Car Rentals in Cairns from $73/day - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK

Toyota Yaris

or similar SMALL

$86/day

Kia Forte

or similar MEDIUM

$73/day

Class Standard Car

or similar MEDIUM

$99/day

Toyota RAV4

or similar SUV

$132/day

Mitsubishi Montero

or similar SUV

$116/day

Kia Carnival

or similar VAN

$191/day

Class Special Car

or similar Category

$78/day

Kia Sportage

or similar SUV

$89/day

Nissan X-Trail

or similar SUV

$92/day

Kia Stonic

or similar SUV

$93/day

Mazda CX-8

or similar SUV

$111/day

Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

A trip to Australia is simply not complete without a road trip, particularly a trip to the northern parts of the country. With a personal vehicle at hand, you can travel all over Queensland with Cairns as your home base. For instance, some of the great locales that are perfect day trips for visitors of Cairns include Port Douglas, Kuranda, and Palm Cove. Even better, all of these destinations are within an hour’s drive of Cairns.
Would-be car renters with flights to Cairns Airport will be happy to hear that hire car desks are available in both terminals of the airport. All hire car counters can be found in the respective Arrivals Hall of both Terminals 1 and 2.
Worried about rush hour putting a damper on your trip to Cairns? Fortunately for drivers, the congestion in Cairns is only a minor affair that is easily avoided. However, there is still some traffic during the peak hours of rush hour in the morning from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Drivers should especially avoid the A1 during rush hour, as many drivers use it to go to and from work.
Make sure to never leave valuables in your car unattended in the summer months -- not because theft is a problem, but because the heat is. Cairns can experience extreme temperatures during the warmer parts of the year and sensitive items like food, electronics, and many other goods will not do well after having been left in a scorching car.
25% of our users found rental cars in Cairns for $51 or less
Book your rental car in Cairns at least 4 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Off-airport rental car locations in Cairns are around 25% cheaper than airport locations on average
Intermediate rental cars in Cairns are around 40% cheaper than other car types, on average

Verified travelerMar 2024

Hertz is a great option

Verified travelerAug 2023

Didn't get a car, so I have no idea how driving in Cairns is.

Verified travelerAug 2023

Either get a car with satnav or have a phone which works there

What type of car is recommended for driving in Cairns?
Cairns is not the biggest of cities, so drivers will find that most vehicles -- even large SUVs -- will be comfortable to drive in Cairns. However, sedans and compacts are certainly the most popular vehicles in both Cairns and Australia in general. So, perhaps it is best to follow common practice and stick to a smaller vehicle. Streetside parking will certainly be more manageable in a smaller vehicle.
What’s the speed limit in Cairns?
Speed limits in Cairns, and in the state of Queensland in general, run between 40 km/h (25 mph) and 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas, unless otherwise specified. On rural roads the speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) and on highways and motorways it is 110 km/h (68 mph).
Where are the best places to park in Cairns?
Fortunately for visitors to Cairns, parking is widely available and easy to find throughout the city. Streetside parking is abundant, albeit more suited for smaller vehicles rather than large ones. There is also plenty of private parking in garages and lots. Drivers should have no issues finding parking, even in the central business district.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Cairns?
On average a rental car in Cairns costs $67 per day.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Cairns?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Budget ($73/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($78/day) and Alamo ($95/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Budget 153 Lake St 4870 (1 kilometres from the city centre).
How much is the price of fuel in Cairns?
The average price of fuel in Cairns is $6.84 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $82 and $109, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Cairns?
Intermediate (Hyundai Kona or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Cairns.
Which hire car agencies are at Cairns airport (CNS)?
Car hire companies onsite at Cairns airport include East Coast Car Rentals, Sixt, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget, Alamo, Dollar and JUCY.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Cairns airport (CNS)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Cairns airport to off-airport locations include Budget, Alamo and JUCY.
How can I find car hires near me in Cairns?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Cairns?
An Intermediate car hire in Cairns costs $73 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car hire cost in Cairns?
A Premium car hire in Cairns costs $183 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Cairns?
A Standard car hire in Cairns costs $103 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Cairns?
On average a car hire in Cairns costs $467 per week ($67 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Cairns?
On average a car hire in Cairns costs $2,003 per month ($67 per day).

Ace Rental Cars

10.0

Wonderful

Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.0

3 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake Street

+61 1800 620 408

Opening times not available

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4035 9299

Monday	08:30 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 15:00
Thursday	08:30 - 15:00
Friday	08:30 - 15:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00
Sunday	09:00 - 13:00

Shop 1

Opening times not available

Sixt

8.9

Very Good

Read 7 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.2

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Cnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets

+61 7 4051 8099

Monday	08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 15:00
Thursday	08:00 - 15:00
Friday	08:00 - 15:00

Terminal building, Cairns

+61 7 4033 9800

Monday	07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday	07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday	07:30 - 23:59
Thursday	07:30 - 23:59
Friday	07:30 - 23:59
Saturday	07:30 - 23:59
Sunday	07:30 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

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

10.0 Wonderful

Mark, Mar 2022

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

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

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

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

Friendly staff

Alamo

8.7

Very Good

Read 19 reviews

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Cairns International Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate

Everything was hassle free .

