Unlock Your Drive with Cairns Car Hire
Step off the plane and embrace freedom. Whether you’re in town for a charter on the Great Barrier Reef, sipping up a storm in Palm Cove or moving to Port Douglas, our flexible, reliable and affordable rentals make it easy to get there your way.
With a hire car from Cairns, you’re just an hour’s drive from the world’s oldest rainforest and west to the Atherton Tablelands’ rich food bowl. Cairns is cool, casual and carefree — and your drive unlocks it all.
Limited availability for dry season – book now to avoid missing out!
Why Bargain Car Rentals at Cairns Airport?
- Save More for Experiences: Spend less on transport and more on what you really want to do – reef trips, food tours or adrenaline adventures.
- Flexible Vehicles for Any Kind of Trip: From compact sedans for couples to 8-seater vans for families or 12-seater minibuses for groups, we have you covered.
- Reliable Fleet, Always Ready: Modern, fully serviced vehicles ensure your journey is smooth, safe and stress-free.
- Additional Driver for Free, No Under 25 Surcharge: Share the wheel without additional costs.
Browse Cairns Airport rentals from $25/day
| Type | Price | Ideal for |
| Compact | From $25 a day | Solo travellers, couples |
| Sedan | From $29 a day | Business trips, small families |
| SUV | From $35 a day | Families, groups or longer road trips |
| Luxury | From $75 a day | Special occasions or premium experience |
Pick-up and drop off made simple
How do I pick up my rental car at Cairns Airport?
Free Shuttle Bus Information: We operate a shuttle service to and from the depot, available within business hours and up to 20 minutes prior to closing.
- Pick-up from Cairns Location: After collecting your luggage, please call +61 3 6165 0838 and press option 1 to request the shuttle bus service to our near-airport location during the location’s operating hours.
- From T1 (INTERNATIONAL): Exit the front of the terminal, turn right and walk until you see yellow and black lines on the footpath. Follow these lines until you reach the “COURTESY VEHICLE AND RIDESHARE PICKUP ZONE” sign.
- From T2 (DOMESTIC): Exit the terminal doors closest to the car rental counters. Turn left and walk past the taxi rank. After passing the taxi rank, you will see a footpath with a yellow and black line painted on it. Ensure both colours are present on the footpath. Please follow the lines until you reach the “COURTESY VEHICLE AND RIDESHARE PICKUP ZONE” sign.
How do I return my rental car at Cairns Airport?
Please return the vehicle to our off-site depot located at 410 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, and we will shuttle you back to the airport terminal. This service does not need to be booked, but is only available within business hours and 20 minutes prior to closing.
Experience the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
With Cairns as your natural departure point, head north and travel along the 140km Great Barrier Reef Drive. This winding road cuts a beguiling path through two World Heritage marvels – the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef – all while being peppered with secret coves and serene seaside hamlets.
From Palm Cove to Port Douglas, you’re guaranteed to find a pristine stretch of sand to enjoy all by yourself in a hire car.
Tropical North Queensland isn’t just a feast for the eyes – it’s also home to some soft, some sweet and some scaly wildlife. Touring around in your hire car from Bargain Car Rentals, you’ll discover the unique residents that call this region home.
Ready to venture widely with Cairns car hire?
Lock in your Cairns Airport car hire today and start your tropical adventure with more money for experiences that truly matter.
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Visit our FAQs.
Are there vans available at Cairns Airport?
We offer cargo vans for moving or deliveries, passenger vans for groups (8–12 seaters) and larger minibuses for tours or events. All are modern, well-maintained and ready for Cairns roads.
Can I get a discount for long-term car rental from Cairns Airport?
Yes. Long-term rentals usually come with reduced daily rates, so the longer you hire, the more you save. It’s great for those on a working holiday or locals needing a car while their car is in the shop. Ask us about monthly packages when booking to get the best deal for your stay in Cairns.
Do you have a car hire branch in Cairns city?
We are located at Cairns Airport, which is just a 10 minute drive from the city centre. So even if you’re not flying in, our Cairns branch is easily accessible via rideshare, taxi or public transport.
Is it necessary to rent a car in Cairns?
If you’re staying within the city centre, getting around is a breeze on foot or by bike. But when the allure of adventures beyond the city calls, you’ll need to either rent a car in Cairns for ultimate freedom or join a small group tour to experience the best of the region.
Can you drive to the Daintree Rainforest?
Absolutely! Renting a car from Cairns Airport is your best option for exploring the Daintree, as public transport doesn’t service the area. If driving isn’t your preference, booking a guided tour is the only other way to experience this stunning World Heritage site.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Cairns Airport?
We are proud to offer some of the best rates at Cairns Airport. Car rental varies with the season but expect to pay between $25 and $75 dollars a day. See how much you could save using our handy online booking tool.
What vehicles are available to hire from Cairns Airport?
We have small, medium and large vehicles available from Cairns Airport. We also have SUVs and luxury vehicles available to hire if you are after something larger or more prestigious. You can check out our full range of vehicles for hire here.
