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Car Hire From Cairns Airport, North Queensland, Australia

Car Hire at Cairns Airport with Rhino Car Hire

Start Your Australian Adventure in Tropical North Queensland

Cairns is the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest. Opting for car hire at Cairns Airport with Rhino Car Hire gives you the freedom to explore this fascinating region at your own pace, without waiting on public transport or guided tours.

Why Choose Rhino Car Hire at Cairns Airport?

  1. Convenience
    • Collect your rental car as soon as you arrive at Cairns Airport, ensuring a smooth transition from flight to adventure.
  2. Flexibility
    • Set your own itinerary and discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist paths. From the Captain Cook Highway’s scenic coastline to remote rainforests, a hire car provides total freedom.
  3. Comfort & Choice
    • Select from a wide range of vehicles—compact cars for solo travelers, family-sized SUVs, or even something more luxurious for a special occasion.
  4. Local Expertise
    • Benefit from Rhino Car Hire’s insight into the region’s roads, attractions, and travel tips, so you can make the most of your time in Tropical North Queensland.
  5. Accessibility
    • Reach top highlights effortlessly, including the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Cairns Esplanade, and Palm Cove, all on your own schedule.

Book Early and Save

It’s best to book your Cairns Airport car hire in advance with Rhino Car Hire. Early reservations secure the most competitive rates and ensure vehicle availability, especially during peak travel seasons. By planning ahead, you’ll enjoy a stress-free trip from start to finish.


Driving Information for Cairns Airport

Roads & Distances

  • Proximity to City Center: Cairns Airport is about 7–8 km (4–5 miles) north of downtown Cairns, typically a 10–15-minute drive.
  • Scenic Routes: The main road from the airport to the city is the Captain Cook Highway (State Route 44), famous for its beautiful coastal views.
  • Road Conditions: Queensland roads are generally well-maintained. If exploring remote areas, be aware of longer distances between towns and check for local updates or advisories.

EV Charging Points

  • Cairns and nearby regions are increasingly accommodating electric vehicles. While public charging stations are available in the city and at select hotels, shops, and tourist attractions, plan your charging stops in advance if you choose an EV.

Driving Tips

  • Follow Traffic Laws: Queensland has strict speed limits and regulations. Adhere to all rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
  • Rural & Remote Travel: If you’re heading to remote areas of Tropical North Queensland, prepare for limited services and watch for wildlife on the roads.

Must-See Destinations by Car

  1. Great Barrier Reef
    • Drive to the local marina or hire a boat tour to experience the world’s largest coral reef system.
  2. Daintree Rainforest
    • Head north toward Cape Tribulation to immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest—one of the oldest in the world.
  3. Kuranda Scenic Railway
    • Park in the city center and hop on this iconic train. Alternatively, drive to Kuranda Village for art markets and wildlife encounters.
  4. Palm Cove
    • A picturesque beachfront community just north of Cairns, ideal for swimming, dining, and relaxation.

How to Secure Your Cairns Airport Car Hire

  1. Provide Travel Dates & Pickup Location
    • Select “Cairns Airport” and choose your travel dates on the booking form.
  2. Review Vehicle Options
    • Compare available models, from economical cars to full-size SUVs, to suit your travel party and budget.
  3. Customize Your Rental
    • Add on extras like GPS or child seats, and consider additional driver coverage if traveling with friends or family.
  4. Confirm Your Booking
    • Finalize your reservation securely and receive confirmation with details on where to pick up your rental car at Cairns Airport.

Experience the best of Tropical North Queensland with the flexibility and comfort of a rental car from Rhino Car Hire. Whether you plan to snorkel off the Great Barrier Reef, traverse the Daintree’s hidden pathways, or simply relax along the coastline, your journey begins at Cairns Airport with the perfect hire car for your adventure.


Book Now

Current Rental Rates at Cairns Airport

Hyundai i30

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 75.13 EUR/day
Hyundai i30

7 Days rental at 525.92 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 78.43 EUR/day
Toyota Camry

7 Days rental at 549.01 EUR from 22/12/2025

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Kia Cerato

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 81.32 EUR/day
Kia Cerato

7 Days rental at 569.27 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Polestar 2

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 106.10 EUR/day
Polestar 2

7 Days rental at 742.72 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Polestar 2

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 118.60 EUR/day
Polestar 2

7 Days rental at 830.22 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Tesla Model Y

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 135.55 EUR/day
Tesla Model Y

7 Days rental at 948.88 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Tesla Model Y

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 117.72 EUR/day
Tesla Model Y

7 Days rental at 824.04 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 118.56 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Hybrid

7 Days rental at 829.97 EUR from 22/12/2025

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 138.87 EUR/day
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

7 Days rental at 972.12 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry Hybrid

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 109.94 EUR/day
Toyota Camry Hybrid

7 Days rental at 769.59 EUR from 22/12/2025

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 106.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Hybrid

7 Days rental at 742.72 EUR from 22/12/2025

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 181.86 EUR/day
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

7 Days rental at 1273.08 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry Hybrid

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 145.39 EUR/day
Toyota Camry Hybrid

7 Days rental at 1017.74 EUR from 22/12/2025

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 118.60 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Hybrid

7 Days rental at 830.22 EUR from 22/12/2025

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry Hybrid

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 115.56 EUR/day
Toyota Camry Hybrid

