Car Rental at Cairns Airport
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700+ Trusted Suppliers:
Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Standard SUV
MG HS
or similar
$12.89
per day
Intermediate
MG 5
or similar
$15.36
per day
Full-size SUV
MG HS
or similar
$24.74
per day
Economy
Suzuki Swift
or similar
$43.26
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Compact
MG 3
or similar
$43.92
per day
Premium Extended Cab Pickup
Ford Ranger
or similar
$67.93
per day
Intermediate Elite SUV
Tesla Model Y
or similar
$82.51
per day
Full-size Elite SUV
Audi Q7
or similar
$121.81
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 1:44 PM on 12/12/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader, we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
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Travel Information
Languages
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+61
Average car rental price
$52 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
100 - 130 km/h or 62 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gas price
$1.09 per liter or $4.14 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.08 per liter or $4.09 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.14 per liter or $4.33 per gallon
Airport travel guide
The gateway to Far North Queensland, Cairns has long served as a popular tourist destination. A gateway not only to the Great Barrier Reef but also the ancient rainforest of the Daintree, the cool hinterlands of Atherton, and the road to the remote Cape York Peninsula, Cairns holds the keys to some of the country's most remarkable natural wonders.
- 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.
- The Daintree. Where the forest meets the reef, the Daintree Rainforest some 100km north of Cairns is one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The rainforest here is estimated to be over 135 million years old, some of the last remnants of the vast forest that once covered the entire continent of Australia. Its striking beauty, unfathomable age, and incredible diversity make it one of the country's most sought-after destinations.
- The Atherton Tablelands. A high plateau behind coastal Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is renowned for its lush rainforest, incredible waterfalls, native fauna, and local produce. The towns of Millaa Millaa, Yungerburra, and Kuranda and the waterfall circuit are just some of the highlights of this spectacular region.
- Cape York. The trip to the most northern point of Australia is no easy feat. One of the country's final frontiers, traversing this untamed wilderness makes for a challenging journey, one where self-sufficiency is demanded. Rough dirt roads, unpredictable weather and long stretches between outpost towns Cape York is a true adventure but one that will reward travelers with astonishing natural beauty.
- 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.
- Cairns Botanic Gardens. Though there are 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.
Top international routes
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Townsville
- Adelaide
- Singapore
- Auckland
- Newcastle
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
There is a small collection of restaurants, cafes and bars within the airport, 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
- Townsville (352 km / 219 miles)
- Mackay (738 km / 459 miles)
- Rockhampton (1,070 km / 665 miles)
- Brisbane (1,689 km / 1,050 miles)
Fact checked by
Eddie and Kelli
This article was reviewed and updated by Eddie and Kelli, the creators and authors of The Vanabond Tales, a travel blog focused on slow travel. Minimalist travel adventures that are budget-friendly, outdoor-focused, and environmentally conscious. You’ll currently find them aboard his little boat Whisper sailing the Mediterranean.
Airport info
Cairns Airport (CNS)
- IATA: CNS
- ICAO: YBCS
- Name: Cairns Airport (CNS)
- Distance from city: 3.1 miles / 5 km
Top 20 locations near Cairns Airport
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Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices the lowest at Cairns Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Cairns Airport varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day at Cairns Airport
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Cairns Airport is February — when rental costs average $25.13 per day. This is 33% cheaper than the yearly average and 49% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $49.57 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at Cairns Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in July the average rental period is 9 days, while in April, the average rental period is only 6 days.
Average number of rental days at Cairns Airport
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at Cairns Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at Cairns Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car in January, while they are least likely to rent in in September.
Monthly searches at Cairns Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Popular suppliers | Bargain Car Rentals, Simba Car Hire, EastCoast Car Rentals, Jucy, SIXT |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars |
| Lowest price | $13 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Bargain Car Rentals |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Kia Stonic | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Bargain Car Rentals | MG HS | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Jucy | Hyundai Accent | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Simba Car Hire | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Jucy | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | MG 5 | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | MG ZS | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Kia Picanto | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Simba Car Hire | MG ZS | 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 the 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.
TP
Australia
Toyota Corolla
12/4/24 
MJ
Australia
MG 5
11/9/24
Kuranda train and Skyway, Daintree Village and Belcher's River Cruise, Lady Douglas Cruise and Shaolin cruise were all truly excellent. Would not recommend Fitzroy Island cruise, regular ferry ride and other than the glass bottom boat nothing particularly interesting to do.
WH
United States of America (USA)
MG 5
10/6/24
Loved Daintree Rain Forest.
CB
New Zealand
MG HS
9/28/24
Spending time with family
AC
Ireland
MG ZS
9/27/24
Drove to Cape Tribulation-good!
