How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cairns Airport (CNS)
Need a cheap Cairns Airport rental car? With prices averaging ر.ق. 550 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're after a compact ride, a family sedan, or something in between, we round up all the best offers to get you more for your money.
August is the cheapest month to rent a car in CNS. With average daily rates of ر.ق. 295, you can keep your spending in low gear.
It's all about the timing when it comes to finding a cheap CNS rental car. Book about two weeks before you travel to land the best price.
simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast are the most popular providers at Cairns Airport.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Cairns Airport car hire policy, whether with simba car hire or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in CNS. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices.
Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Cairns Airport that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore freely without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Kick off the real journey once you've grabbed the keys to your CNS car hire. You've got the freedom to follow your own road, but if you're off to central Cairns, it'll take you around 10 minutes to drive the 6 kilometres or so south-east.
You can also get the keys to a car hire in Cairns. If you don't need a ride immediately on arrival, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Compare car hire types from Cairns Airport (CNS)
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Cairns Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this CNS car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Cairns Airport that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your CNS car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Cairns Airport by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by provider (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your CNS car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest option.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Cairns Airport (CNS)
Before you go anywhere else, do some sightseeing around Cairns first. Popular attractions like Great Barrier Reef and Barrier Reef Park are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.
Mareeba should be on your itinerary if you'd like to see Raging Thunder Adventures and Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve. This city is around 40 kilometres west of CNS.
Alternatively, start up your Cairns Airport car hire and drive around 56 kilometres north-west to Port Douglas. Featuring Scuba at the Great Barrier Reef (Self-Guided walking tour) by FreeGuides.com and Visit Port Douglas & Daintree, its highlights live up to the hype.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Take off to Ingham, around 209 kilometres south of CNS. From TYTO Wetlands to Mungalla Station, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
