Cairns Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Cairns

Renting a car in Cairns offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed, making it an ideal choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. You can visit key spots like the Cairns Esplanade, perfect for outdoor and family experiences, or take a drive to Palm Cove Beach for a relaxing beach day. The Cairns Marlin Marina also awaits, providing opportunities for adventure and further beach experiences.

In addition to exploring Cairns itself, a rental car allows convenient access to nearby destinations such as Palm Cove, which features beautiful beaches like Trinity Beach and Clifton Beach. The Cairns Central Business District is another area worth visiting, showcasing the vibrant Cairns Marlin Marina and the scenic Esplanade Lagoon. With so much to see and do, a car rental ensures you can fully enjoy the diverse experiences Cairns has to offer without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car rentals in Cairns

• Midsize SUV: The most popular choice among travellers in Cairns, the midsize SUV comfortably accommodates up to 5 passengers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal option for families, couples, or small groups seeking both space and flexibility. With a midsize SUV, you can easily manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom to explore Cairns at your own pace.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the compact car option fits up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type is suited for those who wish to navigate Cairns with ease while enjoying a more economical choice. The compact car provides a balance of comfort and efficiency, allowing you to make the most of your travel experience in Cairns.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is another great choice for travellers in Cairns, accommodating up to 5 people and allowing for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is ideal for couples, families, or groups who desire a bit more space without compromising on comfort. With a standard SUV, you can enjoy the versatility needed for your travel plans while having ample room for your belongings.

Top rated car suppliers in Cairns

• Europcar: Europcar is a popular choice for travellers in Cairns, featuring 2 rental locations throughout the area. Known for providing a wide selection of vehicles, the most booked options with this supplier include Midsize and Compact cars. Customers appreciate the convenience and flexibility that comes with renting from Europcar, making it an excellent option for exploring the region at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget also has 2 rental locations in Cairns, catering to those looking for affordable and reliable car rental options. Travellers frequently opt for Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, which offer ample space for luggage and comfort during your journey. Budget is well-regarded for its competitive pricing, making it an ideal choice for families and groups looking to discover Cairns and its surroundings.
• Sixt: Sixt stands out with its 2 rental locations in Cairns, providing a diverse range of vehicles. The Midsize SUVs and Fullsize Vans are among the most booked options, offering flexibility for both solo travellers and larger groups. Sixt is appreciated for its modern fleet and excellent service, ensuring a pleasant rental experience while exploring the beautiful attractions around Cairns.

Where to stay in Cairns

• Palm Cove: This charming suburb near Cairns offers an outdoor, family, and city-themed experience. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions such as Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, and Kewarra Beach, all perfect for a beach holiday. The local shopping area features a variety of restaurants, while the esplanade and family beach provide a scenic backdrop for relaxation.
• Cairns Central Business District: The heart of Cairns, this neighbourhood is ideal for those seeking a vibrant urban experience. With a shopping centre and theatre close at hand, you can indulge in retail therapy and entertainment. The esplanade and urban park offer beautiful spaces for outdoor activities, while Cairns Marlin Marina and Esplanade Lagoon enhance the area with adventure and scenic views.
• Cairns North: A suburb that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and families, Cairns North boasts attractions such as the cable car and theatre. Its proximity to the esplanade, urban park, and beach makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a romantic getaway or family holiday. Dining options and cafes are readily available, adding to the neighbourhood's charm.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Cairns

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is generally the most advantageous. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, although this might be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offers you peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Cairns

The best value period to rent a car in and around Cairns is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. The following months of March and May also provide decent options, with slightly low prices and average demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, seeing high demand and slightly high prices, making it a busier time for rentals. June and August are similarly busy, with slightly high demand and prices.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High