Top rated cars in Cairns, QLD
Rent a car in Cairns
Cairns is often hailed as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but there's an entire world waiting to be explored in this tropical paradise, and car hire in Cairns is your key to unlocking it. With its perennially warm climate and a culture that embraces the outdoors, Cairns is the ultimate destination for sun-seekers, beach lovers, and those yearning for breathtaking landscapes.
But it's not just the natural beauty that makes Cairns shine. From vibrant dining scenes to fantastic shopping spots, there's plenty to enjoy indoors as well. And if you rent a car to venture further afield, the tropical Far North Queensland region offers a treasure trove of awe-inspiring natural wonders, best explored behind the wheel of your own hire car.
Cairns car hire: How it works
From the Daintree National Park to the bustling Cairns Esplanade, rent a car from a local host in Cairns to experience this expansive tropical paradise to the fullest. Car hire in Cairns on Turo gives you total control of your road trip itinerary. Set your booking duration, score discounts when renting long-term, and discover unique cars you can't find anywhere else.
Find your car:
Enter a date and location in Cairns (whether it is the CBD, Cairns Airport or elsewhere) and browse thousands of cars shared by local hosts.
Book with Turo:
Book on the Turo app or online, choose a protection plan, and say hi to your host! Cancel for free up to 24 hours before your trip, and get discounts if you book early or for a longer duration!
Hit the roads of Cairns:
Have the car delivered or pick it up from your host. Check in with the app, grab the keys, and hit the roads of Cairns!
Top hosts in Cairns, QLD
Tom G.
Haseeb A.
Haseeb A.’s vehicles
Try car sharing in Cairns, QLD
Things to do and places to see in Cairns, QLD
Cairns, with its stunning location in tropical North Queensland, serves as a gateway to an array of breathtaking destinations. From the tranquil northern beaches like Ellis Beach, Palm Cove, and Trinity Beach, to the lush rainforests and vibrant coastal towns, there's no shortage of incredible places to explore within a short drive from Cairns. Don't miss the Kuranda Butterfly House or the unmissable Tjapukai Indigenous Cultural Experience before taking part in Hartley's Crocodile Adventures or exploring Cairn's sprawling northern beaches.
Book the perfect carCairns Esplanade
The Esplanade is a popular hub among locals, with lots of activities on offer. Here, you can swim in the saltwater esplanade lagoon, check out the cafes and restaurants, walk along the boardwalk, or simply soak up the electric atmosphere and ocean views.
Great Barrier Reef
No visit to Cairns would be complete without a day trip to the magical Great Barrier Reef. Situated just off the Cairns coast, the GBR is a jungle of colourful coral, fish, and other marine life that you won’t find anywhere else. You can also check out the many islands across the reef, like Lady Elliot Island and Green Island. Did you know the Great Barrier Reef Drive is one of the most scenic drives in Australia? Stretching from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, this 140km (one way) journey offers the perfect blend of rainforests and reefs to explore.
Shields Street
Cairns may be best known for its natural wonders and outdoor activities, but it also has a burgeoning dining scene. Much of it is concentrated around the junction between Shields Street and Sheridan Street, creating a lovely dining precinct to suit all tastes. Anywhere you choose to eat along the strip is bound to be good.
Recent reviews
Very nice car and smoother process than crowded rental cars center.
Proactive communication, convenient location near rental car shuttle drop off, flexible, clean car, better experience compared to big car rental companies.
This was a wonderful alternative to using a standard car rental agency (and certainly more cost effective).
A great and smooth experience, very nice ride and quick respond times, if you’re looking for a cheap car rental, this is the one!
The car rides great and feels like luxury especially compared to some of the rentals at large car rental companies.
Way cheaper and easier than renting from Enterprise or any other big name car rental companies.
Easy and convenient way to rent a car and avoid the rental car companies Love it
Good communication and they accepted a U.K. debit card where car rental companies only accepted credit unless I jumped through hoops.
The vehicle was nice and clean , something you don’t get from Enterprise and those other box car rental companies.
It is because of hosts like Shon, that I can never go back to traditional car rental companies.
Way easier than dealing with the counter at one of the major car rental companies, and it was much cheaper.
This was my second vehicle reservation with Charter and it was every bit as excellent as the first.
Easy to arrange and saved hundreds of dollars vs standard car rental company.
Why hire a car on Turo?
More bang for your buck
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Cairns and throughout Australia - from the everyday to the extraordinary - complete with a better, more convenient experience versus Cairns car rental companies. Find the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your Cairns trip starts. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Convenient delivery options, wherever you are in Cairns
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Cairns, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
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Top tips for hiring a car in Cairns
When it comes to hiring a car in Cairns, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some top tips to make the most of your Cairns car hire.
Cairns road rules and driving conditions
Before you hit the road in Cairns, it's essential to familiarise yourself with some key road rules and driving conditions. In Australia, we drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits are strictly enforced, so make sure to adhere to them. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05, so never drink and drive.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk when animals tend to be more active. When you venture into the mountains, be prepared for steep and winding roads, particularly if you plan on driving at night. The road quality in the region is generally good, and most tourist hotspots are accessible via sealed roads.
Given the tropical climate, it's advisable to carry plenty of water with you, as temperatures can soar.
Cairns's rush hour, busiest roads and toll roads
Cairns experiences some traffic congestion, primarily during rush hour. The morning rush is from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and the evening rush occurs between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. While traffic in the city itself isn't a major concern, the Bruce Highway heading north can get crowded.
In Cairns, there are no toll roads. However, if you plan to travel around Queensland, be aware of toll roads such as AirportlinkM7, Clem7, Gateway Motorway, and others.
Make sure your Cairns car hire is fitted out with an e-tag prior to booking if you plan to travel on toll roads during your trip.
Petrol stations and EV chargers in Cairns
Fuelling up is a breeze in Cairns, with numerous petrol stations across the city. If you drive an electric vehicle, Cairns is well-equipped with charging infrastructure. The region is part of the Queensland Electric Superhighway, featuring six charging stations in Cairns and Far North Queensland. Plus, some hotels, such as the Cairns Sheridan Hotel and the Pullman Reef Casino, offer free Tesla charging for guests. Cairns Bus Charters even provides a Tesla car service.
While fuel prices can vary, Cairns has a competitive market, and it's advisable to check local fuel prices using your preferred mapping app. For EV charging, apps like PlugShare will guide you to the nearest charging point.
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Frequently asked questions and things to know about Cairns car hire
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* 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.