Car Rental Cairns Airport
We’re all about you.
*NOTE: Call or email our Cairns International Airport team to arrange after hours pick-up. For after hours drop-off, just head to our kiosk inside Cairns International Airport. After parking, drop your keys off at our Cairns Airport branch’s 24/7 key drop box.
Airport Information
Cairns Airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights. The Domestic Terminal tends to be busier and staff are regularly manning the Redspot Domestic Airport desk. If we have your confirmed booking with a flight number, our staff will be ready for you at our International Airport kiosk. If no one is there, please go to our Domestic Airport desk and we’ll get you ready to hit the road!
Quick and easy car rental
Need a quick and easy car rental in Cairns? Redspot is your local hire expert in Queensland! our friendly staff will make the rental process as quick and painless as we can. With our value packages and 24/7 roadside assistance, we’ll have you up and red-y in no time!
Returning your rental car
Ready to wind down from your adventures? You’ll find two different car parks at Cairns Airport, one for domestic flights and one for international. While you can return to either, it’s best to return to the car park that matches your outbound flight. Redspot has dedicated rental bays in both car parks. Just follow the signs to our lots and you’re ready to return to us!
After hours pick-up
Landed late and looking for a pickup? Get in touch on 1300 668 810 or email [email protected] for after-hours pick-up options.
After hours drop-off
Need to end your adventure after hours? Follow the appropriate signs to your outbound flight’s parking bay. Redspot desks in both terminals have after-hours drop boxes. Just be sure it’s the right terminal, so you don’t have to rush to the other terminal carrying your luggage!
One-way car hires
Does your trip across Australia end in Cairns? Leave your hire car with our Cairns branch as you fly with our one-way rentals!
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed two packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on your vehicle selected and rental period. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
All-Inclusive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee**
- Premium location fee* Registration recovery fee**
- Book now, pay later
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- Standard damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee**
- Premium location fee* Registration recovery fee**
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key:
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
Redspot Driver Facts
Rev-Up for Young Drivers
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21!
Note that drivers under 25 will pay a daily surcharge on their car rental fee. Car hire is limited to small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks.
Maximum age is no barrier
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must have held your provisional driver’s licence for a minimum of 1 year.
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Overseas visitors welcome
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Credit Card Condition
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Share the ride with additional drivers
We can easily add additional drivers to your car rental booking. The driver will need to show their full valid driver’s licence in any branch and provide a credit card for a daily surcharge. Too easy!
Family-friendly car hire
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Toll-road Tricks
Buy peace-of-mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Fuel Flexibility
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot make it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Don’t sweat the paperwork
All you need to bring for collection is your valid driver’s licence and credit card. We will take care of the rest!
Catching waves and satisfied customers in Australia!
Whether staying in Cairns or hitting the Waterfall Circuit Drive, Redspot provides outstanding services for all our customers. We pride ourselves on constantly building expertise and care, so you can cruise with confidence! See what some of our satisfied customers had to say:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you need a hire car for Cairns?
Cairns has an outstanding public transport system. However, you can see beautiful sights like rainforests, beaches and hidden gems much easier with a car. Not to mention, you can head out on your own schedule with a Redpot hire car!
Can you take a hire car on a ferry in Cairns?
Yes! You can absolutely take a ferry with one of our car hires. However, please note that there is only one ferry in Cairns, the Daintree ferry connecting the mainland to Daintree. If you are taking the car ferry, please be aware of the following considerations:
- Our elected damage liability does not apply while on the ferry. If the car is damaged while on the ferry, or the ferry sinks, you are liable for the replacement or repair costs.
- There must be a gazetted road (a sealed or unsealed road routinely maintained by the Australian Government) at your ferry destination.
Note that there is no vehicle access in or around Fitzroy Island. Please leave your vehicle in a safe parking space before taking the ferry.
How do I avoid rental car cancellation fees?
With Redspot, you don’t have to worry about cancellation fees! We know that life happens when you least expect and how important flexibility is on the road.
Please keep in mind, that this may change if you’re booking is prepaid. Check with our Cairns International Airport staff to see if you’re set to go.
What is the most scenic place in Cairns?
The most scenic place in the Cairns depends on your preferences! The most famous destination in all of Cairns, and arguably Australia, is the Great Barrier Reef. Other stunning sights include Captain Cook Highway and the Daintree Rainforest.
Adventure in Cairns with Redspot!
The Great Barrier Reef
Daintree Rainforest
Cairns Esplanade
Fitzroy Island
Red-hot Cairns International Airport tips from our local staff
‘About a two-hour drive from Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest living rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour to explore the rainforest’s unique biodiversity, swim in freshwater creeks, and spot wildlife. Don’t miss the Daintree River Cruise, where you can look for crocodiles and exotic birds.’- David, “Branch Manager Cairns Airport”
Meet Our Fleet
Wheel be damned if you can find a more suitable rental for your time in Cairns than Redspot! Need a 4WD for out-of-town adventures or a compact car for ferry parking? No matter what, our fleet will have the rental vehicle that’s perfect for you.
