Car Rental Cairns

As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, The cosmopolitan and laidback city of Cairns offers experiences unlike any other. Take the helm of a boat and learn how to sail or get a thrill hang gliding above the treetops. Stroll the palm lined Cairns Esplanade and browse the shops, restaurants and bars. The Great Barrier Reef has boundless options to explore with 3,000 individual reefs and 880 islands. You can also learn about Australian Aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Located in North Queensland, Cairns is the perfect base to explore this tropical paradise. The mighty yet eloquent Daintree Rainforest is located 2 hours North of Cairns and is the world's oldest surviving rainforest. Glide across the Barron Falls on the Kuranda Skyrail or for a more relaxed experience, the Kuranda Scenic Railway offers equally spectacular views. A speedy ride from Cairns, the beautiful Fitzroy Island has opportunities to experience sea turtles up close and personal as part of its turtle rehabilitation tours afterwards escape and unwind on the islands stunning beaches.

Looking for an alternative to car hire? Why not try a Cairns motorhome hire and have your accommodation and vehicle all in one.

Convenient Locations in Cairns

Our car hire suppliers in Cairns include Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and Alamo.

Auto Europe has suppliers conveniently located at Cairns international and domestic terminals. We also have numerous downtown locations. Enter your details in the search form to find the best supplier for your next holiday in Cairns.

Parking in Cairns is readily available with both metered and unmetered street parking available. Read the parking signs carefully as metered parking have different rules depending on the time of day. Parking metres in Cairns generally do not give change so it is useful to carry coins. Machines accept 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2 coins at a rate of approximately $1.20 per hour. Follow the white painted arrow on the footpath to find the right parking metre for your spot. Private and public car parks are also stationed throughout the city.

It is common in Australia to have tag or video/plate accounts for tolls, but if you're only using the toll roads occasionally, there are options to pay without opening an account. The Queensland government advises contacting the appropriate toll payment providers to make arrangements. Toll passes can be purchased at designated convenient stores and gas stations and should run between $6-15, depending on the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring a Car in Cairns

Can I rent a car in Cairns if I am under 25?

Of course! However, renters between the ages of 21-25 will should be aware that they will likely incur an additional daily charge known as a young driver surcharge, which can vary depending on the supplier.

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

Similar to airplane tickets, car rental rates are constantly changing due to factors such as market demand and the timing of your booking. Despite these variable rates, Auto Europe is still able to offer competitive rates through our unique relationships with top suppliers.

Can I book a one-way car hire in Cairns?

Yes! Use our booking engine to request a free quote and check multiple drop-off locations to find the best option for your travel plans. If you have any questions on one-way car hires, feel welcome to contact us.

To view more, visit our FAQs page.

Useful Driving Distances and Day Trip Ideas in Cairns

• Cairns to Cairns Airport (10km approx. 10min)
• Cairns to The Daintree Rainforest (125km approx. 2hr)
• Cairns to Kuranda (35km approx. 35 min)
• Cairns to Fitzroy Island (30km approx. 45min)