Planning your Cairns hire car holiday? We’re covering the top 5 things to do in the city.
1. Cairns Esplanade
Cairn’s lively Esplanade teems with people exercising or admiring the spectacular coastal scenery. You’ll find plenty of places to park your Bargain Car Rental ride, plus skate parks, playgrounds, and BBQs galore. Hit the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon to cool off in an artificial croc-and-stinger-free watering hole.
2. Cairns Botanic Gardens
North of the CBD, this sprawling parkland hosts an eclectic selection of native and imported flora. Although a bewildering array of species lie peppered throughout the grounds, the site is best known for its tropical plants. Scenic trails like the blue, red, and yellow arrow circuits snake through the highlights.
3. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
This famous cable car hoists savvy travellers to Kuranda, a stunning rainforest-shrouded town perched high on a nearby mountain. The 7.5km route stops at two stations so you can disembark and stretch your legs. Watch for the cascading Barren Falls and the aquamarine Coral Sea behind you.
4. Cairns Aquarium
Keen to witness colourful coral and curious marine life without getting your feet wet? Then the Cairns Aquarium should be your first port of call. Located in the CBD, this world-class site has nine mini ecosystems with 16,000 specimens, from technicoloured fish to mantas, sharks, and crocodiles.
5. Rusty’s Market
Rather eat with the locals than pay a fortune for fine dining? Make a beeline for Rusty’s Market, where an army of vendors whip up fresh, delicious meals on the cheap. Cairn’s vibrant multicultural population means you’ll see a mouth-watering array of cuisines, from Chinese to Indian and Thai. The weekend daytime event also has stalls selling souvenirs, gifts, and apparel.
Tiny Cairns punches well above its weight in the sightseeing stakes. Nonetheless, every Tropical North Queensland veteran knows the best spots reside outside city limits.
1. The Great Barrier Reef
Colloquially known as the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” Cairns has a dazzling selection of daily snorkelling and SCUBA tours. Although pricier, outer reef excursions take you to more pristine coral and offer a superior underwater experience.
2. Fitzroy Island
An easy 45-minute ferry trip from the Cairns Marina lies Fitzroy Island, a postcard-worthy spot with calm, turquoise-tinged waters and gently swaying palms. Most day trippers hang out at Nudey Beach, a sugary white sandy stretch fringed by rainforest and reefs— despite the name, clothing is compulsory.
3. Kuranda
Perched on a thickly forested mountain, Kuranda is a laidback little hilltop village with a slow-paced hippy vibe. You could take the scenic 40-minute drive from Cairns in your hire car. But for the best views, hop on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and stop at the various lookouts enroute.
4. The Atherton Tablelands
An hour outside the city, this sprawling temperate region is awash with lush cow-filled pastures and rolling green hills. Gorgeous tableland villages like Yungaburra and Malanda enchant visitors with historic façades and homely country pubs. Nature lovers mustn’t miss local hotspots like Crater Lakes, Milla Milla Falls, and Danbulla National Park.
5. Babinda Boulders
An hour south of the city leads you to Babinda Boulders, one of Far North Queensland’s most raved-about watering holes. You won’t find any man-eating crocs or nasty stingers in this refreshing swimming spot, where calm turquoise waters lap sizeable granite boulders.
6. Josephine Falls
Near Babinda, the jaw-dropping Josephine Falls cascade into a pristine rainforest-shrouded pool. While Tropical North Queensland is no stranger to waterfalls, Josephine hits different. Hikers descending from Mount Bartle Frere will find the swimming hole especially refreshing.
7. The Northern Beaches
First-time Cairns visitors might be surprised to hear its beaches aren’t anything special. But you don’t have to drive far to find a slice of sandy paradise. From Holloways to Yorkies Knob and Trinity Beach to Palm Cove, this northern coastal stretch has plenty of prime places to pull up a towel.
8. Port Douglas
The coastal route between Cairns and Port Douglas is among Australia’s most scenic road trips. But the fun doesn’t stop once you arrive. Home to chic seaside boutiques, a bustling food and beverage scene, and stacks of Great Barrier Reef tours, Port Douglas is an epic holiday base.
9. Mossman Gorge
Just past Port Douglas lies a gorgeous gorge named Mossman. Crystal-clear waters, lichen-smothered boulders, and pristine rainforest trails make the detour worthwhile.
10. The Daintree Rainforest
As the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree is a must-visit destination on any Cairns hire car holiday. Base yourself in Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. Solar-powered cruises down the Daintree River offer top-notch croc-spotting opportunities.
Due to its hot tropical climate, the best time to visit Cairns is during the cooler, drier months of April to October. Expect warm but pleasant days, crisp nights, and minimal rain.
The rest of the year (especially January and February) can get oppressively muggy and hot in Cairns. Cruise up to the tablelands, where higher altitudes provide relief from the relentless heat.
The cheapest time to visit Cairns
Cairns car hire and hotels are cheaper during the wet season (November to March). However, high rainfall and humidity can make travel challenging at times.
