The easiest way to book a car hire in Cairns
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Great value rental cars from Cairns’ most trusted car hire providers
Compare car rental rates in Cairns
Cairns is one of the main gateways to Tropical North Queensland, so many travellers hire a car here for arrivals at Cairns Airport, city stays, and longer self-drive holidays. A rental car can make it easier to get around Cairns and explore more of the surrounding region on your own schedule.
Before you book, think about where you want to collect the car, how much luggage space you need, and how far you plan to drive. A smaller car may suit shorter local trips, while a larger vehicle can be a better fit for families, extra gear, or longer road trips.
Standard Car
View offerTravel 19 Apr - 22 Apr 2026
from AUD $22/day
Compact SUV
View offerTravel 16 Apr - 19 Apr 2026
from AUD $22/day
Standard SUV
View offerTravel 18 Apr - 21 Apr 2026
from AUD $22/day
Compact Car
View offerTravel 18 Apr - 21 Apr 2026
from AUD $22/day
Intermediate SUV
View offerTravel 19 Apr - 22 Apr 2026
from AUD $36/day
Economy Car
View offerTravel 18 Apr - 21 Apr 2026
from AUD $36/day
Intermediate Car
View offerTravel 18 Apr - 23 Apr 2026
from AUD $45/day
Standard Crossover
View offerTravel 16 Apr - 19 Apr 2026
from AUD $50/day
Economy SUV
View offerTravel 19 Apr - 22 Apr 2026
from AUD $54/day
Showing 9 of 23 offers
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on April 13, 2026 by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, for the specified travel dates, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates. Rates include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 13 April, 2026
When is the best time to book a car hire in Cairns
Tips for saving on rental cars in Cairns, Queensland
Best time to book a hire car in Cairns
Booking your Cairns car hire in advance is the best way to secure competitive rates. As with other popular Australian destinations, rental car prices in Cairns tend to rise as demand increases — especially during peak tourist periods. For the best prices, it’s wise to book your hire car in Cairns at least a few weeks ahead of your travel date.
Leaving your booking until the last minute, particularly during holidays or school breaks, can result in limited availability and higher daily car rental rates.
Cairns weather and tourist seasons
Cairns has a tropical climate with two primary seasons:
Wet season: November to March (hot, humid, and rainy)
Dry season: April to October (cooler and drier)
Although the dry season is the most popular time to visit due to its pleasant weather, the wet season has its own appeal, being the prime time to enjoy the surrounding rainforests (including the world-famous Daintree Rainforest and some spectacular waterfalls.
Visitors should also be aware that marine stingers (jellyfish) are present in the ocean from November to May. Swimming is still possible during this period, but stinger nets and protective swimwear are recommended.
On the other hand, whale watching season in Cairns runs from May to September, offering a chance to see magnificent humpback whales frolicking offshore.
Key travel periods to plan around
April to October: Peak tourism season — book early
School holidays, Easter, long weekends: High demand and prices
Christmas–New Year period: Second major peak season — book well in advance
How to find cheaper car hire in Cairns
1. Avoid airport pickups when possible
While it’s convenient to pick up a car directly at Cairns Airport (CNS), you’ll usually pay more for the convenience. Airport rental locations are considered premium pickup points across Australia, and this designation is reflected in car hire prices.
2. Consider off-airport rental depots
You can often find better deals by renting from an off-airport car hire provider in Cairns. These typically offer a free shuttle service from the airport to their depot. It adds a bit of extra time, but the cost savings can be significant.
3. Look at suburban or city-centre locations
The most affordable option may be to book your rental car from a suburban or inner-city Cairns location. While these don’t usually offer transfers from the airport, they can offer the lowest base rates — especially if you’re already staying nearby.
VroomVroomVroom compares prices from a wide range of Cairns car rental providers, including on-airport, off-airport, and city depots. Whether you’re looking for a budget hatchback, a family SUV, or a 4WD for exploring the Tablelands, we help you find the right car at the right price.
