Budget-Friendly Car Rentals at Cairns Airport

Find the best rental deals from local car rental providers

Decided on a Car Rental in Cairns Airport? Here’s All You Need to Know:

Planning a trip to Cairns and considering a car rental from Cairns Airport? You've made an excellent choice! At Bookingautos, we're here to help you find the best deals from all international and local car rental companies operating at Cairns Airport. Here's everything you need to know to make your car rental experience smooth and hassle-free:

Location and Accessibility

Cairns Airport has car rental desks conveniently located in both the Domestic and International terminals. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the signs to the car rental area. Most major car rental companies have their vehicles parked in designated areas just a short walk from the terminal buildings.

Booking in Advance

To ensure you get the best rates and your preferred vehicle type, it's advisable to book your car rental in advance. This is especially important during peak tourist seasons, such as the Australian winter (June to August) when visitors flock to Cairns to enjoy the tropical climate and explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef.

Vehicle Options

Cairns Airport offers a wide range of vehicles to suit various needs and budgets. Options typically include:

  • Compact cars for budget-conscious travelers
  • Mid-size sedans for comfort and space
  • SUVs for those planning to explore rugged terrains
  • Luxury vehicles for a touch of elegance

Driving in Cairns

Driving in Cairns is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Australians drive on the left side of the road
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced
  • Be cautious when driving at dawn or dusk, as wildlife may be active on the roads

Exploring the Region

A rental car gives you the freedom to explore the stunning Tropical North Queensland region at your own pace. Don't miss out on visiting the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the picturesque Atherton Tablelands, or taking a scenic drive along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Port Douglas.

Remember, at Bookingautos, we're committed to finding you the best car rental deals at Cairns Airport. By comparing offers from all available providers, we ensure you get the most value for your money while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of having your own wheels in this beautiful part of Australia.

Where to Park Your Rental Car at Cairns Airport

When returning your rental car to Cairns Airport, you have several convenient parking options available:

Short-Term Parking

  • Located directly in front of the terminal
  • Ideal for quick drop-offs
  • First 10 minutes are free

Long-Term Parking

  • Situated a short walk from the terminal
  • More economical for extended stays
  • Shuttle bus service available

Rental Car Return Area

Most rental companies have designated return areas located in the Ground Transport Area, which is easily accessible from both parking lots. Follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" upon entering the airport premises.

Remember to check with your specific rental company for their exact return location and any special instructions they may have for Cairns Airport returns.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Thrifty

Most popular car class

Standard

Average price

24 € / Day

Best price

17 € / Day

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January
€159
February
€93
March
€156
April
€160
May
€178
June
€202
July
€196
August
€216
September
€204
October
€176
November
€175
December
€292

* Prices are based on orders processed over the previous 2 years.

A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Cairns Airport in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.

The best time to rent a car in Cairns Airport is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €20 for a Compact car.

In the summer, you should be prepared for an increase in the cost of rent. Price growth can be about 30-50% with a simultaneous reduction in the range of available offers. For example, the average price during July for Skoda Superb starts from €35 per day.

Nearby car rental offices

Nearest airports

Cairns Airport
0.5 km / 0.3 miles

Nearest cities

Cairns
5.6 km / 3.5 miles

Average daily prices by car class

4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day

We have a large selection of different car models in our fleet in Cairns Airport. You can rent convertibles, sedans, SUVs or minivans. You can easily select a car to your budget through a convenient online booking system.

The rental price of a car in Cairns Airport is determined by its class, season, and rental duration. The standard cost of renting budget cars: Opel Corsa and Toyota Aygo will be €38-€31 per day. If you rented in advance and through our website - pay for the day just around €13. The average daily price for renting a car of a higher class, Skoda Superb, VW Tiguan, Fiat Tipo Estate will be €38. In addition, on Bookingautos.com you can rent minivans, luxury and electric cars. The lower rental price of these cars starts from €95 per day and can reach up to several hundred dollars.

Recently, in Cairns Airport has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Cairns Airport, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be Tesla Model X.

List of required documents

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Car Rental

Download Google maps offline

All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.

Cairns Airport 1

Book a car 6 weeks in advance

Cairns Airport is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.

It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.

Which car to choose

The compact model is relevant for city trips in Cairns Airport. It can be Toyota Aygo or Opel Corsa. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Fiat Tipo Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €35 per day;

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance recommendations

When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.

Cairns Airport 2

What types of insurance are available for car rental?

  • Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Check out the fuel policy

For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:

Cairns Airport 3

If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.

Cairns Airport 4

Mileage without limits

Before renting a car, you should check with the rental company if there is a limit on the daily mileage for a car. Typically, tourists use a rental car to travel not only around the city, but also to travel to neighboring cities and even countries. If such a restriction exists, it is recommended to choose a rental option where there is no limit. In this case, the total cost of mileage will be lower, since you will not have to pay extra for exceeding the mileage. On our site, in the search results, check the filter "Unlimited mileage" to see the offers you need.

Cairns Airport 5

Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Cairns Airport, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.

Cairns Airport 6

Our clients name the top companies in Cairns Airport - EUROPCAR with an average rating 9.9 points and EAST COAST with 9 points.

We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.

Car pick-up procedure

Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.

Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.

Our advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees

Car rental reviews: Cairns Airport

Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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