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21 Rental Locations
Pickup
You must provide a flight number when picking up a vehicle at Cairns Airport. If a valid flight number is not present, the vehicle will be ready at the DOMESTIC terminal.
Telephone
+61740389990
9.4/10 Excellent
400+ ratings, 2 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
CUSTOMERS ARRIVING AT AIRPORT: Call 1800 620 408 (+61 7 4041 0895) to arrange a pickup after collecting your luggage. 1.Exit terminal via the covered walkway 2 Follow signs for "Courtesy Bus" area where our Ace Rental Cars shuttle will meet you
Telephone
+611800620408 / +61392222595
9.2/10 Excellent
2000+ ratings, 10 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
Domestic Terminal 1. AFTER collecting your luggage, please do the following: a. Please click on the “Ready to Collect” button on the email we’ve sent you recently OR b. Phone our office toll free on 1800 273 922 (or +617 4053 2896) and advise you are ready for an Apex shuttle pick-up. From the Baggage Claim area, Walk through the terminal past baggage carousel #3 and exit through the doors at the end of the terminal. 2. Follow the yellow and black painted line on the concrete up to and across the pedestrian crossing. 3. Continue along the yellow and black line and stop at the Courtesy Coach Pickup Area (approx. 30m past the pedestrian crossing). 4. Wait here for the Apex Car Rentals shuttle van. 5. Customers will be collected in the order they are marked as ready for pickup. During peak periods wait times may be longer due to high demand, your patience will be appreciated. International Terminal 1. After collecting your luggage, please do the following: a. Please click on the “Ready to Collect” button on the email we’ve sent you OR b. Phone our office toll free on 1800 273 922 (or +617 4053 2896) and advise you are ready for an Apex shuttle pick-up. 2. From the Arrivals Hall, exit the International Terminal through the doors with the Domestic Terminal sign above it. 3. Turn right and walk to the departures end of the terminal building. 4. Cross the pedestrian crossing, follow the foot path, cross another pedestrian crossing and then follow the yellow and black painted line on the concrete. 5. This will take you to the Courtesy Coach Pickup Area. 6. Wait here for the Apex Car Rentals shuttle van. 7. Customers will be collected in the order they are marked as ready for pickup. During peak periods wait times may be longer due to high demand, your patience will be appreciated.
Telephone
+61740532896 / +61800723922
9.1/10 Excellent
500+ ratings, 2 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
Airport Terminal Instructions COUNTER: Located in the T2 Domestic terminal. The International desk is currently closed, customers should proceed to the domestic terminal. CARS: Across the road from the Domestic terminal, 50m from terminal. RETURNS: Follow signs for car rental returns Domestic: Take the slip road on the right of Mick Borzi Drive. International: Take the slip road on the right of Beaufort St. AFTER HOURS RETURNS: Available during airport hours only. Drop box located at the Budget counter in the terminal.
Telephone
+611300362848
8.7/10 Very good
1000+ ratings, 4 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
Upon arrival please be on the lookout for the Enterprise counter located in the arrivals hall of the airport terminal. Your rental will be serviced there. The car rental counter is located in the arrivals hall of the Cairns International Terminal. Once you have cleared customs you will exit into the Arrivals hall. Proceed to the rental counter on the right hand side of the arrivals hall where we will arrange your rental agreement.
Telephone
+61740349045
8.7/10 Very good
1000+ ratings, 5 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
Here’s what you need to do to get yours during our business hours: Once you’ve got your luggage, give us a call on 1800 150 850. Press 1 and follow the prompts, to book your spot. For both the domestic and international terminals, exit the airport and follow the signs to the courtesy coach pick up area. If you’re already in town, it’s approximately $10 in an Uber, or you can reach us on foot in about 20 minutes. JUCY currently has all after hours pickups suspended- you must collect the vehicle the during office hours
Telephone
+611800150850
8.6/10 Very good
500+ ratings, 4 reviews
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Closed
Telephone
+611800501934 / +61740389990
8.5/10 Very good
100+ ratings, 0 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
Upon arrival please be on the lookout for the Enterprise counter located in the arrivals hall of the airport terminal. Your rental will be serviced there. The car rental counter is located in the arrivals hall of the Cairns International Terminal. Once you have cleared customs you will exit into the Arrivals hall. Proceed to the rental counter on the right hand side of the arrivals hall where we will arrange your rental agreement.
Telephone
+61740349045
8.5/10 Very good
100+ ratings, 0 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
Domestic Airport Upon arrival at the Cairns Domestic Arrivals T2 Terminal, proceed to the Rental counter located opposite the baggage carousels to arrange your rental agreement. International Airport Upon arrival at the Cairns International Arrivals T1 Terminal, exit the terminal building, turn right following the footpath towards the end of the terminal building, and continue following the signs to the T2 terminal. Enter the T2 building and proceed to the Rental car rental counter opposite the baggage carousel area.
Telephone
+61740349045
8.5/10 Very good
100+ ratings, 0 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
Upon arrival please be on the lookout for the Enterprise counter located in the arrivals hall of the airport terminal. Your rental will be serviced there. The car rental counter is located in the arrivals hall of the Cairns International Terminal. Once you have cleared customs you will exit into the Arrivals hall. Proceed to the rental counter on the right hand side of the arrivals hall where we will arrange your rental agreement.
Telephone
+61740349045
8.5/10 Very good
100+ ratings, 0 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
Domestic Airport Upon arrival at the Cairns Domestic Arrivals T2 Terminal, proceed to the Rental counter located opposite the baggage carousels to arrange your rental agreement. International Airport Upon arrival at the Cairns International Arrivals T1 Terminal, exit the terminal building, turn right following the footpath towards the end of the terminal building, and continue following the signs to the T2 terminal. Enter the T2 building and proceed to the Rental car rental counter opposite the baggage carousel area.
Telephone
+61740349045
8.5/10 Very good
300+ ratings, 1 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
Thrifty offers two rental desks at Cairns Airport. There is one in the arrivals hall of T1 (the international terminal), and another in the arrivals hall of T2 (the domestic terminal). Just look for the blue and white signage. If you’re arriving at the airport from town, it’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride, or you can take the Airport Connect bus service for just $4 one way.
Telephone
+61136139
8.5/10 Very good
100+ ratings, 0 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
After you get your luggage, please call Mini car rentals and wait at Cairns Domestic T2 terminal public pick up area or Cairns Internation Airport T1 public pickup area, they will pick you up.
Telephone
+61740516288 / +61418157583
8.5/10 Very good
100+ ratings, 0 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
The store is located in the airport and can be reached on foot.
Telephone
+61 (0) 7 40349088
8.5/10 Very good
100+ ratings, 0 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
Upon arrival check in at the Europcar/Routes counter. If assistance is required please reach us at 6140349088
Telephone
+61740349088
8.4/10 Very good
500+ ratings, 4 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
To help expedite the colection process and ensure a smooth pickup experience, we kindly ask that you complete your onine check in before your rental date. Link: https://t.ly/cnscheckin For Domestic and international Arrivals: After collection your luggage, Exit through the terminal doors closest to the car rental desks. Turn left and walk past the taxi area. Proceed to the "Courtesy Vehicle & Rideshare Pick-up" area. Once arrive there, please request and track your shuttle bus via the following link: https://t.ly/cnscheckin. Upon landing, lf you do not have access to internet please contact us on +61 7 402 12 777 to request for shuttle bus request.
Telephone
+61740212777
8.3/10 Very good
500+ ratings, 2 reviews
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Closed
Pickup
The Europcar counter is located inside the arrivals hall near the baggage collection carousels at both the domestic and international terminals. The International terminal desk is not always manned so on arrival please make your way to the Europcar booth and use the phone on the counter to speak to a Europcar team member.
Telephone
+61740349088
8.3/10 Very good
200+ ratings, 1 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
Local Office Directions COUNTER: Located in the T2 Domestic terminal. The International desk is currently closed, customers should proceed to the domestic terminal. CARS: Across the road from the Domestic terminal, 50m from terminal. RETURNS: Follow signs for car rental returns Domestic: Take the slip road on the right of Mick Borzi Drive. International: Take the slip road on the right of Beaufort St. AFTER HOURS RETURNS: Available during airport hours only. Drop box located at the Avis counter in the terminal.
Telephone
+611363330740359979
8.1/10 Very good
2000+ ratings, 7 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
Once you have collected your luggage, call +61 3 6165 0838 and follow the prompts for shuttle bus pick up. Please allow up to 20 minutes for the shuttle to arrive. Domestic: Exit the terminal doors closest to the car rental counters. Turn left and walk past the taxi rank. After passing the taxi rank, you will see a footpath with a yellow and black line painted on it. Ensure both colours present on the footpath. Please follow the lines until you see the signage for “courtesy vehicle and rideshare pickup”. International arrivals: Exit the front of the terminal, turn right and walk until you see yellow and black lines on footpath, follow these lines until you reach the “courtesy vehicle and rideshare pickup” sign.
