5 
About Cairns Airport Domestic Terminal (CNS)
Address: Terminal Building Cairns Airport, Cairns - Airport, Cairns, 4870, Qld, Qld
Cairns Airport Domestic Terminal (CNS) is 7 km (4.2 mi) northwest of the Cairns central business district. Airport car rentals from Avis, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty are located in the arrivals area of the domestic terminal.
Getting around
Like the many Australian destinations, the northern coast of Queensland covers a vast expanse of territory. Visitors who rent a car will have a much better time of getting around the coastal city of Cairns and its surrounding attractions.
Generally speaking, Cairns is the last stop on the gauntlet of major urban developments on a northbound trek up the coast. Aside from Port Douglas (60 km / 36 mi) and a couple of tiny settlements, the region is sparsely populated all the way to the tip of the peninsula and Jardine River National Park. All other wilderness and outdoor activities are spread out across the region, but again, open space is the primary characteristic of the landscape. Heading south, Brisbane is a 1,600-km (1,000 mi) drive.
Driving in central Cairns is both manageable and necessary for efficient mobility. The city is mostly mapped on a square grid, and everything you might want to drink, eat, or buy is contained within an 8-by-8 block grid at the heart of the city.
Outlying attractions such as the beaches and jump-off for nautical activities are found 20 km north of Cairns. In reality, the airport is a fantastic entry point for Holloways Beach, Palm Cove, and Ellis Reef, such that you could hop in your car hire and never bother driving into central Cairns.
Most of all Australian driving is marked by greater distances, fewer services between attractions, and animal hazards on stretches of rural highways. Driving between cities at night is generally not recommended, but you’re not likely to be dealing with any kangaroos crossing your path in the Central Business District of Cairns.
Choosing your car
You don’t need to put in a lot of effort to find a cheap car rentals anymore; not when you are here on this site to do all the price and vehicle comparisions. You can concentrate on choosing the car that’s going to suit your budget and travel itinerary. Select from Hyundai compact, Honda intermediate, and Kia fullsize sedans, Mitsubishi SUVs, and Toyota 7-9 seater minivans.
Tips and advice
1
Your Cairns Airport car rental will not include Theft Protection or Damage Waiver, but it will include Third-Party Liability. Be advised that if you’re planning to use your credit card for the CDW/LDW, you may be asked to provide written proof of coverage from the card issuer.
2
Debit cards are generally accepted for Cairns Airport car hires, provided you have the available funds necessary to cover the deductible.
3
May through November is peak tourist season in Cairns, although Christmas and New Year can also be busy.
4
Parking near the Esplanade and the Pier Market Place in the CBD is pricey. Consider parking a few blocks away and walking in.
5
Be aware of rail crossings on the back roads in remote areas that are generally only marked with a Give Way sign.
6
Conduct a thorough inspection of your Cairns Airport car hire, checking for pre-existing damage and functionality of the car’s main features.