The invention discloses a rapid detection method and a detection kit for melatonin. The rapid detection method for the melatonin comprises the following subsequent steps: firstly, mixing a to-be-tested sample with an extractant, standing and taking supernatant as probational liquid; secondly, dropping the probational liquid on qualitative filter paper; after drying in air, and dropwise adding a p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde solution at the titration position of the probational liquid; observing the color change of the filter paper; if the color of the filter paper turns blue, showing that the to-be-tested sample contains the melatonin; if the color of the filter paper has no change, showing that the to-be-tested sample does not contain the melatonin. The rapid detection method disclosed by the invention has the advantages of simple operation, short time and high efficiency; compared with methods of high performance liquid chromatography, chromatography-mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunity and the like, the rapid detection method has the characteristics of simplicity, fastness and no need of reference substances; high accuracy is realized, and common ingredients such as tablets,capsules, pills, granules and oral liquid have no interference on the detection of melatonin substances; the sensitivity is high and the detection limit is smaller than 0.04mg; consumables are few aswell as environmental protection and safety are achieved.