Melbourne (MEL) → Cairns (CNS)
About Melbourne to Cairns Flights
Discover the best flights from Melbourne to Cairns, covering 2,313 km in approximately 3h 23m. Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) 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 Melbourne to Cairns.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Melbourne to Cairns vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $384, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $632. Savvy travelers can save up to 39% 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
40 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Melbourne to Cairns flights, we recommend booking 50 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 | $650 | $2780 | $3900 |
Qantas QF | $670 | $2530 | $4460 |
Jetstar Airways JQ | $780 | $2890 | $4250 |
Virgin Australia
VA
Economy
$650
Business
$2780
First
$3900
Qantas
QF
Economy
$670
Business
$2530
First
$4460
Jetstar Airways
JQ
Economy
$780
Business
$2890
First
$4250
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 Melbourne to Cairns?
The flight time from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) 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 Melbourne and Cairns?
The aerial distance between Melbourne and Cairns is 2,313 kilometers (1,437 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Melbourne to Cairns?
Several airlines operate flights between Melbourne and Cairns, including Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Cairns?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. 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 Cairns?
For the best prices on Melbourne to Cairns flights, we recommend booking 67 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 Melbourne to Cairns?
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 Melbourne and Cairns?
Melbourne operates on Australia/Melbourne time zone, while Cairns is in the Australia/Brisbane time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.