Car Rental at Cairns Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Compact
Toyota Corolla
or similar


$37.57
per day
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla Sedan
or similar


$108.07
per day
Standard
MG HS
or similar


$121.99
per day
Economy
Kia Picanto
or similar


$140.44
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Full-size
Mitsubishi Pajero
or similar


$147.13
/ per day
Intermediate Elite
Toyota Corolla Sedan
or similar


$178.33
/ per day
Minivan
Toyota Hiace
or similar


$195.50
/ per day
Premium
Toyota Prado
or similar


$250.34
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 03:00 on 2022-05-16. 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%

Airport Car Rental
The capital of Far North Queensland, Cairns has long served as a popular tourist destination. A gateway not only to the Great Barrier Reef but also the lushest and tropical jungle that Australia has to offer, the region has a markedly different climate and terrain than most of the rest of the country. These are three of the most interesting places in and around Cairns:
- Cairns Botanic Gardens. Though there’s a lot of truly tropical areas and nature preserves within a day’s ride of Cairns, it’s also possible to enjoy true forest without leaving the city. Divided into different sections, like the Mangroves and Rainforest Boardwalks and the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden, the area also has both saltwater and freshwater lakes and is home to a large number of tropical birds.
- Great Barrier Reef. A unique ecosystem and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the main attraction of Northern Australia. Whether you visit one of the islands, go scuba diving or snorkeling, or simply enjoy the views, this is one attraction that is not to be missed. A number of reef tours take off from Cairns, as well as some of the surrounding towns and villages.
- National Parks. While the reefs and beaches are undoubtedly amazing, there’s also a lot of nature to enjoy away from the coast. Cairns is surrounded by an absolute wealth of nature preserves a couple of hours drive (or less) from the city. These include the Kuranda State Forest and Hann Tableland National Park to the north; Danbulla National Park to the west; and Gadgarra, Wooroonooran, Tully Falls, and Tully Gorge National Parks to the south. The most adventurous will also try to travel to the truly wild and pristine national parks of northernmost Queensland, though reaching these parts require a lot of planning and the help of a tour or a guide.
Top international routes
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Port Moresby
- Hong Kong
- Denpasar
- Auckland
Main airlines
Jetstar Airways, Regional Express Airlines, Air Niugini, QantasLink, Skytrans, and Virgin Australia
Terminals
Cairns Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is the international terminal and Terminal 2 is the domestic terminal. The two terminals are connected by a covered walkway. You can get from one to the other in about five minutes.
Location
Cairns Airport is about 6 km (3.7 mi) from the city of Cairns. National Highway 1 passes by the airport and takes travelers either to Cairns city itself or north to Kuranda or Highway 44 which leads to the coastal destinations of Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
There is no need to worry about toll roads unless you plan a road trip that includes traveling south to Brisbane or the states of New South Wales or Victoria. See their respective articles for more information about how to pay for the tolls.
There is no need to worry about toll roads unless you plan a road trip that includes traveling south to Brisbane or the states of New South Wales or Victoria. See their respective articles for more information about how to pay for the tolls.
Most popular types of rental car
Car rental desks
Alamo and Europcar have desks both in the arrivals halls of both the international and domestic terminals. SIXT (serviced by East Coast), Atlas, and East Coast Car Rental are located just outside of the airport on National Highway 1 and can be reached via a shuttle.
Services and facilities
You’ll find a burger shop, a pizza restaurant, a bar, and a number of smaller eateries, as well as stores, and a duty-free outlet in T1. There are also ATMs, lounges, an on-site hotel, a currency exchange, and spa. You’ll find self-service luggage lockers next to the T2 car park. The airport is well-equipped for travelers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.
Nearest gas station
A Mobil station located at 333 Sheridan Street (National Highway 1), which is open 24/7, is the most convenient station for filling up before returning a rental car if you are coming from the south. If coming from the north, then a Puma station on the left side of National Highway 1 is the most convenient station.
