Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Cairns - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Cairns
Cairns
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cairns
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cairns
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cairns
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Cairns?
Cairns is a vibrant city, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, offering a blend of natural wonders and urban attractions. While tours and public transport are available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Access to Natural Wonders. The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest are easily accessible by car, allowing you to explore these iconic destinations without relying on guided tours.
Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car provides the flexibility to visit attractions on your own schedule, making it ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting to explore beyond the city limits.
Cost-Effective Exploration. For longer trips and multiple destinations, renting a car can be more budget-friendly than paying for individual tours or transfers.
Travel at Your Own Pace. Public transport follows fixed routes and timetables, but with a rental car, you can go where you want, when you want. Whether it's a scenic coastal drive or a spontaneous day trip, you have full control over your itinerary.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Cairns
Before booking a rental car in Cairns, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, hold a valid driver's licence, and understand the rental agreement's terms. These include insurance coverage, deposit policies, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 52 square kilometres (20 square miles)
Population
Approximately 160,000 residents
Time Zone
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), UTC+10
Ideal for
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Cairns require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25. Check the specific rental provider's policy.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. Always carry your licence during rentals.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, with options for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is held on a credit card and refunded upon safe vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS units or child seats. Confirm all potential costs beforehand.
Car Rental Prices in Cairns – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Cairns?
To book a car in Cairns, compare prices, select a suitable vehicle, and review rental terms. Book early to secure the best rates, particularly during peak seasons. Ensure you have all required documents ready for pickup.
1. Compare Prices - Use car rental comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the outback.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Cairns
Cairns is a dynamic city renowned for its access to the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests. Understanding traffic, parking, and refuelling is essential for stress-free driving, especially when exploring beyond the city.
Cairns is a premier destination offering a unique blend of natural attractions and urban amenities. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, it provides diverse experiences for every traveller. While public transportation is available, renting a car allows greater freedom to explore the surrounding areas. However, driving in Cairns requires awareness of local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Great Barrier Reef
Explore the world's largest coral reef system with snorkelling, diving, and boat tours.
Daintree Rainforest
Discover ancient rainforest landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife encounters.
Cairns Esplanade
Enjoy waterfront views, swimming lagoons, and dining options along the Esplanade.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use secure parking facilities like Cairns Central or Lake Street parking for city parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but limited, especially in central areas. Check time limits and fees.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport to avoid congestion and parking costs.
Gas Stations in Cairns
Major Brands Available
Find petrol stations from major brands such as BP, Shell, and Caltex throughout Cairns and its suburbs.
Fuel Availability
Fuel stations are readily available, but it's wise to refuel before heading out on longer journeys to remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps can help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cairns
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and some attractions using contactless bank cards for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert, especially in tourist areas, where pedestrian and bicycle traffic is high.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours to minimise congestion, particularly on roads leading in and out of the city.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially when heading out for nature trips and rainforest hikes.
Key Transportation Hubs in Cairns
Major Bus Stations
Cairns City Bus Station
Located in the heart of Cairns, it serves as the central hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Cairns Central Railway Station
Provides train services to destinations south of Cairns, including Brisbane.
Airports
Cairns Airport (CNS)
Located approximately 7 kilometres (4 miles) north of central Cairns, it serves both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Cairns?
Renting a car in Australia is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before getting behind the wheel. Here's what you'll typically need:
If you're from Australia, your standard driver's licence is sufficient. International visitors can generally use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, provided it's in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may prefer or exclusively accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Cairns as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, good vibes
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 04.10.2024
Summer in Cairns was unforgettable! So much freedom exploring with our rental car.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 21.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 27.12.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 08.11.2024
Relaxing, really nice.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.07.2025
Cairns was amazing! Exploring the Great Barrier Reef was a highlight, and having a car made getting around so easy. The only downside was the slightly underwhelming city centre – not as vibrant as I'd hoped.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 24.07.2025