Cairns car hire

Same drop-off
Driver's age: 26-65
Thu 8/6
Noon
Thu 15/6
Noon

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Cheap car rentals in Cairns

Economy$63/day
Compact$62/day
Intermediate$54/day
Full-size$149/day
SUV$159/day
Full-size SUV$68/day
Mini$56/day
Premium SUV$132/day
Compact SUV$49/day
Intermediate SUV$50/day
Standard SUV$59/day
Supplier choice$65/day
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Top tips for hiring a car in Cairns

  • A trip to Australia is simply not complete without a road trip, particularly a trip to the northern parts of the country. With a personal vehicle at hand, you can travel all over Queensland with Cairns as your home base. For instance, some of the great locales that are perfect day trips for visitors of Cairns include Port Douglas, Kuranda, and Palm Cove. Even better, all of these destinations are within an hour’s drive of Cairns.
  • Would-be car renters with flights to Cairns Airport will be happy to hear that hire car desks are available in both terminals of the airport. All hire car counters can be found in the respective Arrivals Hall of both Terminals 1 and 2.
  • Worried about rush hour putting a damper on your trip to Cairns? Fortunately for drivers, the congestion in Cairns is only a minor affair that is easily avoided. However, there is still some traffic during the peak hours of rush hour in the morning from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Drivers should especially avoid the A1 during rush hour, as many drivers use it to go to and from work.
  • Make sure to never leave valuables in your car unattended in the summer months -- not because theft is a problem, but because the heat is. Cairns can experience extreme temperatures during the warmer parts of the year and sensitive items like food, electronics, and many other goods will not do well after having been left in a scorching car.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Cairns for $75 or less
  • Book your rental car in Cairns at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Off-airport rental car locations in Cairns are around 7% more expensive than airport locations on average
  • Compact rental cars in Cairns are around 21% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Cairns

Cairns car rental reviews and directory

Alamo

8.7

Very Good

30 reviews

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.6

Locations in Cairns

Term Building Airport Avenue

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
View deals

Terminal Building Airport Ave

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

May 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Clean car, easy pick up and return, upgrade since they were out of our size

9.6 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff were very good and the process was simple.

Cons:

All good.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2023

KAYAK
Easy pickup and drop off, friendly staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2023

KAYAK
Easy process with very helpful staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2023

KAYAK
Easy pick up and drop off. Craig on the desk was extremely helpful and professional certainly will be recommending!

8.0 Very Good

Nov 2022

KAYAK
Cannot fault the customer service. Was given an upgrade which was great, unfortunately the inside of the car was not cleaned very thoroughly. Windscreen was very dirty from inside. Was told that fuel gauge was full but was not. I filled up slightly higher than it was when I picked it up.

1 out of 6

Budget

8.3

Very Good

32 reviews

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

7.6

Locations in Cairns

153 Lake St

+61 7 4048 8166

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00
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Terminal Building

+61 7 4033 9777

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2022

KAYAK
Like - the pick up and drop off point is conveniently located next to airport entrance (given most people would have luggage to carry to airport terminal).

10.0 Wonderful

May 2022

KAYAK
Fuel efficient little car but not comfortable.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff were very pleasant. Drop-off very easy

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Very friendly agent, easy to rent, pick up, and return. Good process to log any known damage to car (we didn't have any).

6.8 Okay

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Clean and new car

Cons:

No invoice of damadge on windscreen, just took a lot of money from my account without any notice.

9.2 Wonderful

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff

Cons:

More workers to help check-in

1 out of 7

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

10.0

Wonderful

1 review
Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

7.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in Cairns

Show locations

Locations in Cairns

37-41 Sheridan Street

+61 7 4249 3331

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00
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Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
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No reviews available

Europcar

10.0

Wonderful

4 reviews

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in Cairns

Show locations

Locations in Cairns

Cairns Square

+61 7 4033 4800

Opening times not available

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Terminal Building

+61 7 4034 9088

Opening times not available

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

I appreciated the upgrade. The service provided at check in was excellent.

2.0 Poor

Jul 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

I booked this for a reasonable price months in advance as diving the Great Barrier Reef was a bucket list item. When I landed though, europcar said that they had given my car away and had no other cars they could fulfill my reservation with as it was high tourism season. No offer to help, no sympathy. Of course I had my phone and checked online and found they indeed had multiple cars available immediately, but were asking double what I had booked mine for. How convenient... I got a car from a competitor instead, and will be avoiding Europcar going forward.