Telephone
+61361650838 / +61740153284
8.1/10 Very good
1000+ ratings, 6 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
When you arrive at Cairns Airport, collect your luggage and call our shuttle on 1 800 474 258 or (+61) 07 5555 8908. For Step-by-step Instructions to Reach our Complementary Shuttle Bus – Please se1ect your Appropriate way of Arrival Below. I am arriving from a Domestic Flight:https://www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au/media/2022/04/Cairns-Domestic-Airport-Guide-12.04.2022.pdf I am arriving from a International Flight: https://www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au/media/2022/01/Cairns-International-Shuttle-Bus-Pickup-Guide.pdf Exit the arrivals hall then turn LEFT and walk out the airport terminal. Walk directly to BUS BAY Number 6. If your flight delays, please contact us as soon as you possible by phoning our reservations team on 1800 327 826 or +61 (0)7 5555 8900. If we have not heard from you in advance though our branch will shut at its normal closing hour so please call us before you board your delayed flight.
Telephone
+611800327826
7.9/10 Good
1000+ ratings, 4 reviews
View details
Closed
Pickup
Domestic Airport Upon arrival at the Cairns Domestic Arrivals T2 Terminal, proceed to the Rental counter located opposite the baggage carousels to arrange your rental agreement. International Airport Upon arrival at the Cairns International Arrivals T1 Terminal, exit the terminal building, turn right following the footpath towards the end of the terminal building, and continue following the signs to the T2 terminal. Enter the T2 building and proceed to the Rental car rental counter opposite the baggage carousel area.
Telephone
740349045 / +61740349052
Dollar
8.8/10
BARGAIN
9.1/10
Europcar
8.6/10
Alamo
9.3/10
East Coast Car Rentals
8.4/10
Budget
9.2/10
Thrifty
9.1/10
Jucy
7.6/10
Hertz
9.6/10
ACE Rental Cars
9.0/10
Apex
9.3/10
Simba Car Hire
9.6/10
AVIS
8.8/10
Enterprise
9.8/10
Firefly
9.2/10
Shouqizuche
9.8/10
Atlas
8.0/10
APOLLO
6.8/10
Reviewed: April 4, 2025
Very satisfied, they even upgraded me to an SUV for free. The car was very new.
Reviewed: February 17, 2025
I was surprised that the car I rented had no navigation system.
Reviewed: January 13, 2024
My expectations were definitely met. I want well prepared vehicles that are clean. I got this and no issues.
Reviewed: March 18, 2025
The staff were very friendly and cheerful, thumbs up!
Reviewed: February 18, 2025
The counter staff were very pushy on insurance upsell. He tried to convince me that my travel insurance and CC insurance would not cover my excess. He then went on to tell me that if I was in an accident I would have to pay the daily rate while the car was off the road and my insurance would not cover it. I didn't believe so I called the call centre, and they confirmed this to be true. I won't be using them again for this reason. The other issue was that I could not inspect the car properly due to rain and there was no where under cover to park.
Reviewed: February 10, 2025
The overall service is acceptable, but you need to call the store for a pick-up from the airport. The pick-up location requires a short walk outside the terminal.
Reviewed: February 20, 2025
Excellent. The car was very clean and new. The paperwork was processed very quickly, and this car model is very easy to drive.
Reviewed: February 8, 2025
The lady at the Cairns pickup location provided excellent service, carefully explaining everything and informing us about roadside assistance.
Reviewed: September 20, 2023
Ford Puma was extremely frugal on fuel and easy to operate.
Reviewed: March 3, 2025
The store is easy to locate, staff are friendly, and both pickup and return processes are quick and straightforward.
Reviewed: August 21, 2024
Parking by the Brisbane seaside requires payment, otherwise you'll risk getting a fine. A 1.5-hour penalty costs 74 AUD.
Reviewed: November 5, 2024
借りる時と返す時ぐたまたま同じスタッフさんで、早く手続き出来てラッキーでした。ハロウィーンに近い時期で、ディスプレイが可愛かった。
Reviewed: October 2, 2024
Although there is no branch at the airport, the shuttle bus location instructions are quite clear. However, you'll need to communicate via phone, which requires some basic English skills.
Reviewed: January 7, 2025
車の状態はとても良かったです。 韓国 キア自動車の スポーテージというsuv でした。安全、運転支援システムも装備されており もともと予約していた車よりも荷室や 後席の足元が広く使いやすかったと思います。
Reviewed: March 11, 2024
Due to a change in plans I needed to retun the car ealy to Cairns on Sunday 25th Feb meaning I am owed a refund for the unused days. I was told at the counter that an updated invoice would be genrated via email. That has not happended at this point. I would like to request a car hire refuen for the unsed days. I was due to return the car on Wed 28th Feb so am owed three days charges.
