Car Hire at Cairns Airport
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Cheapest Car Hire Rates
Economy
MG 3 or comparable
A$44.57 per day
Compact
Volkswagen Polo or comparable
A$45.86 per day
Intermediate
Kia Cerato or comparable
A$49.45 per day
Standard SUV
MG ZS or comparable
A$51.16 per day
Most Popular Car Hire Deals
Full-size Extended Cab Pickup
Toyota Hilux SR-5 4WD Dual Cab or comparable
A$77.19 per day
Premium Extended Cab Pickup
Ford Ranger or comparable
A$105.02 per day
Intermediate Elite SUV
Tesla Model Y or comparable
A$122.40 per day
Full-size Elite SUV
Audi Q7 or comparable
A$139.07 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 20:05 on 05/05/2025. 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.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (4 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 200k+ 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.
Travel information
Languages
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Dialing code
+61
Average car hire price
A$79 per day
Average car hire length
7 days
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of city centre
100 - 130 km/h or 62 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average petrol price
A$1.73 per litre or A$6.55 per gallon
Lowest petrol price
A$1.63 per litre or A$6.17 per gallon
Highest petrol price
A$1.80 per litre or A$6.81 per gallon
Most popular types of hire car
- Large cars - starting at A$47 per day
- Medium cars - starting at A$45 per day
- People Carriers - starting at A$97 per day
- Premium cars - starting at A$105 per day
- Small cars - starting at A$45 per day
- SUVs - starting at A$49 per day
Airport information
Cairns Airport (CNS)
- IATA: CNS
- ICAO: YBCS
- Name: Cairns Airport (CNS)
- Distance from the city centre: 3.1 miles / 5 km
Top 15 locations near Cairns Airport
-
1,454.7 km / 903.9 miles
-
1,675.3 km / 1,041 miles
-
1,939.3 km / 1,205 miles
-
1,943.7 km / 1,207.8 miles
-
1,945.5 km / 1,208.9 miles
-
1,955.7 km / 1,215.2 miles
-
1,959.1 km / 1,217.3 miles
-
1,972 km / 1,225.3 miles
-
2,076.5 km / 1,290.3 miles
-
2,132.4 km / 1,325 miles
-
2,313.2 km / 1,437.4 miles
-
2,327.9 km / 1,446.5 miles
-
2,336 km / 1,451.5 miles
-
2,339.1 km / 1,453.4 miles
-
3,455.1 km / 2,146.9 miles
Map of Car Hire Destinations
In which month is car hire at Cairns Airport the most affordable?
Prices for hiring a car at Cairns Airport fluctuate depending on the time of year. This table and graph can help you find the best bargain.
Average price for hiring a car per day at Cairns Airport
The best month to hire a car at Cairns Airport is February — when the average price for a hire is A$39.48 per day. This is 36% less than the yearly average and 52% less than hiring a car in July (when the average price is A$82.56 per day).
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for and how much in advance you book. Simply type in your dates in the form at the top of the page in order to find out the exact prices.
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for and how much in advance you book. Simply type in your dates in the form at the top of the page in order to find out the exact prices.
For how long do most travellers hire cars for at Cairns Airport?
How long travellers keep their hire cars depends on the time of year: in July, the average hire length is 9 days, while in March, it is only 6 days.
Average number of hire days at Cairns Airport
What time of year sees the highest demand for car hire at Cairns Airport?
Given the number of users searching for a car at Cairns Airport, there is a higher probability of travellers hiring a car in December in comparison to hiring a car in in September.
Monthly searches at Cairns Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car hire information
| Popular suppliers | Bargain Car Rentals, Simba Car Hire, EastCoast Car Rentals, Jucy, SIXT |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, People Carriers |
| Lowest price | A$45 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Alamo |
Most popular car models of suppliers
| Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | MG HS | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Kia Stonic | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Jucy | Hyundai Accent | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Simba Car Hire | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | MG 5 | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Simba Car Hire | MG ZS | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Simba Car Hire | Kia Cerato | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Simba Car Hire | MG 3 | 4 | 1 | Medium cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | MG ZS | 5 | 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.
