How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cairns
In search of a cheap rental car in Cairns? With prices averaging Rs32,335 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're wanting a small ride, a road trip-ready SUV, or something in between, we round up all the top deals to make booking easy.
Daily rental prices in Cairns start from just Rs9,480.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? Rs66,358 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Cairns car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.
Simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you book with simba car hire or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Cairns car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at Rs28,098 a day.
Taking second place is [this provider]([this provider), which offers daily rates of around Rs37,469.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly Rs33,285 a day with this supplier.
Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Cairns.
Flying to Cairns? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Cairns, be on your way quicker by picking up a car hire at Cairns Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 6 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Cairns
Small: These cheap rental cars in Cairns may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Great for longer journeys, this Cairns car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Cairns that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Cairns car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Cairns.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by provider (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Cairns car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest approach.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you haven't driven before in Australia, remember that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
In Australia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you expect to drink, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Cairns for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Bungalow Hotel. Offering accessible parking as well as a bar and air conditioning, this hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Cairns.
Cairns Rainforest Retreat keeps guests happy with parking and features like express check-in and a laundry. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Cairns for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Cairns and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Great Barrier Reef, Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cairns
Buckle up and make tracks to Mareeba. Around 40 kilometres west of central Cairns, it's home to must-do sights like Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve and Davies Creek, Dinden National Park.
You'll be well taken care of at Jackaroo Motel and Mareeba Motor Inn, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Mareeba.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Cairns and then head for Port Douglas. Around 56 kilometres northwest of Cairns, Scuba at the Great Barrier Reef (Self-Guided walking tour) by FreeGuides.com and Visit Port Douglas & Daintree are highlights 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 settling in for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Drift off to sleep in Aitkenvale at either Madison Plaza Townsville or Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville. They have a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
