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Car rental at Cairns Airport

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals at Cairns airport

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Hyundai Accent car
Hyundai Accent
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
M
$41/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
M
$47/day
Hyundai i30 car
Hyundai i30
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
M
$47/day
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
2
2
4-5
M
$82/day
Kia Carnival car
Kia Carnival
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
M
$95/day
Class Full-size SUV car
Class Full-size SUV
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
M
$75/day
MG 3 car
MG 3
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
M
$40/day
Class Full-size Van car
Class Full-size Van
or similar VAN
5
2
4-5
M
$115/day
MG ZS car
MG ZS
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
M
$53/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
M
$55/day
Class Standard SUV car
Class Standard SUV
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
M
$55/day
Mazda CX-5 car
Mazda CX-5
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
M
$63/day
Kia Sportage car
Kia Sportage
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
M
$76/day
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Top tips for hiring a car at Cairns airport

  • With car hire at Cairns Airport (CNS), you open a gateway to the beautiful Queensland coastline, with a no-fuss approach to reaching stunning attractions, including the famous Great Barrier Reef. Apart from the obvious benefits of travel and time flexibility, you’re guaranteed new models, break-down assistance, freedom from the beaten track and economic savings when venturing further than urban areas. With a hire car, you can reach beaches around Cairns far more economically than by taxi.
  • You will have a wide selection of car hire companies to choose from with car hire at Cairns Airport. You can choose from global names such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, SIXT and many others. Whether you are returning to Australia or travelling domestically within the continent on a holiday, you can find hire car services in the arrival halls of both terminals.
  • When it’s time to return your car hire at Cairns Airport, you will find it incredibly easy. There are two car hire return car parks, based at the domestic and international terminals, very close to the pick-up counters. The car parks are well signed as you drive in. If there is nobody from the car hire company in the car park, you can lock the doors and place the keys on the company counter.
  • All the car hire companies at Cairns Airport operate on similar working hours to each other, which are roughly 08:00 to 23:30. If you are planning on dropping off the car hire late at night, you should ensure you make it there before closing time. The airport is not open 24 hours a day and closes after the last flight of the night.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire at Cairns airport for $65 or less
  • Book your car hire at Cairns airport at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about renting a car at Cairns airport

  • Where are the car hire companies situated at Cairns Airport?

    The primary car hire companies at Cairns Airport are based within Terminals 1 and 2. When you land, collect your luggage and proceed left after Arrivals and walk towards the various bus bays hosting the car hire counters. It is a short walk toward the counters, but most of the companies will send a shuttle to fetch you and your luggage if needed. They will require a phone call when you land and will collect you at the arrival gate.

  • Which hire car companies offer fast service at Cairns Airport?

    Most of the bigger car hire companies will be convenient to deal with if your documentation is in order and the booking is placed correctly online. Budget has not only a shuttle service but also the Fastbreak Service, which offers a quick way of collecting your car when booked online. Proceed to the Fastbreak line and present your licence and everything will be pre-arranged.

  • What kinds of amenities does the Cairns Airport hire car centre offer?

    The Cairns Airport car hire counters are found inside both arrival terminals. There is a covered walkway that connects the domestic and international terminals. You will find no official centre for car hire but rather counters within the arrival halls. Both arrival halls are well equipped to make you comfortable. You can tap into free Wi-Fi while you wait for the car hire transaction to be completed and be close to dining, shopping options and bathrooms. The airport is relatively compact and comprehensive.

  • What types of documentation are required to hire a car at Cairns Airport?

    With Cairns Airport car hire, you will need to have photographic identification on a valid driver’s licence that is at least 12 months old. Your license will need to be in English or you will need to present an International Driver’s Licence. You will need your credit card for payment, or in some cases, a debit card will suffice; make sure you check the payment terms. You will need to be 21 years of age to hire most vehicles.  

  • How much does it cost to rent a car at Cairns airport?

    On average a rental car at Cairns airport costs $77 per day.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company at Cairns airport?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Simba Car Hire ($43/day), Ace Rental Cars ($49/day) and Ace ($51/day).

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Cairns airport?

    The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Cairns airport to off-airport locations is JUCY .

