Car Rental Cairns Airport (CNS)
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 02:00 on 2019-12-30. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
AUD
Country code
61
Average car rental length
5 days
Economy car rental price
$91.29 / per day
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
Cairns Airport, also sometimes called North Queensland Airport, is the main gateway to northern Queensland and Great Barrier Reef National Park.
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
- Large cars - from $119 per day
- Medium cars - from $75 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $199 per day
- Premium cars - from $145 per day
- Small cars - from $68 per day
- SUVs - from $124 per day
Top car rental companies
- National (Tel: +61740349045)
- Enterprise (Tel: +61740349045)
- EastCoast Car Rentals (Tel: +611800474258 / +61755558908)
- SIXT (Tel: +61755558908)
- Europcar (Tel: +610740349088)
- Keddy (Tel: +610740349088)
- Alamo (Tel: +61740349045)
- Ace Rent a car (Tel: 61740410895 / 3173487251)
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
- Airport name: Cairns Airport (CNS)
- Airport type: Public / Civil
- Airport Size: Medium Airport
- Elevation AMSL: 3 m / 10 ft
- Runway Surface: Asphalt / Grooved
- Aircraft movements (per year): 44,539
- Passengers (per year): 4,391,014
- Distance from City: 3.1 miles / 5 km NNW of town
- Airport Hours: 24 hours a day
- Phone: +61 7 4080 6703
- Email: enquiries@cairnsairport.com.au
Top 20 Locations near Cairns Airport
-
Car Rental at Townsville Airport from $29.60 per day284.3 km / 176.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Proserpine, Whitsunday Coast Airport from $39.78 per day497.2 km / 309.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at Mackay Airport from $31.64 per day597.2 km / 371.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Emerald Airport from $48.87 per day784.8 km / 487.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Rockhampton Airport from $27.90 per day874.0 km / 543.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Gladstone Airport from $32.27 per day962.9 km / 598.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Roma Airport from $33.88 per day1118.4 km / 694.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Bundaberg Airport from $43.94 per day1121.9 km / 697.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Hervey Bay Airport from $43.94 per day1193.4 km / 741.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Tennant Creek Airport from $50.94 per day1259.3 km / 782.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Marcoola, Sunshine Coast Airport from $30.20 per day1318.9 km / 819.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport from $86.71 per day1343.5 km / 834.8 miles away
-
Car Rental at Brisbane Airport from $42.46 per day1391.1 km / 864.4 miles away
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Car Rental at Brisbane Domestic Airport (BNET02) from $77.43 per day1391.4 km / 864.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Alice Springs Airport from $29.57 per day1454.7 km / 903.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Moree Airport from $63.56 per day1462.8 km / 909.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at Gold Coast Airport from $57.78 per day1484.3 km / 922.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Lismore Airport from $33.88 per day1533.6 km / 952.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Ballina Airport from $33.88 per day1549.6 km / 962.9 miles away
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Car Rental at Narrabri Airport from $63.56 per day1549.8 km / 963.0 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 $28.93. 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 $45.64 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 at Cairns Airport
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.
Cairns Airport Car Rental Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Car & Truck Rental | Kia Rio | 4 | 3 | Medium cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Atlas Car & Truck Rental | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 2 | 4 | Medium cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Atlas Car & Truck Rental | Kia Sportage | 4 | 3 | Station wagons |
| Atlas Car & Truck Rental | Hyundai i20 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Mitsubishi Outlander | 3 | 5 | SUVs |
FAQ
Should I rent a car at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
A majority of the ratings and reviews left by Discover Cars’ customers recommend renting a car (9.7 from 14 reviews).
What do you need to rent a car at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
In most cases, you need a driver’s license, passport or ID card, and a credit card (in the name of the main driver), and the booking voucher to rent a car. Some companies may have additional requirements (be sure to check the rental conditions).
On what side of the road do they drive in Australia?
Drivers must drive on the left side of the road.
Can I rent a car at 18 in Australia?
No, you can not rent a car at the age of 18.
How old do you have to be to rent a car at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
You must be between 25 and 99 years old.
Can you rent automatic cars at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
Yes, automatic cars are available from Thrifty and Europcar at Cairns Airport (CNS).
