Car Rental in Cairns

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Cairns, Australia
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Cairns Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Jucy
$30.60 per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Standard
MG HS or similar
MG HS
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Bargain Car Rentals
$37.79 per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Economy Elite
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Ace Rental Cars
$39.60 per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Full-size
Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
Mitsubishi Outlander
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
EastCoast Car Rentals
$42.63 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Cairns Airport Car Rental
Compact
Kia Stonic or similar
Kia Stonic
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$60.13 / per day
Downtown Car Rental
Economy
Suzuki Swift or similar
Suzuki Swift
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$68.04 / per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Premium
Peugeot 508s or similar
Peugeot 508s
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$81.29 / per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Intermediate Elite
Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar
Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Ace Rental Cars
$43.56 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 13:33 on 2023-03-17. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Language
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
61
Average car rental price
$102.87 / per day
Average car rental length
1 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.8
Average gasoline price
$1.27 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.40 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.13 / 1 liter

Why rent a car in Cairns?

Cairns is a great place to explore by car. The largest city in the region of Far North Queensland, it is the center of the most tropical part of Australia. The nature is stunning here, with plenty of unique attractions, and the sea coast is even more dramatic and impressive than in the rest of Australia. The scenic drives north of Cairns to Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest will take your breath away. Australia is a big country with limited public transport, never underestimate distances and drive times here. Cairns airport is not close to the city of Cairns, nor Palm Cove and Port Douglas — so getting a rental car is your best bet to see as much as you can in this part of the world.

One-Way Car Rentals in Cairns

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Cairns and drop off in another city include:

  • From Cairns to Gold Coast - 35 offers from $69.19 per day
  • From Cairns to Brisbane - 35 offers from $69.19 per day
  • From Cairns to Townsville - 35 offers from $41.86 per day

Top ways to enter Cairns

  • Cairns Airport: The seventh-busiest in Australia, Cairns Airport serves around 5 million travelers every year. The airport has flights by 20 different airlines and is connected to many domestic destinations all over Queensland and the rest of Australia as well as to Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Bali, and Japan. Conveniently, the airport is located just 6km (4 miles) from Cairns’ city center and can be reached in about 10 minutes.
  • Townsville Airport: Served by 8 different airlines, Townsville Airport handles about 2 million travelers every year. As of 2019, the airport only has domestic flights. Townsville Airport is located 340km (211 miles) south of Cairns and can be reached in about five hours.

City facts

  • Cairns experiences a tropical monsoon climate with a wet season from November to May and a dry season from June to October. Cairns is the most humid large city of Australia. The average temperature is 28°C  (82°F) from December to February, the hottest months, and 212°C  (71°F) in July, the coldest month. 
  • With around 145,000 inhabitants, Cairns is the fifth most-populous city in the state of Queensland. Located in the northernmost part of Australia, Cairns is a remote destination located nearly 1,700km (1,056 miles) from the state capital, Brisbane, and about 2,500km (1,553 miles) from the capital of Australia, Canberra. The nearest capital city to Cairns, therefore, is not Canberra, but Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. 
  • Historically inhabited by the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people who still live in and around the city to this day, 8.9% of Cairns inhabitants are Native Australians, a number that is significantly higher than for Australia as a whole.

Top destinations and activities

  • The Great Barrier Reef. The number one attraction for visitors coming to Cairns and a natural wonder of the world, there’s no other place in the world like the Great Barrier Reef. The amazing coral structure and a number of coral islands can be accessed by boat from Cairns or Port Douglas. While there are excellent opportunities for scuba diving, most visitors snorkel. Seeing the reef is an experience of a lifetime.
  • The Daintree Rainforest. Visitors can visit the oldest rainforest on Earth by driving about an hour and a half north of Cairns. The Daintree Rainforest is like stepping back to the days of the dinosaurs, if you’re short of time, visit the Mossman Gorge, another section of the rainforest with a crystal clear tropical waterway to enjoy. You may be able to spot unique local wildlife like cassowaries and tree kangaroos. Wallabies are an almost guaranteed sighting just north of Cairns.
  • Cairns Botanical Gardens. Divided into five separate zones, such as the Rainforest Boardwalk and the Mangroves Boardwalk, the botanical gardens introduce visitors to different types of flora characteristic of tropical Northern Australia. If you’re short on time and cannot visit the actual rainforests, coming to the gardens is your best bet to see as much as you can.
  • Cairns Museum. Focusing on the history of human habitation of the Cairns area, this small, but unique museum has plenty of objects, photographs, and other artifacts relating to all things Cairns. If you’re interested in how Cairns grew and changed from a native settlement to a mining and farming town to the largest city in Northern Queensland, this is the right place to visit.

