Car hire Cairns: what to expect and how to book

If you're planning a trip to Far North Queensland, getting around is a lot easier with your own car. From beautiful beaches to waterfalls, having your own transport gives you freedom and flexibility. That’s where car hire Cairns comes in.

This guide will walk you through what to expect with car hire in Cairns, what's included, what you’ll need, and how easy it is to book a vehicle with 1300 Meteor Rentals. Whether you’re visiting Cairns for a holiday, a work trip, or even a big move, having a car makes it all much smoother.

Why choose car hire in Cairns?

Cairns is packed with things to see and do. You might want to check out places like the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, or the Atherton Tablelands. Public transport can only take you so far. Car hire Cairns lets you explore at your own pace.

You don’t need to rely on group tours or expensive taxis. With your own car, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Whether it’s a short trip to Palm Cove or a drive all the way up to Cape York (weather permitting), car hire in Cairns gives you the control.

What types of vehicles can you hire?

There are plenty of options available with car hire Cairns. At 1300 Meteor Rentals, you can choose from:

• Small and medium cars for city driving

• 4WDs for off-road and long-distance trips

• Utes and vans (great for moving house or transporting gear)

• Minibuses for larger groups or family outings

• Trucks and trailers if you’re shifting bigger loads

Whether you're going on a holiday or handling a job, there's a vehicle that suits your situation. And if you're looking for one-way rentals to places like Townsville or Mount Isa, that's an option too.

What’s included when you book?

When you book car hire in Cairns, here’s what’s typically included with your rental:

• A clean, road-ready vehicle

• Basic Loss and Damage Cover

• Free airport pick-up (at selected locations)

• Unlimited kilometres (within the local area)

At 1300 Meteor Rentals, many of the vehicles are new or late model, so you know you’re getting something safe and reliable. Vehicles are also full of fuel when you pick them up, you just need to return them full or let the team refill it for a small fee.

You’ll also get the option to add extras like:

• Baby seats or booster seats

• Extra drivers

• Risk Reduction cover (to lower the cost in case of an accident)

• GPS or trailer hire

What do you need to bring?

To book car hire Cairns, you’ll need a few basics:

1. Driver’s licence

   • Australian open licences are accepted

   • International and overseas licences are accepted too, but they need to be in English (or come with an official translation)

2. Minimum age

   • You must be at least 21 years old

   • Young drivers (21–24) can hire, but there’s a daily fee

   • Provisional drivers can rent selected cars with conditions

3. Photo ID

   • A valid ID to match the name on your licence and credit card

4. Credit or debit card

   • A card in your name is needed to hold a bond

   • For most vehicles, the bond is $250

   • For 4WDs, the bond is $1,000

   • Pre-authorisations are held (not charged) and are released automatically by your bank within 2–4 weeks if no extra fees apply

How to book your car hire Cairns

Booking with 1300 Meteor Rentals is quick and simple. You can:

• Book online through their website

• Call 1300 METEOR (1300 638 367)

• Or visit the office if you’re already in town

Here’s what to expect when booking online:

1. Pick your dates - choose when you want to collect and return your car

2. Select your vehicle type - cars, vans, utes, 4WDs or more

3. Add extras - like baby seats, trailers, or extra drivers

4. Fill in your details - name, licence info, and contact details

5. Submit - your booking is confirmed and you’ll get the details by email

For 4WDs and buses, a $100 deposit is needed to secure the booking. This is non-refundable if you cancel within 7 days of the rental.

If you change your mind, make sure to cancel at least 2 hours before your scheduled pick-up time during business hours to avoid a fee.

Where can you go?

With car hire in Cairns, the options are endless. Stay within a 200 km radius of Cairns and enjoy unlimited kilometres. Want to go further? Just speak to the team first, it can usually be arranged with a small extra charge.

Many people use car hire Cairns to head to:

• Cape Tribulation

• Port Douglas

• Kuranda

• Babinda Boulders

• Josephine Falls

• Mission Beach

• Atherton Tablelands

• Or even for a big road trip to Townsville or Mt Isa

And if you’re doing a one-way trip, you can also hire a U-Haul trailer along with your car.

Car hire Cairns is a smart choice for anyone visiting the region. It’s simple to book, easy to understand, and gives you full control over how you spend your time. Whether you’re on holiday, travelling for work, or moving house, having your own car just makes life easier.

1300 Meteor Rentals makes the whole process smooth. With years of local experience, we offer quality vehicles, fair prices, and friendly service. We're based in Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa, with lots of options for every kind of trip.

So next time you’re heading to Far North Queensland, skip the hassle and enjoy the freedom. Book your car hire Cairns with a provider that locals trust, and hit the road your way.