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Though most companies require a credit card to leave a deposit, some accept debit cards. Check the rental conditions for more information.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card to pick up the car. Some may accept debit cards or cash. Check the rental conditions for more information.
What car classes can I rent?
Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, People Carriers/Vans, Premium cars and Large cars vehicle types are available at Cairns Airport (CNS).
Can I rent a car at Cairns Airport (CNS) with my home country’s driver's license (for example, U.S., U.K., or Australia)?
In most cases, a driver’s license from your home country is acceptable if it uses the Latin alphabet. In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) at Cairns Airport (CNS).
Do I need an International Driving Permit at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
In most cases, if your driver’s license uses the Latin alphabet, you can rent a car in at Cairns Airport (CNS) without an International Driving Permit (IDP). In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) at Cairns Airport (CNS).
How much does an additional driver cost? Is there an option for a free additional driver?
No rental company at Cairns Airport (CNS) offers a free additional driver.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
A rental car costs $133 per day, on average. The lowest daily price found in the past 48 hours was $68 at Europcar.
How much is car rental for a week?
The average price for a weekly rental at Cairns Airport (CNS) is $934. In the past 48 hours, the lowest price for a weekly rental at Cairns Airport (CNS) was $475.
What car rental companies are located at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
Thrifty and Europcar can be found at Cairns Airport (CNS).
What is the best car rental company at Cairns Airport (CNS)?
Ratings and reviews left by our users indicate that the best providers are EastCoast Car Rentals (8.9, 24 reviews), Alamo (8.8, 8 reviews) and Europcar (8.6, 3 reviews).
Our Customers Reviews
RF
Canada
Suzuki Swift
January 22, 2020
Although Eastcoast Rentals is off the Airport site the process is still goes quite quickly.
AT
Australia
Suzuki Swift
October 31, 2019
Rent a car and so you can do your own self drive tours around Cairns rather than paying for expensive day tours.
FM
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
October 17, 2019
We used to live in the area so know the it well and were only visiting to see relatives and friends. Great place though but make sure you go at the right time of the year so it's not too hot and wet.
MM
Australia
Hyundai i20
October 9, 2019
We visited Cairns for one week. It was great hiring a car as each day we could travel at our own pace. Pleasant drive to Palm Cove which was very windy. Port Douglas is a must too. There was a lot less traffic than on the Gold Coast and we found the drivers curtious.
We enjoyed the local restaurants and there was a lot of variety from Indian , Thai and cosmopolitan.
AP
Australia
Kia Rio
October 8, 2019
Tropical rainforests!...nuff said!
TU
Australia
Kia Rio
September 2, 2019
Cairns definitely needs a car to explore nature's beauty. We spent 5 days there, 3 days with a car. Visited Josephine and Millaa Millaa Falls, Wonga Beach, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, drove up to Cape Tribulation.
DT
Australia
Kia Rio
July 18, 2019
Cairns is beautiful tropical weather check temps and rainfall through out year as it differs.
The manager was very helpful to us.Our party hired 3 cars from here and would do it again no problem.
DG
Australia
Hyundai Accent
June 12, 2019
Most attractions are best accessed by car
GF
Australia
Suzuki Swift
June 7, 2019
East Coast rentals is conveniently located close to the airport.
HA
Australia
Kia Sportage
May 15, 2019
Hired a car because we travelled out of Cairns. We stayed in Port Douglas. Travelled as far North as Cape tribulation. If planning even a few small trips worth a car hire.
AL
Australia
Kia Sportage
May 7, 2019
Slightly inconvenient with airport transfer to pick up car. But we’ll worth the effort. Service team was brilliant, very friendly and hassle free.
MS
Australia
Kia Rio
May 4, 2019
Simple easy and no hassle Car Rental at a great rate.
NS
Australia
KIA Cerato
March 24, 2019
Everything in close proximity 😁
JC
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
March 20, 2019
Barrier reed using Quicksilver from PD. Fabulous!
Top 8 Suppliers for Cairns Airport in 2020
National
+61740349045
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
+611800474258 / +61755558908
411 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia
Keddy
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
Ace Rent a car
61740410895 / 3173487251
147 Lake Street
Highly recommended by our customers
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