Traffic and parking

  • One of the largest road hazards in Australia is the wildlife. Take extra caution when driving in bad weather or after dark as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife take place. The wet season can bring some localised flooding in February and March, typically. Cyclones do occur in the Cairns region infrequently too.
  • Another great risk when traveling off of main highways is the heat. The temperatures can reach extremes very easily, especially during the summer months and in inland areas. Always stay properly hydrated and plan your route in advance to be able to refill your water supplies. Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle, not only is it dangerous, it can land you with a hefty fine.
  • Speed traps are a very common occurrence on roads around Cairns, be careful to follow speed signs carefully.
  • Driving under the influence laws differ from territory to territory in Australia. In Queensland, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers with provisional licences. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a driver licence ban.
  • Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
  • When driving, you need to have your license with you at all times.
  • The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000. 

Toll roads

There are no toll roads around Cairns but to cross the Daintree River into the Daintree Rainforest you will need to pay a fee.

There are a number of toll roads elsewhere in Australia, mainly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and other parts of Queensland. 

Most toll roads in Australia use an open toll system with mainline barrier toll gates. All toll roads in Australia use cashless payment systems. You can purchase a prepaid pass for most toll roads. Some rental cars in Australia are equipped with an electronic toll transponder, the price of which is usually included in the rental price. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance. 

Different toll roads are operated by different companies, so there is no nation-wide system in place. 

For more information about the toll roads in the state of Queensland, visit the state’s toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

  • Kuranda. Located in the nearby mountains and surrounded by lush jungle, Kuranda is a famous outdoors destination. There are many hiking trails, and you can also park your rental car in the town. Alternatively take a trip on the Cairns Skyrail that takes you from just north of Cairns right above the rainforest to Kuranda. Located just 27km (17 miles) northwest of Cairns, Kuranda can be reached in half an hour, although the road to Kuranda from Cairns is dangerous and is sometimes closed due to accidents.
  • Daintree National Park. If Kuranda didn’t satiate your appetite for rainforest, Daintree is where the jungle gets really dense and impressive. Mangroves and palms dominate the area and unique Australian animals like carpet python, cassowaries, and tree kangaroos are all native to the forest. There are plenty of hiking opportunities on well laid out boardwalks and beaches. It’s advisable to hire a guide or take a tour to get the most out of your day in Daintree.  Located about 125km (77 miles) north of Cairns, Daintree National Park can be reached in just under two hours
  • Local Beaches. There are any number of beaches just north of Cairns, several with netted swimming enclosures for safer swimming in the wet season when dangerous jellyfish can be present in tropical waters.
  • Crocodiles. Cairns is home to saltwater crocodiles, there are many opportunities to see these creatures in the wild or at crocodile attractions like Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures or the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat.
  • Mission Beach. While Queensland has no shortage of stunning beaches, Mission Beach might just be number one among them. Tropical and pristine, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere than beaches around Cairns or Brisbane. See if you can spot the rare and unique cassowary bird while visiting. From here, you can also easily reach the beautiful Dunk and Bedarra Islands. Mission Beach is about 140km (87 miles) south of Cairns and can be reached by car in two hours.
  • Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park. A unique protected area, Chillagoe-Mungana is a great place to experience continental Australia without traveling for days. Markedly different from the coastal parts and with a more primeval atmosphere, the area is home to limestone caves and Indigenous Australian art, as well as impressive rock formations. On a relatively more recent note, the town of Chillagoe also has a number of late 19th and early 20th century mines and smelters which have now been turned into heritage sites. Located about 215 km (133 miles) west of Cairns, the national park takes about three hours to reach: however, the road to Chillagoe is unsealed gravel, so most car rental companies won’t allow you to drive there. Camping is not permitted inside the park, but there are a few options for accommodation in the surrounding area, particularly in the Chillagoe township. 

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car types in Cairns are intermediate, compact, and standard. The most popular rental car is the Toyota Corolla, followed by the Kia Rio and the Toyota Camry.

Most locals in the region generally prefer four-wheel drive vehicles and larger cars because of the rugged nature of local roads.

