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Car rentals in Cairns, Queensland

Are you looking for cheap car rental deals in Cairns, Queensland? Search right here!

Cairns, QLD, Australia
5 Apr — 12 Apr
Cairns, QLD, Australia
Fri 5/4
Noon
Fri 12/4
Noon
Driver's age:

Deals from rental companies in 70,000+ locations.

Rental cars insight and trends in Cairns

Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Cairns

What is the cheapest rental car agency in Cairns?

The cheapest rental cars in Cairns are generally found through Atlas Car & Truck Rental. When booking with Atlas Car & Truck Rental, you may be able to find rental car prices for as low as C$ 24/day. The average price to rent a car in Cairns is C$ 35/day.

What car rental company in Cairns has the most locations?

Sunnycars has the most locations of any rental car company in Cairns, with 6 locations.

What car do most people rent in Cairns?

The Hyundai Kona is the most popular car to rent in Cairns, according to our data. Our users have found prices for Hyundai Kona rentals for as low as C$ 30/day in Cairns, though on average you can expect prices to be around C$ 51/day. Another popular car to rent in Cairns is the Hyundai Accent for an average of C$ 37/day, and deals as low as C$ 27/day.

Best deals found for Cairns, Queensland car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental car types in Cairns, Queensland
EconomyC$ 31/day
CompactC$ 46/day
IntermediateC$ 43/day
StandardC$ 40/day
SUVC$ 78/day
MinivanC$ 81/day
Full-size SUVC$ 61/day
MiniC$ 42/day
Passenger VanC$ 62/day
Supplier choiceC$ 47/day
Compact SUVC$ 49/day
Standard SUVC$ 51/day
Intermediate SUVC$ 63/day
Best rates found by momondo users in the past 48 hours.

Important information about Cairns car rentals

If you’re planning a visit to Cairns, Australia, we're sure diving in the Great Barrier Reef is top on your to-do list. The city is also famous for being the access to the Barron Gorge National Park and all its waterfalls as well as the nearby village of Kuranda. In downtown Cairns, you’ll find the Esplanade boardwalk. There are about 30 car rental locations in Cairns. There’s a variety of options from passenger van rentals to luxury car rentals in Cairns. However, finding a cheap car rental in Cairns may be a little bit difficult. There are many places to park a Cairns car rental, from on-street parking to parking garages, and some of the options are free, normally with time limits. The main roads in and out of the city from the west and south are the Highway 1 and A1.

While visiting, is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Cairns?

The Cairns city center is fairly flat and walkable. Normally due to the weather, especially during the hottest days, it’s not recommended, and you may find yourself wanting a vehicle. Apart from that, there’s so much you’ll want to see that’s not in downtown Cairns. The Barron Gorge National Park is probably the closest top destination, only about half an hour away with a car rental in Cairns. The area is also known for its rainforest swimming holes like Josephine Falls, about an hour south of Cairns. Parking rental cars in Cairns Business District can be challenging at times but there are so many options to choose from. Make sure to check for the regulated hours.

What different driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in Cairns?

Here are some driving rules and tips for traveling with a car rental in Cairns. In Cairns and the rest of Australia, they drive on the left-hand side of the road. Pedestrians always have the right of way. Don’t drive into an intersection if the road ahead is blocked by traffic, even if your light is green as it is considered an offense. When approaching a traffic circle remember to travel clockwise and yield to the vehicles already circling. U-turns are only allowed at intersections if there is a sign specifically allowing it. However, please check in with Cairns’ department of motor vehicles for any updates there might be on traffic laws.

Will I need a special driver’s license or permit to drive a rental car in Cairns if I’m visiting from another country?

Car rentals in Cairns will generally accept foreign driver’s licenses as long as they are in English. If you’re traveling from out of Australia and your document is not in English, you should foresee needing an International Driver’s Permit to present along with your original document. This IDP must be obtained in the country of origin of your driver’s license as you won’t be able to get an International Driver’s Permit once you’re already in Cairns.


