Flights from Cairns to Melbourne

Explore the best deals

Discover the cheapest flights from Cairns to Melbourne
emptyFilter
Filter by
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

Flexible with dates? We find the best price for the week of the day you select *Prices may vary after you search.
Filter by
week: 19 Jan - 25 Jan
$262
$366
$392
$319
$284
$259
$242
$265
$282
$290
$279
$298
DecemberJanuaryFebruary
Airlines that fly from Cairns to Melbourne

Local currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket
10%Trains are 10% more expensive in Melbourne than in Cairns.
Cairns$5.00
Melbourne$5.50
MealMid-priced restaurant
0%A meal in Melbourne costs roughly the same as in Cairns.
Cairns$26.00
Melbourne$25.00
TaxiStandard daytime start rate
50%A taxi fare in Melbourne is 50% cheaper than in Cairns.
Cairns$10.00
Melbourne$5.30
CoffeeRegular cappuccino
11%Coffee in Melbourne is 11% cheaper than in Cairns.
Cairns$6.36
Melbourne$5.64
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

How to find cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne

Setting off from Cairns for Melbourne offers a journey from tropical warmth to a diverse city known for its cultural depth, historical architecture, and natural surrounds. Melbourne draws travellers with its extensive arts scene, significant historical buildings, and proximity to varied landscapes, from coastlines to national parks. It's a place where you can explore a lively culinary landscape, discover laneway art, delve into sporting heritage, or take a day trip to see native wildlife and stunning scenery.

For those planning the trip from Cairns, flights to Melbourne are a direct and convenient option. The average flight duration is approximately three hours and 20 minutes, though this can vary slightly depending on the airline and specific flight path. Flights depart regularly from Cairns Airport (CNS) and arrive at Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, the main international and domestic gateway to the city.

Considering the best time to fly, Melbourne experiences four distinct seasons. Autumn (March to May) often provides comfortable temperatures and pleasant conditions for exploring the city, while spring (September to November) brings blossoming gardens and generally mild weather. Summer (December to February) can be quite warm, ideal for enjoying coastal areas nearby, and winter (June to August) is cooler, making it perfect for indoor activities like gallery visits or experiencing the city's renowned coffee culture. Frequent flights throughout the year mean you can usually find suitable options for your travel plans.

Useful information about Cairns airports

Heading south from Cairns to Melbourne for your next adventure is straightforward, and Cairns is served by one primary airport handling commercial flights. This guide offers details to assist with your departure.

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Cairns Airport is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland, situated approximately 7 kilometres north of the Cairns central business district. It operates both domestic and international terminals. The domestic terminal handles flights from various Australian cities, including regular services to Melbourne. Within the terminal, you’ll find a range of services including eateries, shops, car hire desks, and public transport connections like buses and taxis readily available for transport to and from the city centre.

Melbourne airports: good to know

Melbourne is served by two main airports, making it straightforward to travel across Victoria. You'll find a variety of domestic and international flights arriving and departing from these facilities.

Melbourne Airport (MEL)

This is Melbourne's primary airport, located in Tullamarine, about 23 kilometres north-west of the city centre. It handles the majority of domestic and international flights, offering extensive facilities including multiple terminals, car hire options, and various public transport connections like the SkyBus express service and local bus routes.

Avalon Airport (AVV)

Situated approximately 50 kilometres south-west of the Melbourne central business district, Avalon Airport primarily serves specific domestic routes with a focus on budget carriers. It provides a more compact travel experience and offers dedicated shuttle services to both Melbourne and Geelong, along with car hire facilities.

Find cheap Cairns - Melbourne flight deals with eDreams

When planning your next journey across Australia, a smart approach to booking flights makes all the difference. Comparing a wide array of airlines and their offerings helps you secure the best value for your travel. With eDreams, you can effortlessly browse various flight options, locate flexible fares that suit your schedule, and even unlock exclusive Prime discounts for even greater savings. This smart way to search ensures you're always getting a fair deal. Get ready to explore more and book your next Australian adventure with eDreams.

FAQs about flights from Cairns to Melbourne

Can I get a flexible ticket for my trip from Cairns to Melbourne?
At eDreams, we want your trip to run smoothly. Whether your flight gets canned or Australia suddenly changes travel rules, you’ll be covered. Flight cancelled? No dramas! With our flexible ticket option, you can rebook your Cairns to Melbourne flight with no change fee, or grab a full refund.
How do I score the cheapest flights from Cairns to Melbourne with eDreams?
Right now, the lowest fare from Cairns to Melbourne is $ 98. Thanks to our clever tech, we line up the top flight options, mixing and matching routes, airlines, and timetables to nail both value and convenience.
Is Melbourne more expensive than Cairns?
Cab rides in Melbourne can be about 47% cheaper, averaging 5.30 AUD, compared to 10.00 AUD in Cairns.
Catching the train in Melbourne will cost you about 10% more, sitting at 5.50 AUD compared with 5.00 AUD in Cairns.
Meals in Melbourne cost around 25.00 AUD, which is about 4% less than the 26.00 AUD you’d fork out in Cairns.
Coffee is roughly 11% cheaper in Melbourne, coming in at 5.64 AUD, compared to 6.36 AUD in Cairns.
What’s the average flight time from Cairns to Melbourne?
A standard flight between Cairns and Melbourne takes around 03:25 hours, covering about 2,330 km. This includes both direct flights and connections.
Which airports connect Cairns with Melbourne?
The main route linking Cairns with Melbourne is between Cairns International Airport (CNS) and Melbourne Airport (MEL). This leg is operated by the following airlines:
Virgin Australia
Jetstar
Qantas Airways

Plan your trip

Popular Flight RoutesAlternative routes