Further destinations

  • Port Douglas. A calm and pretty resort town, Port Douglas is home to many impressive beaches as well as the Wildlife Habitat, a place with different habitats, such as wetlands and grasslands, that house animal species like emus, crocodiles, and kangaroos. Port Douglas is about 67km (42 miles) north of Cairns, a picturesque one hour’s drive along the coast.
  • Mossman Gorge. A part of the native Kuku Yalanji area, Mossman Gorge is a place where some locals come to escape the unbearable heat of the Australian summer. Walking across a suspension bridge above Rex Creek is a thrilling experience and you might even spot local wildlife like Boyd’s forest dragon and the Australian brush turkey. Mossman Gorge is about 78km (48 miles) north of Cairns and can be reached in one hour.
  • Townsville. Gateway to a wealth of beaches, lakes, creeks, and dives, cozy Townsville has plenty to enjoy. The city is just a short ferry ride from Magnetic Island, a popular tourist attraction and national park which is home to koalas and different bird species (it is usually possible to take a car to the island, although ask your rental car provider and the ferry company in advance). Located about 345 km (214 miles) south of Cairns, Townsville can be reached in some five hours by car, although there are plenty of interesting attractions on the way, such as Girringun National Park.
  • Brisbane. An adventure like no other, the road from Cairns to the state capital and Australia’s third largest city is 1,700km (1,056 miles) long and takes at least 24 hours to do. You should come well-prepared with water, supplies, fuel, and maps, but those who dare to do it will be rewarded with fantastic views and pristine beaches along the way as well as a stunning modern city at the end of the trip.

Car Rental Prices in Cairns

  • Large cars - from $103 per day
  • Medium cars - from $94 per day
  • Vans - from $172 per day
  • Premium cars - from $87 per day
  • Small cars - from $106 per day
  • SUVs - from $88 per day

Money-saving tips

Keep these tips in mind when booking a rental car in Cairns:

  • Compare the rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. 
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by:
Alyson Long
This article was fact-checked and edited by Alyson Long, a British citizen hailing from South Wales who has been an international travel blogger and author for over a decade. Her family travelled full-time for 7 years to around 60 countries to gain expertise. She is the owner of the World Travel Family and World Travel Chef websites, both of which aim to help people, particularly families, travel with ease around the world.

What travel writers say

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a true wonder of the world that is 2,300km long, which is why it’s such a popular place to visit and probably the main reason you’re visiting. It so should be! I’m happy to say The Great Barrier Reef is just as magnificent and magical as you’ve heard. I loved our full day tour exploring the underwater world with the girls. It was such a cool experience for them at such a young age. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef can be expensive, but it’s a once in a lifetime thing.
CACM
Caroline and Craig Makepeace
G’day, we’re Caroline and Craig Makepeace. Traveling since 1997 -> 13 years with our two daughters.
If you’re looking for the road trip of a lifetime, pack your bags and head for the east coast of Australia, because the Pacific Coast Way that connects Cairns to Brisbane will fulfil all your travel wishes. We spent two weeks exploring the Australian East Coast, driving from Cairns to Brisbane and exploring everything in between; from tropical rainforests to pristine white sand beaches, and from chill surfer towns to big cities.
GO
Greta Omoboni
Hi, I’m Greta, thanks for stopping by! In 2017 I left my life as a management consultant and started chasing waterfalls, sunsets and views around the world.
Cairns Esplanade is the perfect place to stay if you are coming to Cairns for the first time, alternatively, Parramatta Park is great if you are traveling on a budget, Cairns North is where to stay if you’re looking for a laid back vibe, Trinity Beach is best for families, Palm Cove is for the ultimate beach holiday and Kuranda if you love nature!
Y
Yulia
Hi there! I am Yulia, a world-traveler, adventurer and an entrepreneur.

Top 11 Cities near Cairns

  1. Townsville Car Rentals from $79.03 per day
    284.3 km / 176.6 miles away
  2. Proserpine Car Rentals from $123.99 per day
    497.2 km / 309.0 miles away
  3. Mackay Car Rentals from $76.66 per day
    597.2 km / 371.1 miles away
  4. Rockhampton Car Rentals from $65.91 per day
    874.0 km / 543.1 miles away
  5. Gladstone Car Rentals from $63.88 per day
    962.9 km / 598.3 miles away
  6. Emerald Car Rentals from $49.16 per day
    784.8 km / 487.6 miles away
  7. Mount Isa Car Rentals from $62.69 per day
    781.9 km / 485.8 miles away
  8. Thangool Car Rentals from $133.33 per day
    982.8 km / 610.7 miles away
  9. Port Douglas Car Rentals from $70.97 per day
    54.3 km / 33.7 miles away
  10. Moranbah Car Rentals from $144.41 per day
    624.6 km / 388.1 miles away
  11. Cloncurry Car Rentals
    694.5 km / 431.6 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Cairns

  1. Cairns Airport Car Rentals from $35.91 per day
    4.6 km / 2.8 miles away
  2. Cairns Domestic Airport (CNST02) Car Rentals from $64.57 per day
    5.6 km / 3.5 miles away
  3. Townsville Airport Car Rentals from $79.03 per day
    279.7 km / 173.8 miles away
  4. Whitsunday Coast Airport Car Rentals from $123.99 per day
    492.7 km / 306.1 miles away
  5. Mackay Airport Car Rentals from $76.66 per day
    592.6 km / 368.2 miles away
  6. Emerald Airport Car Rentals from $49.16 per day
    780.3 km / 484.9 miles away
  7. Rockhampton Airport Car Rentals from $65.91 per day
    869.5 km / 540.3 miles away
  8. Gladstone Airport Car Rentals from $63.88 per day
    958.4 km / 595.5 miles away
  9. Bundaberg Airport Car Rentals from $52.15 per day
    1117.3 km / 694.3 miles away
  10. Hervey Bay Airport Car Rentals from $65.60 per day
    1188.8 km / 738.7 miles away
  11. Sunshine Coast Airport Car Rentals from $26.64 per day
    1314.3 km / 816.7 miles away
  12. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Car Rentals from $41.53 per day
    1338.9 km / 832.0 miles away
  13. Brisbane Brendale Car Rentals from $54.03 per day
    1372.8 km / 853.0 miles away
  14. Brisbane Airport Car Rentals from $37.91 per day
    1386.6 km / 861.6 miles away
  15. Brisbane Domestic Airport (BNET02) Car Rentals from $63.62 per day
    1386.9 km / 861.8 miles away
  16. Brisbane Ascot Car Rentals from $94.80 per day
    1388.2 km / 862.6 miles away
  17. Brisbane Fortitude Valley Car Rentals from $89.27 per day
    1388.8 km / 863.0 miles away
  18. Brisbane Tingalpa Car Rentals from $62.73 per day
    1393.5 km / 865.9 miles away
  19. Brisbane Rocklea Car Rentals from $39.09 per day
    1396.1 km / 867.5 miles away
  20. Brisbane Archerfield Car Rentals from $54.03 per day
    1398.0 km / 868.7 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Cairns?

Car rental prices in Cairns vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Cairns
$61.09
January
$43.54
February
$46.31
March
$84.69
April
$73.02
May
$80.98
June
$96.46
July
$88.46
August
$95.37
September
$82.91
October
$60.12
November
$75.78
December
The best month to rent a car in Cairns is February (when prices for an Economy class start from $43.54). This is 41% cheaper than the yearly average and 55% cheaper than renting in July (when rental prices start at $96.46 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.

What’s the usual rental length in Cairns?

Travel lengths vary from month to month: in July, travelers rent a car for an average of 8 days in January, the average rental period is 6 days.
Average Rental Length in Cairns
6
January
7
February
7
March
7
April
7
May
7
June
8
July
8
August
7
September
7
October
7
November
7
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Cairns?

The most popular month for renting a car in Cairns is April, and the least popular is February.
Popularity of Car Rental in Cairns by Monthly Searches
78%
January
62%
February
84%
March
147%
April
106%
May
113%
June
124%
July
111%
August
101%
September
110%
October
86%
November
79%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 3
Airport locations 2
Popular suppliers Bargain Car Rentals, Jucy, EastCoast Car Rentals, SIXT, Alamo
Popular car categories SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Vans
Lowest price $31 per day
Cheapest supplier Jucy