7 Days rental at 808.98 EUR from 22/12/2025

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Camry Hybrid

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 86.19 EUR/day
Toyota Camry Hybrid

7 Days rental at 603.33 EUR from 22/12/2025

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Sedan Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 85.56 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Sedan Hybrid

7 Days rental at 598.98 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 98.12 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 686.89 EUR from 22/12/2025

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Sedan Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 124.96 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Sedan Hybrid

7 Days rental at 874.72 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 140.88 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 986.16 EUR from 22/12/2025

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Rav4

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 155.26 EUR/day
Toyota Rav4

7 Days rental at 1086.86 EUR from 22/12/2025

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes
Prepare for an exhilarating exploration of Tropical North Queensland and the vibrant city of Cairns with Rhino Car Hire. Nestled on the shores of the Coral Sea and surrounded by lush rainforests:-

Key Highlights for Car Hire at Cairns Airport: Making the Most of Your Journey.

  • Great Barrier Reef Adventures: Dive or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, embark on reef cruises, or take scenic helicopter flights to marvel at the world's largest coral reef system.
  • Rainforest Exploration: Discover the ancient wonders of the Daintree Rainforest with visits to Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, and the Daintree Discovery Centre, where you can explore lush foliage, spot wildlife, and learn about Aboriginal culture.
  • Scenic Drives: Take leisurely drives along the Captain Cook Highway, stopping at scenic viewpoints like Rex Lookout and Ellis Beach, or venture into the Atherton Tablelands to explore waterfalls, crater lakes, and charming villages.
  • Adventure Activities: Experience adrenaline-pumping adventures like white-water rafting on the Tully River, bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Cairns, or zip-lining through the rainforest canopy at Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
  • Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in Cairns' vibrant arts and culture scene with visits to galleries, markets, and festivals, or learn about Indigenous heritage with tours and performances at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

 

Cairns Airport - Popular Destinations

  • Port Douglas: Coastal town, 41 miles
  • Palm Cove: Beach resort, 16 miles
  • Kuranda: Rainforest village, 18 miles
  • Atherton Tablelands: Inland region, 60 miles
  • Mossman Gorge: Rainforest attraction, 49 miles

Our Most Popular Rated Local Car Rental Suppliers from Cairns Airport

9.7
No.1: BUDGET,
based on 718 reviews
100
96
90
100
100
2 min (average wait time)
8.8
No.3: SIXT,
based on 503 reviews
90
90
84
88
91
18 min (average wait time)
8.8
No.2: EAST COAST,
based on 490 reviews
92
87
87
87
91
20 min (average wait time)

Cairns Airport car hire information

  • 9.8/10
    Best Rated Agent:
    Avis ABG Franchise
  • € 525.91
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • € 75.13
    Best Price:
    Per Week
  • 24
    Most Popular Type:
    Compact
  • 8
    Most popular model:
    Hyundai i30
  • 108
    Total Cars Available
     

Average prices per day for car hire at Cairns Airport

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ItemPercent
January€ 76
February€ 74
March€ 73
April€ 78
May€ 76
June€ 81
July€ 98
August€ 96
September€ 91
October€ 82
November€ 71
December€ 91
ItemPercent
January€ 61
February€ 59
March€ 64
April€ 61
May€ 66
June€ 61
July€ 74
August€ 73
September€ 72
October€ 66
November€ 57
December€ 84
ItemPercent
January€ 100
February€ 106
March€ 102
April€ 102
May€ 103
June€ 113
July€ 120
August€ 123
September€ 120
October€ 128
November€ 98
December€ 120
ItemPercent
January€ 88
February€ 83
March€ 85
April€ 84
May€ 86
June€ 95
July€ 111
August€ 108
September€ 95
October€ 96
November€ 79
December€ 109
ItemPercent
January
February
March
April
May€ 14
June€ 15
July€ 23
August€ 32
September€ 33
October€ 33
November€ 33
December
ItemPercent
January€ 99
February€ 99
March€ 95
April€ 97
May€ 91
June€ 105
July€ 117
August€ 106
September€ 105
October€ 105
November€ 86
December€ 117
ItemPercent
January€ 82
February€ 80
March€ 77
April€ 86
May€ 83
June€ 90
July€ 105
August€ 100
September€ 94
October€ 90
November€ 74
December€ 96
ItemPercent
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices

FAQs about car hire at Cairns Airport

FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Don’t Delay Book Your Car Rental from Cairns Airport Today


Book your car hire from Cairns Airport with Rhino Car Hire for an unforgettable Australian adventure.

Other Rhino Car Hire Locations

We specialise in car rentals throughout Australia fo find you the best price and that's a promise...

from
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Feb€ 27
Mar€ 27
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May€ 39
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Jul€ 59
Aug€ 73
Sep€ 39
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Jan€ 32
Feb€ 24
Mar€ 23
Apr€ 37
May€ 35
Jun€ 33
Jul€ 26
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from
€44
per day
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Jan€ 46
Feb€ 50
Mar€ 43
Apr€ 43
May€ 41
Jun€ 38
Jul€ 39
Aug€ 42
Sep€ 39
Oct€ 49
Nov€ 47
Dec€ 47
from
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per day
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Jan€ 31
Feb€ 36
Mar€ 26
Apr€ 69
May€ 67
Jun€ 63
Jul€ 74
Aug€ 47
Sep€ 31
Oct€ 34
Nov€ 25
Dec€ 69