Rent cars near Cairns Airport
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Rental cars near CNS
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Hit the road
If you’re keen to explore the lush territory that is northern Queensland, Cairns makes the ideal base. Situated close to both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, as well as an abundance of more under-the-radar nature spots, the city is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. It also happens to be near a number of quaint country towns if you want to enjoy a slice of regional Queensland life.
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Top hosts in Cairns, QLD
Ben G.
Alexander M.
Alexander M.’s vehicles
Destinations near Cairns
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is the sublime stretch of coastline that sits adjacent to Daintree National Park. From here, you can explore the Daintree Rainforest, venture out towards the Great Barrier Reef, hop between pristine beaches, and see if you can spot the distinctive wildlife that call the region home.
Ravenshoe
Ravensoe is a lovely town about two hours from Cairns. It’s filled with historic sites, shops, and outdoor activities like wildlife-watching, nature hikes, and swims in gorgeous waterfalls and rivers. Ravenshoe also happens to be the highest town in the state, so the views here are nothing short of awesome.
Barron Gorge National Park
Barron Gorge National Park is a total knockout, particularly the dramatic Barron Falls. There are walking tracks that criss-cross through the national park, as well as viewing platforms that allow you to take in the incredible sights, spot wildlife, and absorb the serene atmosphere.
Recent reviews
Phil is a legend, the car was great, so much better than the standard car rental companies
Convenient pickup/dropoff directly across the street from rental car center
Car runs smooth and GREATT on gas definitely good if your gone be on the road going sight seeing/tourist attractions!!!
koryan was great. instant replies. car amazing, easy pick up n return. only way to improve is to stress budget lot is not a budget car rental lot. it is budget lax parking.
I have been a Enterprise car rental for many years and this was a very convenient service.
Excellent rental process no issues or problems, except when trying to locate car at pick up time
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Cairns favourites
The city itself has lots to offer, from beaches to bars to botanic gardens.
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is a funky enclave in the north of Cairns, where relaxed coastal vibes meet cosmopolitan drinking and dining. You can walk barefoot on the sand before making your way to the village’s many trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. Then, stay overnight at one of the luxe boutique hotels along the beach.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
If you want to learn more about the tropical flora that make up northern Queensland, this is the place to do it. Cairns Botanic Gardens boasts a wide selection of tropical plants you may not see anywhere else. Sign up for a guided tour or wander through the gardens yourself for a more leisurely experience.
Rusty’s Markets
This is where locals go to grab fresh produce, deli and baked goods, meals from lots of different cuisines, gifts, flowers, clothing, and more. Rusty’s is a particularly good spot if you’re keen to try the exotic tropical fruits grown in northern Queensland, like rambutans, custard apples, dragonfruit, and mangosteens.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
To book a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in the UK and Australia, 23 years old or older in Canada, have a valid driver’s licence, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s licence and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for every future road trip, business trip, and family vacation!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo.
What protection plan options are available on Turo in Cairns?
What protection plan options are available on Turo in Cairns?
When booking a car in Australia, you’ll also choose between the Premier (if available), Standard, and Minimum protection plans. Each plan includes varying limits on financial responsibility for damage to a host’s vehicle. All trips include $20,000,000 in legal liability protection for damage to other people’s property. All protection is provided by Turo Travels Mutual.*
How do I get discounts when booking a car?
How do I get discounts when booking a car?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals!
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsWhat types of cars can I book in Cairns?
What types of cars can I book in Cairns?
Browse the wide selection of vehicles for all kinds of occasions and budgets on Turo. Find a full-size SUV for a family road trip, a pickup truck for some errands, or a sporty convertible for a special night out in Cairns. For the lowest prices, use the “budget-friendly” filter to browse economy vehicles.
How can I drive unlimited kilometres during my trip to Cairns?
How can I drive unlimited kilometres during my trip to Cairns?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
In the rare event a host cancels, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund can be temporarily held to expedite rebooking, or the funds can be returned to your bank account — your choice.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced safety measures and cleaning practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other viruses.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip (primary driver) can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add authorised drivers before your trip starts, though guests in the US, Canada, and Australia can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress with no extra charges.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s licence and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
Are there cars available near Cairns Airport?
Are there cars available near Cairns Airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near the Cairns airport. After arriving at Cairns Airport, skip the rental counter and have your car delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your Cairns hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle.
What’s the best way to get from Cairns Airport to central Cairns?
What’s the best way to get from Cairns Airport to central Cairns?
Despite being a busy tourist city, there are currently no public transport options between Cairns Airport (CNS Airport) and central Cairns. Instead, you have a choice between taxis, rideshare, shuttles, limousines, and driving.
Picking up a car from Cairns Airport may be the best option, as the journey to the city centre is only 10 minutes and you have the freedom to visit nearby locations for day trips or weekend trips.
Can you drive from Cairns Airport to the Daintree National Park?
Can you drive from Cairns Airport to the Daintree National Park?
You absolutely can! The trip from Cairns Airport to the Daintree Rainforest is just under 2.5 hours and is a really scenic drive that takes you through some of the most amazing locations in North Queensland.
* The guest protection plans offer discretionary protection (protection) issued by Turo Travels Mutual Limited (the Mutual). The plans are offered and distributed on behalf of the Mutual by Turo Australia Pty Ltd and Turo Inc., who are both authorised representatives of Picnic Licensing Pty Ltd (AFSL No 532540). Discretionary risk protection is not insurance. Relevantly, the Board of the Mutual has absolute discretion to accept or reject a member’s claim.
Review the Guest Product Disclosure Statement for more information.
The Board’s discretion will be exercised fairly and consistently, and with all due consideration to the merits and circumstances of each claim and the terms and conditions set out in the Guest PDS.