BB
New Zealand
Kia Stonic
8/6/24
Went up to Cape Tribulation, visited a lot of nature spots.
RC
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
7/17/24
Great trip, went to Karunda, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Cairns and Port Douglas. 
PH
Australia
MG 3
7/6/24
Drove to Port Douglas and toured around area such as Daintree River and Village. 
TD
Australia
MG ZS
6/14/24
Great warm weather and relaxation.
JJ
New Zealand
Holden Acadia
6/11/24
We spent time in Port Douglas driving to the different tourist spots.
JK
Australia
Kia Picanto
5/29/24
Been to cairns plenty of times just went their for warm weather and relaxing
KS
Australia
Hyundai Accent
5/26/24
Went for a wedding. Extended our stay and played tourist
GV
Australia
Hyundai Accent
5/9/24
Went North to Palm Cove for 7 days and travelled around locally. The car was a good size SUV for luggage and comfort being an MG HS model.
JC
Australia
Hyundai Accent
5/6/24
Wongaling beach. Beautiful
PD
Canada
Suzuki Baleno
5/4/24
Austraila is a wonderful country and I hope to make it back someday again.
LC
Australia
Toyota Corolla
5/2/24
Nature and just the general beauty of the area
DH
Australia
Toyota Corolla
4/26/24
Nice drive to Mareeba, emerald falls worth the drive..
BJ
Australia
Hyundai Accent
4/23/24
Awesome trip❤️❤️❤️❤️
HK
Australia
MG 3
4/9/24
Nature spots
RB
New Zealand
Hyundai Kona
4/4/24
Traveled from Cairns to Brisbane, stopping at Townsville, Airlie Beach which was great, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay which was disappointing so next time would opt for Noosa then finally arrived in Brisbane. The car went well
MB
Australia
Isuzu MU-X
3/19/24
Sixt were excellent to deal with. Very smooth car pick up collection. Finding the entrance to drop off at the airport in the rain was not easy but we got there. This was a great site to book a vehicle at a great price.
DP
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
3/12/24
Australia is fantastic
KV
Australia
Kia Stonic
3/1/24
Cairns was just awesome, so much to see and do.
GH
Australia
Hyundai Accent
2/18/24
Atherton tableland waterfalls
WC
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla
2/10/24
We had a great time hiking in national parks and beaches, exploring botanical gardens and waterfalls, and swimming at aquatic centers. Some highlights were Lamington NP, Bunya Mts NP, Cania Gorge NP, Eungella NP, Paluma NP, Crater Lakes NP, Barron Falls NP, Dinden NP, Daintree NP, and Millaa Millaa Falls.
RG
Canada
Toyota Yaris
1/26/24
The Great Barrier Reef was amazing. Never seen such a great coral reef like this. The sky tram was awesome as well
RP
Australia
Kia Stonic
1/20/24
Attended Funeralk and wake- no side trips.
AP
Australia
Kia Stonic
1/16/24
Family travelling the Tablelands together
ST
Australia
Kia Stonic
1/16/24
Would recommend. The people were friendly and made my trip hassle free.
AD
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
1/13/24
The Great Barrier Reef and driving through the rainforests stopping at all the waterfalls along the way
JM
Australia
Hyundai Accent
1/7/24
Reef
DF
Australia
Kia Picanto
1/6/24 
GB
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
1/2/24
Great Barrier Reef
Skyrail
Traveling to Palm Cove
Our resort
MC
Australia
Kia Stonic
12/20/23
Wonderful trip
HP
Australia
Audi Q5
12/4/23
Great location and lots of things to see / explore and to do fun activities.
GF
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla Sedan
11/22/23
Mostly drove to Kuranda and spent a lot of time there in our airbnb. Heritage Market area, with koalas and other animals, the lovely aviary, and the delightful butterfly place. The cars drove well.
PM
Australia
Skoda Kamiq
11/20/23
Loved Mossman Gorge and Haretly’s Crocodile park.
DT
Australia
MG 3
11/19/23
Palm Cove, & Daintree. Included trip to GBR.
SM
Australia
Mitsubishi Eclipse
11/13/23
Super relaxing! Beautiful holiday spot! Great weather! 
SD
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
11/6/23
Snorkeling the Great Barrier reef. Hiking to the Barron Falls and beyond. Hartley's Crocodile Farm.
MS
Australia
Kia Stonic
10/29/23
Port Douglas was well worth the drive for the day. Palm Cove was very quiet. Dundees restaurant on the wharf was worth a visit. The Kuranda SkyRail and scenic railway are a must, but go up on the train, then you are free to return on the Skyrail whenever you are ready. Food is questionable at Kuranda. Eat before you go or after you get back. 
