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 a rental car in Cairns Airport?
You should book your rental car in Cairns Airport around 90 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular rental car in Cairns Airport?
Hires in the Small category (MG 3 or similar) are the most popular option in Cairns Airport, costing ₹ 4,801/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as ₹ 4,626/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 ₹ 2,472/day. April is the most expensive month to hire a car in Cairns Airport when prices are ₹ 4,469/day on average, which tends to be 37% above the yearly average hire price for Cairns Airport.
Which car hire company in Cairns Airport has the most locations?
Sunnycars operates 3 locations in Cairns Airport, more than any other car hire company.
Cairns Airport car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Cairns Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Small cars
₹ 2,440 - ₹ 5,197
All Car Types
₹ 4,653 - ₹ 8,055
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Cairns Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Cairns Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Cairns Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Cairns Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Cairns Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Cairns Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Cairns Airport?
Small car hire in Cairns Airport typically costs around ₹ 3,457 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average ₹ 2,440 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 45% cheaper than the average car hire in Cairns Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Cairns Airport typically costs around ₹ 5,251 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average ₹ 3,494 per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 16% cheaper than the average car hire in Cairns Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Cairns Airport typically costs around ₹ 7,491 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average ₹ 4,563 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in Cairns Airport but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in Cairns Airport typically costs around ₹ 5,288 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average ₹ 3,952 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 15% cheaper than the average car hire in Cairns Airport, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Cairns Airport typically costs around ₹ 10,469 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average ₹ 7,511 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 41% more expensive than the average car hire in Cairns Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Cairns Airport typically costs around ₹ 9,777 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 4,278 per day, which is about 57% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in Cairns Airport but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Cairns Airport typically costs around ₹ 6,571 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average ₹ 4,532 per day, which is about 32% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 6% more expensive than the average car hire in Cairns Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
East Coast Car Rentals
Medium
₹ 5,010/day
₹ 4,626/day
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.
25% of our users found a car hire at Cairns airport for ₹ 4,626 or less
Book your car hire at Cairns airport at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about renting 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.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Cairns airport?
On average a rental car at Cairns airport costs ₹ 5,010 per day.
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.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2021
Friendly helpful staff with good local advice.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2021
Great service indeed!
1 out of 5
Bargain Car Rentals
8.7
Very Good
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
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Full-size SUV
They describe themselves as being at the cairns airport. They are not at the airport.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2023
Intermediate
More shuttle bus would be prefect
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Nov 2022
Pickup from airport took a long time and the process was awkward
Budget
8.1
Very Good
Cleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
7.1
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
Terminal Building
+61 7 4033 9777
Monday
07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:59
Thursday
07:00 - 23:59
Friday
07:00 - 23:59
Saturday
07:00 - 23:59
Sunday
07:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
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, Sept 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).
Europcar
8.0
Very Good
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
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Matt & Debbie, Jul 2024
Compact
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
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
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.
East Coast Car Rentals
7.5
Good
Cheapest deal
Most popular
Cleanliness
9.7
Comfort
9.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
8.2
One location in Cairns Airport
from₹ 4,626/day
Locations in Cairns Airport
411 Sheridan Street, Cairns
+61 1800 028 881
Monday
07:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 20:00
Thursday
07:00 - 20:00
Friday
07:00 - 20:00
Saturday
08:00 - 19:00
Sunday
08:00 - 19:00
Filters
No reviews available
Hertz
7.0
Good
Cleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.0
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
Airport Ave
+61 7 4038 9990
Monday
06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:30
Thursday
06:00 - 23:30
Friday
06:00 - 23:30
Saturday
06:00 - 23:30
Sunday
06:00 - 23:30
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Economy
Loved the car
Thrifty
6.6
Okay
Cleanliness
6.6
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.6
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
Airport Ave
+61 7 4038 9990
Monday
06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:30
Thursday
06:00 - 23:30
Friday
06:00 - 23:30
Saturday
06:00 - 23:30
Sunday
06:00 - 23:30
Filters
No reviews available
Avis
6.0
Okay
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
Monday
07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:59
Thursday
07:00 - 23:59
Friday
07:00 - 23:59
Saturday
07:00 - 23:59
Sunday
07:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
4.0
Mediocre
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
Monday
08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 23:30
Thursday
08:00 - 23:30
Friday
08:00 - 23:30
Saturday
08:00 - 23:30
Sunday
08:00 - 23:30
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Sian, Jun 2025
Compact SUV
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
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 7 4038 9990
Monday
06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:30
Thursday
06:00 - 23:30
Friday
06:00 - 23:30
Saturday
06:00 - 23:30
Sunday
06:00 - 23:30
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Rob, Jul 2024
Passenger van
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
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
Filters
No reviews available
EverythingFleet
8.7
Very Good
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
462 Sheridan Street
+61 7 2103 3982
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
National
4.0
Mediocre
2 locations in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
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 - 21:00
Sunday
07:00 - 21:00
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 - 21:00
Sunday
07:00 - 21:00
Filters
No reviews available
CalAuto
8.0
Very Good
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
55 Dutton 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 Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
404 Sheridan Street
Opening times not available
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
Bargain Rental Cars
No score available yet
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
FlexWays
No score available yet
2 locations in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
Beaufort Street, Cairns International Airport, Aeroglen
Opening times not available
Rapide Court, Cairns Domestic Airport, Aeroglen
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
Ace
No score available yet
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
147 Lake Street
61-7-4041-0895
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
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
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 - 21:00
Sunday
07:00 - 21:00
Filters
No reviews available
Payless
No score available yet
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
Cairns Airport
Monday
04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Tuesday
00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Wednesday
04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Thursday
04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 01:30
Friday
00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 01:3004:30 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Routes Car & Truck Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Cairns Airport
Locations in Cairns Airport
Terminal Building
Monday
08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 23:30
Thursday
08:00 - 23:30
Friday
08:00 - 23:30
Saturday
08:00 - 23:30
Sunday
08:00 - 23:30
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
105 travellers who rented a car in Cairns Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.2
KAYAK and its partners wish to use cookies or similar technologies to store and/or access information on and about your device and process personal data such as your IP address, device identifiers etc., in order to improve your experience on the site, to analyse navigation, to offer and measure personalised advertising, and to facilitate sharing on social networks. We also allow the use of third-party cookies (including those from our advertising partners) on our sites.
By clicking 'Accept', you consent to your data being processed by 0 vendors on this web site for the purposes described in this notice. You can review the vendors and their individual processing purposes on the .
To review individual processing purposes and cookie categories, please click ’Select individual purposes’. You can review your choices and withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the ’Privacy Preferences’ link in the page side navigation.
