Thinking of hiring a vehicle at Cairns Airport? It’s a great way to make the most of your holidays.
With a car, you can take off on great road trips, visit Cairns’ best swimming beaches and be surprised by experiences you might not expect.
Before you take off, though, it could be helpful to get the lowdown on Cairns Airport – from where to find your car rental provider to the basics of road rules to nearby petrol stations.
Where to find your car rental provider at Cairns Airport
When you get off the plane, you don’t want to have to spend any time searching for your car rental provider.
Fortunately, at Cairns Airport, most providers are in-terminal.
You’ll find SIXT in the arrivals hall of both the international terminal (T2) and the domestic terminal (T1).
Simply jump off the plane, pick up your bags, then look out for the bright orange signs.
Show your driver’s licence and ask our friendly staff any questions you have – they’ll then hand you the keys and direct you to your SIXT rental car.
What types of car rentals are available at Cairns Airport?
Car rental at Cairns Airport offers a variety of vehicles, so you can find the one that’s just right for you.
SIXT’s extensive fleet ranges from budget-friendly sedans, eco-friendly EVs and spacious SUVs to 4WDs, family vans and utes.
You can customise your vehicle to suit your needs with our optional extras, such as GPS units, prepaid fuel, toll tags, child seats and more.
Driving in Queensland: Essential tips for international drivers
Queensland is a great place to drive. The roads are good, there’s plenty of space and the scenery is stunning.
But, if you haven’t driven in Australia before, it’s important to know the fundamentals of the road rules.
Like in the UK, we drive on the left, and overtake on the right. Speed limits, which are mandatory, are measured in kilometres per hour.
Mobile phone use – unless hands-free – is prohibited, and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times. In addition, our drink driving laws are strict. For most drivers, the blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Anyone caught exceeding this could end up with a criminal record.
Convenient petrol stations near Cairns Airport
There are at least three petrol stations within a couple of minutes’ drive of Cairns Airport.
If you’re driving from Cairns, then the easiest to reach is probably Shell at 291-293 Sheridan St, Cairns North, which is on the left side of the road as you drive towards the airport.
A few metres beyond, but on the right, is 7-Eleven at 334-336 Sheridan St.
If you’re approaching Cairns Airport from the north, then you might opt for Caltex at 35-39 Arnold St, Aeroglen, which is on the left side of the road.
Car rental pick-ups and drop-offs at Cairns Airport
When picking up your car rental, and before dropping it off, it could be a good idea to take photos, so you have a record of the vehicle’s condition.
If your vehicle is a SIXT car rental, please leave it in the returns car park at either T1 or T2, then take your keys to the SIXT counter in the arrivals hall of the terminal.
Need to drop off the vehicle after hours? SIXT offers a 24/7 service. All you have to do is park the car, then pop the keys in our drop box.
Travel ideas and inspiration for travelling from Cairns Airport
SIXT’s online magazine is packed with ideas. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for travelling in and around Cairns on this page.