JC
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris Cross Aut.
20/04/2024
We travelled from Cairns to Portsea below Melbourne, Car ran well and was fuel efficient
GA
United Kingdom
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
17/04/2024
Just visiting old friends and re-visiting old haunts.
MA
Australia
Hyundai Accent
04/04/2024
Very much enjoyed our trip into the Daintree and the adventure of taking the cable-pulled ferry across the river. It was great to see crocodiles in the wild. We took the Lady Douglas ride up the river from Port Douglas and thoroughly enjoyed a leisurely cruise with complimentary beverage and friendly crew. Robbo the skipper and Jade the decking/barmaid we had a great time with light commentary.
Thoroughly recommend Paronella Park for a surprise. 
MN
United Kingdom
MG 3
23/03/2024
We took a road trip down to magnetic island and Airlie beach. We had an amazing experience snorkeling and completed a skydive.
GJ
United Kingdom
Hyundai Accent
21/02/2024
Port Douglas was lovely. Very relaxing. Swan with turtles in the low isles which was amazing. Visited the Daintree rain forest whuch was great
IP
United Kingdom
Hyundai Kona
14/01/2024
We drove for 3 weeks from Cairns to Brisbane in the hire car and it was faultless and done almost all tourist destinations down the east coast
NB
Australia
Hyundai Accent
23/05/2023
Relaxing time in the areas of Port Douglas, Daintree & Palm Cove. 
DS
Australia
Kia Stonic
11/09/2022
Night walk in the forest was a waste of time, it was raining. Barrier reef is bleached of its colour! :(
Car Hire Statistics
Highest-rated company
Simba Car Hire
9.3 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Routes Car Rental
7.3 / 10
Total number of reviews
224
Total rental companies
19
Average daily price
A$79.34
Lowest daily price
A$44.57
Total cars available
274
Top 19 suppliers at Cairns Airport in 2025
Simba Car Hire
+61740212777 / +61280056696 / +61881263890
432 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
A$51 - A$241
Working hours
Mon:
07:00 - 19:30
Tue:
07:00 - 19:30
Wed:
07:00 - 19:30
Thu:
07:00 - 19:30
Fri:
07:00 - 19:30
Sat:
08:00 - 17:30
Sun:
08:00 - 17:30
SIXT
+61740339800
SIXT, Terminal building, Cairns Airport, QLD 4870
A$62 - A$145
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
Europcar
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
A$49 - A$175
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
National
+61740349045 / +61740349052
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
A$72 - A$147
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
Ace Rent a car
+61392222595 / 1800620408
147 Lake Street
A$51 - A$122
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
Budget
1300362848
Terminal Building
A$67 - A$122
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
Bargain Car Rentals
+611300729230
410 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870
A$73 - A$303
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
Avis
136333
Terminal Building
A$74 - A$331
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
Alamo
+61740349045
Beaufort Street, Aeroglen QLD 4870
A$45 - A$122
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
EastCoast Car Rentals
+611800474258 / +61755558908
411 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4870
A$72 - A$195
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
Hertz
+610740389990
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
A$86 - A$384
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
A$68 - A$150
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
Thrifty
+61136139
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
A$67 - A$167
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
Enterprise
+61740349045
Beaufort St, Aeroglen QLD 4870
A$45 - A$127
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
Keddy
+610740349088
Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns City QLD 4870
A$52 - A$333
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
A$52 - A$333
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
Jucy
+611800150850
55 Dutton Street Portsmith
QLD 4870
A$52 - A$333
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
URDRIVE
+61491793056 / +61489079655
404 Sheridan Road, Cairns North Qld 4870, Cairns
A$124 - A$210
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:
07:00 - 20:00
Sun:
07:00 - 20:00
Routes Car Rental
+6140349088
CAIRNS AIRPORT, Terminal Building
A$54 - A$191
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
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europe's 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
Trustpilot - Top 10 Car Hire Agencies
SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Hire Websites
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