Reviewed: August 30, 2023
Customer service was excellent, process was easy and smooth and car was perfect for our needs.
Reviewed: March 23, 2023
Great car, roomy with all our luggage and luxurious. Highlight though staff at Cairns and Proserpine who were superb, helpful, friendly and a credit.
Reviewed: January 16, 2025
Used the car for two days and drove 150 kilometers. The condition of the car was good, but the deposit of 200 Australian dollars has not been refunded yet.
Reviewed: December 25, 2023
The counter is right next to the baggage carousel at Cairns Airport. Very convenient. Booked a RAV4 but got a brand new Kia, and it was a diesel version with great power. The interior was very clean.
Reviewed: November 9, 2021
Left mobile phone holder in car, called straightaway but Thrifty staff did not find it. Very disappointing. So what happened to our holder???
Reviewed: June 25, 2023
Terrible experience, car was extremely dated with over 140,000kms on it. Panels looses, car drove terribly and had a constant tick. When I arrived constant expectations that I pay more and put more money on hold. All in all the car was a piece of sh#t that wouldn’t be worth more than $2000. Staff not helpful and will never use Jucy again.
Reviewed: June 19, 2023
Car was beaten up with lots of scratches and dents. Depot was a long way from airport and the shuttle's timing wasn't good, ie a lot of flights are quite early but the service doesn't start until around 8.30-9 I think
Reviewed: December 6, 2022
staff you had at cairns depot were excellent car was clean
Reviewed: January 8, 2025
Please ensure vehicles are filled compliant with all local laws before customers take vehicle away. All desk staff were VERY curious about situation, and did the best they could.
Reviewed: May 31, 2021
I oredered a Suziki Swift and got a Suburu Forester. I insured based on a Swift with no windscreen cover. Chip on Forester windscreen which has intelligent eyesight. I am yet to discover what/if this will cost.
Reviewed: November 5, 2024
We did not receive the correct vehicle that we booked and were forced to use a Mazda CX-5, which did not have enough space for the four of us with the baby car seat installed. Additionally, we were charged extra for the baby car seat, even though I had already paid for it through QEEQ. We were also pressured into purchasing insurance, as they threatened to charge a $200 withdrawal fee if we declined. As someone who works for the ACCC, I found it concerning to be treated this way by an Australian company, and I felt harassed. I have already lodged a complaint against this company for their unethical sales practices. The staff were unhelpful throughout the experience. It may be worth considering if partnering with ACE is truly beneficial for your reputation. I will be in touch soon to provide further information for our investigation.
Reviewed: July 28, 2022
Ace were fantastic, from transfer to the car to pick and the instructions for drop off was easy.
Reviewed: May 29, 2021
Car was a Hertz car, was a new RAV4 Hybrid so was better than I was expecting. Staff were friendly but had to be bused to the city location to pick up, although we could return at the airport directly Been waiting for a copy of the rental agreement for over 2 weeks
Reviewed: October 24, 2024
I would easily go through Apex again, I had no issues at all. Very simple process, great staff.
Reviewed: October 1, 2024
The Staff at Apex were very friendly and efficient. The Airport Shuttle service was prompt at both pick-up and drop-off ... and very convenient.
Reviewed: August 16, 2024
丁寧に説明をしていただき、スムーズに乗車、返却できました。 シャトルバスもすぐに乗車でき空港に行けました。
Reviewed: March 28, 2024
Very nice car suited for city driving and long trips. Not good on the hills needs more grunt. But it was easy to drive and very comfortable over long distances.
Reviewed: October 1, 2024
Terrible car provider, should be avoided! They provided us with a brand new car, which was nice. Unfortunately I scratched a bit the rim. In the contract, it's clearly written that a rim scratch is $195. They took our $500 bond and also took around $320 directly from my bank account w/o my consent. Pure scam.
Reviewed: September 25, 2024
The car exceeded my expectations. A hybrid that seemed to use almost no gas!
Reviewed: August 7, 2024
Very satisfied, the process was simple and quick, and the team was friendly.
Reviewed: September 3, 2024
We booked a Land Cruiser but end up we got a KIA at same price. It is not a good experience at all! We should get a Highlander at least .
Reviewed: January 15, 2024
Top quality car and service. A little difficult with locating the car park for drop-off. Instructions could have been shared beforehand. Really good experience overall.