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Jucy Toyota Corolla 5 3 Medium cars
Bargain Car Rentals Hyundai Kona 4 3 SUVs
Bargain Car Rentals Hyundai Accent 4 2 Medium cars
EastCoast Car Rentals Hyundai Kona 5 2 SUVs
Bargain Car Rentals Nissan X-Trail 4 2 SUVs
EastCoast Car Rentals Hyundai i30 4 2 Large cars
Bargain Car Rentals Toyota Corolla 4 2 Large cars
EastCoast Car Rentals Suzuki Swift 5 1 Small cars
Jucy Toyota Corolla 5 2 Large cars
SIXT Hyundai Kona 5 2 Medium cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Canada
Hyundai Kona
February 26, 2023
We were able to go up to Port Douglas with stops at the beaches along the way.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
January 16, 2023
Had a lovely day up on the Atherton tablelands, visiting waterfalls and swimming.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
December 3, 2022
Mossman gorge, port Douglas and Kuranda Tin shed
New Zealand
Hyundai Kona
November 29, 2022
Snorkelling off Fitzroy Island, Hartley’s Crocodile Park
United Kingdom
Hyundai i30
November 24, 2022
A car was essential for our journey. The drive from Cairns to Sydney was awesome. Price has trebled since three years ago!!
Australia
Nissan Juke
November 22, 2022
Atherton tableland really great
Australia
Hyundai Accent
November 21, 2022
Family visit
Australia
Toyota Corolla
November 14, 2022
Overall a good experience. The car was clean.
Australia
Mitsubishi Lancer
November 4, 2022
Drove to Port Douglas. Lovely drive. Amazing place.
Australia
Hyundai Kona
October 26, 2022
We stayed in Port Douglas and ventured out to see the sights nearby and up to Cape Tribulation as well. A wonderful pair of the world.
Australia
MG HS Aut.
October 17, 2022
Barrier reef was lovely. Port Douglas was lovely Skyrail and Kuranda was good.
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
October 13, 2022
The car was very good weight model clean nice to drive and all the restaurants were great
Australia
Hyundai Kona
October 4, 2022
It certainly wasn’t the hire car
Australia
Hyundai Kona
October 2, 2022
Very friendly fast service
Australia
Toyota Corolla
September 16, 2022
I would rent from Bargain Car Rentals again.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
September 8, 2022
As above
Australia
Hyundai Accent
September 2, 2022
Mossman George is a must see. Take your walking shoes and bathers.
Australia
Hyundai Kona
August 26, 2022
Fitzroy island trip Sky rail Drives to cairns and port Douglas
Australia
Hyundai Accent
August 18, 2022
Drove to Port Douglas exploring the region. Usual stuff Mossman Gorge the Atherton tablelands and the northern beaches of Cairns. Botanical gardens in Cairns is a good place to check and a nice little cafe among the trees is a good place for lunch. Great having a car to explore these areas. Drove to Mission Beach staying a week and exploring Millaa Millaa falls, Josephine falls and rainforest. Even saw a Cassowary at the side of the road. Great rainforest walks around Mission Beach, a good change from Port Douglas more laid back.
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
August 12, 2022
We rented the car 8 month age for a very good deal the staff were very helpful and friendly the Rented car was very clean and spacious fits our expectation.
Australia
Hyundai Kona
August 11, 2022
Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Cairns...all fantastic!
Australia
Toyota Corolla
August 10, 2022
Unfortunately travel was for a bereavement
Australia
Hyundai Accent
August 10, 2022
Great staff, notwithstanding off site parking was as pleasant as that experience could be.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
August 5, 2022
We did everything we could in the time we had from the Great Barrier Reef to shopping, dinner out which funny enough seem to be mostly seafood. Jet boating was very cool. Trips up to port Douglas
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
July 28, 2022
Warm weather in Port Douglas.
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander Aut.
July 24, 2022
Places of interest would have needed a car to get to at our convenience.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
June 13, 2022
Very impressed with the Esplanade in Cairns - beautifully maintained by the Council. Port Douglas is definitely the place to visit and stay - far more to do there than other local areas. The Hartley's Crocodie Farm a must for families. The Skyrail and Kuranda train ride very enjoyable. Mossman Gorge well worth the visit. Sunday market at Port Douglas consisting of hand craft and local produce. Lady Douglas boat ride down the Port Douglas estuary gave a comentary full of local knowledge and sightings of crocs in the wild. The trip out to Low Isle and to the Reef well worth the experience - beautiful coral, many species of fish, turtles and reef sharks.
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
June 5, 2022
Hired a vehicle for the final 2 days of our 10 day visit to the Cairns region. We enjoyed a self guided tour to Mossman Gorge and Port Douglas on day 1. Day 2 we headed north again from Cairns to the delights of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Returning the car & then a shuttle bus to meet our flight home was a breeze.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
April 25, 2022
We didn't travel too far out of Cairns, up to Port Douglas, Kuranda via the Sky Rail and Crystal Cascades Falls. Of course the local micro brewery's were a hit, The Sauce and Hemingway's. Great variety of beer at both, loved where Hemingway's was situated.
Australia
Hyundai Kona
April 11, 2022
Mossman gorge was our fav
Australia
Toyota Yaris
April 9, 2022
Amazing trip.
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander
April 7, 2022
From pickup to drop of quick and easy.would definitely go with you guys again.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
March 29, 2022
Absolutely needed a car for this trip! Was very handy and we were able to go wherever we wanted without restriction or extra cost.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
March 29, 2022
Nice and warm place to visit
Australia
Toyota Corolla
March 21, 2022