1 out of 1

Bargain Car Rentals

9.2

Wonderful

3 reviews

Cleanliness

9.6

Comfort

9.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

8.8

Locations in Cairns

410, Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2023

KAYAK
More shuttle bus would be prefect

6.0 Okay

Nov 2022

KAYAK
Pickup from airport took a long time and the process was awkward

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2023

KAYAK
Easy to deal with.

1 out of 1

Thrifty

8.8

Very Good

4 reviews

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.3

Value for money

5.3

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 136139

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:30 - 13:00
Sunday08:30 - 13:00
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Airport Ave

+61 136139

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
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Cairns Ap

+61 7 4033 9800

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday07:30 - 20:00
Sunday07:30 - 20:00
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Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 136139

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

I had a small fender bender on my car and Thrifty made it easy dealing with the problem and replacing the car. Very friendly personnel.

1 out of 1

Apex

8.8

Very Good

9 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.6

Locations in Cairns

396 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, Qld

+61 740 532 896

Opening times not available

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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Mar 2022

KAYAK
They stated the vehicle was located in Cairns Airport which was not the case! We had to get a shuttle bus to the depot for pick up and drop off.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2021

KAYAK
Friendly helpful staff with good local advice.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2021

KAYAK
Great service indeed!

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2022

KAYAK
Easy shuttle to and from the pickup/drop off. Friendly service, great little car. Would definitely recommend Apex and will use them again.

8.0 Very Good

Jul 2022

KAYAK
No

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2022

KAYAK
It wasn't cheap, but i think it's the 'Cairns thing'. Service was excellent, ready pick up and drop off, nice and friendly staff. I would use them again if in Cairns. Highly recommended.

1 out of 3

Hertz

8.7

Very Good

18 reviews

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

8.6

3 locations in Cairns

Show locations

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 7 4038 5690

Monday08:30 - 13:00
Tuesday08:30 - 13:00
Wednesday08:30 - 13:00
Thursday08:30 - 13:00
Friday08:30 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00
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Airport Ave

+61 7 4038 9990

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00
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Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 7 4046 8701

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff were very helpful, car we booked as not available so they upgraded us FOC.

Cons:

Nothing from us

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff. Easy pickup and drop off.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

very friendly employees, easy claim process initiating, flexible return.

8.0 Very Good

Nov 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy pick up and return after pickup

Cons:

Found out after pickup, we couldn't take it somewhere we wanted to go.

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

We had a problem with the rent, and the women of the airport shop helped us to solve it.

5.6 Fair

Nov 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

I prepaid for a different drop off location and when I picked up the car I was asked to pay an additional fee for a that service. I was told its similar to adding a GPS or car seat to an existing reservation but I was unable to take the car without paying additional despite my reservation. I called the 800 number and was told this charge would drop off and was covered but just discovered three separate charges for this rental have been processed. I plan on calling customer service again to clear this matter up but the Cairns office was unhelpful and unwilling to listen to me about the reservation I booked.

1 out of 3

Sixt

8.4

Very Good

16 reviews

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

Value for money

7.6

Locations in Cairns

Cnr Sheridan and Aplin Streets

+61 7 4051 8099

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
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Terminal building, Cairns

+61 7 4033 9800

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday07:30 - 20:00
Sunday07:30 - 20:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2022

KAYAK
Staff were great and very efficient. Car could have been cleaner

5.6 Fair

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

That said no hidden fees but still charge 1000$ or insurance forcefully similar car NO FOR 6 people they give us 2 people car argument over argument rude etc

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The service from Sixt in Cairns was brilliant, from the pick up service at the airport to the swift pick up of the car and drop off. All staff were very friendly and the car itself a dream to drive, making our experience in North Queensland brilliant.

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2022

KAYAK
Staff were friendly and helpful especially as I arrived several hours before the scheduled pick and they could get me a car. The car was clean and faultless.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2022

KAYAK
So easy to book, extremely competitive pricing, quick pick up and drop off. Extremely pleased to arrive to collect the car, and to be told that we would be receiving a free upgrade.

