Great value rental cars from Cairns’ most trusted car hire providers
From $39/day
for 18 May - 21 May 2025
From $42/day
for 20 May - 25 May 2025
From $43/day
for 18 May - 21 May 2025
From $46/day
for 20 May - 25 May 2025
From $47/day
for 20 May - 25 May 2025
From $50/day
for 20 May - 25 May 2025Showing 6 of 23 offers
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on May 15, 2025 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 15 May, 2025
Tips for saving on rental cars in Cairns, Queensland
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
| 🚗 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 | Ten car rental depots in Cairns. |
| ✅ Rental brands | Avis, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget, Dollar, East Coast, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty. |
Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think
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.
Unlock Australia with car hire made simple
VroomVroomVroom makes comparing car hire quick and easy, getting you great rates from Australia’s leading rental suppliers, including Avis, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget, East Coast, Enterprise, Hertz, No Birds, and Sixt.
Search, book, drive.
Secure the perfect ride in 2 minutes.
Car rental experts
A friendly customer care team who are here to help
Not just Australia
Find a car in 190+ countries, including Canada, New Zealand, UK, and USA
1
13%
Toyota CorollaIntermediate Car
5
4
1 large, 2 small
East Coast, Thrifty
2
12%
Standard SUVStandard SUV
5
5
2 large, 3 small
Bargain Car Rentals
3
10%
Compact SUVCompact SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Bargain Car Rentals
4
7%
Compact AutomaticCompact Car
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Bargain Car Rentals
5
7%
Mystery CarSpecial
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Enterprise, Budget
Audi Q2
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Hertz
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Sportback
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Hertz
Audi Q5
5
4
3 large, 1 small
Hertz
Audi Q7
7
4
3 large, 2 small
Hertz
Ford Everest
7
4
4 small
Europcar
Ford Everest Trend
5
4
4 small
Europcar
Ford Ranger
5
5
3 large, 2 small
Thrifty, Hertz
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
5
4
3 small
Europcar
Honda Hr-v Vi-x
4
5
1 large, 1 small
East Coast
Hyundai i30
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Thrifty, Hertz
Hyundai Staria
8
5
2 small
Budget
Kia Carnival
8
4
3 small
Europcar, East Coast, Sixt, Thrifty, Hertz, Avis
Kia Cerato
5
5
2 small
Budget, Europcar
Kia Picanto
5
5
2 small
East Coast
Kia Sportage
5
5
4 small
Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz
Kia Stonic
5
5
1 small
Budget
LDV D90
7
5
3 large, 2 small
East Coast
LDV Deliver 9 Automatic (or similar)
12
4
10 large, 3 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Mazda CX-3
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Enterprise, Hertz
Mazda CX-30
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Thrifty, Hertz
Mazda CX-9
7
4
2 large, 2 small
Thrifty, Hertz
Mazda Cx3
5
4
3 small
Europcar
Mazda CX3
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Sixt
Mazda CX5
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Thrifty, Hertz
MG 3
5
4
2 small
Enterprise, East Coast
Mg 3 Core
5
4
2 small
Europcar
Mg Hs
5
5
3 large, 2 small
East Coast
MG HS
5
4
1 large, 2 small
Enterprise
Mg Zs
5
5
1 large, 1 small
East Coast
Mg Zs Excite
5
4
2 small
Europcar
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Sixt
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX
5
5
3 large, 2 small
Thrifty, Hertz
Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab with Tonneau Cover (or similar)
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Polestar 2Electric
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Hertz
Skoda Scala
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Enterprise
Subaru Crosstrek
5
2
3 small
Europcar
Subaru Forester
5
4
3 small
Europcar
Subaru Outback
5
4
3 small
Europcar
Suzuki Swift
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Thrifty, Hertz, Avis, Budget
Tesla Model Y ElectricElectric
5
4
3 small
Avis
Premium 4WD - Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series
7
5
1 large, 1 small
Thrifty, Hertz
Toyota C-HR
5
5
3 small
Avis
Toyota Camry
5
4
4 small
Avis, Budget, Hertz
Toyota Camry HybridHybrid
5
4
4 small
Avis, Hertz
Toyota Commuter
12
4
6 large, 4 small
East Coast
Toyota Corolla
5
4
3 small
Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, East Coast, Thrifty
Toyota Corolla Hatch
5
5
2 small
Avis
Toyota Corolla Hatch HybridHybrid
5
5
1 large, 2 small
Sixt
Toyota Corolla HybridHybrid
5
4
3 small
Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz, East Coast
Toyota Hilux
5
4
Enterprise
Toyota Hilux Dual Cab Tray (or similar)
2
4
Bargain Car Rentals
Toyota Hilux Dual Cab Tray Mine Spec (or similar)
2
4
Bargain Car Rentals
Toyota Hilux Rogue 4x4 D/cab Auto 4wd
5
4
3 small
Europcar
Toyota Kluger
5
4
4 small
Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Budget
Toyota Kluger HybridHybrid
5
4
4 small
Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz
Toyota Landcruiser Prado
7
4
3 large, 2 small
Thrifty, Hertz
Toyota Prado
5
5
4 small
Avis, Budget
Toyota RAV4
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Sixt
Toyota Rav4 HybridHybrid
5
4
3 small
Europcar
Toyota RAV4 HybridHybrid
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Hertz, Sixt
Toyota Yaris Cross HybridHybrid
5
4
2 small
Europcar, Sixt, East Coast
Toyota Yaris HybridHybrid
5
4
2 small
Europcar
Volkswagen Polo
5
4
1 large, 2 small
Enterprise
6 Cubic Metre Van
2
4
Thrifty, Hertz
8 Seat Van
8
5
5 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Compact Automatic
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Compact SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Deliver 9 LWB Van (11.97 M3)(or similar)
2
5
Bargain Car Rentals
Large SUV
7
4
2 large, 3 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Luxury Compact SUV
5
5
1 large, 2 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Luxury Standard SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Mine Equip 4WD Dual Cab
5
4
Thrifty, Hertz
Mystery Car
5
4
1 small
Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget
Standard
5
4
1 large, 2 small
Bargain Car Rentals
Standard SUV
5
5
2 large, 3 small
Bargain Car Rentals
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 15 May, 2025
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 hire depots in Cairns City are marked on the map below.
153 Lake Street, Cairns QLD, 4870
Today • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Today •8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4.47 • 3 ratings
410 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD, 4870
Today • 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Today •7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
4.10 • 23 ratings
153 Lake St, Cairns City QLD, 4870
Today • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Today •8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4.62 • 13 ratings
147 Lake St, Cairns QLD, 4870
Today • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Today •8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4.30 • 2 ratings
411 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD, 4870
Today • 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Today •7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
4.63 • 40 ratings
37 - 41 Sheridan Street, Cairns QLD, 4870
Today • 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Today •7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4.81 • 16 ratings
Shop 14 / 56-60 Abbott St, Cairns QLD, 4870
Today • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Today •8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4.80 • 2 ratings
Cairns Square, Abbott St, Cairns City QLD, 4870
Today • 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Today •7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Cnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets, Cairns QLD, 4870
Today • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Today •8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4.83 • 6 ratings
147 Lake St, Cairns QLD, 4870
Today • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Today •8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4.12 • 21 ratings
We ask customers to review the provider's depot experience after they've returned their rental vehicle. The review scores are calculated by averaging the scores of the reviews that we collect. For more information please read our Terms and Conditions.
Learn more about depot reviews.
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.
On hiring a car in Cairns, Queensland
Prices start at AUD $39 per day for an Economy Car, up to AUD $400 per day for a Fullsize SUV. Get a live rate for your planned dates and desired vehicle 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.
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 AUD $79 per day. Check for a live rate by entering your desired car hire dates 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.
Enterprise is the highest-rated car hire provider in Cairns, based on ratings by our customers.
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.
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.
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.
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?