Excellent service and best recommendations
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
March 18, 2022
My wife and I had a wonderful six days in and around Cairns. Paronella Park was sensational and well worth the trip as was going to Innisfail and checking out the art deco buildings. We had a great day out on Green Island which included parasailing and we did some snorkelling on the reef. Although the reef is very bleached there are still plenty of lovely colourful fish all around, straight off of the swimming beach about 200 m.
Australia
Hyundai Kona
March 13, 2022
Well presented.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
March 10, 2022
Only visited family and longest drive about an hour so no tips
Australia
Toyota Yaris
February 11, 2022
Port douglas and Mossman
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander
February 10, 2022
Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation
Australia
Holden Commodore
February 3, 2022
If you ever get up to Port Douglas, you must go out to Mossman Gorge, make sure you take your swimmers and a towel. The water there is perfect
Australia
Toyota Corolla
January 15, 2022
Had a lovely trip. Did some shopping and went to Millaa Millaa, Lake Eacham and Josephine falls all beautiful places.
Australia
Hyundai Kona
December 23, 2021
Port Douglas and Cairns are beautiful... enough said !
Australia
Hyundai Kona
December 14, 2021
We made sure our Esplanade hotel offered free car parking and it made getting around Cairns so easy.
Australia
Kia Picanto
December 9, 2021
Cairns and Tablelands are a fantastic destination for a holiday. There is somethin g for everyone.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
November 13, 2021
Great beaches and rainforest. everywhere was magnificent.. could have stayed months!!
Australia
Hyundai Accent
November 12, 2021
Just the usual tourist places. Great waterfalls and hikes, reef is a must and we went via Green Island which breaks the day up nicely.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
November 12, 2021
Very quick trip this time…. Didn’t have to go to many places…. Just came for 2 days…. Visiting Family and a Baby Shower
Australia
Hyundai Accent
November 9, 2021
Drove back and forth to Cairns from Palm Cove. New connecting Highway opening up soon. , Botanic gardens are beautiful in Cairns. Do the Skyrail to Kuranda as it is exciting and very high above the rainforest canopy. The Kuranda train to Adelaide is a must do. Green Island was beautiful.
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
November 7, 2021
Port Douglas was wonderful.
Australia
Toyota Yaris
November 5, 2021
Friendly supportive staff efficiently handling the transaction.
Australia
Holden Commodore
October 7, 2021
Port Douglas cape tribulation Cairns
Australia
Hyundai Kona
August 3, 2021
Always love travelling to Cairns. So much to see and experience, especially if you like getting outside and seeing what our fabulous country has to offer. Daintree River- Crocodile cruise Mossman Gorge Fitzroy Island Green Island Kuranda Crystal Cascades Palm Cove Sealife Atherton Tablelands
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
July 28, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Port Douglas. Will definitely go again. Hard to recommend place as everyone's tastes are different. We loved it.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
July 27, 2021
FNQ is definitely worth a visit. friendly no nonsense honest people, ( almost as good as Tasmanians)
Australia
Toyota Corolla
June 14, 2021
be wary of the car bottoming out when driving on and off the daintree ferry. if considering a cruise on the daintree, look at "daintree boatman", longer cruise, so more expensive, but i believe it well worth the money. cape trib beach house is an excellent place to spend a few days.
Australia
Holden Commodore
June 11, 2021
Great car, friendly staff and good shuttle to and from depot. Would definitely recommend.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
May 27, 2021
Port Douglas is great
Australia
Hyundai Kona
May 11, 2021
Stayed in Port Douglas for whole time and loved every minute of it. Make sure you book early for tourist attractions as they can get booked quite quickly.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
April 21, 2021
Cairns - Aquarium, Fitzroy Island, Trinity Beach, Port Douglas, the Skyrail, Hartley's Crocodile Park - awesome boat ride, Paronella Park, Josephine Falls, Etty Bay Cassowarries on the beach. It was an awesome ten day family holiday.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
April 17, 2021
Our son and daughter in law live in Trinity Beach. We were visiting for the birth of our (6th) !! Grand daughter, so not too much touring this time. Kind Regards Geoff and Sandra Mundy
Australia
Hyundai Accent
April 2, 2021
Stayed at palm cove and port Douglas wonderful trip.
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
March 14, 2021
Cairns, Port Douglas and the Atherton tableland - lovely
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
February 18, 2021
Visited port Douglas, surrounding areas, Palm Cove and Kuranda. All easily accessible
Australia
Hyundai Accent
February 14, 2021
Yer it was nice but with the humidity and temperature we would not come this time of year again
Australia
Toyota Corolla
December 23, 2020
beautiful place to explore
Australia
Toyota Yaris
December 21, 2020
You need a car to drive to all the fabulous freshwater swimming spots.
Australia
Toyota Yaris
December 15, 2020
we went to port douglas love the lay back lifestyle
Australia
Toyota Corolla
December 13, 2020
Awesome place to visit
Australia
Mitsubishi Mirage
December 5, 2020
If you can get car rental at a reasonable price def rent as there’s lots to see and do, Atherton table lands palm cove , port Douglas and cape tribulation otherwise get an Uber as cairns itself is very compact
Australia
Kia Rio
December 2, 2020
grgeat places to visit though you need a car.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
November 30, 2020
Apart from ease of entry & getting out of the Corolla, the car was ideal for Cairns, we are looking for a similar deal in Brisbane in a couple of weeks