Quick facts on hiring a car in Cairns
| 🚗 Vehicle types | Car, Commercial Van/Truck, Crossover, Passenger Van, Pick up (double cab), Pick up (single/extended cab), SUV, Sport and Wagon/Estate. |
|---|---|
| 🔑 No. of depots | 14 car rental depots in Cairns. |
| ✅ Rental brands | Avis, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget, Dollar, East Coast, Europcar, Everything Fleet, Hertz, Redspot, Sixt and Thrifty. |
YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY
Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think
- 08 Apr 2026kathryn p.Booked: Compact SUVCairns Airport
- 27 Jan 2026sue o.Booked: Toyota Corolla Hybrid or similarCairns
- 09 Jan 2026pathirage wijitha p.Booked: Standard SUVCairns Airport
- 09 Jan 2026trevor p.Booked: Compact SUVCairns Airport
- 06 Jan 2026sienna s.Booked: Mg Zs or similarCairns
- 04 Jan 2026chris b.Booked: Compact SUVCairns Airport
- 22 Mar 2026rose a.Booked: Standard SUVHobart Airport
- 17 Feb 2026joshua t.Booked: Toyota Corolla or similarCairns International Airport
We ask users of our booking service to review it after they've completed their reservation. We present a selection of reviews on this page. Our review scores are calculated by averaging the scores of all the reviews that we collect. We don't publish reviews that violate our guidelines. To learn more about guidelines and our reviews generally, visit Terms and Conditions.
Learn more about our reviews.
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Car rental models commonly available in Cairns
Popular rental car models in Cairns last month
- % of BookingsModelPrice range last monthProviders
1
22%
$23$93Compact SUVCompact SUV
5
4
2 large, 2 small
Rent withBargain Car Rentals
2
21%
$45$51
Toyota Corolla HybridCompact Car
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Rent withEast Coast, Thrifty, Redspot
3
12%
$24$82StandardStandard Car
5
4
1 large, 2 small
Rent withBargain Car Rentals
4
10%
$36$92Compact AutomaticCompact Car
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Rent withBargain Car Rentals
5
5%
$43$43
MG Core 3Economy Car
5
2
1 small
Rent withRedspot
Audi vehicles for hire in Cairns
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Sportback
5
4
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Audi Q5
5
4
3 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Audi SQ5
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Ford vehicles for hire in Cairns
Ford Everest
7
4
4 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Ford Everest Platinum
7
4
4 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Ford Mustang GT
2
2
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Ford Ranger
5
5
3 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Honda vehicles for hire in Cairns
Honda Crv
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Hyundai vehicles for hire in Cairns
Hyundai I30Hybrid
5
4
2 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Hyundai i30 HybridHybrid
5
4
1 small
ProvidersRedspot
Hyundai Kona
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Hyundai Staria
8
5
2 small
ProvidersBudget
Isuzu vehicles for hire in Cairns
Isuzu FRR 500
2
5
ProvidersBudget
Isuzu Ftr 900
3
5
ProvidersBudget
Kia vehicles for hire in Cairns
Kia Carnival
8
5
4 small
ProvidersAvis, East Coast, Thrifty, Sixt, Hertz
Kia Cerato
5
4
1 small
ProvidersBudget
Kia K4
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar, Sixt
Kia Picanto
5
5
2 small
ProvidersEast Coast
Kia Sportage
5
5
4 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz
Kia Stonic
5
5
1 small
ProvidersBudget
Land Rover vehicles for hire in Cairns
Land Rover Defender
7
4
3 large, 2 small
ProvidersHertz
LDV vehicles for hire in Cairns
LDV D90
7
5
3 large, 2 small
ProvidersEast Coast
LDV Deliver 9 Automatic (or similar)
12
4
10 large, 3 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Mazda vehicles for hire in Cairns
Mazda CX-3
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Mazda CX-30
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Mazda Cx3
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Mazda CX3
5
5
1 small
ProvidersRedspot, Sixt
Mazda Cx5
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Mazda CX5
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Mercedes vehicles for hire in Cairns
Mercedes-Benz 313 Mwb High Roof Sprinter
3
5
ProvidersBudget
MG vehicles for hire in Cairns
MG 3
5
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersEast Coast
Mg 3 Core
5
4
2 small
ProvidersEuropcar
MG Core 3
5
3
1 small
ProvidersRedspot
Mg Hs
5
5
3 large, 2 small
ProvidersEast Coast
MG HS Vibe
5
5
2 small
ProvidersRedspot
Mg Zs
5
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersEast Coast
Mitsubishi vehicles for hire in Cairns
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersSixt
Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab with Tonneau Cover (or similar)
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Polestar vehicles for hire in Cairns
Polestar 2Electric
5
4
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Skoda vehicles for hire in Cairns
Skoda Scala Select
5
4
1 small
ProvidersRedspot
Subaru vehicles for hire in Cairns
Subaru Crosstrek
5
2
