Cairns (CNS) → Melbourne (MEL)
About Cairns to Melbourne Flights
Discover the best flights from Cairns to Melbourne, covering 2,313 km in approximately 3h 23m. Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL) is one of the popular medium-haul routes within Australia. With 3 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Cairns to Melbourne.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Cairns to Melbourne vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $379, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $632. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
July
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
79 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Cairns to Melbourne flights, we recommend booking 80 days in advance. Domestic flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
Virgin Australia VA | $730 | $2790 | $3710 |
Jetstar Airways JQ | $790 | $2480 | $3650 |
Qantas QF | $790 | $2490 | $3770 |
Virgin Australia
VA
Economy
$730
Business
$2790
First
$3710
Jetstar Airways
JQ
Economy
$790
Business
$2480
First
$3650
Qantas
QF
Economy
$790
Business
$2490
First
$3770
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Cairns to Melbourne?
The flight time from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL) is approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between Cairns and Melbourne?
The aerial distance between Cairns and Melbourne is 2,313 kilometers (1,437 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Cairns to Melbourne?
Several airlines operate flights between Cairns and Melbourne, including Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Melbourne?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Cairns to Melbourne. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to Melbourne?
For the best prices on Cairns to Melbourne flights, we recommend booking 89 days in advance. Domestic flights can sometimes offer good last-minute deals, but advance booking is usually cheaper.
Do I need a visa to travel from Cairns to Melbourne?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Since this is a domestic flight, no visa is required for citizens.
What is the time difference between Cairns and Melbourne?
Cairns operates on Australia/Brisbane time zone, while Melbourne is in the Australia/Melbourne time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.