Australia
Toyota Yaris
November 27, 2020
Cairns always a great location if you don't mind the heat
Australia
Mitsubishi Mirage
November 20, 2020
Grest service and excellent value for money.
Australia
Toyota Yaris
November 13, 2020
Don't like Cairns but love Trinity Beach and Port Douglas
Australia
Mitsubishi Mirage
November 13, 2020
You need a car to travel to all the beautiful destinations up in the mountains, and surrounding areas like Port Douglas. Could not have done this without a car.
Australia
Mitsubishi Mirage
November 5, 2020
I went through Cairns to a wedding in the tablelands. At the end of the day were I travelled to on the tablelands was not far from Cairns and it was lovely.
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander
October 28, 2020
Great place
Australia
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
October 16, 2020
Yes you definitely need to rent a car. You wouldn't be able to see a lot of things if you didn't have a car or it would cost you a fortune doing paid organised day tours.
Australia
Toyota Yaris
October 16, 2020
Excellent location Car was important in us getting around
Australia
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
October 4, 2020
We stayed 10 days in the Cairns area, travelling to Atherton, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas as well as around Cairns. We did a day trip to Green Island and the outer reef. You can park your car next to the departure point at a cost. When travelling Atherton, I recommend the Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls. There are so many places to see around the area!
Australia
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
September 30, 2020
Cairns is a beautiful place ✈️ We were happy as there is lot too do From the Sunlover Barrier reef cruise 🛥snorkeling 🏊‍♂️to the Karunda Train ride/ Skyrail so much fun. 👍👍🚡🚂 Then the Cairns Swimming esplanade just beautiful. 🌴🌴💦 The Big 4 Cairns is the best we’ve ever stayed at with most activities are FREE kids had a awesome time Everybody we encountered in Cairns were so friendly, We were sad we missed some of the waterfalls & boulder rock / paronella park & Trinity beach we ran out of time. But Overall Great job Cairns 👍👍 I can’t believe this in our backyard
Australia
Holden Commodore
September 28, 2020
Ended up being quite easy to walk or Uber yo most destinations. Definitely don’t need a car to have a good time unless you want to go out to table lands port Douglas etc
Australia
Toyota Corolla
September 17, 2020
Definitely need a car if you plan on visiting Port Douglas, the Northern Beaches and other places in the mountains.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
September 16, 2020
We stayed up in port Douglas for little holiday, Yes I would recommend both cairns and port Douglas
Australia
Toyota Corolla
September 5, 2020
Good to have a car in cairns and attractions are quite spread out.
Australia
Hyundai i20
August 31, 2020
Perfect to travel the coast and stop where you like
Australia
Toyota Corolla
January 6, 2020
Don't stop in cairns! Drive further north! See port douglas and cape trib!
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla Sedan
November 19, 2019
Definitely need a car to explore the beautiful coast.
Paraguay
Kia Sportage
November 19, 2019
Staff was friendly and very helpful.
Australia
Hyundai iMax
November 12, 2019
Visited Port Douglass would have been hard without a rental car to get around and enjoy the area.
Australia
Kia Rio
September 4, 2019
Plenty to see and do in and around Cairns. Stayed in Port Douglas whic is by far the best of the beach locations in reasonable proximity to cairns (approximately 50 minute drive). Great place for a relaxed holiday.
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
September 2, 2019
To see as much as you can, a car is the simplest solution. Every attraction is right at your fingertips.
Australia
Kia Rio
August 31, 2019
Port Douglas very pretty place. Barron Falls a must see
United Kingdom
Kia Sportage
August 15, 2019
Great place - very relaxed with a good 'vibe'. Lots to do including diving and some good day trips up to Kuranda plus close to Cape Trib and Daintree River.
Australia
Kia Sportage
July 7, 2019
Great food on the esplanade, lovely beaches to explore to the North, Sunday market in Port Douglas.
Australia
Kia Sportage
May 14, 2019
So much to see in Cairns and a car is the best way to get out there.
United Kingdom
Kia Rio
February 19, 2019
Our 1st trip to Oz and we were glad it was to cairn's. Well kept and friendly. A very nice city with a good vibe.
Australia
Hyundai i20
February 17, 2019
You need a car to get anywhere worthwhile
Australia
Hyundai i20
January 18, 2019
Great place with lots to see & do
Australia
Kia Rio
January 1, 2019
A must - Kuranda, Barron Falls by car, Port Douglas, Hartleys croc farm, Mareeba, Atherton Tablelands, lookouts around Cairns.
Australia
Kia Rio
December 12, 2018
Tropical paradise. Friendly people & great beaches. Port Douglas was fantastic.
Australia
Hyundai i20
November 29, 2018
A car is needed to go see some of the beautiful places outside the city center.
Australia
Hyundai i20
November 12, 2018
Definitely head up to Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, both very beautiful areas
Australia
Hyundai i20
September 3, 2018
Just beware of the front mudguards in the small car range when parking. I normally drive a SUV and needed to remind myself how low to the ground the front mudguards in small cars are.
United States of America (USA)
Subaru Forester
August 14, 2018
It was very helpful to have a car in Cairns. It gave the flexibility to go places and see things. Parking was available in plenty. We had booked our hotel 1/2 hour away from the main city which was beautiful but easy to reach and having a car was very helpful. Not much traffic at all.
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Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
SIXT
9.49 / 10
Lowest rated company
Jucy
8.26 / 10
Total number of reviews
125
Total rental companies
16
Average daily price
$102.87
Lowest daily price
$35.91
Total cars available
148

