Car Hire in Cairns from $48/day - Search for car rentals on KAYAK

Toyota Auris

or similar Small

$43/day

Kia Forte

or similar Medium

$50/day

Toyota Corolla

or similar Medium

$48/day

Toyota Yaris Cross

or similar SUV

$82/day

Kia Carnival

or similar Van

$98/day

Class Full-size SUV

or similar SUV

$81/day

MG 3

or similar Small

$41/day

Class Special Car

or similar Category

$39/day

Mazda CX-3

or similar SUV

$47/day

Kia Sportage

or similar SUV

$61/day

Class Intermediate SUV

or similar SUV

$65/day

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

Useful Info

Most popular agency	Bargain Car Rentals
Most popular car type	Compact
Average price	$56/day
Good deal	$47/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Cairns car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Cairns with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Cairns?

You should book your car hire in Cairns around 54 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car hire company in Cairns?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Bargain Car Rentals ($23.10/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($38.23/day), and Budget ($38.26/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Bargain Car Rentals 410, Sheridan Street (3.3 km from city centre).

What is the best car hire company in Cairns?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Cairns are Alamo (8.7, 20 reviews), Ace Rental Cars (10.0, 1 review), and MINI Car Rentals (10.0).

Alamo

Rated 8.7/10

Ace Rental Cars

Rated 10.0/10

MINI Car Rentals

Rated 10.0/10

Sixt

Rated 8.9/10

What is the most popular car to hire in Cairns?

Intermediate cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in Cairns. Intermediate cars in Cairns cost $102/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $59/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Cairns?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Cairns is February at an average cost of $39/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Cairns when prices are $98/day on average, which tends to be 139% above the yearly average hire price for Cairns.

Which rental car company has the most locations in in in?

Sunnycars operates 5 locations in Cairns, more than any other car hire company.

Find deals

BJan 2025

SUV is a good choice in Cairns.

JaneJune 2024

When following the numbers on Lake Street, keep going and the address will show up. This was a great location from the cruise terminal, several blocks up but in walking distance.

Verified travelerAug 2023

Didn't get a car, so I have no idea how driving in Cairns is.

Verified travelerAug 2023

Either get a car with satnav or have a phone which works there

A trip to Australia is simply not complete without a road trip, particularly a trip to the northern parts of the country. With a personal vehicle at hand, you can travel all over Queensland with Cairns as your home base. For instance, some of the great locales that are perfect day trips for visitors of Cairns include Port Douglas, Kuranda, and Palm Cove. Even better, all of these destinations are within an hour’s drive of Cairns.
Would-be car renters with flights to Cairns Airport will be happy to hear that hire car desks are available in both terminals of the airport. All hire car counters can be found in the respective Arrivals Hall of both Terminals 1 and 2.
Worried about rush hour putting a damper on your trip to Cairns? Fortunately for drivers, the congestion in Cairns is only a minor affair that is easily avoided. However, there is still some traffic during the peak hours of rush hour in the morning from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Drivers should especially avoid the A1 during rush hour, as many drivers use it to go to and from work.
Make sure to never leave valuables in your car unattended in the summer months -- not because theft is a problem, but because the heat is. Cairns can experience extreme temperatures during the warmer parts of the year and sensitive items like food, electronics, and many other goods will not do well after having been left in a scorching car.
25% of our users found a car hire in Cairns for $47 or less
Compact hire cars in Cairns are around 32% cheaper than other car types, on average

