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Cairns car hire

Cover from just £2.45*

*Based on an individual aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions taking single trip cover for 3 days to France. Cover starts on August 10th, 2024 and ends on August 13th, 2024. Price correct as of August 15th, 2024.

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Save up to £148 on Cairns Apt car hire today by comparing multiple deals at once!

Savings represent the greatest difference between the cheapest and second cheapest prices for the same search criteria, car type and location. Based on the range of prices seen recently.

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Thinking of travelling to Cairns? You’ve probably got one thing on your mind, and that’s the Great Barrier Reef. Australia’s most incredible natural attraction is on the doorstep of this energetic city. So dive right in!

Travel Information

Language: English | Currency: Australian dollars | Avg. Flight time: 22 hrs

Why go?

It’s worth booking car rental; Cairns is the gateway to even more of this nation’s beauty spots...


Cairns, in North Queensland, is a beautiful part of Australia where you can visit the Great Barrier Reef with its diverse marine life, plus unspoilt sandy beaches, rainforests and stunning waterfalls.

Cairns and Port Douglas are launch-points for trips to the reef and surrounding islands. The reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and one of two World Heritage sites in Queensland. You can hire a boat and go snorkelling and diving to see the marine life. Alternatively, you can stay in the boat and go fishing or whale watching.

There are many water sports to enjoy in the area, where equipment and lessons are readily available along the coast.

The city itself has a laid-back, youthful feel to it. Some of the best nightlife on this stretch of coast can be enjoyed in Cairns. There are plenty of diving schools based here, too. Stay for a few days and earn your scuba stripes with the helpful instructors.

Cairns car hire is easy to arrange, as well as pick up from Cairns Airport (CNS). It’s wise to book car rental in advance of your visit to ensure the best deals and to secure the type of vehicle you want. As well as airport collection, you can choose to pick up your vehicle at one of the other car-rental locations in and around downtown Cairns.

To find the best price on car hire in Cairns, use TravelSupermarket’s search tool.

Where to explore?

When you book car hire, Cairns becomes a springboard from which to jump off and splash into Australia’s diverse sea of highlights...


Visitors to Cairns ought to visit coastal areas such as Palm Cove, Cape Tribulation, the islands of Bedarra, Double, Haggerstone, Lizard, Green and Dunk.

A two-hour drive from Cairns is the Daintree Coast and, within it, the World Heritage Site of Cape Tribulation rainforest. You can go trekking through this tropical area from the Atherton Tablelands to Cooktown via Mission Beach, or visit the Kuranda Dreamtime Trail and see fascinating plant and animal life along with stunning views.

You can visit historical sites such as Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, where you can see indigenous rock art, or visit one of the many wildlife centres and parks. With such a vast area to explore, car hire in Cairns is a popular option, allowing you freedom to explore territory outside the city.

Important information

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.

Things to know about car hire in Cairns

Most booked car typeIntermediate
Most booked supplier
Average price£36.02/day
Good deal£27.02/day
When should I book?38 days ahead
How long do I need?10 days
Most commonly included policies
    Free cancellationUnlimited mileageTheft protectionCollision damage waiver
Best time to book car hire in CairnsTap on the month below to see the average daily price of car hire in Cairns per month
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