Melbourne to Cairns flight distance & time (MEL-CNS)
How far is Melbourne from Cairns by plane? The great circle distance from Melbourne International Airport (MEL) to Cairns International Airport (CNS) is 2,305 km / 1,245 nm, about 2h 59m flight time, with an initial heading of 3° (N).
| From | Melbourne International Airport (MEL), Melbourne, AU |
|---|---|
| To | Cairns International Airport (CNS), Cairns, AU |
| Distance | 2,305 km · 1,245 nm · 1,432 mi |
| Initial heading | 3° (N) |
Airlines on this route
- Jetstar Airways (JQ)
- Pacific Blue (DJ)
- Polynesian Blue (DJ)
- Qantas (QF)
- Virgin Australia (DJ)
- Virgin Blue (DJ)
Aircraft with enough range to fly MEL to CNS nonstop
Open MEL to CNS in the calculator · Return route CNS to MEL
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Melbourne from Cairns?
- The great circle distance between Melbourne and Cairns is 2,305 km (1,245 nm / 1,432 mi).
- How long is the flight from Melbourne to Cairns?
- A direct flight from MEL to CNS takes about 2h 59m, based on a typical jet cruise speed. Actual time varies by aircraft type and wind - see the aircraft list above for type-specific estimates.
- Is there a nonstop flight from Melbourne to Cairns?
- Yes - 6 airlines currently operate this route, see the list above.