Top 16 Suppliers in Cairns in 2023

SIXT
SIXT
Exceptional 9.5 / 148 reviews
2 locations
$71 - $107
Alamo
Alamo
Exceptional 9.3 / 147 reviews
2 locations
$78 - $271
EastCoast Car Rentals
EastCoast Car Rentals
Exceptional 9.3 / 272 reviews
1 location
$39 - $43
Ace Rental Cars
Ace Rental Cars
Exceptional 9.3 / 55 reviews
1 location
$40 - $103
Europcar
Europcar
Exceptional 9.3 / 39 reviews
2 locations
$59 - $136
National
National
Exceptional 9.2 / 9 reviews
1 location
$115 - $311
Bargain Car Rentals
Bargain Car Rentals
Exceptional 9.2 / 709 reviews
1 location
$38 - $129
Budget
Budget
Exceptional 9 / 17 reviews
1 location
Thrifty
Thrifty
Exceptional 9 / 184 reviews
2 locations
$65 - $93
Hertz
Hertz
Exceptional 9 / 5 reviews
1 location
$85 - $121
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.9 / 7 reviews
1 location
$82 - $165
Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.7 / 2 reviews
3 locations
$115 - $284
Keddy
Keddy
Excellent 8.5 / 2 reviews
1 location
$75 - $77
Dollar
Dollar
Excellent 8.4 / 1 reviews
2 locations
$70 - $128
Firefly
Firefly
Excellent 8.4
1 location
Jucy
Jucy
Excellent 8.3 / 211 reviews
1 location
$31 - $44

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Cairns, Australia

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