Compare Car Rental Cairns: CNS Airport

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Finding a car rental at Cairns Airport is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across Australia with no booking fees. You can choose to collect your hire car right inside the terminal or save some cash by catching a free shuttle to a nearby depot.

Map of campervan rental depots near 340542

Car Rental Locations and Options

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Terminal Counters (On-site)	Available immediately when you arrive All major companies are here Open longer hours to match flights	Higher prices (extra airport fees) Long waiting lines when many flights arrive Harder to negotiate lower prices
Off-Airport Providers	Lower prices (no airport fees) Free shuttle bus service Often have newer cars	5-10 minute shuttle bus ride Must call them when you arrive Limited service at night/early morning
Airport - Domestic vs International	Both terminals have rental counters You can walk between terminals Same car types available	International terminal less busy except during arrivals Domestic terminal busy all day Some companies only in one terminal

On-site Car Rental Companies at Terminals:

Domestic (T2): Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, Enterprise/Alamo, Sixt
International (T1): Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, Enterprise/Alamo

Off-Airport Providers:

Located 1-3km from airport: Apex, East Coast Car Rentals, Bargain Car Rentals
Access via courtesy phones in arrival hall or pre-arranged shuttle

Cairns Airport Terminal Navigation Tips:

Rental car counters are located in the arrivals hall of each terminal
Look for the "Car Rental" signs or ask airport staff for directions
The courtesy coach pickup zone for off-airport shuttles is marked outside arrivals

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Cairns Airport (CNS)?

On average, car rentals in Cairns Airport (CNS) cost around AUD $159 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $37 per day.

Local Parking and Driving

Aspect	Details	Tips
Return Location	Clearly marked rental return spaces at both terminals	Signs direct to dedicated rental car return areas; follow colour-coded zones
Return Process	Counter return during hours, key drop after hours	Allow 15-20 minutes for processing during busy periods
Fuel Options	No fuel stations at airport itself	Fill up nearby. Fuel stations on Sheridan Street are a short drive from the airport.
Late Return	After-hours key drop boxes available	Photograph car upon return if using after-hours drop
Early Return	Possible but refunds rarely given	Check policy. Most companies do not refund unused days

Airport Spaces for Visitors: If someone is dropping you at the airport to collect a rental:

Free waiting area available for pickup coordination
Short-term spots are offered
Strictly enforced no-waiting zones at terminal fronts

Vehicle Inspection Tips:

Airport pickups can be rushed due to flight arrivals
Take time to thoroughly inspect the vehicle
Document (photograph) any damage before leaving
Test all features (AC, lights, wipers) before departing
Check tyre condition. Tropical heat impacts tyre pressure.

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

How long does the airport rental pickup process take? In normal circumstances, you're looking at 15-30 minutes for the paperwork and vehicle inspection. But if you arrive during peak times (10am-2pm), that can stretch to 45 minutes.

Can I change vehicle size/type after booking? Yes, but subject to availability. We recommend choosing the vehicle well at booking time to avoid disappointment.

Is there a grace period for returns? Most companies allow a 29-59 minute grace period before charging an additional day. Confirm the specific policy at pickup.

What if my flight is delayed? Major car rental companies monitor flight arrivals. If your delay is going to be significant, it's a good idea to give them a call and let them know when you'll actually be arriving.

Can I return to a different location than Cairns Airport? Yes. Most companies allow returns to Cairns CBD for a fee. Returns to Port Douglas may be possible for an additional fee.

Do airport rentals have mileage/kilometre restrictions? Most standard rentals include unlimited kilometres, but always verify. Some speciality or discounted rentals may have daily limits.

Car Rental CNS Airport