Shuttle Bus is available within business hours and up to 20 minutes prior to closing.
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!
We operate a shuttle service to and from the depot, available within business hours and up to 20 minutes prior to closing. See below for directions to your pickup area from each terminal.
Grab your luggage from the carousel.
Dial +61 7 4015 3284 and press 1 to request pick-up.
Click here to follow the shuttle bus in real time.
Hop on and relax – we’ll take you straight to the depot.
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.
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.
We offer a range of vans and minibuses suited to different needs:
| Vehicle type | Best for | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Vans | Moving, deliveries and equipment | 2–3 seats |
| Passenger Vans | Group travel, family trips | 8–12 seaters |
| Minibuses | Tours, events, large groups | 12+ seaters |
All are modern, well-maintained and ready for Cairns roads.
Yes. Long-term rentals usually come with reduced daily rates, so the longer you hire, the more you save. Some benefits of long-term hire:
Ask us about monthly packages for hire cars when booking to get the best deal for your stay in Cairns.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Renting a car from Cairns Airport is your best option for exploring the Daintree because:
If driving isn’t your preference, booking a guided tour is the only other way to experience this stunning World Heritage site.
We are proud to offer some of the best rates at Cairns Airport. Car rental varies with the demand and season, with school holidays and the dry season being the most popular time to visit the region. Here’s how much you can expect to pay based on car type:
See how much you could save using our handy online booking tool.
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.
Yes. One-way rentals may be available depending on your route and availability. It’s worth noting:
You can check what locations are available using our online booking tool, or speak with our team to confirm options.
Prices can fluctuate throughout the year. For the best rates, we’d recommend:
Mid-week bookings will often be cheaper than weekends.
To collect your car rental from Cairns Airport, you’ll just need:
If you’re sharing the drive, any additional drivers must also present their licence.
No matter your destination, make the most of your next rental and book direct with Bargain Car Rentals!
