Car hire at Cairns Airport

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals at Cairns airport

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Hyundai Accent car
Hyundai Accent
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
C$ 20/day
Toyota Auris car
Toyota Auris
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
C$ 22/day
MG 5 car
MG 5
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
C$ 24/day
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
2
2
4-5
C$ 47/day
Kia Carnival car
Kia Carnival
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
C$ 58/day
Class Full-size SUV car
Class Full-size SUV
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
C$ 45/day
MG 3 car
MG 3
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
C$ 20/day
Kia Carnival car
Kia Carnival
or similar VAN
5
2
4-5
C$ 74/day
Class Intermediate SUV car
Class Intermediate SUV
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 17/day
MG HS car
MG HS
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
C$ 26/day
Kia Sportage car
Kia Sportage
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 27/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
C$ 34/day
Kia Sportage car
Kia Sportage
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
C$ 46/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Top tips for renting a car at Cairns airport

  • Explore the freedom that comes with rental cars when you arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS). Whether your budget is limited or not, a car rental is more affordable in the long run than rideshare or taxis. You can always find a rental within your budget due to the many car hire agencies at Cairns Airport. Car rentals have more benefits, like leaving at whatever time and stopping wherever to enjoy scenic views and take pictures. You will lack this freedom with taxis and buses. This makes your adventures more memorable.
  • KAYAK provides a fast and convenient way of acquiring car rentals at Cairns Airport. You don’t have to wait till your arrival to book a rental at the airport. You can visit our website, choose a rental provider from the different agencies on the site, and start browsing your rental options. We have a selection of vehicles you can view and book from the comfort of your living room. Quickly find rentals within your budget using the filter option.
  • Car rentals at Cairns Airport have some travel restrictions you should be familiar with before you drive off with your rental. For instance, car rentals at Cairns Airport cannot enter northern and western Australia. You cannot drive past Cooktown in the north and Georgetown in the west. Also, you cannot go past Normanton in the southern territory. You also cannot use the Bloomfield Track coastal use or go into Stradbroke and Fraser Islands. Most companies restrict driving rentals off the Australian coast.
  • Cairns Airport is one of Australia’s busiest airports. It handles several international flights into the Queensland region. The worst days to fly into the airport are Wednesdays and Fridays. This is when it experiences the highest influx of passengers taking longer to transit. Consider booking flights scheduled to arrive or depart on Saturday and Sunday, the least busy days at Cairns Airport. Moreover, book flights that depart and arrive either in the morning before 10 am or afternoon after 3 pm.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars at Cairns airport for C$ 40 or less
  • Book your rental car at Cairns airport at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price
See more tips

FAQs about renting a car at Cairns airport

  • Which is the most convenient rental car company at Cairns Airport?

    Budget Car Rental is the most convenient car rental company at Cairns Airport. While companies like Enterprise stop operating at 9 pm, Budget continues to operate till 12 am. When you choose Budget as your rental provider, you are guaranteed a rental if you arrive past 9 pm. Moreover, domestic and international travelers don’t have to walk much to get Cairns Airport car rentals. This is because Budget has two counters, one in the international terminal and the other in the domestic terminal.

  • What are the accessibility features offered at Cairns Airport rental car center?

    Cairns Airport rental car center accommodates all needs, including those with limited mobility. This is why the counters are located in an accessible area. Moreover, you can acquire car rentals at Cairns Airport that have been custom-made to your needs. Agencies like Enterprise fit rentals with adaptive driving devices like spinner knobs, hand controls, and left-foot accelerators. The rental lot for pick ups and drop offs also has spaces for renters with limited mobility.

  • What type of documentation is required to rent a car at Cairns Airport?

    Renters must be at least 21 years to qualify for Cairns Airport car rentals. You will pay an extra young driver’s fee if you are below 25 years. You must also hold a driver’s license that has been valid for the past 12 months. Carry a major credit card like American Express and Mastercard or a debit card as payment. Ensure the names on your license match those on your credit card. Acquire an international driver’s license beforehand if your resident-issued license is in a non-Roman alphabet.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car at Cairns airport?

    On average a rental car at Cairns airport costs C$ 52 per day.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company at Cairns airport?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Simba Car Hire (C$ 30/day), Ace Rental Cars (C$ 43/day) and Bargain Car Rentals (C$ 44/day).

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Cairns airport?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Cairns airport to off-airport locations include Europcar, and Thrifty.

See more FAQs

Cairns Airport car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Alamo

8.7

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
View deals

Cairns International Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
View deals

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

B, Jan 2025

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Check in was seamless. Team were friendly.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Everything was hassle free .

