Car Rental at Cairns Airport
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:
Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Intermediate
Hyundai Kona
or similar


$35.91
per day
Standard
MG HS
or similar


$37.14
per day
Compact
Toyota Corolla
or similar


$57.97
per day
Minivan
Kia Carnival
or similar


$69.76
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Full-size Elite
Isuzu MU-X
or similar


$71.60
/ per day
Economy
MG 3
or similar


$79.02
/ per day
Intermediate Elite
Mitsubishi Outlander
or similar


$98.18
/ per day
Premium
Toyota Prado
or similar


$149.20
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 16:53 on 2023-03-24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
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Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
61
Average car rental price
$74.85 / per day
Average car rental length
5 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%
Average gasoline price
$1.27 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.40 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.13 / 1 liter

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 $64.56 per day5.6 km / 3.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Townsville Airport from $79.02 per day279.7 km / 173.8 miles away
-
Car Rental at Whitsunday Coast Airport from $123.97 per day492.7 km / 306.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Mackay Airport from $76.65 per day592.6 km / 368.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Emerald Airport from $43.74 per day780.3 km / 484.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Rockhampton Airport from $65.90 per day869.5 km / 540.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Gladstone Airport from $47.42 per day958.4 km / 595.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Bundaberg Airport from $52.15 per day1117.3 km / 694.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Hervey Bay Airport from $65.60 per day1188.8 km / 738.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Sunshine Coast Airport from $26.64 per day1314.3 km / 816.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport from $41.52 per day1338.9 km / 832.0 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Brendale from $54.02 per day1372.8 km / 853.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at Brisbane Airport from $37.90 per day1386.6 km / 861.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Brisbane Domestic Airport (BNET02) from $63.61 per day1386.9 km / 861.8 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Ascot from $94.79 per day1388.2 km / 862.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Brisbane Fortitude Valley from $89.26 per day1388.8 km / 863.0 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Tingalpa from $62.72 per day1393.5 km / 865.9 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Rocklea from $39.09 per day1396.1 km / 867.5 miles away
-
Car Rental in Brisbane Archerfield from $54.02 per day1398.0 km / 868.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Alice Springs Airport from $62.96 per day1454.4 km / 903.7 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 February when prices for an Economy class start from $42.51. You can see that this is 42% cheaper than the yearly average and 56% cheaper than renting a car in July (when rental prices start at $95.90 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price. But remember that these are just 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 frequent rental length at Cairns Airport?
Travel length differs from one month to another: in July the average rental period is 8 days, while in January, the average rental period is only 6 days.
Average Rental Length
Which is the busiest month for car rental at Cairns Airport?
Travelers are most likely to rent a car at Cairns Airport in April, while they are least likely to to rent in in February.
Popularity by Monthly Searches
Car Rental Information
Popular suppliers | Bargain Car Rentals, Jucy, EastCoast Car Rentals, SIXT, Alamo |
Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Vans |
Lowest price | $36 per day |
Cheapest supplier | EastCoast Car Rentals |
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.
PS
New Zealand
Hyundai Kona
February 12, 2023
We travelled from Cairns up to Pt Douglas and tripped out from there. Hartleys Croc Experience. Daintree Rain Forest. Lady Douglas Sunset Cruise. Wildlife Habitat. Kuranda,train up and Skyrail down. All a great to do variation.
AS
Australia
Toyota Yaris
February 10, 2023
The Daintree is amazing
BM
Ireland
Hyundai Kona
February 7, 2023
Reef out of this world experience. Rainforest amazing
HZ
Australia
Toyota Corolla
February 3, 2023
After 13 months of not seeing my son, he reached out to me and this five day trip was initially just for me, but he came along and we went go-karting, and we did the Karanda train and Skyrail and go karts and Port Douglas. Had a woodfired pizza in Port Douglas, and a lunch at the aquarium and just a fantastic time all around.
SW
New Zealand
MG HS Aut.
January 23, 2023
Snorkeling and having dinner at a seaside restaurant.what a wonderful holiday trip!
AV
Australia
Hyundai Kona
January 10, 2023
We travelled all over different places surrounding Port Douglas. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest and The Great Barrier Reef. Love them all.
JN
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
January 8, 2023
NATURE AND ACTIVITIES
RB
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
January 6, 2023
I was blown away with the look of the mountains around Cairns as I have never been there. I loved Cairns allot just beautiful the tropical rain forest. I loved the skyrail of the best ever views of the mountains up there high and beyond
RP
Australia
Isuzu MU-X
January 3, 2023
Nature spots, beaches, landscape, sugar cane fields, markets, long drives, great food!
AL
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
December 2, 2022
It was personal business trip to Bloomfield, just south of Cooktown. Bloomfield track and the Lions Den Pub is popular with four wheel drive people.
BM
Australia
Hyundai Kona
November 29, 2022
Port Douglas is fantastic with lots to do and see, but we found the heat and humidity very challenging. We plan to return in winter and try again.
MN
Australia
Nissan Juke
November 26, 2022
Plenty to see and do in Cairns and The Tablelands. Very friendly people wherever we went.
MP
Australia
Toyota Corolla
November 19, 2022
Drop off and pick up at the airport is quick. No travelling to pick up the car. It’s right out front within the terminal. If you cannot find a park out the front of Avis you can leave it anywhere closest to them within the terminal.
NP
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
November 13, 2022
We stayed at Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Diwan and Cairns. We did a lot of hiking, experienced a lot of things and had a lot of fun!
GC
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
November 8, 2022
No where else lately
AK
Australia
Hyundai Kona
November 7, 2022
everything was just great
JJ
Australia
Toyota Corolla
November 6, 2022
Our second time to Cairns
We love the beaches , the resorts, exploring new places
Swimming holes and just soaking up the lovely sunshine
WA
Australia
Toyota Corolla
November 2, 2022
The trip was great. Unfortunately the weather in Queensland was a bit dull and it rained quite a lot.
MS
New Zealand
Hyundai Accent
October 27, 2022
We enjoyed our trip to Cairns and discovered a few places we didn’t know about which was a plus
PG
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
October 25, 2022
Had a fabulous time exploring north and west of Cairns. Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Palm Cove and surrounding areas were fabulous to visit with so many things to do.
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
SIXT
9.55 / 10
Lowest rated company
Jucy
8.27 / 10
Total number of reviews
123
Total rental companies
16
Average daily price
$74.85
Lowest daily price
$35.91
Total cars available
103
Top 16 Suppliers at Cairns Airport in 2023
+61740339800
SIXT, Terminal building, Cairns Airport, QLD 4870
$70 - $92
+61740349045
Beaufort Street, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$79 - $266
+611800474258 / +61755558908
411 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4870
$36 - $36
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
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$63 - $84
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
+61392222595 / 1800620408
147 Lake Street
$90 - $143
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
+611300729230
410 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
$37 - $67
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:45
Tue:07:00-19:45
Wed:07:00-19:45
Thu:07:00-19:45
Fri:07:00-19:45
Sat:08:00-16:45
Sun:08:00-16:45

National
+61740349045 / +61740349052
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$90 - $306
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
+61136139
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$90 - $100
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
0740339555
Terminal Building
$80 - $162
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
+610740389990
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$76 - $100
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
+61740349045
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$65 - $279

Dollar
+611800501934
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$90 - $106
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$67 - $67
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

Firefly
0740389990
Airport Ave
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
+611800150850
55 Dutton Street Portsmith QLD 4870
$58 - $59
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
Highly recommended by our customers
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