Reviewed: March 14, 2019
When we arrived to cairns we needed to wait for more than an hour for the Avis stuff to Give us the car We order sedan and got hatchback which was very small for our luggage and space for our kids When we asked for our order they said that is not what we order and that we need to add more money
Reviewed: December 4, 2018
Cairns airport is small, with 2-3 rental car service counters in close proximity. You can get the car just across the street, and we didn’t have to queue. The issue was an extra charge for taxes! Although we noticed it right away, the AVIS staff insisted on charging our card, otherwise we wouldn't get the car. Despite explaining that all taxes had been paid, they wouldn't budge. When asked which specific tax it was, they couldn't clarify. The worst part was that they deceived me by claiming it was a deposit to be refunded upon return, even though the charge on the card was clearly for the rental. However, the staff were polite throughout and tried to help for a long time. It seems foreign customer service is really unprofessional. We contacted the rental platform but they couldn't resolve it in a short time. To avoid delaying our trip, we had to pay, planning to deal with it after returning home.
Reviewed: March 9, 2019
Great once we got the cat -but you cannot contact anyone - they don’t answer the phone. We were delayed to get to pick up car and for 24 hours tried to call and no one answered the phone. Very stressful and unhelpful. No way to make contact with them to ask help and advice. We needed to talk to a person in cairns and we couldn’t.
Reviewed: February 13, 2020
ケアンズ空港ではhertzのカウンターで受け取りでした。スムーズに対応してくれたので10分ほどで手続きが終わり、車に乗り込めした。 返却時もhertz専用の返却駐車場があるのでそちらに停めると係員がすぐ来てくれました。 傷チェックをして2.3分で返却処理は終わります。 帰りの傷チェックは結構適当で軽ーく車体を見回って終わりだったので少し不安でしたが特に追加チャージはされてないので大丈夫でした。
Reviewed: June 13, 2019
The Navi didn't work. A map to show exact drop off point and location of Petrol stations near the airport would be really helpful
Reviewed: March 21, 2019
Hyundai I30 was supplied instead of the expected Corolla. Very impressed with the Hyundai. Perfect for our needs and very fuel efficient. Would happily do it all again.
Reviewed: August 13, 2018
The staff had a good attitude, waiting time was acceptable, and they were patient.
Reviewed: November 27, 2019
We were very impressed with the location and the ease of our booking!
Reviewed: October 24, 2019
Atlas was amazing, their Customer Service Representative-Javie was amazing, one of the best I have ever met, he did everything fast and with easy and he went out of his way to help and make our experience pleasant and we were extremely happy with everything.
Reviewed: August 10, 2019
Everything is good except on one day in Cape tribulation , the car didn't start when we finished and try to go back to our hotel at 4:30 PM. There is no service in the area. Luckily a tourist took us to the restaurant to use the land line and we call road assistant and they order a tow truck to help us. At 5:30 PM , suddenly the car can start and we cancel the tow truck. We were scare because it was getting dark and it was a long way to go back. We still do not know what was wrong with the van, but finally everything is OK
Reviewed: August 2, 2017
It was clearly a Hertz car, but I was directed to Apollo and ended up spending 30 AUD on taxis. Called three times and no one answered.
It takes up 60% of all car rentals. Top selected car types are: Small, SUV, and Van.
* Based on all bookings from Cairns Airport (CNS) for the last 30 days.
Lowest rental rates at the Cairns Airport (CNS) is USD 35.55 on average, and can go up to USD 72.43 at the busiest . Use this conclusion to schedule your trip to your best interest.
In contrast, Saturday is the least busy day.
More bookings mean more time spent on queueing up at the counter. Prepare yourself if it is going to take you a long time to pick up from the Cairns Airport (CNS).
* Based on the scheduled pickup time of all bookings from Cairns Airport (CNS).
Most customers book a rental car from Cairns Airport(CNS) for 4 days, showing a medium length of rental period is more favored.
One-way car rentals take up nearly 18% of the total bookings at Cairns Airport (CNS).Out of it, besides Sydney, other top destinations : Proserpine, Brisbane.
On average, Basic Protection costs USD 39.81 per day for Small, USD 60.57 for SUV and USD 92.65 for Van.
Do You Know?
No.1 Source Country
Customers from Germany choose Cairns Airport(CNS) the most as the start point of both their business and leisure journeys.
Bigger is Better
Renters from Australia prefer more spacious car models like Kia Carnival,Hyundai Imax and Toyota Hiace.
Quite a Planner
Thailand renters like to plan much more ahead, they usually make the online booking 201 days before pickup from the Cairns Airport (CNS).
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Customer Service
9.7/10 Excellent
600+ ratings, 4 reviews
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