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard

Drip off in Cairns for Entreprise not straightforward

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Compact

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

Easy pickup and drop off, friendly staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2023

Compact

Easy process with very helpful staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2023

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

Budget

8.7

Very Good

Read 14 reviews

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

7.8

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

153 Lake St

+61 7 4048 8166

Monday	08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 15:00
Thursday	08:00 - 15:00
Friday	08:00 - 15:00
Saturday	08:00 - 15:00
Sunday	08:00 - 15:00

Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9777

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jane, Jun 2024

Intermediate SUV

Everything was great once we found it. The numbers on the street are a bit out of order (not their fault) but once we got there, they were wonderful. It was easy to pick up and to drop off. the car was very nice.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Supplier choice

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

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

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, May 2022

Fuel efficient little car but not comfortable.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Pros:

The staff were very pleasant. Drop-off very easy

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2019

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).

Apex

8.7

Very Good

Read 12 reviews

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.6

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

396 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, Qld

+61 740 532 896

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

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

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

Friendly helpful staff with good local advice.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2021

Great service indeed!

10.0 Wonderful

Pat, Oct 2024

Standard SUV

All good friendly staff easy access no headaches

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

Great service

Bargain Car Rentals

8.7

Very Good

Read 4 reviews

Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

410, Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Full-size SUV

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

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2023

Intermediate

More shuttle bus would be prefect

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Nov 2022

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

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2023

Mini

Easy to deal with.

Thrifty

8.6

Very Good

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.3

Value for money

7.3

4 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 136139

Monday	08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 15:00
Thursday	08:00 - 15:00
Friday	08:00 - 15:00
Saturday	08:00 - 15:00
Sunday	08:00 - 15:00

Airport Ave

+61 136139

Monday	06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday	06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday	06:00 - 23:30
Thursday	06:00 - 23:30
Friday	06:00 - 23:30
Saturday	06:00 - 23:30
Sunday	06:00 - 23:30

Cairns Airport

+61 1300 367 227

Opening times not available

Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 136139

Monday	07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday	07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday	07:30 - 23:59
Thursday	07:30 - 23:59
Friday	07:30 - 23:59
Saturday	08:00 - 15:00
Sunday	08:00 - 15:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Compact

Experience was great, everything went well but a tad pricey

Hertz

7.5

Good

Read 4 reviews

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

7.5

3 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 7 4038 5690

Monday	08:30 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 15:00
Thursday	08:30 - 15:00
Friday	08:30 - 15:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00
Sunday	09:00 - 13:00

Airport Ave

+61 7 4038 9990

Monday	06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday	06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday	06:00 - 23:30
Thursday	06:00 - 23:30
Friday	06:00 - 23:30
Saturday	06:00 - 23:30
Sunday	06:00 - 23:30

Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 7 4046 8701

Monday	07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday	07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday	07:30 - 23:59
Thursday	07:30 - 23:59
Friday	07:30 - 23:59
Saturday	07:30 - 23:59
Sunday	07:30 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Full-size

All very went very well

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Economy

Loved the car

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

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

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

East Coast Car Rentals

7.1

Good

Read 7 reviews

Most popular

Cleanliness

9.7

Comfort

9.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns

from$61/day

Locations in Cairns

411 Sheridan Street, Cairns

+61 1800 474 258

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	08:00 - 15:00
Sunday	08:00 - 15:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Rhonda, Jul 2022

Everything was as arranged. Great service by all employees we came into contact with.

10.0 Wonderful

Tom, Apr 2022

Great quick way of pick-up and drop off. Airport shuttle service was perfect

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2022

Great service , great little car ,lovely helpful and cheerful staff

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2022

very limited office hours. office not inside airport, and shuttle doesn't work all the time, so you need a taxi. HUGE hidden cost for insurance. They basically force you take one of their "offers".

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Mar 2022

Not the best communication regarding damage (very very minor) reported.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Mar 2022

Car was good, pick up and drop off was a bit slow, pre rental checks could be done prior to pick up

Europcar

6.5

Okay

Read 3 reviews

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

6.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.5

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Shop 14 / 56-60 Abbott St

+61 7 4034 8200

Opening times not available

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9088

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Matt & Debbie, Jul 2024

Compact

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!!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Mini

Arrived prior to our 10am pick up on 14/6/23 and were told there was no booking. When I showed the confirmation email, I was told that the booking had been cancelled, in spite of it being booked 10 days earlier and the email had said accepted by Eurocar. Had to quickly look around other car rental companies and had to settle for a more expensive older car that we had to walk much further from hotel to pick up and return. Not sure who was at fault her, Kayak, Expedia or Eurocar but will have to seriously re-consider whether I'll use any of these companies going forward.

10.0 Wonderful

Siape, Jun 2023

Mini

Staff was great.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

5.3

Fair

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

37-41 Sheridan Street

+61 7 4249 3331

Monday	00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday	00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday	00:00 - 00:00
Thursday	00:00 - 00:00
Friday	00:00 - 00:00
Saturday	00:00 - 00:00
Sunday	00:00 - 00:00

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Mia, Jul 2023

Supplier choice

Enterprise staff was amazing and very helpful. The problem was that you can't rent a car under 21 years old and the kayak website failed to display this information. We booked everything and then showed up not being able to rent a car which completely trough off our plans.

Dollar

2.0

Poor