Cairns car hire
For sun, sea and adventure, escape to Queensland’s tropical paradise Cairns and explore at your own pace by renting a car from our partner SIXT. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Wet Tropics, the Tropical North is the perfect getaway for couples, friends and families.
Hero banner image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Latest Cairns car hire offers
Special offer
For a limited time, get 20% off car rental rates. Hurry, offer ends 16 February 2025. Pick up dates from 13 January to 30 April 2025.*
My NRMA members save even more with SIXT
NRMA members enjoy 15% off daily rental rates in Australia and New Zealand across our passenger and commercial range*. Travelling overseas? Save up to 15% off on international car rental with SIXT.
Plus, at selected SIXT locations members can enjoy:
- A free additional driver and
- $5 off damage protection options*
Book now via the link below and have your NRMA membership number to book and collect your vehicle.
Not a member?
Why hire a car in Cairns?
As one of Queensland’s most popular destinations, Cairns is a top holiday pick for tourists and Australians alike seeking warm weather all year round. Serving as a gateway to some of the top attractions including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda, and Atherton Tableland, you also have easy access to some of the best beaches in Australia. Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Four Mile Beach are all just a short drive away by car.What types of car can I hire in Cairns?
SIXT offers a diverse fleet of modern vehicles to suit all journey types and passenger numbers. Choose from small and compact cars, luxury cars, SUVs and even electric vehicles (EV). Some of the most popular rental cars in Cairns include:
- Mitsubishi Triton 2WD
- Mitsubishi Outlander Aut.
- Hyundai Kona
- Toyota Hilux 2WD
- Toyota Corolla
Not sure which vehicle to hire?
Check out the full range of vehicles to suit your needs.
Where to go in Cairns?
There’s plenty to see and do during your time in Cairns. Here’s some of our top picks:
✔ Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef - the world’s largest coral reef
✔ Enjoy the white sandy beaches and small town of Palm Cove
✔ Journey past gushing waterfalls on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
✔ Marvel at the incredible wildlife and flora in the Daintree Rainforest
✔ Take a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Cape Tribulation
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a car in Cairns?
The price of car hire in Cairns is influenced by numerous factors including:
- Vehicle type
- Length of hire
- Booking date
- Upgrades to standard protection
- Any optional extras such as baby seat or GPS navigation
To help keep costs down, consider hiring a car in Cairns outside of school holidays, public holidays and peak seasons such as December to February. Alternatively, we recommend booking your car hire early to lock in the best prices and your preferred vehicle. NRMA members can also save on SIXT car hire through our member benefits program, My NRMA.
Can I pick up and drop off my car out of hours?
Both SIXT Cairns Airport and SIXT Cairns City rental car offices allow 24-hour vehicle returns. Simply place your vehicle key in the return key boxes inside Terminals T1 and T2 at Cairns Airport or in the key box on the front of the branch door at Cairns City office.
Can I collect my car from Cairns Airport and return elsewhere?
Of course. SIXT offers one-way car rentals from Cairns Airport to other SIXT locations throughout Australia providing you with flexibility. Popular driving routes include Cairns to Port Douglas in the Far North or down towards Mackay, Townsville or even to the Gold Coast or beyond to Sydney. Note, there is often a one-way fee.
How many kilometres can I drive in my rental car?
Your Cairns rental car includes unlimited free kilometres so you don’t have to worry about extra fees or distance restrictions when driving.
What is the age limit of renting a Cairns hire car?
All drivers hiring a car in Australia must be 21 years old and over at the commencement of the rental. A daily surcharge applies for drivers under 25 years.
*Terms and Conditions
Special Offer Terms and Conditions
*Terms and conditions apply. 20% discount is off the base retail rate for bookings made between 13 January and 16 February 2025 for travel in Australia only, for pick up between 13 January 2025 and 17 April 2025, and pick up between 22 April 2025 and 30 April 2025, and excludes some vehicle classes. Bookings on excluded vehicle classes or for pick up between 18 April 2025 and 21 April 2025, will receive standard 15% member discount. Excluded vehicle classes are as follows: Compact cars (CDAR, CDAH, CCAN, CCCC, CFAH, CFAR, CMAE and CMAR), Economy cars (EDAR, EFAH, EFAR, EFMR, EXMR, EQAR and EDAH) and Mystery car (XXAR). All offers are subject to vehicle availability and only available at participating locations. Offer subject to change/withdrawal without notice. Visit www.sixt.com.au/pages/auto-clubs-tcs/ for full terms and conditions.
Standard Terms and Conditions
- 15% discount applies on the base rate (time and kilometre) only.
- $5 discount available on Damage Waiver Premium Protection and Ultimate Protection available in Australia only.
- Ultimate Protection is capped at 10 days per 30 days rental. Difference in UP or PP pricing cannot be redeemed for cash or credit.
- Free additional driver on rentals in Australia and New Zealand.
- Available at participating locations in Australia and New Zealand only.
- Offer is subject to availability.
- Must quote membership number at time of booking.
- Must present membership card at time of collection.
- Standard Rental Agreement Conditions apply.