Popular one-way rentals
- Brisbane (1,689 km / 1,050 mi)
- Sydney (2,418 km / 1,502 mi)
- Townsville (352 km / 219 mi)
Airport info
Cairns Airport (CNS)
- IATA: CNS
- ICAO: YBCS
- Name: Cairns Airport (CNS)
- Size: Medium Airport
- Aircraft movements (per year): 44,539
- Passengers (per year): 4,391,014
- Distance from City: 3.1 miles / 5 km NNW of town
- Working hours: 24 hours a day
- Phone: +61 7 4080 6703
- Email: enquiries@cairnsairport.com.au
Top 20 Locations near Cairns Airport
-
Car Rental at Cairns Domestic Airport (CNST02) from $140.44 per day5.6 km / 3.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Townsville Airport from $75.71 per day279.7 km / 173.8 miles away
-
Car Rental at Whitsunday Coast Airport from $62.07 per day492.7 km / 306.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Mackay Airport from $88.67 per day592.6 km / 368.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Moranbah Airport(MOV) from $73.10 per day620.1 km / 385.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Weipa Airport from $57.70 per day627.5 km / 389.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Emerald Airport from $41.13 per day780.3 km / 484.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Mount Isa Airport from $76.65 per day781.6 km / 485.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Rockhampton Airport from $94.25 per day869.5 km / 540.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Gladstone Airport from $86.05 per day958.4 km / 595.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Thangool Airport from $37.96 per day978.3 km / 607.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Roma Airport from $40.90 per day1114.0 km / 692.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Bundaberg Airport from $36.69 per day1117.3 km / 694.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Hervey Bay Airport from $42.44 per day1188.8 km / 738.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Tennant Creek Airport from $46.33 per day1260.4 km / 783.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Sunshine Coast Airport from $45.75 per day1314.3 km / 816.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport from $144.36 per day1338.9 km / 832.0 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Kippa Ring from $126.63 per day1370.7 km / 851.7 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Brendale from $126.63 per day1372.8 km / 853.0 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Virginia from $98.65 per day1382.1 km / 858.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices cheapest at Cairns Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Cairns Airport depends on the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best deal.
Average Rental Price at Cairns Airport
The cheapest time of the year to rent a vehicle at Cairns Airport is June when prices for an Economy class start from $28.22. You can see that this is 19% cheaper than the yearly average and 37% cheaper than renting a car in April (when rental prices start at $44.52 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price. But remember that these are average numbers. The exact cost of your rental will depend on your rental length and on how far in advance you book the car. Enter your travel dates at the top of the page to see exact prices and offers!
What’s the most popular rental length at Cairns Airport?
Travel length differs from one month to another: in September the average rental period is 36 days, while in October, the average rental period is only 4 days.
Average Rental Length
Which is the busiest car rental month at Cairns Airport?
Travelers are most likely to rent a car at Cairns Airport in April, while the fewest number of travelers rent in September.
Popularity by Monthly Searches
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 |
Bargain Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
EastCoast Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
Jucy | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
EastCoast Car Rentals | Hyundai Kona | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
EastCoast Car Rentals | Suzuki Swift | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
Alamo | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 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. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
LS
Australia
Toyota Corolla
May 16, 2022
We toured the Atherton Tablelands and our home base was Port Douglas. The Sunday market at PD is a must and the fresh pineapple there is UNBELIEVABLY juicy and delicious. Try to avoid traveling in the rain in an "older" rental; the wipers are not fast enough!!
RG
Australia
Peugeot 508s
May 2, 2022
Port Douglas, Ellis Beach, Trinity Beach, Yorkey’s Knob, palm Cove, Cairns, Mission Beach, Kuranda, Barron Falls
ND
Australia
Hyundai Accent
