Melbourne MEL to Cairns CNS flight with Jetstar Airways

Thu, Nov 06
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Jetstar Airways
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Jetstar Airways
Vueling Airlines
easyJet
Ryanair
KM Malta Airlines
1,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

Overview: Melbourne to Cairns flight

AustraliaAustralia
AustraliaAustralia
Icon of flight
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
1444 miles (2324 km)
Average flight duration
3h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
$79 (€65)
Flights per day
9
Direct flights
4
Fastest flight
3h 20m
Cheapest month to travel
March
First flight
05:45
Last flight
23:55

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Melbourne to Cairns start from as low as $79 (€65) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $110 (€90) depending on the train type and class.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

The cheapest and fastest flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$129

Average price

$129

Fastest journey

3 h 20 m

Average duration

3 h 20 m

Flights per day

1

Distance

2324 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Melbourne to Cairns is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Melbourne to Cairns will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $129.

Fast flights

Of the 1 flights that leave Melbourne for Cairns onFri, Nov 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 07 the direct flights cover the 2324 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .

On Fri, Nov 07 the longest flights will take 3 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Jetstar Airways
07:20AM3h20
Melbourne
10:40AMCairns
$1291One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Melbourne to Cairns

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Melbourne to Cairns among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €65, and a train costs an average of €3076.

Distance: 1444 miles (2324 km)

Compare flight with

Most popular
Flight
Train
Bus

€90

Average price

Cheapest

€3076

Average price

€381

Average price

6h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 17m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

81h 5m

Average total duration

80h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

70h 0m

Average total duration

69h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Melbourne to Cairns flight times

The table below shows live departures for Melbourne to Cairns flights for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.

Last updated at 5:34 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
jetstar_airways8:45 AM Melbourne
3h20
12:05 PM Cairns0 transfersDirect

This is the last flight of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Melbourne to Cairns by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Airlines: Jetstar Airways from Melbourne to CairnsFind the best flights between Melbourne to Cairns with Omio's travel partners Jetstar Airways from $79 (€65). We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.

Jetstar Airways

About
Jetstar Airways is an Australian low-cost airline headquartered in Melbourne and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group. Established in 2003, it began domestic passenger services in May 2004 and expanded to international services in December 2005. Jetstar operates an extensive domestic and international network, serving over 75 destinations with more than 4,000 flights a week. The airline utilizes a fleet primarily consisting of Airbus A320 family aircraft and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Jetstar is part of Qantas' two-brand strategy, positioning itself in the low-cost market while Qantas Airways focuses on the premium full-service market. The Jetstar Group also includes joint ventures like Jetstar Asia in Singapore and Jetstar Japan.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
Jetstar Airways frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag (7kg) for Starter fares
Additional luggage
Up to 40kg additional checked baggage can be purchased
Cancellation Policy
Starter fares are non-refundable. FareCredit available for cancellations made within 24 hours of departure on higher fare types
Pregnant on board
Pregnant passengers can travel up to the end of the 32nd week. For multiple pregnancies, travel is permitted until the end of the 28th week. Medical clearance required after 28 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel unaccompanied on direct flights only. Service must be booked in advance and fees apply
Amenities on board the airplane
Food sold onboard
Accessibility
Jetstar provides assistance for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and special seating arrangements
Pets
Pets are not allowed in the cabin or as checked baggage except for service animals
Entertaiment on board

FAQs: Melbourne to Cairns Flight

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Melbourne to Cairns by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairns, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap plane tickets from Melbourne to Cairns can start from as little as $174 (€142) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Melbourne to Cairns is $249 (€204); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Melbourne to Cairns is 3 h 20 min   to travel the 1441 mile (2324 km) long route, with around there are 8 flights per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The flight from Melbourne to Cairns leaves at 8: 50AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
There are 8 flights a day from Melbourne to Cairns which require at least one change with Jetstar Airways. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer flights.
Take the Melbourne to Cairns flight with Jetstar Airways. However, it's always good to check out all possible airlines for the trip between Melbourne and Cairns as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Flights from Melbourne to Cairns generally leave from Melbourne and arrive in Cairns.

Melbourne is 22.5 km away from Melbourne city centre and Cairns is 6.9 km from Cairns city centre.

The cheapest month for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Cairns from Melbourne including taking a train, bus or flight.
Since neither Melbourne nor Cairns are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Australia and Australia. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The best events to attend in Cairns include:
  • Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous art and culture featuring exhibitions, performances, and workshops
  • Cairns Festival, an annual event showcasing local talent through music, art, and food over ten days
  • Great Barrier Reef Festival, a community celebration highlighting the beauty of the reef with activities, entertainment, and environmental awareness.
The best holidays to experience in Cairns include:
  • Easter, mild weather and vibrant local festivities
  • Anzac Day, commemorative events and a strong sense of community
  • School Holidays (June-July), ideal for family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures.
The best seasons to visit Cairns are Winter or Spring. The best weather to explore Cairns is during June-November.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e. G. 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs).
Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.

popular airports

Popular airports from Melbourne to Cairns

Melbourne
Cairns
The major airport for departures in Melbourne is Melbourne. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Melbourne for your trip from Melbourne to Cairns.
Amenities at airport
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ShowerShower
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
carConnection
Car connection
Tullamarine Freeway, Exit M2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Shops available in terminal 2, including duty-free and fashion stores.
Parking
Parking
  • Parking available at terminal Car Parks, approximately 3€ (AUD 5) per hour.
Dining
Dining
  • Various restaurants in terminal 2, including Asian and Italian cuisines.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available throughout the airport.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotels within walking distance, including ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport.
Shower
Shower
  • Showers available in terminal 2, free of charge.
Lounge
Lounge
  • Lounges available in terminal 2, including Qantas and Virgin Australia lounges.
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Lost and Found located in terminal 2, near the check-in area.
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Car rental services available in terminal 1, including Avis and Hertz.
Public transit options for Melbourne
  • SkyBus, Melbourne City Express, 30 minutes to Southern Cross Station
Avalon (AVV)
information

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