Car Rental in Cairns

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Cairns, Australia
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Downtown Car Rental
Compact
Hyundai Kona or similar
Hyundai Kona
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$97.02 per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Compact
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Jucy
$98.55 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Intermediate
Mitsubishi ASX or similar
Mitsubishi ASX
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$114.37 per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Compact
Hyundai Kona or similar
Hyundai Kona
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Jucy
$122.74 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Cairns Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
EastCoast Car Rentals
$127.91 / per day
Cairns Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar
Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
EastCoast Car Rentals
$128.06 / per day
Downtown Car Rental
Standard
Mitsubishi Outlander Aut. or similar
Mitsubishi Outlander Aut.
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$131.81 / per day
Cairns Domestic Airport (CNST02) Car Rental
Economy
Kia Picanto or similar
Kia Picanto
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Enterprise
$132.81 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 13:29 on 2022-09-29. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Language
English
Currency
AUD
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Country code
61
Economy car rental price
$129.90 / per day
Average car rental length
1 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.6
Average gasoline price
$1.30 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.37 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.29 / 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. 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 $63.11 per day
  • From Cairns to Brisbane - 35 offers from $63.11 per day
  • From Cairns to Townsville - 35 offers from $38.18 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.

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

  • 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 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 $150 per day
  • Medium cars - from $131 per day
  • Vans - from $234 per day
  • Premium cars - from $191 per day
  • Small cars - from $135 per day
  • SUVs - from $180 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. 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 11 Cities near Cairns

  1. Townsville Car Rentals
    286.6 km / 178.1 miles away
  2. Proserpine Car Rentals from $86.98 per day
    498.2 km / 309.6 miles away
  3. Mackay Car Rentals
    595.9 km / 370.3 miles away
  4. Rockhampton Car Rentals from $87.23 per day
    875.0 km / 543.7 miles away
  5. Gladstone Car Rentals
    963.6 km / 598.8 miles away
  6. Mount Isa Car Rentals from $35.48 per day
    782.2 km / 486.0 miles away
  7. Emerald Car Rentals from $38.64 per day
    785.8 km / 488.3 miles away
  8. Port Douglas Car Rentals from $110.56 per day
    53.3 km / 33.1 miles away
  9. Thangool Car Rentals from $35.32 per day
    983.8 km / 611.3 miles away
  10. Weipa Car Rentals from $55.36 per day
    622.1 km / 386.6 miles away
  11. Moranbah Car Rentals from $67.26 per day
    625.6 km / 388.7 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Cairns

  1. Cairns Airport Car Rentals from $98.55 per day
    4.6 km / 2.8 miles away
  2. Cairns Domestic Airport (CNST02) Car Rentals from $132.81 per day
    5.6 km / 3.5 miles away
  3. Townsville Airport Car Rentals from $88.07 per day
    279.7 km / 173.8 miles away
  4. Whitsunday Coast Airport Car Rentals from $86.98 per day
    492.7 km / 306.1 miles away
  5. Mackay Airport Car Rentals from $115.45 per day
    592.6 km / 368.2 miles away
  6. Moranbah Airport(MOV) Car Rentals from $67.26 per day
    620.1 km / 385.3 miles away
  7. Weipa Airport Car Rentals from $55.36 per day
    627.5 km / 389.9 miles away
  8. Emerald Airport Car Rentals from $38.64 per day
    780.3 km / 484.9 miles away
  9. Mount Isa Airport Car Rentals from $35.48 per day
    781.6 km / 485.7 miles away
  10. Rockhampton Airport Car Rentals from $87.23 per day
    869.5 km / 540.3 miles away
  11. Gladstone Airport Car Rentals from $80.84 per day
    958.4 km / 595.5 miles away
  12. Thangool Airport Car Rentals from $35.32 per day
    978.3 km / 607.9 miles away
  13. Roma Airport Car Rentals from $38.42 per day
    1114.0 km / 692.2 miles away
  14. Bundaberg Airport Car Rentals from $50.11 per day
    1117.3 km / 694.3 miles away
  15. Hervey Bay Airport Car Rentals from $39.87 per day
    1188.8 km / 738.7 miles away
  16. Tennant Creek Airport Car Rentals from $43.10 per day
    1260.4 km / 783.2 miles away
  17. Sunshine Coast Airport Car Rentals from $64.92 per day
    1314.3 km / 816.7 miles away
  18. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Car Rentals from $61.96 per day
    1338.9 km / 832.0 miles away
  19. Brisbane Kippa Ring Car Rentals from $147.22 per day
    1370.7 km / 851.7 miles away
  20. Brisbane Brendale Car Rentals from $147.22 per day
    1372.8 km / 853.0 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
$34.83
January
$32.44
February
$40.99
March
$41.42
April
$38.28
May
$26.25
June
$32.96
July
$26.54
August
$30.36
September
$29.47
October
$29.72
November
$29.74
December
The best month to rent a car in Cairns is June (when prices for an Economy class start from $26.25). This is 20% cheaper than the yearly average and 37% cheaper than renting in April (when rental prices start at $41.42 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 September, travelers rent a car for an average of 20 days in October, the average rental period is 3 days.
Average Rental Length in Cairns
8
January
7
February
7
March
6
April
4
May
5
June
4
July
5
August
20
September
3
October
20
November
10
December