Cairns Airport car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Ace Rental Cars

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

147 Lake Street

+61 1800 620 408

Opening times not available

View deals

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4035 9299

Monday08:30 - 15:00
Tuesday08:30 - 15:00
Wednesday08:30 - 15:00
Thursday08:30 - 15:00
Friday08:30 - 15:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00
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Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
N/A

1 out of 1

Alamo

8.7

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
View deals

Cairns International Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
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Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Everything was hassle free .

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard

KAYAK
Drip off in Cairns for Entreprise not straightforward

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Compact

KAYAK
The pickup experience was a bit inefficient and slow. The Kayak booking acceptance email directed us to Cairns airport terminal 1, but the actual pickup office for Alamo was in terminal 2. The office couldn’t be contacted by phone. When we eventually found the office., after asking around, the pickup process was slow. But once we got the car it was a good vehicle and our overall experience was good. Drop off was easy.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2023

Mini

KAYAK
Easy pickup and drop off, friendly staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Easy process with very helpful staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2023

KAYAK
Easy pick up and drop off. Craig on the desk was extremely helpful and professional certainly will be recommending!

1 out of 7

Sixt

8.7

Most popular

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

7.9

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Show locations
from$70/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets

+61 7 4051 8099

Monday08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday08:00 - 15:00
Thursday08:00 - 15:00
Friday08:00 - 15:00
View deals

Terminal building, Cairns

+61 7 4033 9800

Monday07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday07:30 - 23:59
Thursday07:30 - 23:59
Friday07:30 - 23:59
Saturday07:30 - 23:59
Sunday07:30 - 23:59
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Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
Staff were great and very efficient. Car could have been cleaner

10.0 Wonderful

Mark, Mar 2022

KAYAK
Staff were friendly and helpful especially as I arrived several hours before the scheduled pick and they could get me a car. The car was clean and faultless.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2022

KAYAK
So easy to book, extremely competitive pricing, quick pick up and drop off. Extremely pleased to arrive to collect the car, and to be told that we would be receiving a free upgrade.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jan 2022

KAYAK
Everything was good except for not getting my $400 holding fee back within a day,which I was told I would. After making a phone call I was informed it would take 1 to 2 months before my money will be credited back into my account.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Car was great value. Car was easy to find. I suggest adding a free Uber or taxi from hotel to airport to pick up the car and vice versa when dropping car back at the airport would be a great idea

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Friendly staff

1 out of 3

Apex

8.7

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.6

One location in Cairns Airport

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

396 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, Qld

+61 740 532 896

Opening times not available

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
I would like to express my gratitude to Jacinta. My daughter was in hospital during our stay in cairns and Jacinta was very understanding and bent over backwards to get me in a car so I could get back to the hospital. Excellent service! Thanks again Jacinta!

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Mar 2022

KAYAK
They stated the vehicle was located in Cairns Airport which was not the case! We had to get a shuttle bus to the depot for pick up and drop off.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Friendly helpful staff with good local advice.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2021

KAYAK
Great service indeed!

10.0 Wonderful

Pat, Oct 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
All good friendly staff easy access no headaches

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Great service

1 out of 4

Bargain Car Rentals

8.7

Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Show locations
from$46/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

410, Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
They describe themselves as being at the cairns airport. They are not at the airport.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
More shuttle bus would be prefect

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Nov 2022

KAYAK
Pickup from airport took a long time and the process was awkward

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2023

Mini

KAYAK
Easy to deal with.

1 out of 2

Budget

8.3

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

7.3

One location in Cairns Airport

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9777

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
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Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Price was way more than I was quoted Should have been 720 Was nearly 1000

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
Like - the pick up and drop off point is conveniently located next to airport entrance (given most people would have luggage to carry to airport terminal).

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff were very pleasant. Drop-off very easy

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Very friendly agent, easy to rent, pick up, and return. Good process to log any known damage to car (we didn't have any).

6.0 Okay

Belinda, Aug 2023

Compact

KAYAK
We didn't use it in the end

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Apr 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
the man that gave us the car in cairns said that he was sure the car could be use on fraser island but that was not the case. so that was a disappointment.

