How much does it cost to hire a car in Cairns?

Prices start at AUD $45 per day for a Compact Car, up to AUD $120 per day for a Premium 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 $61 and AUD $228 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.

Beautiful Palm Cove lies just a 30 minute drive north of Cairns.

The easiest way to book a car hire in Cairns

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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), SUV, Sport and Wagon/Estate.
🔑 No. of depots	Ten car rental depots in Cairns.
✅ Rental brands	Avis, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget, Dollar, East Coast, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot, Sixt and Thrifty.

YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY

Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think

Our customers have rated their Cairns car rental booking experience 4.7/5

(773 reviews)

27 Jan 2026
Looked at other sites Vroom, Vroom, Vroom was by far the cheapest.
sue o.
Booked: Toyota Corolla Hybrid or similar
Cairns
09 Jan 2026
Very quick and easy
pathirage wijitha p.
Booked: Standard SUV
Cairns Airport
09 Jan 2026
Easy to use
trevor p.
Booked: Compact SUV
Cairns Airport
06 Jan 2026
As always, booking with Vroom is a pleasure.
sienna s.
Booked: Mg Zs or similar
Cairns
04 Jan 2026
Quick and easy to navigate
chris b.
Booked: Compact SUV
Cairns Airport
02 Dec 2025
Easy to do.
kerri h.
Booked: MG 3 or similar
Cairns
28 Nov 2025
So Easy. Great prices
jodie w.
Booked: Compact Automatic
Cairns Airport
13 Nov 2025
Very simple to complete booking.
lorraine w.
Booked: Compact SUV
Cairns Airport
03 Nov 2025
Fast, easy and lots of models to choose from
chris g.
Booked: Standard SUV
Cairns Airport
31 Oct 2025
Good
sarantis m.
Booked: Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
Cairns
25 Oct 2025
Easy, good comparisons, logical layout - does the job!
ian w.
Booked: Toyota Corolla or similar
Cairns Central

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Car rental models commonly available in Cairns

Popular rental car models in Cairns last month

% of Bookings
Model
Price range last month
Providers
1
25%
$24
$99
Compact SUVCompact SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
$24
$99
Rent with
Bargain Car Rentals
2
18%
$47
$75
Luxury Standard SUVPremium SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
$47
$75
Rent with
Bargain Car Rentals
3
10%
$28
$66
Toyota Corolla HybridIntermediate Car
5
5
1 large, 2 small
$28
$66
Rent with
East Coast, Thrifty
4
9%
$23
$90
Compact AutomaticCompact Car
5
5
1 large, 1 small
$23
$90
Rent with
Bargain Car Rentals
5
6%
$42
$101
MG 3Economy Car
5
5
1 large, 2 small
$42
$101
Rent with
East Coast, Enterprise

Audi vehicles for hire in Cairns

Audi Q3 35 TFSI Sportback
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Providers
Hertz

Ford vehicles for hire in Cairns

Ford Everest
7
4
4 small
Providers
Europcar
Ford Everest Platinum
7
4
4 small
Providers
Europcar
Ford Mustang GT
2
2
1 large, 1 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz
Ford Ranger
5
5
3 large, 2 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar

Honda vehicles for hire in Cairns

Honda Hr-v Vi-x
4
5
1 large, 1 small
Providers
East Coast

Hyundai vehicles for hire in Cairns

Hyundai I30Hybrid
5
4
2 small
Providers
Europcar
Hyundai Kona
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar
Hyundai Staria
8
5
2 small
Providers
Budget

Kia vehicles for hire in Cairns

Kia Carnival
8
5
4 small
Providers
Avis, East Coast, Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt
Kia Cerato
5
4
1 small
Providers
Budget
Kia K4
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar
Kia Picanto
5
5
2 small
Providers
East Coast
Kia Sportage
5
5
4 small
Providers
Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz
Kia Stonic
5
5
1 small
Providers
Budget

LDV vehicles for hire in Cairns

LDV D90
7
5
3 large, 2 small
Providers
East Coast
LDV Deliver 9 Automatic (or similar)
12
4
10 large, 3 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals

Mazda vehicles for hire in Cairns

Mazda CX-3
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Providers
Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty
Mazda CX-30
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz
Mazda Cx3
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar
Mazda Cx5
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar
Mazda CX5
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz

MG vehicles for hire in Cairns

MG 3
5
4
2 small
Providers
Enterprise, East Coast
Mg 3 Core
5
4
2 small
Providers
Europcar
Mg Hs
5
5
3 large, 2 small
Providers
East Coast
MG HS
5
4
1 large, 2 small
Providers
Enterprise
Mg Zs
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Providers
East Coast

Mitsubishi vehicles for hire in Cairns

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Sixt
Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab with Tonneau Cover (or similar)
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals

Nissan vehicles for hire in Cairns

Nissan Xtrail
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar

Polestar vehicles for hire in Cairns

Polestar 2Electric
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Providers
Hertz

Skoda vehicles for hire in Cairns

Skoda Scala
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Providers
Enterprise

Subaru vehicles for hire in Cairns

Subaru Crosstrek
5
2
3 small
Providers
Europcar
Subaru Forester
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar
Subaru Outback
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar

Suzuki vehicles for hire in Cairns

Suzuki Swift
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz, Budget

Tesla vehicles for hire in Cairns

Tesla Model Y ElectricElectric
5
4
3 small
Providers
Avis

Toyota vehicles for hire in Cairns

12 Seat Toyota HiAce
12
4
Providers
Hertz
Premium 4WD - Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series
7
5
1 large, 1 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz
Toyota C-HR
5
5
3 small
Providers
Avis
Toyota Camry
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Providers
Hertz, Budget
Toyota Camry HybridHybrid
5
4
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Hertz, Avis, Europcar, East Coast
Toyota Commuter
12
4
6 large, 4 small
Providers
East Coast
Toyota Corolla
5
4
3 small
Providers
Avis, Enterprise, Thrifty, Hertz, East Coast
Toyota Corolla Ascent
5
4
2 small
Providers
Europcar
Toyota Corolla Cross HybridHybrid
5
4
2 small
Providers
Europcar
Toyota Corolla Hatch
5
5
2 small
Providers
Avis, Budget
Toyota Corolla HybridHybrid
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar, East Coast
Toyota Fortuner
5
5
3 large, 2 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz
Toyota Hilux Dual Cab Tray (or similar)
2
4
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Toyota Hilux Dual Cab Tray Mine Spec (or similar)
2
4
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Toyota Kluger
5
5
4 small
Providers
Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz
Toyota Kluger HybridHybrid
7
4
3 large, 2 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar
Toyota Landcruiser Prado
7
4
3 large, 2 small
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz
Toyota Prado
5
5
4 small
Providers
Avis, Budget
Toyota RAV4
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Sixt
Toyota Rav4 HybridHybrid
5
4
3 small
Providers
Europcar, East Coast
Toyota RAV4 HybridHybrid
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Hertz, Sixt
Toyota Yaris Cross
5
5
2 small
Providers
Sixt, Enterprise
Toyota Yaris Cross HybridHybrid
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Providers
East Coast, Europcar, Sixt

Showing 10 of 23 vehicles

Volkswagen vehicles for hire in Cairns

Volkswagen Polo
5
4
1 large, 2 small
Providers
Enterprise

Other vehicles for hire in Cairns

6 Cubic Metre Van
2
4
Providers
Thrifty
8 Cubic Metre Van
2
2
Providers
Thrifty
8 Seat Van
8
5
5 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Compact Automatic
5
5
1 large, 1 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Compact SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Large SUV
7
4
2 large, 3 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Luxury Compact SUV
5
5
1 large, 2 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Luxury Standard SUV
5
5
2 large, 2 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Mine Equip 4WD Dual Cab
5
4
Providers
Thrifty, Hertz
Mystery Car
5
4
1 large
Providers
Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt
Standard
5
4
1 large, 2 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals
Standard SUV
5
5
2 large, 3 small
Providers
Bargain Car Rentals

Showing 10 of 12 vehicles

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

Townsville Airport (TSV)

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 details
4.5 (3)Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–12:00
153 Lake Street, Queensland
Bargain Car Rentals Cairns Airport
View details
4.0 (45)Mon–Fri 07:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–17:00
410 Sheridan St, Queensland
Budget Cairns
View details
4.7 (17)Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–12:00
153 Lake St, Queensland
Dollar Cairns Central
View details
4.3 (3)Mon–Sun 08:00–15:00
147 Lake St, Queensland
East Coast Cairns
View details
4.6 (53)Mon–Fri 07:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–19:00
411 Sheridan St, Queensland
Europcar Cairns City
View details
4.9 (3)Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, Sat–Sun Closed
Shop 14 / 56-60 Abbott St, Queensland
Hertz Cairns Downtown
View details
4.9 (3)Mon–Thu 07:30–15:00, Sat–Sun 07:30–15:00, Fri 07:00–15:00
Cairns Square, Abbott St, Queensland
Redspot Cairns
View details
No reviewsMon–Fri 07:00–16:00, Sat–Sun 07:00–12:30
37-41 Sheridan Street, Cairns City,, Queensland
Sixt Cairns City
View details
4.9 (7)Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00, Sat–Sun Closed
Cnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets, Queensland
Thrifty Cairns Central
View details
4.2 (30)Mon–Sun 08:00–15:00
147 Lake St, 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.

Info. Approximate distance calculated from Cairns

Palm Cove 5km away

Cairns Airport 7km away

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 $45 per day for a Compact Car, up to AUD $120 per day for a Premium 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 $61 and AUD $228 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?