Journey information
Overview: Melbourne to Cairns flight
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.
The cheapest and fastest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
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
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.
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.


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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:45 AM Melbourne | 3h20 | 12:05 PM Cairns | 0 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
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Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
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
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.

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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
popular airports
Popular airports from Melbourne to Cairns
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
- Shops available in terminal 2, including duty-free and fashion stores.
- Parking available at terminal Car Parks, approximately 3€ (AUD 5) per hour.
- Various restaurants in terminal 2, including Asian and Italian cuisines.
- Available outside the terminal.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available throughout the airport.
- Hotels within walking distance, including ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport.
- Showers available in terminal 2, free of charge.
- Lounges available in terminal 2, including Qantas and Virgin Australia lounges.
- Lost and Found located in terminal 2, near the check-in area.
- Car rental services available in terminal 1, including Avis and Hertz.
- SkyBus, Melbourne City Express, 30 minutes to Southern Cross Station
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
- Shops are available, including duty-free and souvenir shops in the intertiol terminal.
- Parking available, approximately 1.9€ ($2) per hour.
- Restaurants are located in both domestic and intertiol terminals, offering options like fast food and cafes.
- Available outside the terminal.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available throughout the airport, including accessible facilities.
- Hotels such as the Cairns Airport Hotel within walking distance.
- Showers are available in the intertiol terminal; usage may be free or require a small fee.
- Lounges available, including the Qantas Club and Virgin Australia Lounge.
- Lost and Found located at the airport information desk in the terminal.
- Car rental services are available from major providers like Avis, Hertz, and Budget.
- Bus line 110, Cairns Airport stop, 7 km
Most popular flights from Melbourne
More options for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns
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