1 out of 4

Thrifty

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 136139

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Cairns Airport

+61 1300 367 227

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Europcar

8.0

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

7.3

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9088

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Matt & Debbie, Jul 2024

Compact

KAYAK
We were told pick from international but had to walk n pickup from domestic, poor signage to follow, also no a international booth. We were rushed once we picked up car, very little one to one info discussed about what to do. When we were given instructions about returning car we were given Google map direction that sent up miles away from drop off point.! Then when we arrived to drop off point poor signage again on hiway, no around to talk to to top it off we get an email later telling us of the damage report.. what there!!??? A very small scratch that no one noticed upon pickup or drop off.. come on guys get your act together!!

10.0 Wonderful

Siape, Jun 2023

Mini

KAYAK
Staff was great.

Hertz

8.0

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 7 4038 9990

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Loved the car

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff were very helpful, car we booked as not available so they upgraded us FOC.

Cons:

Nothing from us

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2023

KAYAK
It would have been so much better had I hired a car from Hertz but I hired one from Apex. Who were superb

Simba Car Hire

8.0

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

432 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Australia

+61 7 4021 2777

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Charlie, Sept 2024

Mini

KAYAK
Generally OK but as we missed the 6pm close of the office, that we not aware of, we couldn't pick up the vehicle til the next day. But still charged for that time.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Friendly staff, clean and modern car and shuttle service to airport- excellent experience all round and good value, thank you!

Avis

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.6

Value for money

6.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9555

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

6.8 Okay

Anonymous, Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Upgraded car.

Cons:

Drop off

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2022

KAYAK
I could not rate the car as Avis cancelled my booking with out even notifying me on arrival to Cairns airport the staff just said it had been cancelled but could not give a reason for cancellation or lack of notification he did give a very insincere sorry with out any attempt to help slove the lack of a car over all Avis wrecked my 7 day stay in Cairns as it is hard relying on public transport to navigate around all the tourist attractions the area has to offer with out a car with all that said avoid Avis at all cost

Dollar

Cleanliness

2.0

Comfort

2.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 1800 501 934

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Rob, Jul 2024

Passenger van

KAYAK
The car I ordered was not available and they didn’t have nothing alike and no money was returned to me

JUCY

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

3 locations in Cairns Airport

from$112/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

Cairns Off Airport Location

+61 1800 150 850

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

MINI Car Rentals

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport (CNS), Airport Ave, Cairns City QLD , Australia

+1 800 761 8913

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

9.0

Wonderful

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 740 359 299

Monday04:00 - 23:30
Tuesday04:00 - 23:30
Wednesday04:00 - 23:30
Thursday04:00 - 23:30
Friday04:00 - 23:30
Saturday04:00 - 23:30
Sunday04:00 - 23:30

Filters

No reviews available

National

7.0

Good

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Buildinairport Avenue

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Terminalbuildingairport Avenue

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

6.0

Okay

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 740 349 088

Monday08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday08:00 - 15:00
Thursday08:00 - 15:00
Friday08:00 - 15:00
Saturday08:00 - 15:00
Sunday08:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Bargain Rental Cars

9.0

Wonderful

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

410 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Payless

5.7

Fair

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport

Monday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Tuesday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Wednesday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Thursday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Friday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Saturday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Sunday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

Ace

5.4

Fair

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

147 Lake Street

61-7-4041-0895

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Routes Car & Truck Rentals

4.9

Mediocre

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

Monday08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday08:00 - 15:00
Thursday08:00 - 15:00
Friday08:00 - 15:00
Saturday08:00 - 15:00
Sunday08:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

3 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

411 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Airport Ave

Opening times not available

Terminal Building

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Red Spot

No score available yet

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport Terminal 1 International

Opening times not available

Cairns Airport Terminal 2 Domestic

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Atlas Car & Truck Rental

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

410 Sheridan Street Cairns, QLD

1800 808 122

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Atlas Choice

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

410 Sheradan Street

1800 808 122

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Autorent Car Rental

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport CNS

+61 7 4041 0895

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

CalAuto

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

55 Dutton Street

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

89 travellers who rented a car in Cairns Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.5

Car rental locations at Cairns Airport

Good to know

Most popular agency

Sixt

Average price

$71/day

Good deal

$59/day