Car hire at Cairns airport from $40/day

MG 5

or similar Small

$44/day

MG 5

or similar Medium

$49/day

Ford Ranger

or similar Large

$120/day

Toyota RAV4

or similar SUV

$85/day

Kia Carnival

or similar Van

$101/day

Class Full-size SUV

or similar SUV

$74/day

MG 3

or similar Small

$45/day

Audi Q3

or similar SUV

$84/day

Class Special Car

or similar Category

$43/day

Kia Stonic

or similar SUV

$49/day

Kia Sportage

or similar SUV

$54/day

Class Intermediate SUV

or similar SUV

$71/day

Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Useful Info

Most popular agency	Bargain Car Rentals
Most popular car type	Intermediate
Average price	$65/day
Good deal	$53/day

With car hire at Cairns Airport (CNS), you open a gateway to the beautiful Queensland coastline, with a no-fuss approach to reaching stunning attractions, including the famous Great Barrier Reef. Apart from the obvious benefits of travel and time flexibility, you’re guaranteed new models, break-down assistance, freedom from the beaten track and economic savings when venturing further than urban areas. With a hire car, you can reach beaches around Cairns far more economically than by taxi.
You will have a wide selection of car hire companies to choose from with car hire at Cairns Airport. You can choose from global names such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, SIXT and many others. Whether you are returning to Australia or travelling domestically within the continent on a holiday, you can find hire car services in the arrival halls of both terminals.
When it’s time to return your car hire at Cairns Airport, you will find it incredibly easy. There are two car hire return car parks, based at the domestic and international terminals, very close to the pick-up counters. The car parks are well signed as you drive in. If there is nobody from the car hire company in the car park, you can lock the doors and place the keys on the company counter.
All the car hire companies at Cairns Airport operate on similar working hours to each other, which are roughly 08:00 to 23:30. If you are planning on dropping off the car hire late at night, you should ensure you make it there before closing time. The airport is not open 24 hours a day and closes after the last flight of the night.
25% of our users found a car hire at Cairns airport for $63 or less
Book your car hire at Cairns airport at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price

Where are the car hire companies situated at Cairns Airport?
The primary car hire companies at Cairns Airport are based within Terminals 1 and 2. When you land, collect your luggage and proceed left after Arrivals and walk towards the various bus bays hosting the car hire counters. It is a short walk toward the counters, but most of the companies will send a shuttle to fetch you and your luggage if needed. They will require a phone call when you land and will collect you at the arrival gate.
Which hire car companies offer fast service at Cairns Airport?
Most of the bigger car hire companies will be convenient to deal with if your documentation is in order and the booking is placed correctly online. Budget has not only a shuttle service but also the Fastbreak Service, which offers a quick way of collecting your car when booked online. Proceed to the Fastbreak line and present your licence and everything will be pre-arranged.
What kinds of amenities does the Cairns Airport hire car centre offer?
The Cairns Airport car hire counters are found inside both arrival terminals. There is a covered walkway that connects the domestic and international terminals. You will find no official centre for car hire but rather counters within the arrival halls. Both arrival halls are well equipped to make you comfortable. You can tap into free Wi-Fi while you wait for the car hire transaction to be completed and be close to dining, shopping options and bathrooms. The airport is relatively compact and comprehensive.
What types of documentation are required to hire a car at Cairns Airport?
With Cairns Airport car hire, you will need to have photographic identification on a valid driver’s licence that is at least 12 months old. Your license will need to be in English or you will need to present an International Driver’s Licence. You will need your credit card for payment, or in some cases, a debit card will suffice; make sure you check the payment terms. You will need to be 21 years of age to hire most vehicles.
How much does it cost to hire a car at Cairns airport?
On average a car hire at Cairns airport costs $79 per day.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Cairns airport?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Cairns airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Budget, Europcar, Ace Rental Cars, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, keddy by Europcar, JUCY , Thrifty, Avis, and Hertz.

Alamo

8.7

Very Good

Read 20 reviews

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Cairns Airport

from$46/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Cairns International Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

B, Jan 2025

Standard SUV

Check in was seamless. Team were friendly.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, July 2024

Intermediate

Everything was hassle free .

