Car rental at Cairns Airport
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cairns International Airport is a major gateway to Northern Queensland. Many visitors pick up a hire car here, so they can explore the wider area at their own pace — the airport also provides holidaymakers with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Serving 18 international destinations and 30 domestic, Cairns International Airport is made up of two terminals and a single runway. Over two million people used the airport in 2014 — and every year, we help many travellers find exclusive car hire deals.
To bring you great prices, we compare a number of car hire companies (including major brands such as Hertz and Europcar, as well as local firms like Redspot and East Coast Rentals).
Alongside finding the cheapest price, we will help you find packaged deals. We will let you know when cars come with special offers and include free additional drivers or GPS devices.
Value for money is one thing, but knowing which companies offer the best rental experience is another. To help you decide who to rent with, we ask each customer to rate and review their rental experience, so you get impartial advice. You can see what they think of each company once you search for a car on our site.
Plus, by booking a car with a full-to-full fuel policy (there are many cars with this policy at Cairns International Aiport), you will avoid hidden fuel costs — as long as you refill the tank just before the end of your rental.
Whether you want something suited to long road trips or a nifty vehicle for city driving, you can quickly find the right car for your needs by using the handy filters on the search results page.
The economy and compact cars are ideal if you don’t need much space for luggage or passengers, and they make great run-arounds if you are going to be driving in Cairns city centre.
If you need something with more room, consider an estate or full-size car, as they can generally hold three large bags. People travelling in a large group are sure to love the spacious people carriers (which can seat up to 12 people) — great for road trips with family and friends. If you want to drive in style, the sleek convertibles are perfect for scenic drives around Queensland.
- You can drive along the A1 from the airport to the city centre in around 10 minutes.
- Many car hire companies have their counter in the terminal itself, giving you the easiest possible start to your holiday.
- If you’re happy to take a shuttle bus to your car, renting with a company with an off-airport pick up location can be a great way of saving money.
- Daytime temperatures in Cairns can exceed 30°C in the summer, and only fall as low as about 20°C in the winter. To keep you comfortable in the heat, make sure you book a car with air conditioning.