Car Rental in Cairns
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 20:21 on 2021-04-18. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
AUD
Country code
61
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
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. So are the distances - so getting a rental car is your best bet to see as much as you can.
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 € 64.20 per day
- From Cairns to Brisbane - 35 offers from € 64.20 per day
- From Cairns to Townsville - 35 offers from € 38.84 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, China, South Korea, 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 four hours. Most of this drive goes along the coast and also crosses Wooroonooran National Park offering plenty of scenic views.
Useful 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. While there are excellent opportunities for scuba diving, even just seeing the reef would be an experience of a lifetime.
- 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 tips
- 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.
- Mobile coverage is rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so take extra caution when traveling in rural areas.
- 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.
- 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 passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000.
Toll roads
There are a number of toll roads in Australia, mainly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and 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 a day-trip
- 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 and take a trip on a skyrail that takes you right through the rainforest with plenty of interesting stops on the way. Located just 27km (17 miles) northwest of Cairns, Kuranda can be reached in half an hour.
- 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 amethystine the python, platypus, and musky-rat kangaroo are all native to the forest. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but it’s advisable to hire a guide or at least do some research and plan a route in advance - some of the animal species can be quite dangerous. Located about 125km (77 miles) north of Cairns, Daintree National Park can be reached in just over two hours.
- 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 covered with 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. 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 rental types and 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.
Further destinations
- Port Douglas. A calm and pretty resort town, Port Douglas is home to many impressive beaches as well as the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, 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 four 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 two days to do. You should come well-prepared with water, supplies, 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 city at the end of the trip.
Car Rental Prices in Cairns
- Large cars - from $63 per day
- Medium cars - from $54 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $98 per day
- Premium cars - from $69 per day
- Small cars - from $52 per day
- SUVs - from $74 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
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. According to our data, visiting Cairns is the cheapest in June when renting a car is about 41% cheaper than the yearly average and 67% cheaper than booking a car in November when it’s springtime in Cairns.
Top 9 Cities near Cairns
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Townsville Car Rentals from $50.52 per day284.3 km / 176.6 miles away
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Proserpine Car Rentals from $37.47 per day497.2 km / 309.0 miles away
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Mackay Car Rentals from $47.29 per day597.2 km / 371.1 miles away
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Rockhampton Car Rentals from $34.66 per day874.0 km / 543.1 miles away
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Gladstone Car Rentals from $33.70 per day962.9 km / 598.3 miles away
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Port Douglas Car Rentals from $44.07 per day54.3 km / 33.7 miles away
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Emerald Car Rentals from $36.65 per day784.8 km / 487.6 miles away
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Thangool Car Rentals from $34.05 per day982.8 km / 610.7 miles away
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623.0 km / 387.1 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Cairns
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Cairns Airport Car Rentals from $50.52 per day
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Townsville Airport Car Rentals from $50.52 per day284.3 km / 176.6 miles away
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Whitsunday Coast Airport Car Rentals from $37.47 per day497.2 km / 309.0 miles away
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Mackay Airport Car Rentals from $47.29 per day597.2 km / 371.1 miles away
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Emerald Airport Car Rentals from $36.65 per day784.8 km / 487.6 miles away
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Rockhampton Airport Car Rentals from $34.66 per day874.0 km / 543.1 miles away
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Gladstone Airport Car Rentals from $33.70 per day962.9 km / 598.3 miles away
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Thangool Airport Car Rentals from $34.05 per day982.8 km / 610.7 miles away
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Roma Airport Car Rentals from $58.66 per day1118.4 km / 694.9 miles away
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Bundaberg Airport Car Rentals from $35.21 per day1121.9 km / 697.1 miles away
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Hervey Bay Airport Car Rentals from $31.12 per day1193.4 km / 741.5 miles away
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Tennant Creek Airport Car Rentals from $52.48 per day1259.3 km / 782.5 miles away
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Sunshine Coast Airport Car Rentals from $62.53 per day1318.9 km / 819.5 miles away
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Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Car Rentals from $56.64 per day1343.5 km / 834.8 miles away
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Brisbane Brendale Car Rentals from $56.64 per day1377.4 km / 855.9 miles away
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Brisbane Virginia Car Rentals from $56.64 per day1386.7 km / 861.6 miles away
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Brisbane Airport Car Rentals from $42.51 per day1391.1 km / 864.4 miles away
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Brisbane Domestic Airport (BNET02) Car Rentals from $42.51 per day1391.4 km / 864.6 miles away
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Brisbane Ascot Car Rentals from $56.64 per day1392.8 km / 865.4 miles away
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Brisbane Tingalpa Car Rentals from $56.64 per day1398.0 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
The best month to rent a car in Cairns is June (when prices for an Economy class start from $31.97). This is 20% cheaper than the yearly average and 37% cheaper than renting in April (when rental prices start at $50.44 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 November, travelers rent a car for an average of 20 days in May, the average rental period is 2 days.
Average Rental Length in Cairns
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Cairns?
While travelers visit Cairns year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is April.
Popularity of Car Rental in Cairns by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Nissan X-Trail | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Thrifty | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | 5 | 2 | Station wagons |
| Thrifty | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Thrifty | Mitsubishi Outlander | 5 | 2 | Station wagons |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Mitsubishi ASX | 5 | 2 | Station wagons |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
Our Customers Reviews
DZ
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
February 18, 2021
Visited port Douglas, surrounding areas, Palm Cove and Kuranda. All easily accessible
TJ
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
PC
Australia
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
January 18, 2021
JT
Australia
Toyota Corolla
December 23, 2020
beautiful place to explore
CC
Australia
Toyota Yaris
December 21, 2020
You need a car to drive to all the fabulous freshwater swimming spots.
KW
Australia
Toyota Yaris
December 15, 2020
we went to port douglas love the lay back lifestyle
WH
Australia
Toyota Corolla
December 13, 2020
Awesome place to visit
NC
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
SL
Australia
Kia Rio
December 2, 2020
grgeat places to visit though you need a car.
BH
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
MW
Australia
Toyota Yaris
November 27, 2020
Cairns always a great location if you don't mind the heat
KB
Australia
Toyota Yaris
November 13, 2020
Don't like Cairns but love Trinity Beach and Port Douglas
RL
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.
BM
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.
RB
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander
October 28, 2020
Great place
TC
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.
CK
Australia
Toyota Yaris
October 16, 2020
Excellent location
Car was important in us getting around
JG
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!
BM
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
JC
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.
Top 11 Suppliers in Cairns in 2021
National
+61740349045 / +61740349052
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
Enterprise
+61740349045
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
Europcar
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-17:00
Keddy
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-17:00
Alamo
740349045
Terminal Building Airport Ave
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-19:30
Sun:08:00-19:30
Avis
0740339555
Terminal Building
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:59
Tue:07:00-23:59
Wed:07:00-23:59
Thu:07:00-23:59
Fri:07:00-23:59
Sat:07:00-23:59
Sun:07:00-23:59
Budget
0740339777
Terminal Building Cairns Airport
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:59
Tue:07:00-23:59
Wed:07:00-23:59
Thu:07:00-23:59
Fri:07:00-23:59
Sat:07:00-23:59
Sun:07:00-23:59
EastCoast Car Rentals
+611800474258 / +61755558908
411 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4870
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:30
Tue:07:00-19:30
Wed:07:00-19:30
Thu:07:00-19:30
Fri:07:00-19:30
Sat:08:00-17:30
Sun:08:00-17:30
SIXT
+61755558908
411 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
Alamo
+61740349045
Beaufort Street, Aeroglen QLD 4870
Ace Rent a car
61740410895 / 3173487251
147 Lake Street