Cairns, Queensland car rental deals found on momondo

Find the rental car in Cairns that's right for you

Small cars

C$ 54 - C$ 92

All Car Types

C$ 66 - C$ 107

The average price of a small car rental in Cairns, Australia is C$ 71. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Cairns, Australia is in January. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 54 per day. A small car rental is typically 16% less expensive than the average rental car in Cairns. The average price of a vehicle rental in Cairns can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Cairns small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car rental in Cairns, Australia is C$ 79. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Cairns, Australia is in February. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 64 per day. A medium car rental is typically 5% less expensive than the average rental car in Cairns. The average price of a vehicle rental in Cairns can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Cairns medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car rental in Cairns, Australia is C$ 114. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Cairns, Australia is in August. The price is 46% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 62 per day. A large car rental is typically 27% more expensive than the average rental car in Cairns. The average price of a vehicle rental in Cairns can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

The average price of a SUV rental in Cairns, Australia is C$ 92. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Cairns, Australia is in February. The price is 33% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 62 per day. A SUV rental is typically 9% more expensive than the average rental car in Cairns. The average price of a vehicle rental in Cairns can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Cairns SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in Cairns, Australia is C$ 110. The cheapest time to rent a van in Cairns, Australia is in June. The price is 29% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 79 per day. A van rental is typically 25% more expensive than the average rental car in Cairns. The average price of a vehicle rental in Cairns can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Cairns van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

Toyota Yaris
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

C$ 31/day

17 May - 21 May
Toyota Yaris
Nissan Versa
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

C$ 46/day

1 May - 11 May
Nissan Versa

Cairns car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in Cairns, Queensland

Ace Rental Cars

10.0
Wonderful
1 review3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Overall

10.0

Pick-up/drop-off

10.0

Value

8.0

Thrifty

9.0
Wonderful
1 review4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Overall

9.0

Pick-up/drop-off

9.0

Value

6.9

JUCY

2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.6

Overall

9.0

Pick-up/drop-off

8.0

Value

8.3

Sixt

8.9
Very good
9 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Overall

8.9

Pick-up/drop-off

9.1

Value

8.2

Alamo

8.7
Very good
19 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.5

Overall

8.7

Pick-up/drop-off

9.0

Value

8.6

Budget

8.5
Very good
21 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.3

Overall

8.4

Pick-up/drop-off

8.6

Value

7.6

Hertz

7.1
Good
10 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.4

Overall

7.1

Pick-up/drop-off

7.4

Value

7.1

Europcar

6.6
Okay
4 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

6.6

Overall

6.6

Pick-up/drop-off

6.6

Value

6.6

Quick facts about car rentals in Cairns

Get the overview on great rental deals, popular car rental companies, and best car types for your visit in Cairns

Most Popular Agency

Bargain Car Rentals

Popular Car Types

Compact, SUV, Intermediate

Cheapest Rental Car

C$ 31

Most Popular Model

Hyundai Kona
The most popular Cairns car rental agency found on momondo this month is Bargain Car Rentals. Other top choices for car rental companies are Budget and Atlas Car & Truck Rental
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in Cairns in the past 72 hours: Compact, SUV, Intermediate.
The lowest price for a rental car in Cairns is C$ 31/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from C$ 49/day.
The most popular car model to rent in Cairns in the past 7 days is the Hyundai Kona. Our users also prefer the Hyundai Accent as an alternative.

Rent a car near one of these popular hotels in Cairns

Below are the most popular hotels in Cairns
Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn

85 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.5 km from city centre

Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

163 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.4 km from city centre

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

18-26 Cannon Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

2.9 km from city centre

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Pierpoint Road Po Box 7170, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.8 km from city centre

Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.8 km from city centre

DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns

121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.6 km from city centre

Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.7 km from city centre

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

122 Lake Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.4 km from city centre

Palm Royale Cairns

Palm Royale Cairns

7-11 Chester Court, Cairns, QLD, Australia

3.3 km from city centre

Oaks Cairns Hotel

Oaks Cairns Hotel

59-63 Cairns Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.6 km from city centre

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

49-61 Little Pease Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

3.4 km from city centre

Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International

17 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.7 km from city centre

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.8 km from city centre

Bohemia Resort Cairns

Bohemia Resort Cairns

231 McLeod Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

1.9 km from city centre

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

43 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.7 km from city centre

Cairns Queens Court

Cairns Queens Court

167-173 Sheridan Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.8 km from city centre

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.9 km from city centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

6 12 Florence Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia

0.5 km from city centre


Driving with a rental car in Cairns - FAQs

Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Cairns so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How much will it cost to rent a car in Cairns, Australia in April?

To rent a car for a weekend in Cairns in April, the average price was C$ 41 with cheaper deals starting around C$ 37. For a week-long rental, the lowest price was C$ 51, with more options around the C$ 62 mark.

Is there a fee to cancel my Cairns, Australia car rental?

The majority of the Cairns car rental agencies that we partner with do not have a cancellation fee. This means that if your plans change unexpectedly, many car rental centres in Cairns such as Ace Rental Cars, JUCY , and MINI Car Rentals often offer cancellation free of charge based on when you booked.

What is the best type of car to rent in Cairns during April?

Renting a Standard car in Cairns during the month of April is what most travellers prefer. With temperatures averaging 23 °C and precipitation around 90 mm during April, a Standard car is more than capable of handling these weather conditions. This is the perfect rental car type for wet roads and above-freezing temperatures. Renting a Standard in Cairns will cost you C$ 100/day on average.

What is the speed limit in Cairns, Australia?

If you are renting a vehicle in Cairns, then be aware that the current speed limit within city or town limits is 50 km/h, unless otherwise posted. Suburban speed limits around Cairns will generally have a speed limit of 110 km/h. If you are travelling on a highway in Cairns, then the speed limit is 110 km/h.

What car rental company has the Kia Sportage in Cairns?

What is the weather like in Cairns, Australia in March?

In March, Cairns usually gets 430 mm of precipitation and has an average temperature of 26 °C. This information can be very helpful when looking at rental cars in Cairns as it can help you make the best decision.

Is the weather in Cairns similar to the rest of Queensland?

Those looking to rent a car in Cairns for a road trip to the surrounding areas, please know the weather in Queensland during the month of March usually is around 24 °C with 215.7 mm of possible rain.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in Cairns?

Prices for cars in Cairns are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in Cairns?

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Cairns?

Among different countries, including Cairns, the minimum age for drivers varies. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To hire a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be imposed. It's recommended that you review the policy of the rental company you're considering before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Cairns?

To rent a car in Cairns, all drivers must have a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're renting a car abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We recommend that you verify with the specific rental company you're booking with.


Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Cairns?

Choosing momondo to search for rental cars in Cairns makes sense because it is quick and free of charge. We find all the rental car prices and policies, you simply choose what works best for you and your trip.

How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Cairns?

momondo makes it easier for you to find great car rentals in Cairns, by allowing you to refine your search with numerous filtering options. You can narrow your selection by looking at price, car type, location and more.

Does momondo show car rental deals in Cairns with free cancellation?

Yes momondo does have a filter to only highlight car rental deals which offer free cancellation. This filter is available for all car rental searches on momondo including those for cars in Cairns.

Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Cairns on momondo?

Yes, momondo has a filter for fair fuel policies on car rentals in Cairns.

Can I find a car rental in Cairns which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?

Yes, rental cars in Cairns with enhanced cleaning options can be searched for on momondo.

Can I search for rental cars in Cairns with unlimited mileage on momondo?

Yes, unlimited mileage options can be found on rental cars in Cairns on momondo.


An easier way to manage your Cairns trip

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Popular rental car types in Cairns


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