4.0 Mediocre

Jan 2022

KAYAK
Everything was good except for not getting my $400 holding fee back within a day,which I was told I would. After making a phone call I was informed it would take 1 to 2 months before my money will be credited back into my account.

1 out of 3

East Coast Car Rentals

7.1

Cleanliness

9.7

Comfort

9.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

8.0

Locations in Cairns

411 Sheridan Street, Cairns

+61 1800 474 258

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2022

KAYAK
Everything was as arranged. Great service by all employees we came into contact with.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2022

KAYAK
Great quick way of pick-up and drop off. Airport shuttle service was perfect

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2022

KAYAK
Great service , great little car ,lovely helpful and cheerful staff

2.0 Poor

Apr 2022

KAYAK
very limited office hours. office not inside airport, and shuttle doesn't work all the time, so you need a taxi. HUGE hidden cost for insurance. They basically force you take one of their "offers".

6.0 Okay

Mar 2022

KAYAK
Not the best communication regarding damage (very very minor) reported.

8.0 Very Good

Mar 2022

KAYAK
Car was good, pick up and drop off was a bit slow, pre rental checks could be done prior to pick up

1 out of 3

JUCY

10.0

Wonderful

No reviews available

Most popular

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

Locations in Cairns

55 Dutton Street

+61 1800 150 850

Opening times not available

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Cairns Off Airport Location

+61 1800 150 850

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00
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Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

8 locations in Cairns

Show locations

Locations in Cairns

146 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

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147 Lake Street

Opening times not available

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411 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

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51 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

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55 Dutton Street

Opening times not available

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Airport Avenue

Opening times not available

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Corner Schield and Abbott Street

Opening times not available

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Terminal Building

Opening times not available

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Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

No score available yet

4 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 1800 501 934

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:30 - 13:00
Sunday08:30 - 13:00

Airport Ave

+61 1800 501 934

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 1800 501 934

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Corner Of Sheridan And Aplin S

+61 7 4051 8099

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

No score available yet

4 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake St

+61 740 410 895

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Airport Ave

+61 740 359 299

Monday04:00 - 23:30
Tuesday04:00 - 23:30
Wednesday04:00 - 23:30
Thursday04:00 - 23:30
Friday04:00 - 23:30
Saturday04:00 - 23:30
Sunday04:00 - 23:30

Cairns Square, Abbott St

+61 740 516 399

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Cairns Square

+61 7 4046 8701

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

National

No score available yet

3 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Serviced By Redspot Enterprise

+61 740 312 707

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday07:30 - 20:00
Sunday07:30 - 20:00

Terminal Buildinairport Avenue

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Terminalbuildingairport Avenue

+61 7 4034 9045

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Ace Rental Cars

No score available yet

2 locations in Cairns

from $53/day

Locations in Cairns

147 Lake Street

Opening times not available

Cairns Domestic Airport

+61 7 4035 9299

Monday08:30 - 13:00
Tuesday08:30 - 13:00
Wednesday08:30 - 13:00
Thursday08:30 - 13:00
Friday08:30 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Atlas Car & Truck Rental

No score available yet

Cheapest deal

2 locations in Cairns

from $34/day

Locations in Cairns

410 Sheridan Street Cairns, QLD

1800 808 122

Opening times not available

Shop 1, 51 Sheridan Street, Cairns City, QLD

+61 383 366 100

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

No score available yet

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Cairns Square, Corner Shield & Abbott Street

+61 740 334 800

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Terminal Building

+61 740 349 088

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Red Spot

No score available yet

2 locations in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Cairns Airport Terminal 1 International

Opening times not available

Cairns Airport Terminal 2 Domestic

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Atlas Choice

No score available yet

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

410 Sheradan Street

1800 808 122

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Autorent Car Rental

No score available yet

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Cairns Airport CNS

+61 7 4041 0895

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

21 Sheridan Street

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

MINI Car Rentals

No score available yet

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

150 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Australia

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Payless

No score available yet

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Cairns Airport

Monday00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Wednesday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Thursday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Friday04:30 - 23:5900:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 00:0004:30 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Cairns

Locations in Cairns

Terminal Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

124 travellers who rented a car in Cairns gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.6

Car hire locations in or near Cairns

Good to know

Most popular agency

JUCY

Most popular car type

Compact

Average price

$83/day

Good deal

$75/day

When to book a car hire in Cairns

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches