How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cairns
Pick up a cheap rental car in Cairns and hit the road for around $85 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Cairns is $60.
Staying a while and want to go further than the usual stops? $327 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Cairns car hire.
Check out the offers available with simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
The coverage simba car hire or another supplier includes with your Cairns car hire can differ, so always check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with prices averaging $95 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around $226.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $144 a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're not sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Cairns.
Flying to Cairns? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Cairns Airport. If you're flying to Cairns through this hub, simply pick up your wheels after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 6 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Cairns
Small: These cheap rental cars in Cairns may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Cairns car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Cairns that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group outings, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Cairns car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Cairns.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Kids coming with you? Car seat laws vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Find out if you need to add one to your Cairns car hire reservation.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Driving in Australia might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through urban areas and around 95kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In Australia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Cairns for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Crystalbrook Bailey. Around 0.64 kilometres from central Cairns, it comes with parking, a garden and a ticket office.
Or make use of the parking at Mantra Esplanade. The city centre is roughly 0.97 kilometres from this stay, which also features air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk.
Browse through the range of hotels in Cairns for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Cairns and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to head to first. Kick things off with big attractions like Great Barrier Reef, Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cairns
Mareeba should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve and Jaques Coffee Plantation. This city is around 40 kilometres west of central Cairns.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Cairns and then take off to Port Douglas. Roughly 56 kilometres northwest of Cairns, Scuba at the Great Barrier Reef (Self-Guided walking tour) by FreeGuides.com and Visit Port Douglas & Daintree are big attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Port Douglas Motel and Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas are comfy places to stay in Port Douglas if you're planning to stick around. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Book a room at Raintree Motel or Mercure Townsville. Make one your base for exploring everything Aitkenvale has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
