Car hire at Cairns Airport

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire at Cairns airport

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Mini car
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Economy car
Economy
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Compact car
Compact
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Standard car
Standard
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Full-size car
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Luxury car
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People carrier car
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Passenger van car
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Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Cairns Airport car hire

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

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

You should book your car hire in Cairns Airport around 90 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in Cairns Airport?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Cairns Airport are Alamo (8.7, 20 reviews), JUCY (10.0), and Ace Rental Cars (10.0, 1 review).
Alamo
Alamo
Rated 8.7/10
JUCY
JUCY
Rated 10.0/10
Ace Rental Cars
Ace Rental Cars
Rated 10.0/10
MINI Car Rentals
MINI Car Rentals
Rated 10.0/10

What is the most popular car to hire in Cairns Airport?

Compact cars (MG HS or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in Cairns Airport. Compact cars in Cairns Airport cost R935/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as R766/day.

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

The cheapest month to hire a car in Cairns Airport is November at an average cost of R463/day. April is the most expensive month to hire a car in Cairns Airport when prices are R836/day on average, which tends to be 2 358% above the yearly average hire price for Cairns Airport.

Which car hire company in Cairns Airport has the most locations?

JUCY and Sunnycars operate 3 locations each in Cairns Airport, more than any other car hire company.
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Top tips for hiring a car at Cairns airport

  • 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.
  • Book your car hire at Cairns airport at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about hiring a car at Cairns airport

  • 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.  

  • 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 Ace Rental Cars, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, JUCY , and keddy by Europcar.

Cairns Airport car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

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

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
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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
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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

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55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

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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
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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

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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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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

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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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No reviews 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

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
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Terminal building, Cairns

+61 7 4033 9800

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday07:30 - 18:00
Sunday07:30 - 18:00
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Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

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

1 out of 3

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

Show locations

Locations in Cairns Airport

396 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, Qld

+61 740 532 896

Opening times not available

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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

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 Airport

Locations in Cairns Airport

410, Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

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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

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

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

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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, Sept 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

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

Locations in Cairns Airport

Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9088

Opening times not available

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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

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

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

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

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

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

One location in Cairns Airport

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

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

6,0

Okay

Read 1 review

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

keddy by Europcar

4,0

Mediocre

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

4.0

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

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Sian, Jun 2025

Compact SUV

KAYAK
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

Read 1 review

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

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

Monday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Wednesday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Thursday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Friday00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Saturday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Sunday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30

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

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

Car rental locations at Cairns Airport

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