April 27, 2022
We did a great loop , 3 days in Cairns , 1 Mission Beach , 1 Lake Eacham area , 1 Port Douglas , 2 Daintree Cape Tribulation , and 1 back in Cairn . Did waterfalls and rainforest walks . Cairns skyrail and train . No islands as we have done many before here and OS . But would certainly recommend one island or reef trip .
RG
Australia
Toyota Yaris
April 27, 2022
Crystal Cascades in Cairns is definitely worth a visit and take your swim suit or fishing gear.
MB
Australia
Toyota Corolla
April 25, 2022
Driving to the waterfalls, swimming in freshwater lagoons is a must. Take the time to see as much as you can. I would have preferred to have driven to Port Douglas for a pontoon snorkelling experience of the Barrier Reef rather than Green Island.
LB
Australia
Kia Carnival
April 17, 2022
We actually visited a lot of places from port Douglas to the Atherton tablelands and all the falls. Was really fantastic
CG
Australia
Toyota Corolla
April 11, 2022
Having a hire car gave us the freedom to go where we wanted and when we wanted. Some days we chose to stay longer at places or our accommodation and other days we left early.
We travelled across the Atherton tablelands, visiting waterfalls and places of interest and then to Daintree, Port Douglas and Cairns.
PH
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
April 10, 2022
Drive to Karunda, Daintree, Mossman Gorge and so many more places. No need to book tours, do it yourself
ER
Australia
Toyota Corolla
April 8, 2022
Rented car for trip to the Daintree and Port Douglas. Roads are windy but very scenic wouldn’t recommend night driving until you are quite familiar with the roads. Lots of pull in areas to stop at and beautiful beach walks, it’s a shame you can’t swim in the beach, croc warnings are everywhere.
TR
Australia
Hyundai Kona
April 5, 2022
Great car and easy rental process
AH
Australia
Toyota Corolla
April 1, 2022
Extremely happy
BM
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
March 31, 2022
Yes but would seriously think about where to hire the vehicle from
JG
Australia
Toyota Corolla
March 28, 2022
Take care if you stay at or visit the Reef Hotel/Casino. Entry is down a ramp with a very sharp left turn as you enter.
MD
Australia
Toyota Corolla
March 22, 2022
We visited, Mossman gorge, Daintree village, Wonga beach and a load of other places
JR
Australia
Hyundai Accent
March 21, 2022
Most days were wet days but there were many places that were undercover ie, Cairns Aquarium, The Opal mine shopping centres, and of course Kuranda Rail and Skyrail.
LS
Australia
Hyundai Kona
March 20, 2022
Excellent happy service, close and with with regular transfers to the airport
BM
Australia
Hyundai Accent
March 2, 2022
Stayed near the esplanade - perfect spot
CS
Australia
Hyundai Kona
February 14, 2022
You definitely want a car in Cairns to venture out to some of the regional towns.
Platypus viewing was amazing, we saw plenty of platypus, tree kangaroos and turtles. A random drive out of town resulted in a crocodile cruise down the daintree river. Unplanned and spontaneous experiences only possible when you self-drive.
FW
Australia
Toyota Corolla
February 14, 2022
went to port douglas Daintree Rainforest Mosman gorge
AP
Australia
Toyota Corolla
January 24, 2022
Overall Good service
Top 15 Suppliers at Cairns Airport in 2022
+61740349045
Beaufort Street, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$140 - $170
+61740339800
SIXT, Terminal building, Cairns Airport, QLD 4870
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
+61392222595 / 1800620408
147 Lake Street
$178 - $207
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
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$129 - $176
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
+611300729230
410 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
$196 - $199
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
+61740349045 / +61740349052
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$191 - $193
+611800474258 / +61755558908
411 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4870
$108 - $115
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
0740339777
Terminal Building
$157 - $157
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
+610740389990
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$141 - $199
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
+61740349045
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$140 - $179
0740339555
Terminal Building
$150 - $250
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
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$113 - $132
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
+611800150850
55 Dutton Street Portsmith QLD 4870
$38 - $38
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
0740389990
Cairns Apt
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