Do I need to purchase insurance or protection packages with my rental at Cairns Airport?

It is not required to do so. However, you are able to purchase a range of protection packages and insurances to reduce your liability.

Can I add an additional driver to my rental?

You can add additional drivers to your booking as an optional extra.

113 years of SIXT. 113 years of tradition.

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Car rental at
Cairns Airport

Google Maps Cairns Airport, Terminal building, Cairns, Cairns, 4870, Australia

Additional Information

Your way to SIXT

SIXT 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).

By Car

If you're arriving by car, drive into Cairns Airport via Captain Cook Highway (National Highway 1) and look for the sign posts to the rental car park.

With public transportation

We recommend taxis or Excellence Coaches that offer a shuttle bus to/from Port Douglas, Cairns CBD and Northern Beaches.

SIXT Parking

You will find our SIXT parking in the car rental car park at T1 and T2.

Return information

Please park your vehicle in SIXT allocated parking in T1 or T2 car rental returns car park. After parking take your keys to the SIXT counter.

Directions

-16.87531852722168, 145.75265502929688

Cairns Airport

24h Return

Address

Terminal building, Cairns, Cairns, 4870, Australia

Business hours

Mon - Sun

07:30 - 00:00

Public Holidays

07:30 - 00:00

Out of hours

Do you want to return your vehicle outside of opening hours?

4.5

Our customers love us

4.5 stars from 1,579 reviews at Cairns Airport.

Flexible returns

Don't worry when you bring your car back with 24hr returns.

Drive Luxury

Rent one of our top luxury models at our Cairns Airport branch.

Our services at Cairns Airport

SIXT car rental at Cairns Airport

SIXT car rental at Cairns Airport is your starting point for tropical North Queensland. Pick up your vehicle at either the international or domestic terminal and head straight for the reef, the rainforest, or the open road north to Port Douglas.

SIXT counters are located in the arrivals halls of both T1 (International) and T2 (Domestic), marked by bright orange signage.

Book online before your trip, enter your flight details, and your vehicle will be ready when you land.

Why rent with SIXT at Cairns Airport:

Competitive rates with flexible rental terms
Convenient terminal location with on-site pick-up
One-way rentals available across Australia

Our Cairns Airport fleet includes compact cars for city driving, SUVs and 4WDs for exploring the coastline and Far North Queensland’s rugged landscapes, luxury cars with premium brands including Mercedes-Benz, and electric vehicles. For larger groups or commercial needs, pickup trucks, vans, and trucks are also available.

Before, during, and after your rental

What to bring

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. If your license is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. Visitors from the US can drive in Queensland with a valid US license for the duration of their stay.

On the road

Australia drives on the left side of the road. Speed limits are posted in km/h — typical urban limits are 50 km/h, and highways range from 100 to 110 km/h.

Use the SIXT App for mobile check-in, digital contract signing, and to manage your booking on the go.

Returning your vehicle

Drop off your car at the Cairns Airport SIXT counter. Check your fuel policy at booking — prepay fuel for convenience or return the tank full to avoid refueling charges. Out-of-hours returns are available for added flexibility.

Explore Cairns and beyond by rental car

A rental car at Cairns Airport connects you to some of Australia’s most extraordinary natural wonders:

Port Douglas — approximately 70 km, 1 hour. A tropical resort town and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Kuranda — approximately 30 km, 35 minutes. A rainforest village in the hills above Cairns, accessible by scenic railway or skyrail.
Daintree Rainforest — approximately 120 km, 2.5 hours. The world’s oldest tropical rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage area where the reef meets the jungle.

Add optional extras like child seats or GPS navigation at booking to make your trip seamless.

Book your Cairns Airport car rental with SIXT today and start exploring Australia from the moment you land!

Customer reviews & feedback

4.5

4.497807

Based on 1579 reviews

from our Customer Excitement Score survey*

What our customers are saying

4.8

4.7

4.6

John H.

5.0

Check out check in quick and easy car didn't miss a beat!

Jayo W.

5.0

We rented a car from Cairns airport. When we picked up the car, we were quite impressed with the staff. They were helpful and friendly and provided quick and courteous service. The car was new, with the mileage reading 807km. The car was very clean and we were very happy with the way the car handled. Returning the car was easy and quick. We only had to handover the keys, and everything was complete. Within one hour we had the return receipt by email. Thanks to all the staff and Sixt. Cheers Jayo

David W.

5.0

Very helpful and informative staff.

*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked at Cairns Airport. The score is an average of all customer responses.

Good to know when renting at Cairns Airport

What's the minimum age to rent a car at Cairns Airport?

To rent a car with SIXT at Cairns Airport you need to be at least 21 with a valid license. Some car categories have a higher minimum rental age, and an underage driver fee may apply.

Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?

You can modify, extend, or cancel your reservation in Cairns Airport through your manage booking section or through the app.

What documents do I need to rent a car at Cairns Airport?

You will need a full, valid driver's license along with a passport or identity card when picking up your car. More detailed information can be found in our rental information. These rules vary from country to country so please always check local regulations before making your travel arrangements.

Easily book a long-term rental at Cairns Airport by entering trip dates and pickup/drop-off locations.

More SIXT

Check out our nearby locations to Cairns Airport

Check out one of our nearby branches to Cairns Airport where you’ll find the same great service and affordable rates.

Nearby Branches

Cairns City

Car rental at
Cairns Airport