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Car Hire at Cairns Airport

If you’re looking for car hire at Cairns Airport that’s cost-friendly, try the selection here at Budget Australia. As the gateway to Queensland, Cairns Airport welcomes thousands of national and international passengers each year. By hiring a car to explore the surrounding area, you’re giving yourself unparalleled freedom as a visitor.

How to find the car hire desks at Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Finding the car hire desks is easy no matter what terminal you’re landing into. Head to the arrivals hall and you’ll see the car hire desks. Once you’ve collected your keys, you can pick your car up from the car park at Terminal 2.

How to get to Cairns Airport

To reach Cairns Airport from Cairns, start on Esplanade and head North West towards Aplin Street. Stay left on Aplin Street and continue onto Florence Street. Once you reach the roundabout, go straight on to remain on Florence Street.

You’ll then reach a second roundabout, where you should take the third exit onto Lake Street. When you reach the first roundabout on Lake Street, go straight on to remain on Lake Street. Turn right onto Airport Avenue, then follow the signs for either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

Things to do near Cairns Airport

Whether your stay near Cairns Airport is a brief one, or you’re in the area for a while, we’re confident you won’t run out of things to do. Here are some fun activities to try:

Rapid Boarders

If you’re up for a splash of excitement after your flight, take the 1.9km drive to Rapid Boarders. Once there, you can don your wetsuit, grab your body board, and race against the rapids under the watchful eye of an instructor. Don’t worry about taking any gear along with you, because it’s all provided.

Cairns Ninebot Tours

If you don’t mind trying your hand, or feet, at using a Segway, take the 3.2km drive to Cairns Ninebot Tours. While being lead by a guide, you’ll tour the nearby area and see some of the beautiful nature-filled sights that surround Cairns Airport.

The Float Studio in Cairns

If you want to unwind after your flight, you may find that The Float Studio is the perfect setting for doing so. With a series of peaceful flotation tanks available, The Float Studio is ideal for switching off to the world and letting your senses relax. It’s a 4.5km drive from Cairns Airport.

Cars you can hire at Cairns Airport

When you hire a car at Cairns Airport from Budget Australia, you’ll benefit from a broad selection of vehicles. We know that many of our customers want to explore the surrounding area, which is why we provide SUVs and 4x4s. Additionally, we have smaller cars for those who want to economise.

Nearby refuelling locations

If you hire a car at Cairns Airport you’ll need to return it with a full tank of fuel. Here are our recommended refuelling locations:

  • Shell at 291 Sheridan Street
  • Coles at 1 Captain Cook Highway
  • Mobil on Yorkeys Knob Road
  • Puma at 45 Arnold Street
  • Mobil on Rinks Close

Distances to popular attractions

If you’re ready to explore the best sites in Queensland, you’ll find our hire cars make your life easier. Here are some distances to popular locations near Cairns:

  • Skyrail Rainforest 12.1km
  • Palm Cove 26km
  • Barron Falls 30.8km
  • Australian Butterfly Sanctuary 28km
  • Barron Gorge National Park 17.3km

Cairns Airport FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a car from Cairns Airport?

To provide you with an estimate of a cost to rent a car from Cairns Airport, we need to know more about your hire period, the car you want, and how long you need it for.

What cars can I rent from Cairns Airport?

Budget offers a large range of cars for hire from Cairns Airport. The small Holden Spark Manual or similar or the Intermediate Toyota Corolla Hatch perfect for weekend trips or even the larger full size, Toyota Camry Sedan or similar. For something bigger consider our full size wagon, Holden Commodore RS wagon or one of our SUVs.

Can I collect a car from Cairns Airport and return somewhere else?

Yes, one way rentals are possible from Cairns Airport to locations all over Australia. Popular one way rentals include Cairns to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Enter your details in the search form for further information and to get a quote.

Can I rent a 4WD vehicle from Cairns Airport?

Yes, you can book the group W, Mitsubishi Pajero or similar.

Can I return a car after hours at Cairns Airport?

Yes, Budget has a key drop box available during the hours of 4.30am – 10.30pm. Ask at time of booking for further information.

How many airports are in Cairns?

There is only one airport in Cairns: Cairns International Airport. Its IATA code is CNS, which you may see used on your tickets or online bookings.

 

If you want to hire a car at Cairns Airport, come to Budget Australia and try our impressive fleet. Book online today and save on your next Cairns airport car hire. 

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