Car hire at Cairns Airport
Find the best car rental at Cairns Airport with SIXT. Choose from a wide variety of vehicles
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Our services at Cairns Airport
Finding SIXT Car Hire at Cairns Airport
SIXT makes car hire at Cairns Airport quick and convenient. Our counters are located in the arrivals halls of both T1 (International Terminal) and T2 (Domestic Terminal), marked by bright orange signage. Our friendly team will have you on the road in no time.
If you need further information please view our guide to renting a vehicle at Cairns Airport on our magazine.
Book online today to secure your vehicle!
Exclusive SIXT Car Rental Offers:
As the exclusive car rental partner to Australia’s leading Auto Clubs, SIXT offers Auto Club members a 15% discount off our daily rate. When you book your Cairns Airport car hire with us, we also manage your toll road use through our partner, Linkt, for a seamless experience.
Vehicles Available for Hire at Cairns Airport
SIXT offers a diverse fleet to suit your needs at Cairns Airport:
- Compact cars: Ideal for navigating the city streets of Cairns.
- SUVs & 4WDs: Perfect for exploring the coastline up to Port Douglas and the rugged landscapes of Far North Queensland.
- Luxury cars: For a premium driving experience consider our premium brands including BMW, Mercedes Benz and Tesla electric vehicles.
Why Choose SIXT Car Hire at Cairns Airport?
Choose SIXT for:
- Great value and exceptional customer service
- Flexible pick-up and drop-off at both terminals
- Standard Cover with optional additional protection
Return your vehicle to the designated SIXT parking areas at T1 or T2, with after-hours key drop boxes available at both terminals for convenience. If you do park after hours, make sure that you leave the car in a SIXT bay.
When you book directly with SIXT, you have more control over your reservation, including amendments to dates and times. NRMA members can also save up to 20% when booking through SIXT!
Book your Cairns Airport car hire with SIXT today for a reliable, hassle-free journey!
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Good to know when renting at Cairns Airport
Our SIXT Cairns Airport branch has convenient counters in both Terminal 1 (International) and Terminal 2 (Domestic) arrivals halls.
- From the terminals: After collecting your luggage, follow signs to the car hire area in either T1 (International) or T2 (Domestic). Our desks are located within the arrivals halls.
- By car: Drive along Captain Cook Highway (National Highway 1) and follow signposts to the car hire car park at Cairns Airport, approximately 7 km north of Cairns city centre. Our parking is in the designated SIXT areas at T1 and T2.
- Via public transport: Taxis or shuttle services are available from Cairns CBD or Port Douglas to the airport.
For detailed directions, check Google Maps.
Need assistance? Call us on (07) 4033 9800. We’re ready to get you on the road!
You’ll need a valid driver’s licence held for at least one year, depending on the vehicle category. International hirers may also require an International Driving Permit or an official translation of their licence.
To cover your car hire, you must provide a valid physical credit card in your name with sufficient funds for hire charges and any additional costs. Debit cards may be accepted at some locations, so confirm with the Cairns Airport branch beforehand. Please note, cash payments are not accepted.
To hire a vehicle with SIXT at Cairns Airport, you must be at least 21 and hold a valid driver’s licence. Certain vehicle categories may have a higher minimum age, and an underage driver surcharge may apply for drivers under 25.
Cairns Airport offers 24-hour return services for passenger vehicles, subject to availability.
Return your vehicle to the designated SIXT parking area in the T1 or T2 car hire car park and place the keys in the return key boxes located at the SIXT counters in the T1 (International) or T2 (Domestic) arrivals halls.
Contact the Cairns Airport branch on (07) 4033 9800 in advance to confirm options, fees, and key drop-off instructions.
SIXT operates a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full. If returned without a full tank, a refueling fee will apply, based on fuel costs plus a service charge.
Prepaid fuel options may be available at some locations, allowing you to return the vehicle without refueling. Check directly with the Cairns Airport branch for details.
Yes, additional drivers can be added at the hire counter, provided they meet SIXT’s driver requirements and present a valid full driver’s licence. An extra driver fee may apply. Ensure all drivers are registered to comply with hire terms.
SIXT offers one-way hires, allowing you to pick up at Cairns Airport and drop off at locations like Cairns City, Port Douglas, or Townsville. Availability and additional fees may apply. Confirm with the Cairns Airport branch or update your booking online.
With SIXT Car Hire Australia at Cairns Airport, you can easily update, extend, or cancel your booking. Here’s how:
-Go to the SIXT website or app and navigate to the ‘Manage Booking’ section.
- Enter your booking number and email to access your reservation.
- Change pick-up/drop-off dates, vehicle type, or add extras like a car seat.
- For extensions, contact the branch before your return date to confirm availability and avoid penalties.
- To cancel, select ‘Cancel Booking’ in the same section. Review your booking confirmation for any applicable charges.
Check your booking terms for specifics, and call us on 13 74 98 for support. We’re here to ensure a smooth experience.
Unlike some Australian cities, Cairns has no toll roads, so you won’t incur toll charges while driving in the region. If you plan to travel to areas with toll roads, like Brisbane, SIXT partners with Linkt for electronic toll payments, automatically billed to the credit card provided at pick-up. You’ll receive a statement detailing any toll usage.
Learn more about toll payments with SIXT car hire.
There are several petrol stations near to Cairns Airport, the closest being Caltex in Stratford. However, there is the BP Cairns North on Sheridan Street, about 5 km from the airport, ideal for topping up before returning your vehicle. It’s open 24/7 and easily accessible via Captain Cook Highway.
For other refueling or electric vehicle charging options, ask the SIXT team at pick-up or use the Plus-share App for charging locations.
Absolutely! SIXT Cairns Airport offers optional extras like child seats and protection packages, subject to availability. Request these when booking online or at the hire counter. Our team will ensure you’re equipped for a safe trip, whether exploring the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest.
Find out more about our optional extras, or call (07) 4033 9800 to check availability.
