Where To Rent A Car In Cairns?
If you are looking to explore Cairns and its scenic surroundings, choosing to rent a car can be one of the most exciting ways to experience the tropics. Take the wheel and choose your own adventure through Tropical North Queensland.
To help you begin your self-guided We have put together a list to help you find the best car hire in Cairns. Whether you’re on the hunt for the cheapest car hire in Cairns or a seven-seater car hire for the whole family, there's a wide range of rental cars to choose from.
Where to rent a car in Cairns
Whether you're planning to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, or the Atherton Tablelands while in Cairns, having your own vehicle can enhance your experience. Here are the best and most convenient spots to rent a car from.
| Rental Company | Pick-Up Location | Ideal For | General Price Range | ||
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Avis |
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Travellers arriving by air or staying centrally | Average of $58/day | ||
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Budget |
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Budget-conscious travellers who seek standard vehicles | Average of $138/day | ||
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Europcar |
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Modern, fuel-efficient options | $40/day - $110/day | ||
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Hertz |
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Families or road-trippers who seek comfort and reliability | Average of $54/day | ||
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Thrifty |
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Short term renters seeking flexibility | Average of $68/day | ||
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Dollar |
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Travellers arriving by air who seek broad fleet of vehicle options from an international brand | Average of $66/day | ||
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Redspot |
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Local and value-focused travellers who seek transparent pricing | $90/day - $300/day | ||
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Enterprise |
|
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Average of $60/day | ||
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National Car |
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Business or frequent travellers who seek reliable service and loyalty perks | Average of $58/day | ||
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Alamo |
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Airport visitors or travellers who prefer a major international-brand with a wide variety of vehicle types | Average of $70/day | ||
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Sixt |
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International visitors and one-way hires | $45/day - $78/day | ||
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Cairns Mini Car Rentals |
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Travellers doing a Cairns self-drive tour who prefer a friendly, local operator with pick-up service | Average of $78/day | ||
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Jucy Car Rentals |
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Campervans and motorhomes for extended trips | Average of $79/day | ||
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Rent A Bomb |
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Budget-conscious travellers looking for unbeatable prices | $27/day - $68/day | ||
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A1 Car Rental |
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Locally-owned, full-range service. From small cars and 4WDs to convertibles and people-movers. | $65/day - $190/day (POA for luxury cars) |
Please note: Prices listed are approximate and can vary depending on the season, car type, and length of hire. For the most accurate and up-to-date rates, compare options using our East Coast car hire search tool, or by speaking to one of our friendly booking agents.
Rent a car from Cairns Airport
If you’ve just landed in Cairns and are looking to head right to the nearest beach, creek or swimming hole, you're in luck. You won’t miss a moment if you hire a car from the airport; an experience starting the very moment you land up until your departing flight. Here are the car companies that offer rental services at Cairns Airport.
- Avis - City car rentals, offering a 4WD automatic Prado and a luxury BMW S3.
- Budget - City car rentals, SUV, 7 and 8-seater cars available for hire.
- Europcar - All automatic transmission, 5 seater city cars, 4WD Ute, 8 seater Kia Carnival.
- Hertz - Large selection of vehicles 5 - 8 seater, van and ute hire available.
- Thrifty - Large selection of vehicles 5 - 8 seater, van, ute hire and truck available.
- Dollar - City car rentals and SUVs.
- Redspot - Large selection of vehicles 5 - 8 seater, including Audi, landrover and BMW.
- Enterprise - Standard, compact, SUV and 8-seater vans.
- National Car - Standard, compact, SUV and 8-seater vans.
- Alamo - Standard, compact, SUV and 8-seater vans
- Sixt - Large selection of vehicles, city cars 5 - 8 seater, 4WD Ute’s and 12-seater Toyota.
- Cairns Mini Car Rentals - Large selection of vehicles, hatchbacks, SUVs, 8 seater vans, convertibles.
Rent a car from Cairns CBD
If you've already checked into your accommodation in Cairns CBD, there's no need to go all the way back to the airport to pick up your rental car. Choose from one of these car rental companies based in the city centre.
- Cairns Mini Car Rentals - Also offers car hire from the city. Large selection of vehicles, hatchbacks, SUVs, 8 seater vans, convertibles.
- Jucy Car Rentals - Based in the city centre, these cars-turned-campervans are comfortable, affordable, and functional. Sleeping 2 and seating 4, it's perfect for anyone seeking an adventure.
- Rent A Bomb - Contrary to what the name would have you believe, this is a budget car hire company in Cairns CBD, right near the Esplanade.
- Enterprise - Also based in Cairns city centre, Enterprise offers standard, compact, SUV and 8-seater vans.
- A1 Car Rental - SUVs, convertibles, people movers, city cars, perfect for a solo trip, a romantic getaway, or a family holiday.
Top Cairns Cultural & Indigenous Tours
The cheapest car rentals in Cairns
Pricing for renting a car is always changing, and it can vary depending on the type of car you want and how many days you'd like to rent it for. But generally speaking, these companies offer the cheapest car rental in Cairns, as of June 2025.
- At the top of the list is Cairns Mini Car Rentals. They don't just have small cars, but also hatchbacks, 8 seater mini vans, convertible Mustangs and Mazda's. They even offer free pick up from airport and city accommodation.
- Phone: 07 4051 6288
- Address: 134 Sheridan Street, Cairns City, 4870
- Rent-a-bomb offers a range of quality vehicles at affordable prices and an easy booking process.
- Phone: 07 4031 4477
- Address: 144 Sheridan Street, Cairns QLD, 4870
- Apex car rentals offer spectacular deals! Whether you're travelling to Australia for the ultimate driving holiday, or are a local needing a rental car for business or leisure, Apex has the right rental car for you at the best price.
- Phone: (07) 4053 2896
- Address: Cairns Airport, 396 Sheridan Street, Cairns North 4870
- Another of the best budget car rentals in Cairns is JUCY car hire. They even include a free shuttle bus from Cairns Airport to JUCY Car Rentals, so your transportation is sorted from the moment you arrive in Cairns.
- Phone: +61 9 600 1032
- Address: 55 Dutton Street, Portsmith, QLD 4870
- Bargain Car Rentals direct from Cairns airport will have the perfect vehicle for you and is available for pick up directly from Cairns Airport. There are options for smaller sedans that are perfect for a scenic drive from Cairns to Port Douglas.
- Phone: 07 4015 3284
- Address: 410 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, 4870
The best car hire in Cairns for camping
Choosing a campervan is an important task when you are looking to explore Australia. We’ve selected the best car hire in Cairns for camping, to help you choose your home on wheels.
When in Cairns you are bound to see a Spaceship on the road. And no, we don’t mean the outer space kind! Spaceship Car rentals are silver Toyota Estimas converted into campervans, that kind of look like a spaceship. Explore Australia in a spaceship, with options to sleep 2-4 people.
JUCY offers five campervan models in Australia and three in New Zealand. They all come with fully equipped kitchens, including a fridge, sink, and gas cooker. It comes with all bedding, plus unlimited kilometres and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Wicked Campers offer iconic, premium and mini campers on site, including both AWD and 4WD vehicles. For a great start to your holiday book a Wicked campervan! Here you will find quality, safety, cheap, and perfect campervan offers. Take advantage of the special rates they offer as well as special offers at Wicked Campers.
For more information on campervan rates, compare options using our East Coast car hire search tool, or by speaking to one of our friendly booking agents.
Where can I hire a 7-seater car in Cairns?
In need of a 7-seater car for your family road trip? Planning a big weekend with your group of friends? Or, are you just after that little bit more space? 7-seater cars are also available for hire in Cairns. Browse the following car rental companies for your perfect people carrier: Mini, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Redspot, Enterprise, National Car, Alamo, Sixt, JUCY, and Spaceship.
Is it cheaper to rent a car in Cairns city or at the airport?
Generally speaking, city pick-ups tend to be a little bit cheaper because airport vehicle rental locations can sometimes include additional fees. However, if you’re flying in to Cairns, collecting your car nearby is typically more convenient and may save on taxi transfers to the city.
Are there extra or hidden fees when hiring a car in Cairns?
Like most car rental locations, there are often additional costs such as airport surcharges, young driver fees (drivers under 25), one-way drop-off fees, and optional insurance upgrades. Always be sure to review your rental quote carefully and check whether fuel and tolls are included.
Where can I park in Cairns City Centre?
There are plenty of on-street and off-street parking options across Cairns City Centre. Street parking costs around $2 to $3.50 per hour, and most metered areas tend to be free after 6pm and on Sundays. For longer stays, secure parking lots like Cairns Central Shopping Centre or Lake Street Car Park offer hourly and daily rates.
Can I park overnight at Cairns Airport?
Yes, there are both short-term and long-term parking options in Cairns Airport. Daily rates start around $25–$30 per day, with discounted multi-day passes for extended trips. Make sure to confirm the latest pricing on the official airport website before your trip.
Our team of Cairns locals are here to personalise your time in tropical paradise.