RS
Australia
Kia Stonic
10/29/23
Our trip to Karanda on the train was excellent, especially returning on the Sky Rail which was amazing. 
JW
Australia
Hyundai Accent
10/24/23
Highlights were Crystal Cascades, Emmagen Creek, Cape Tribulation, glass bottom boat tour on Green Island, food quality at Ferntree Rainforest Resort and Crown Hotel Innisfail. Paronella Park is great too.
IW
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
10/22/23
Spent 12 days in Cairns region touring the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands. Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, some great walks searching for Cassowaries, spending time on beautiful palm-fringed beaches, swimming in crater lakes and freshwater streams, dining in beachfront restaurants
MR
Australia
Toyota Corolla
9/18/23
Barrier Reef.
SM
Australia
MG HS Aut.
9/16/23
Love cairns did heaps of discovery trips / port Douglas or outer beaches such as Halloways / Yorkeys knob / Clifton beach etc / great restaurant ts Jimmys burgers for lunch / dinner cruise brilliant / esplanade / wharf best weather and even visited the casino
ES
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
9/15/23
Tropical North Queensland is amazing all round
SD
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander
9/12/23
Lots of exploring Kuranda, Cairns city, the beaches in the area and also up the coast to the Daintree. Beautiful area, lots to see with lots of relaxing nature areas.
Thank you
SG
Australia
MG ZS
9/10/23
Visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Farm and Clifton Beach. Stayed at Big 4 Coconut cairns. Visited Aquarium
KH
Australia
Kia Stonic
9/6/23
relaxing br ther beach, taking photos
Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
Simba Car Hire
9.3 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Routes Car Rental
7.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
219
Total rental companies
18
Average daily price
$51.55
Lowest daily price
$12.89
Total cars available
195
Top 18 suppliers at Cairns Airport in 2024
Simba Car Hire
+61740212777
432 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
$15 - $55
Working hours
Mon:07:00 - 20:00
Tue:07:00 - 20:00
Wed:07:00 - 20:00
Thu:07:00 - 20:00
Fri:07:00 - 20:00
Sat:08:00 - 18:00
Sun:08:00 - 18:00
+61740339800
SIXT, Terminal building, Cairns Airport, QLD 4870
$68 - $104
Working hours
Mon:07:30 - 23:59
Tue:07:30 - 23:59
Wed:07:30 - 23:59
Thu:07:30 - 23:59
Fri:07:30 - 23:59
Sat:07:30 - 18:00
Sun:07:30 - 18:00
0740339777
Terminal Building
$40 - $87
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
$44 - $277
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
Ace Rent a car
+61392222595 / 1800620408
147 Lake Street
$85 - $132
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
National
+61740349045 / +61740349052
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$65 - $82
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
$68 - $90
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
$83 - $122
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:30
Tue:06:00 - 23:30
Wed:06:00 - 23:30
Thu:06:00 - 23:30
Fri:06:00 - 23:30
Sat:06:00 - 23:30
Sun:06:00 - 23:30
+611300729230
410 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
$13 - $142
Working hours
Mon:07:00 - 18:45
Tue:07:00 - 18:45
Wed:07:00 - 18:45
Thu:07:00 - 18:45
Fri:07:00 - 18:45
Sat:08:00 - 16:45
Sun:08:00 - 16:45
+61740349045
Beaufort Street, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$65 - $82
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
+611800474258 / +61755558908
411 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4870
$18 - $150
Working hours
Mon:07:00 - 20:00
Tue:07:00 - 20:00
Wed:07:00 - 20:00
Thu:07:00 - 20:00
Fri:07:00 - 20:00
Sat:08:00 - 19:00
Sun:08:00 - 19:00
+61136139
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$43 - $104
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:30
Tue:06:00 - 23:30
Wed:06:00 - 23:30
Thu:06:00 - 23:30
Fri:06:00 - 23:30
Sat:06:00 - 23:30
Sun:06:00 - 23:30
Dollar
+611800501934
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
$62 - $88
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:30
Tue:06:00 - 23:30
Wed:06:00 - 23:30
Thu:06:00 - 23:30
Fri:06:00 - 23:30
Sat:06:00 - 23:30
Sun:06:00 - 23:30
+61740349045
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
$68 - $90
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
$68 - $102
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
$104
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
Airport Ave
$104
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:30
Tue:06:00 - 23:30
Wed:06:00 - 23:30
Thu:06:00 - 23:30
Fri:06:00 - 23:30
Sat:06:00 - 23:30
Sun:06:00 - 23:30
Routes Car Rental
+6140349088
CAIRNS AIRPORT, Terminal Building
$48 - $86
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
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
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Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
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SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
Highly recommended by our customers
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