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

The most popular month for renting a car in Cairns is January, and the least popular is October.
Popularity of Car Rental in Cairns by Monthly Searches
335%
January
242%
February
295%
March
167%
April
62%
May
16%
June
22%
July
58%
August
1%
September
October
1%
November
1%
December

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

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

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. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

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
Alamo
9.33 / 10
Lowest rated company
Firefly
8.13 / 10
Total number of reviews
40
Total rental companies
15
Average daily price
$129.90
Lowest daily price
$41.49
Total cars available
79

Top 15 Suppliers in Cairns in 2022

Alamo
Alamo
Exceptional 9.3 / 130 reviews
+61740349045
Beaufort Street, Aeroglen QLD 4870
SIXT
SIXT
Exceptional 9.3 / 82 reviews
+61740339800
SIXT, Terminal building, Cairns Airport, QLD 4870
Thrifty
Thrifty
Exceptional 9.3 / 183 reviews
136139
Airport Avenue
Working hours
Mon:07:00-22:00
Tue:07:00-22:00
Wed:07:00-22:00
Thu:07:00-22:00
Fri:07:00-22:00
Sat:07:00-22:00
Sun:07:00-22:00
Ace Rental Cars
Ace Rental Cars
Exceptional 9.3 / 55 reviews
+61392222595 / 1800620408
147 Lake Street
Working hours
Mon:08:30-15:00
Tue:08:30-15:00
Wed:08:30-15:00
Thu:08:30-15:00
Fri:08:30-15:00
Sat:09:00-13:00
Sun:09:00-13:00
Europcar
Europcar
Exceptional 9.3 / 32 reviews
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
Working hours
Mon:08:00-23:30
Wed:08:00-23:30
Thu:08:00-23:30
Sat:08:00-23:30
Sun:08:00-23:30
Bargain Car Rentals
Bargain Car Rentals
Exceptional 9.2 / 575 reviews
+611300729230
410 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:00
Tue:07:00-19:00
Wed:07:00-19:00
Thu:07:00-19:00
Fri:07:00-19:00
Sat:07:00-19:00
Sun:07:00-19:00
National
National
Exceptional 9 / 8 reviews
+61740349045 / +61740349052
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
EastCoast Car Rentals
EastCoast Car Rentals
Exceptional 9
+611800474258 / +61755558908
411 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4870
Working hours
Mon:07:00-18:30
Tue:07:00-18:30
Wed:07:00-18:30
Thu:07:00-18:30
Fri:07:00-18:30
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-17:00
Budget
Budget
Exceptional 9 / 16 reviews
0740339777
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
Hertz
Hertz
Excellent 8.9 / 3 reviews
+610740389990
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
Working hours
Mon:07:00-22:00
Tue:07:00-22:00
Wed:07:00-22:00
Thu:07:00-22:00
Fri:07:00-22:00
Sat:07:00-22:00
Sun:07:00-22:00
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.7 / 6 reviews
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
Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.6 / 1 reviews
+610740312707 / +610742493331
2/51 Sheridan St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Keddy
Keddy
Excellent 8.5 / 1 reviews
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
Working hours
Mon:08:00-23:30
Tue:08:00-23:30
Wed:08:00-23:30
Thu:08:00-23:30
Fri:08:00-23:30
Sat:08:00-23:30
Sun:08:00-23:30
Jucy
Jucy
Excellent 8.3 / 183 reviews
+611800150850
55 Dutton Street Portsmith QLD 4870
Working hours
Mon:09:00-15:55
Tue:09:00-15:55
Wed:09:00-15:55
Thu:09:00-15:55
Fri:09:00-15:55
Sat:09:00-13:55
Sun:09:00-13:55
Firefly
Firefly
Excellent 8.1
0740389990
Airport Avenue
Working hours
Mon:07:00-22:00
Tue:07:00-22:00
Wed:07:00-22:00
Thu:07:00-22:00
Fri:07:00-22:00
Sat:07:00-22:00
Sun:07:00-22:00

Highly recommended by our customers

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Cairns, Australia

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