JUCY

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

3 locations in Cairns Airport

from$44/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

Cairns Off Airport Location

+61 1800 150 850

Monday	09:00 - 15:55
Tuesday	09:00 - 15:55
Wednesday	09:00 - 15:55
Thursday	09:00 - 15:55
Friday	09:00 - 15:55
Saturday	09:00 - 15:55
Sunday	09:00 - 15:55

Ace Rental Cars

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Cairns Airport

from$53/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

147 Lake Street

+61 1800 620 408

Opening times not available

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4035 9299

Monday	08:30 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 15:00
Thursday	08:30 - 15:00
Friday	08:30 - 15:00
Saturday	09:00 - 15:55
Sunday	09:00 - 15:55

MINI Car Rentals

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport (CNS), Airport Ave, Cairns City QLD , Australia

+1 800 761 8913

Opening times not available

Sixt

8.7

Very Good

Read 7 reviews

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

7.9

2 locations in Cairns Airport

from$69/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets

+61 7 4051 8099

Monday	08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 15:00
Thursday	08:00 - 15:00
Friday	08:00 - 15:00

Terminal building, Cairns

+61 7 4033 9800

Monday	07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday	07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday	07:30 - 18:00
Thursday	07:30 - 18:00
Friday	07:30 - 18:00
Saturday	07:30 - 18:00
Sunday	07:30 - 18:00

Apex

8.7

Very Good

Read 12 reviews

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.6

One location in Cairns Airport

from$44/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

396 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, Qld

+61 740 532 896

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, July 2024

Standard SUV

I would like to express my gratitude to Jacinta. My daughter was in hospital during our stay in cairns and Jacinta was very understanding and bent over backwards to get me in a car so I could get back to the hospital. Excellent service! Thanks again Jacinta!

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Mar 2022

They stated the vehicle was located in Cairns Airport which was not the case! We had to get a shuttle bus to the depot for pick up and drop off.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2021

Friendly helpful staff with good local advice.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2021

Great service indeed!

Bargain Car Rentals

8.7

Very Good

Read 4 reviews

Cheapest deal

Most popular

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

from$40/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

410, Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, July 2024

Full-size SUV

They describe themselves as being at the cairns airport. They are not at the airport.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2023

Intermediate

More shuttle bus would be prefect

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Nov 2022

Pickup from airport took a long time and the process was awkward

Budget

8.3

Very Good

Read 9 reviews

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

7.0

One location in Cairns Airport

from$85/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9777

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Supplier choice

Price was way more than I was quoted Should have been 720 Was nearly 1000

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

Like - the pick up and drop off point is conveniently located next to airport entrance (given most people would have luggage to carry to airport terminal).

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Pros:

The staff were very pleasant. Drop-off very easy

Europcar

8.0

Very Good

Read 2 reviews

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

7.3

One location in Cairns Airport

from$53/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9088

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Matt & Debbie, July 2024

Compact

We were told pick from international but had to walk n pickup from domestic, poor signage to follow, also no a international booth. We were rushed once we picked up car, very little one to one info discussed about what to do. When we were given instructions about returning car we were given Google map direction that sent up miles away from drop off point.! Then when we arrived to drop off point poor signage again on hiway, no around to talk to to top it off we get an email later telling us of the damage report.. what there!!??? A very small scratch that no one noticed upon pickup or drop off.. come on guys get your act together!!

Simba Car Hire

8.0

Very Good

Read 2 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

from$54/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

432 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Australia

+61 7 4021 2777

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Charlie, Sept 2024

Mini

Generally OK but as we missed the 6pm close of the office, that we not aware of, we couldn't pick up the vehicle til the next day. But still charged for that time.

Hertz

7.6

Good

Read 3 reviews

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.6

One location in Cairns Airport

from$75/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 7 4038 9990

Monday	06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday	06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday	06:00 - 23:30
Thursday	06:00 - 23:30
Friday	06:00 - 23:30
Saturday	06:00 - 23:30
Sunday	06:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Economy

Loved the car

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

Pros:

Staff were very helpful, car we booked as not available so they upgraded us FOC.

Cons:

Nothing from us

Thrifty

6.6

Okay

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

7.3

2 locations in Cairns Airport

from$82/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 136139

Monday	06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday	06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday	06:00 - 23:30
Thursday	06:00 - 23:30
Friday	06:00 - 23:30
Saturday	06:00 - 23:30
Sunday	06:00 - 23:30

Cairns Airport

+61 1300 367 227

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

One location in Cairns Airport

from$98/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9555

Monday	07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 22:00
Thursday	07:00 - 22:00
Friday	07:00 - 22:00
Saturday	07:00 - 22:00
Sunday	07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

4.0

Mediocre

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

4.0

One location in Cairns Airport

from$48/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 740 349 088

Monday	08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 15:00
Thursday	08:00 - 15:00
Friday	08:00 - 15:00
Saturday	08:00 - 15:00
Sunday	08:00 - 15:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Sian, June 2025

Compact SUV

The car we hired was fantastic. Unfortunately, the pickup and drop off points were severely understaffed. Pickup took over one hour (no other car hire place had a significant line) and once at the front of the queue, the staff were rude. There was no one to be seen at drop off. Again, an anomaly when looking at the other car hire places in the terminal. The insurance cost more than the car hire.

Dollar

2.0

Poor