Search
Deals
Tips
FAQs
Locations
Agencies
When to book

Great Barrier Reef car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Great Barrier Reef

Here is why travelers choose KAYAK

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car rentals in Great Barrier Reef

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
Mini car
Mini
M
View Deal
Economy car
Economy
M
View Deal
Compact car
Compact
M
View Deal
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
View Deal
Standard car
Standard
M
View Deal
Full-size car
Full-size
M
View Deal
Luxury car
Luxury
M
View Deal
Minivan car
Minivan
M
View Deal
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
View Deal
SUV car
SUV
M
View Deal
Commercial car
Commercial
M
View Deal
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
M
View Deal

Top tips for renting a car in Great Barrier Reef

  • If you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Queensland, the best airport to fly to is Cairns Airport (CNS) in Cairns. Multiple car rental agencies have a counter at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise, Redspot, Sixt, and Thrifty. The car rental desks are conveniently located in the Arrivals section at the northern end of Terminal 2 (Domestic) and the Arrivals Hall at Terminal 1 (International).
  • Road conditions in the Great Barrier Reef are generally good. The stretch from Cairns through other major towns along the reef has well-maintained roads with stunning coastal views. Road conditions may vary in remote areas. You’ll come across unpaved sections or roads with potholes. Major towns along the coastline have narrow streets. Observe caution when driving through those sections. The region has several winding roads, so slow down as you approach those sections.
  • The type of car to rent in the Great Barrier Reef depends on your needs. A convertible is the best option to enjoy scenic views of the beautiful coastline. We recommend an economy rental if you’re on a solo trip and have less luggage. A passenger van is ideal for larger groups with more luggage that require more space. Consider renting an SUV rental if you plan to venture off-road.
  • The Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination, so you’ll likely encounter heavy traffic during peak tourist season. Most tourists flock to the region from June through October. Major roads along the coastal area are usually busy during this time. Traffic in major towns along the Great Barrier Reef can also get busy during morning and evening rush hour, mostly from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Towns with the heaviest traffic during peak rush hour include Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, and Townsville.
  • Book your rental car in Great Barrier Reef at least 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Great Barrier Reef are around 26% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Great Barrier Reef

  • What is the most popular rental car in Great Barrier Reef?

    Compact (Kia Stonic or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Great Barrier Reef.

  • What is the best rental car company in Great Barrier Reef?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in Great Barrier Reef is Alamo (8.9, 52 reviews).

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Great Barrier Reef?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • Should I rent a car in the Great Barrier Reef?

    Renting a car in the Great Barrier Reef offers a convenient option for exploring the region. You can drive to popular attractions in the Great Barrier Reef at your own pace. It’s also the most reliable option since there is limited public transportation. Great Barrier Reef car rentals allow you to explore the region comfortably, especially if you have a lot of luggage. They are more affordable when you look at the cumulative costs of hiring a taxi to various destinations in the Great Barrier Reef.

  • What is it like driving in the Great Barrier Reef?

    Driving in the Great Barrier Reef is generally easy. The good road network in the region grants you a smooth driving experience. Expect a scenic drive along the coastline. Major towns along the Great Barrier Reef are heavily populated, so be prepared to slow down when driving through those areas. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. The general speed limit on major roads along the Great Barrier Reef is 30 mph (50 km/h) in urban areas and 68 mph (110 km/h) outside built-up areas. School zones have a speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h). There are speed cameras and police patrols everywhere, so drive within the posted speed limits to avoid hefty fines.

  • How old should I be to rent a car in the Great Barrier Reef?

    The minimum age to rent a car in the Great Barrier Reef is 21. Some car rental agencies have a minimum rental age limit of 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur an additional surcharge. You must also provide the necessary documents, including a valid driver's license in your name, an internationally recognized credit card or debit card for payment, and additional identification documents (a passport or photo ID). An International Driving Permit (IDP) isn’t a major requirement since English is the primary language in the region.

Car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

Car rental directory

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    8 Locations

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    8 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    6 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    5 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    5 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    4 Locations

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    4 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    4 Locations

  • national

    National car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    4 Locations

  • redspot

    Red Spot car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    4 Locations

  • sixtrentacar

    Sixt car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    4 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef

    4 Locations

Good to know

Most popular car type

Compact

When to book a rental car in Great Barrier Reef

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Great Barrier Reef

Complete your trip to Great Barrier Reef

Flights to Great Barrier Reef
Hotels in Great Barrier Reef

Search for cheap rental cars in Great Barrier Reef with KAYAK and rent a car that suits you best. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the best rental car deal at car rental locations across Great Barrier Reef.

Not what you’re looking for? Find thousands of other hotels, flights and car rentals with KAYAK.