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Subaru Outback
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Suzuki vehicles for hire in Cairns
Suzuki Swift
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Toyota vehicles for hire in Cairns
12 Seat Toyota HiAce
12
4
ProvidersHertz
Premium 4WD - Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series
7
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Toyota C-HR
5
5
3 small
ProvidersAvis
Toyota CamryHybrid
5
4
2 small
ProvidersBudget, Hertz
Toyota Camry HybridHybrid
5
4
4 small
ProvidersAvis, Hertz, East Coast
Toyota CH-R
5
5
3 small
ProvidersAvis
Toyota Coaster 22 Seater
22
5
ProvidersBudget
Toyota Commuter
12
4
6 large, 4 small
ProvidersEast Coast, Budget
Toyota Corolla
5
4
3 small
ProvidersAvis, Thrifty, Hertz, Redspot, East Coast
Toyota Corolla Ascent
5
4
2 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Toyota Corolla Hatch
5
5
2 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget
Toyota Corolla Hatch HybridHybrid
5
5
1 large, 2 small
ProvidersSixt
Toyota Corolla HybridHybrid
5
4
1 large, 2 small
ProvidersEast Coast, Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar
Toyota Fortuner
5
5
3 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Toyota Hilux
5
4
ProvidersBudget
Toyota Hilux Dual Cab Tray (or similar)
2
4
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Toyota Hilux Dual Cab Tray Mine Spec (or similar)
2
4
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Toyota Hilux UTE 2WD
2
2
ProvidersThrifty
Toyota Kluger
5
5
4 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar
Toyota Kluger HybridHybrid
7
4
3 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Toyota Landcruiser Prado
7
4
3 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Toyota Prado
5
5
4 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget, Europcar
Toyota RAV4
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersSixt
Toyota Rav4 HybridHybrid
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar, East Coast
Toyota RAV4 HybridHybrid
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersHertz, Sixt
Toyota Yaris Cross
5
5
2 small
ProvidersSixt
Toyota Yaris Cross HybridHybrid
5
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersEast Coast, Europcar, Sixt
Showing 10 of 27 vehicles
Volkswagen vehicles for hire in Cairns
Volkswagen Polo
5
5
1 small
ProvidersRedspot
Other vehicles for hire in Cairns
6 Cubic Metre Van
2
4
ProvidersThrifty
8 Cubic Metre Van
2
2
ProvidersThrifty
8 Seat Van
8
5
5 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Compact Automatic
5
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Compact SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Large SUV
7
4
2 large, 3 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Luxury Compact SUV
5
5
1 large, 2 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Luxury Standard SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Mine Equip 4WD Dual Cab
5
4
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Mystery Car
4
4
ProvidersBudget, Redspot, Europcar, Hertz
Standard
5
4
1 large, 2 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Standard HybridHybrid
5
4
1 large, 2 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Standard SUV
5
5
2 large, 3 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Standard SUV HybridHybrid
5
4
2 large, 3 small
ProvidersBargain Car Rentals
Showing 10 of 14 vehicles
The price range indicates the AUD per-day rental rates from bookings made using our search engine, excluding any extras, in most cases. While we make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and reliable data, the data is provided ‘as is’ and errors or other defects may occur. For more information, click here: Terms and Conditions.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 13 April, 2026
Cairns Airport car hire
Are you flying into Cairns?
Consider collecting your vehicle from the airport. We work with a range of car hire providers at Cairns Airport (CNS).
Regional airports near Cairns
Local expert tips for hiring a car in Cairns
Don’t miss out
Cairns can be a popular destination to hire a car, so to avoid missing out, consider booking your vehicle in advance across the peak Summer season.
Parking might not be free
Paid on-street parking (AUD$1.60/hr) is between 8:30 am and 6 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.
Flexible one-way car rentals
Planning to get a one-way car rental for an interstate trip? You can book a hire car in Cairns and return it to another location. Just untick the “Return to the same location” option in our search form and select your preferred return location.
Save on fuel cost
It’s important to return your hire car with a full tank of fuel to avoid extra fees. With so many service stations in Cairns, it can be hard to know where to find the best deal on petrol. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our free fuel price comparison app.
Driving in Cairns
Cairns prides itself on its cycling culture, so be an aware driver and allow cyclists plenty of space. Likewise, when driving outside of downtown Cairns, keep an eye out for wildlife, including kangaroos, as they’re known to stray onto the road.