1 out of 7

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

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

View deals

55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

View deals

Cairns Off Airport Location

+61 1800 150 850

Monday09:00 - 15:55
Tuesday09:00 - 15:55
Wednesday09:00 - 15:55
Thursday09:00 - 15:55
Friday09:00 - 15:55
Saturday09:00 - 15:55
Sunday09:00 - 15:55
View deals

Filters

No reviews available

Ace Rental Cars

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

147 Lake Street

+61 1800 620 408

Opening times not available

View deals

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4035 9299

Monday08:30 - 15:00
Tuesday08:30 - 15:00
Wednesday08:30 - 15:00
Thursday08:30 - 15:00
Friday08:30 - 15:00
Saturday09:00 - 15:55
Sunday09:00 - 15:55
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Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
N/A

1 out of 1

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

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

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

+1 800 761 8913

Opening times not available

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Filters

No reviews available

Sixt

8.7

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

7.9

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets

+61 7 4051 8099

Monday08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday08:00 - 15:00
Thursday08:00 - 15:00
Friday08:00 - 15:00
View deals

Terminal building, Cairns

+61 7 4033 9800

Monday07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday07:30 - 23:59
Thursday07:30 - 23:59
Friday07:30 - 23:59
Saturday07:30 - 23:59
Sunday07:30 - 23:59
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Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sep 2022

KAYAK
Staff were great and very efficient. Car could have been cleaner

1 out of 3

Apex

8.7

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.6

One location in Cairns Airport

Show locations
fromC$ 40/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

396 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, Qld

+61 740 532 896

Opening times not available

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Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Friendly helpful staff with good local advice.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2021

KAYAK
Great service indeed!

1 out of 4

Bargain Car Rentals

8.7

Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

fromC$ 18/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

410, Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Full-size SUV

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

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
More shuttle bus would be prefect

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Nov 2022

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

Budget

8.3

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

7.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9777

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Supplier choice

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

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sep 2022

KAYAK
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

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff were very pleasant. Drop-off very easy

Europcar

8.0

Most popular

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

7.3

One location in Cairns Airport

fromC$ 55/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9088

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Matt & Debbie, Jul 2024

Compact

KAYAK
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

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Cairns Airport

fromC$ 34/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

432 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Australia

+61 7 4021 2777

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Charlie, Sep 2024

Mini

KAYAK
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

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.6

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 7 4038 9990

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Loved the car

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

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

fromC$ 67/day

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 136139

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Cairns Airport

+61 1300 367 227

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9555

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

Cleanliness

2.0

Comfort

2.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 1800 501 934

Monday06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday06:00 - 23:30
Thursday06:00 - 23:30
Friday06:00 - 23:30
Saturday06:00 - 23:30
Sunday06:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Rob, Jul 2024

Passenger Van

KAYAK
The car I ordered was not available and they didn’t have nothing alike and no money was returned to me

Firefly

9.0

Wonderful

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Airport Ave

+61 740 359 299

Monday04:00 - 23:30
Tuesday04:00 - 23:30
Wednesday04:00 - 23:30
Thursday04:00 - 23:30
Friday04:00 - 23:30
Saturday04:00 - 23:30
Sunday04:00 - 23:30

Filters

No reviews available

National

7.0

Good

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Terminal Buildinairport Avenue

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

CalAuto

8.0

Very good

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

55 Dutton Street

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

6.0

Okay

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 740 349 088

Monday08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday08:00 - 15:00
Thursday08:00 - 15:00
Friday08:00 - 15:00
Saturday08:00 - 15:00
Sunday08:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Bargain Rental Cars

8.0

Very good

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

410 Sheridan St

+61 1300 729 230

Opening times not available

410 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Ace

5.5

Fair

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

147 Lake Street

61-7-4041-0895

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Payless

5.5

Fair

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport

Monday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Tuesday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Friday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Saturday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

Routes Car & Truck Rentals

4.8

Mediocre

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

Monday08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday08:00 - 15:00
Thursday08:00 - 15:00
Friday08:00 - 15:00
Saturday08:00 - 15:00
Sunday08:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

3 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

411 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Airport Ave

Opening times not available

Terminal Building

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Red Spot

No score available yet

2 locations in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport Terminal 1 International

Opening times not available

Cairns Airport Terminal 2 Domestic

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Atlas Car & Truck Rental

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

410 Sheridan Street Cairns, QLD

1800 808 122

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Atlas Choice

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

410 Sheradan Street

1800 808 122

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Autorent Car Rental

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport CNS

+61 7 4041 0895

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Cairns Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

101 travellers who rented a car in Cairns Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.4

Car rental locations at Cairns Airport

Good to know

Most popular agency

Europcar

Most popular car type

Intermediate

Average price

C$ 50/day

Good deal

C$ 39/day

Car Rental CNS: Flying into Cairns airport? Find the cheapest Cairns airport car rental now with KAYAK. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the best rental car deal at Cairns airport.

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