$81 Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

View $81 flight on Sun, Apr 27, 2025Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

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Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.

Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Cairns (MEL-CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $81 for one-way flights and $161 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Mon, Sep 1 - Tue, Sep 9
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$161 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$161
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Mon, Sep 1 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Tue, Sep 9, priced at $161 found 7 hours ago
Jetstar
Wed, May 7 - Wed, May 14
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$167 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$167
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Wed, May 7 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 14, priced at $167 found 10 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, May 25 - Wed, May 28
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$172 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$172
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, May 25 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 28, priced at $172 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Mon, Sep 1 - Tue, Sep 9
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$186 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$186
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Mon, Sep 1 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Tue, Sep 9, priced at $186 found 7 hours ago
Jetstar
Wed, May 7 - Wed, May 14
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$192 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$192
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Wed, May 7 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 14, priced at $192 found 10 hours ago
Jetstar
Tue, Oct 14 - Tue, Oct 21
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$193 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$193
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, Oct 14 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Tue, Oct 21, priced at $193 found 6 days ago
Jetstar
Thu, May 8 - Sun, May 11
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$199 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$199
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu, May 8 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Sun, May 11, priced at $199 found 16 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, May 25 - Wed, May 28
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$204 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$204
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, May 25 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 28, priced at $204 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Mon, Oct 6 - Fri, Oct 17
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$208 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$208
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, Oct 6 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Fri, Oct 17, priced at $208 found 5 days ago
Qantas Airways
Wed, Dec 17 - Fri, Jan 2
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$412 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$412
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Wed, Dec 17 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Fri, Jan 2, priced at $412 found 1 day ago

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) cost?
You can find cheap return flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) starting at $161. Grab a seat and start your adventure. This information is based on the cheapest price found on Expedia for this return journey departing within the next three months. This airfare is for a Jetstar flight leaving MEL on May 19 2025 and touching down at CNS. The price was last updated on April 22 2025 and has not changed since.
What is the cheapest month to fly from MEL to CNS?
The cheapest flights from MEL to CNS are usually during off-peak season, when demand is lower. To save money, avoid flying during public holidays, school breaks and major local events.
Which airlines fly direct from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Take the express route to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). 3 carriers offer nonstop flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL), including:

  • Jetstar
  • Virgin Australia
  • Qantas

What is the cheapest airline that flies from MEL to CNS?
Jet off from MEL to CNS with Jetstar. This airline currently offers the cheapest one-way fare for this route, starting at $81. This fare is based on the lowest price found on Expedia departing within the next three months. The flight takes off from MEL on June 22 2025. Prices were last updated on April 22 2025 and have not changed since.
How many flights per day from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Every day, an average of 5 nonstop flights operate from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). Choose the departure time that best fits your itinerary.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
The 6 AM departures from MEL to CNS are the most sought after. Prices can be higher for these popular slots. If you’re hoping to save money, pick a less crowded time to fly.
What day of the week has the most flights from MEL to CNS?
Friday has the most flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). Consider leaving on this day and you’ll have a greater chance of finding a departure that fits your plans.
What is the earliest flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Tullamarine Airport (MEL)’s first flight to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) leaves at approximately 6:00AM UTC+11. With a total flight time of 3h 15m, you’ll land at around 8:15AM UTC+10.
How long does it take to fly from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
It takes around 3 hours and 18 minutes to fly the 1,450 mi from MEL to CNS.
What airline has the least delays from MEL to CNS?
Consider traveling with Virgin Australia if you’d like to go straight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) without any interruptions. This airline has the strongest track record for punctuality, with an on-time performance of 84%. Want real-time updates? You can check your flight status using the Expedia App.
What is the best time to fly from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
To avoid possible delays on the Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) route, aim to fly before 3 PM. Later flights have a 22% higher chance of being canceled.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG’s global flight data platform.
What airports do you fly into for Cairns from Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) is the only airport in Cairns with direct flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Explore the options and discover affordable fares on Expedia.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) last-minute?
Waiting until right before your break to book a ticket from MEL to CNS often results in higher prices. While you might find some last-minute discounts, there’s no guarantee. Keep your travel plans flexible for the best chance of getting a bargain.
Is it cheaper to book a MEL to CNS flight and hotel package?
Securing a MEL to CNS flight and hotel package is typically cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your trip in one place. Pick from our wide range of accommodations and then add activities, car rentals and flights to your booking. Bundle it all together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
If you reserved your MEL to CNS flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of fare you purchased, additional charges may apply for changes beyond that time. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, go to our Customer Service portal for more details.
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