Road trips from Cairns
From breathtaking beaches and rugged mountains to eucalyptus forests and vivid wildlife, you’ll never run out of destinations to drive to from Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef is a well-known highlight, but don’t miss the lava tunnels at Undara Volcanic National Park.
Car rental depots in Cairns
Find a convenient car hire depot on the map below.
Avis Cairns City
View details4.5 (3)Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–12:00153 Lake Street, Queensland
Bargain Car Rentals Cairns Airport
View details4.0 (45)Mon–Fri 07:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–17:00410 Sheridan St, Queensland
Budget Cairns
View details4.7 (17)Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–12:00153 Lake St, Queensland
Dollar Cairns Central
View details4.3 (3)Mon–Sun 08:00–15:00147 Lake St, Queensland
Dollar Cairns City
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 7:30–15:00, Sat–Sun 8:00–12:00Cairns Square Shopping Center, Queensland
Dollar Cairns Dt
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 07:30–15:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–12:00Cairns Square, Abbott St, Cairns, Queensland
East Coast Cairns
View details4.6 (53)Mon–Fri 07:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–19:00411 Sheridan St, Queensland
Europcar Cairns City
View details4.9 (3)Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–12:00Shop 14 / 56-60 Abbott St, Queensland
Everything Fleet Cairns Airport
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 07:00–22:00462 - 464 Sheridan Street, Queensland
Hertz Cairns Downtown
View details4.9 (3)Mon–Thu 07:30–15:00, Sat–Sun 07:30–15:00, Fri 07:00–15:00Cairns Square, Abbott St, Queensland
Redspot Cairns
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 07:00–16:00, Sat–Sun 07:00–12:3037-41 Sheridan Street, Cairns City,, Queensland
Sixt Cairns City
View details4.9 (7)Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00, Sat–Sun ClosedCnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets, Queensland
Thrifty Cairns Central
View details4.2 (30)Mon–Sun 08:00–15:00147 Lake St, Queensland
Thrifty Cairns Downtown
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 07:30–15:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–12:00Cairns Square, Abbott St, Cairns, Queensland
Nearby Cairns
If you’re looking for a rental car depot that is close to — but not at — Cairns, here’s a selection of hire car depots to choose from.
Frequently asked questions
On hiring a car in Cairns, Queensland
How much does it cost to hire a car in Cairns?
Prices start at AUD $22 per day for a Compact Car, up to AUD $351 per day for a Fullsize SUV. Get a live rate for your planned dates and desired vehicle in Cairns.
How much does it cost to hire an Electric Car in Cairns?
If you prefer to plug your car in rather than fill it up, an Electric Car costs AUD $70 per day. Enter your car hire dates and find a live rate for your desired Electric Car in Cairns.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in Cairns?
If you’ve got a crowd, but don’t need something as large as a bus, then a 7-seater or 8-seater Minivan hire might be your best option. A Minivan costs between AUD $110 and AUD $289 per day. Check for a live rate by entering your desired car hire dates in Cairns.
What is the highest-rated hire car in Cairns?
The highest-rated rental car in Cairns is Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.
What is the highest-rated car hire provider in Cairns?
Sixt is the highest-rated car hire provider in Cairns, based on ratings by our customers.
Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental in Cairns?
The per-day rates of some rental cars may fall if you book for a longer rental period. Prices often change around daily, three-day, five-day and seven-day periods. Also, note that the selection of rental cars available in Cairns may be more limited if you are looking for a long-term car rental, so it’s best to compare a few different booking durations first.
Will my rental car in Cairns come with unlimited kms?
Most rental cars on our website will come with unlimited kilometres in Cairns unless stated otherwise. You can check this once you have completed a search and are shown the available hire cars, as you’ll be able to see if the car you are looking to book has any restrictions when it comes to kilometres.
Can I drive off-road if I pick up a hire car in Cairns?
The providers we partner with do not allow their hire cars to be driven off-road. In Far North Queensland you may come across quite a few dirt roads that are considered non-gazetted. If you drive a hire car on a non-gazetted road you may void the car hire contract between you and the car rental provider. If you are unsure which roads would be considered non-gazetted, please contact our customer care team who will enquire with the car rental provider on your behalf.
Can I take my rental car to the Daintree Rainforest?
Yes, you can drive your hire car to the Daintree Rainforest. Driving is a good option there as you’ll be able to enjoy the coastal scenery along the way. Be sure to drive on gazetted roads only.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
