Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Cairns with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Cairns?
You should book your rental car in Cairns around 8 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Cairns?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at East Coast Car Rentals (AED 15.41/day), Bargain Car Rentals (AED 15.67/day) and Simba Car Hire (AED 17.45/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at East Coast Car Rentals 411 Sheridan Street, Cairns (3.5 km from city centre).
What is the most popular rental car in Cairns?
Hires in the Medium category (Toyota Corolla or similar) are the most popular option in Cairns, costing AED 229/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as AED 126/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 AED 118/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Cairns when prices are AED 246/day on average, which tends to be 86% above the yearly average hire price for Cairns.
What car hire company in Cairns has the most locations?
Sunnycars operates 5 locations in Cairns, more than any other car hire company.
Cairns car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Cairns by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
AED 100 - AED 197
All Car Types
AED 216 - AED 379
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Cairns?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Cairns?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Cairns?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Cairns?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Cairns?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Cairns?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Cairns?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Cairns?
Small car rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 129 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average AED 100 per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 53% cheaper than the average rental in Cairns, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 307 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average AED 207 per day which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 12% more expensive than the average rental in Cairns offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 423 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 285 per day which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 36% more expensive than the average rental in Cairns, but offers more comfort for longer trips.
SUV rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 214 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average AED 163 per day which is about 25% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 22% cheaper than the average rental in Cairns, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 435 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average AED 336 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 38% more expensive than the average rental in Cairns, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 289 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average AED 224 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 6% more expensive than the average rental in Cairns, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 367 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 265 per day which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 26% more expensive than the average rental in Cairns, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Cairns typically cost around AED 408 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 231 per day which is about 44% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 34% more expensive than the average rental in Cairns, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Alamo
Small
AED 160/day
AED 142/day
Cairns car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Cairns
theft of rentals are common. do not leave keys in a place where they can get access and park on a secure area where possible.
BJan 2025
SUV is a good choice in Cairns.
JaneJun 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
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Cairns
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 rental cars in Cairns for AED 142 or less
Small rental cars in Cairns are around 23% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Cairns
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 rent a car in Cairns?
On average a rental car in Cairns costs AED 160 per day.
Which car rental companies are at Cairns airport (CNS)?
The only car rental company onsite at Cairns airport is Alamo.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Cairns airport (CNS)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Cairns airport to off-airport locations is Alamo.
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 Small car rental cost in Cairns?
A Small car hire in Cairns costs AED 156 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Cairns?
A Medium car hire in Cairns costs AED 264 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Cairns?
A Large car hire in Cairns costs AED 248 per day, on average.
no fuss or pressure to take out insurance. friendly staff with prompt service. clear instructions and explanations of rental policy.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 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.
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, Sep 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).
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, Jun 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.
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.
Firefly
9.0
Wonderful
4 locations in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
147 Lake St
+61 740 410 895
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
Airport Ave
+61 740 359 299
Monday
04:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
04:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
04:00 - 23:30
Thursday
04:00 - 23:30
Friday
04:00 - 23:30
Saturday
04:00 - 23:30
Sunday
04:00 - 23:30
Cairns Square, Abbott St
+61 740 516 399
Monday
07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:30 - 23:59
Thursday
07:30 - 23:59
Friday
07:30 - 23:59
Saturday
08:00 - 15:00
Sunday
08:00 - 15:00
Cairns Square
+61 7 4046 8701
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Simba Car Hire
8.0
Very Good
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
53 – 57 The Esplanade
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
National
7.0
Good
3 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
Serviced By Redspot Enterprise
+61 740 312 707
Monday
07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:30 - 23:59
Thursday
07:30 - 23:59
Friday
07:30 - 23:59
Saturday
07:30 - 23:59
Sunday
07:30 - 23:59
Terminal Buildinairport Avenue
+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
Britz
7.0
Good
Cleanliness
6.0
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
419 Sheridan Street
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
GREEN MOTION
7.0
Good
Cleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
7.0
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
404 Sheridan Street
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
5 locations in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
147 Lake Street
Opening times not available
411 Sheridan Street
Opening times not available
Airport Ave
Opening times not available
Corner Abbott Street & Shields Street/ Shop 1
Opening times not available
Terminal Building
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Atlas Car & Truck Rental
No score available yet
2 locations in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
410 Sheridan Street Cairns, QLD
1800 808 122
Opening times not available
Shop 1, 51 Sheridan Street, Cairns City, QLD
+61 383 366 100
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Red Spot
No score available yet
2 locations in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
Cairns Airport Terminal 1 International
Opening times not available
Cairns Airport Terminal 2 Domestic
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Ace
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
147 Lake Street
61-7-4041-0895
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Apollo Car Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
Cairns Depot
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Atlas Choice
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
410 Sheradan Street
1800 808 122
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Autorent
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
Cairns Airport CNS
+61 7 4041 0895
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Bargain Rental Cars
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
410 Sheridan Street
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Eagle Rent A Car
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
21 Sheridan Street
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
MIGHTY
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
419 Sheridan Street
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Payless
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
Cairns Airport
Monday
00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Wednesday
04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Thursday
00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Saturday
04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Sunday
00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Routes Car & Truck Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
Cairns Square,Corner Shield & Abbott Street
+61 7 4033 4800
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
00:00 - 00:00
Sunday
00:00 - 00:00
Filters
No reviews available
Shouqi
No score available yet
One location in Cairns
Locations in Cairns
Terminal Building
+86 10 6064 1387
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
127 travellers who rented a car in Cairns gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.2
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