What type of car is recommended for driving in Cairns?
Cairns is not the biggest of cities, so drivers will find that most vehicles -- even large SUVs -- will be comfortable to drive in Cairns. However, sedans and compacts are certainly the most popular vehicles in both Cairns and Australia in general. So, perhaps it is best to follow common practice and stick to a smaller vehicle. Streetside parking will certainly be more manageable in a smaller vehicle.
What’s the speed limit in Cairns?
Speed limits in Cairns, and in the state of Queensland in general, run between 40 km/h (25 mph) and 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas, unless otherwise specified. On rural roads the speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) and on highways and motorways it is 110 km/h (68 mph).
Where are the best places to park in Cairns?
Fortunately for visitors to Cairns, parking is widely available and easy to find throughout the city. Streetside parking is abundant, albeit more suited for smaller vehicles rather than large ones. There is also plenty of private parking in garages and lots. Drivers should have no issues finding parking, even in the central business district.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Cairns?
On average a car hire in Cairns costs $56 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Cairns airport (CNS)?
Car hire companies onsite at Cairns airport include Bargain Car Rentals, Alamo, Ace Rental Cars, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Sixt, JUCY, Apex, National, Europcar and Ace.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Cairns airport (CNS)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Cairns airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Ace Rental Cars, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, JUCY, National and Europcar.
How can I find car hires near me in Cairns?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Cairns?
A Compact car hire in Cairns costs $75 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car hire cost in Cairns?
A Special car hire in Cairns costs $84 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Cairns?
An Intermediate car hire in Cairns costs $88 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Cairns?
In Cairns, cars are most frequently hired at Bargain Car Rentals 410, Sheridan Street (3 km from city centre ).

Alamo

8.7

Very Good

Read 20 reviews

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

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 .

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

Locations in Cairns

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 - 13:00
Sunday	09:00 - 13:00

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

Sixt

8.9

Very Good

Read 7 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.2

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

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

JUCY

8.8

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

8.0

3 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

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 - 13:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 13:00
Thursday	09:00 - 13:00
Friday	09:00 - 13:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00
Sunday	09:00 - 13:00

Budget

8.7

Very Good

Read 13 reviews

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

7.6

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

153 Lake St

+61 7 4048 8166

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

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

10.0 Wonderful

Jane, June 2024

Intermediate SUV

Everything was great once we found it. The numbers on the street are a bit out of order (not their fault) but once we got there, they were wonderful. It was easy to pick up and to drop off. the car was very nice.

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, May 2022

Fuel efficient little car but not comfortable.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Pros:

The staff were very pleasant. Drop-off very easy

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

from$48/day

Locations in Cairns

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

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns

from$40/day

Locations in Cairns

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

Hertz

7.1

Good

Read 4 reviews

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.4

Value for money

7.1

3 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 7 4038 5690

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 - 13:00
Sunday	09:00 - 13:00

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

Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 7 4046 8701

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

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Full-size

All very went very well

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

East Coast Car Rentals

7.1

Good

Read 7 reviews

Cleanliness

9.7

Comfort

9.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns

from$39/day

Locations in Cairns

411 Sheridan Street, Cairns

+61 1800 028 881

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	08:00 - 15:00
Sunday	08:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

6.6

Okay

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

7.3

4 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 136139

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

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

Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 136139

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	08:00 - 15:00
Sunday	08:00 - 15:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Compact

Experience was great, everything went well but a tad pricey

Europcar

6.5

Okay

Read 3 reviews

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

6.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.5

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Cairns

from$57/day

Locations in Cairns

Shop 14 / 56-60 Abbott St

+61 7 4034 8200

Opening times not available

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!!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, June 2023

Mini

Arrived prior to our 10am pick up on 14/6/23 and were told there was no booking. When I showed the confirmation email, I was told that the booking had been cancelled, in spite of it being booked 10 days earlier and the email had said accepted by Eurocar. Had to quickly look around other car rental companies and had to settle for a more expensive older car that we had to walk much further from hotel to pick up and return. Not sure who was at fault her, Kayak, Expedia or Eurocar but will have to seriously re-consider whether I'll use any of these companies going forward.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

5.3

Fair

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Cairns

from$43/day

Locations in Cairns

37-41 Sheridan Street

+61 7 4249 3331

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

Terminal Building

+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

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

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Cairns Square, Corner Shield & Abbott Street

+61 740 334 800

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

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