cairns than in Melbourne.

Melbourne$6.45

Cairns$7.51

Exchange rate

1 NZD = 0.84 AUD

1 AUD = 1.2 NZD

Last checked on Sun, 15/03

Distance: 2325 kms

Melbourne airports

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

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

Cairns airports

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

Guide to flying from Melbourne to Cairns: what to expect

Discover Cairns, the gateway to northern Queensland's natural wonders. This city draws travellers with its unique blend of tropical landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage. From the lush rainforests to the vibrant marine life of the Coral Sea, Cairns offers an authentic Australian experience. Explore its connections to the land and sea, and immerse yourself in the relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.

Flying from Melbourne to Cairns is straightforward. Direct flights typically take around 3 hours and 10 minutes, making it a quick trip to the tropics. Consider visiting during the dry season, from May to October, for comfortable temperatures and less humidity. This period is ideal for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind the heat, the wet season (November to April) offers lush landscapes and dramatic afternoon storms. Compare flight options on eDreams to find the best deal for your trip.

Airports in Melbourne

Several Melbourne airports offer flights to Cairns. You can depart from Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine, or Avalon Airport.

Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Melbourne Airport is the primary international gateway. This facility features four terminals, with Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handling domestic and international passenger services. Terminal 4 is dedicated to budget airlines. The airport is located approximately 23 kilometres northwest of the city centre.

Avalon Airport (AVV)

Avalon Airport operates from a single terminal building. This facility is smaller and primarily serves domestic routes for specific carriers. It is situated about 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne's central business district, closer to Geelong.

Airports in Cairns

When flying from Melbourne to Cairns, you will most likely arrive at Cairns Airport. This is the primary air travel hub for Far North Queensland.

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport serves as a key gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. This aviation facility features two terminals: Terminal 1 handles international flights, while Terminal 2 manages domestic services, including those from Melbourne. It is located approximately 7 kilometres north of the Cairns central business district, providing convenient access to the city and surrounding tourist destinations. The airport infrastructure includes various passenger amenities, such as car rental services, dining options, and retail stores.

Book your flights from Melbourne to Cairns at the best price

Feel the warm, humid air on your skin as you step off the plane in Cairns, gateway to Queensland's tropical north. The Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and countless adventures await you. At eDreams, you can compare flights from hundreds of airlines, ensuring you find the perfect option for your journey from Melbourne. Want even better deals? Sign up for eDreams Prime to unlock exclusive discounts on flights. For ultimate convenience and savings, bundle your flight and hotel together. Your tropical escape is just a few clicks away. Start exploring flights to Cairns today.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Is it safe to travel from Melbourne to Cairns 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!

On average, how much is the price of a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

When you fly from Melbourne to Cairns the average price is $249.76. However, this price depends on many other factors such as seasonality or how far in advance the route has been booked.

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

The cheapest price for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns is 130$. 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 Cairns more expensive than Melbourne to visit?

Looking at cab fares, a ride in Cairns costs an average of 4.45 NZD , 27% cheaper than Melbourne, with a fare of 6.13 NZD,

while train tickets cost 9% less at Cairns: $ 6.01 NZD versus $ 6.61 NZD at Melbourne.

Comparing the price of a meal, they range from 26.43 NZD euros in Cairns, 12% less than the 30.04 NZD euros in Melbourne.

The price of the coffee is around 16% more expensive in Cairns, with an average of 7.51 NZD , while in Melbourne the coffee costs 6.45 NZD.

How long does the flight from Melbourne to Cairns take?

Flight length from Melbourne to Cairns is around 3 h and 15 m on average, at an average distance of 2,324.86 km, for flights for the route (which may have 1 or more stops in other cities in between).

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