Auto Europe
- North America
- Central America
CAIRNS CAR HIRE REVIEWS
Car hire reviews in Cairns
The subtropical city of Cairns in north-east Australia is the popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it is well placed for people planning an exciting road-trip around the state of Queensland, one of the most interesting and scenic parts of the country. Protected by UNESCO, and considered one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is best seen from above or up close with flightseeing and snorkelling excursions provided by a plethora of local sightseeing operators, who offer every kind of excursion under the hot Australian sun. The city's Botanic Gardens are another major attraction for tourists with more than 4,000 different species of plants to be admired along with several added highlights such as the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden. Make good use of the your car hire in Cairns with a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (just a 15-minute drive from the city) where you can learn to play a didgeridoo, throw a boomerang (so that it comes back!) and discover the medicinal compounds of the local bushfood. You'll also want to see the amazing Daintree Rainforest, another of Australia's UNESCO World Heritage sites located approximately 90 miles of Cairns.
For over 65 years, Auto Europe has been one of the leading companies in international the car rental industry. We offer a high-quality service at over 28,000 locations in more than 190 countries worldwide, including Cairns and other key destinations in Australia. Besides offering the lowest prices on the market, Auto Europe provides a highly personalised, customer-orientated car rental experience with a wider range of vehicles available than any other car rental operator. You can book your car online today through our state-of-the-art booking engine and pick it up either at a convenient downtown location or from Cairns Airport located a few miles north of the city. Check out our car hire reviews in Cairns section below to find out how other customers rated our services in north-east Australia.
AUTO EUROPE CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA Car Rental Reviews
Average Rating for Auto Europe Cairns:
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by LUIS - 14 September 2025
" What is Keddy ? An expensive version of Europe hire ? "
" Just hired a similar car in London through same company 25 days cost $1008.00 . Cairns hire cost to be frank was a rip off "
Value for Money: 4 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 5 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ADRIAN - 28 July 2025
" Very good pricing for the vehicle we had, friendly staff, easy booking process, no hidden fees when collecting the vehicle which is the important factor for me, all in all a very good experience. Would certainly use again "
" Very friendly staff, competent and knowledgeable "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by TREVOR - 28 July 2025
" Very quick service friendly staff great car "
" Very quick service friendly staff great car "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by IAN - 14 February 2025
" I use Auto Europe if the price is right as I have had a good experience when I needed help on a previous hire. I always find the question about recommending to a friend irritating. Idon't do recommendations. Why not just ask if I was satisfied. "
" We had wet feet from a problem with the AC. Not sure if it was a problem with the MG car design that couldn't cope with high humidity, or if a drain was blocked. It was not convenient to go back to Bargain to sort it out. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 4
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ASHLEY - 21 January 2025
" AutoEurope were very efficient and easy to deal with "
" VERY EFFICIENT CAR HIRE PROCESS "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by MICHAEL - 18 April 2024
" Used several times and never disappointed "
" Fast efficient and easy to use website "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by PHILIP - 16 April 2024
" Prompt airport collection. Easy pick-up (with an upgrade). Staff put our cases in the boot, and started the engine so the a/c would kick in whilst we completed the paperwork. Simple and efficient drop-off. "
" From pick-up to drop-off the best car rental experience I have had anywhere. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by GRAHAM - 01 January 2024
" Ir was a good experience. "
" Car was clean and in very condition . Pick up, collection and return arrangements were all very good and well arranged. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ANDREW - 06 April 2023
" Generally good but would have been helpful to know that normal for coolant alarm to be on when engine cold. "
" Generally good but would have been helpful to know that normal for coolant alarm to be on when engine cold. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by DONALD - 30 March 2020
" I thought the pricing for the rental was excellent. I've used Auto Europe before and I have always been satisfied with the customer service. "
" John at East Coast Rentals was brilliant. Very welcoming at the offices when I arrived. Even though they were experiencing issues and having to let staff go because of Covid 19. the communication from John during the rental was excellent. Would definitely rent a car from East Coast if i'm back in Cairns again. Please feel free to pass on my feedback. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by IAN - 06 March 2020
" As always price driven "
" Bit of confusion around where to find their pick up bus but drivers helpful and once at depot was dealt with quickly. "
Value for Money: 9 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by DIANE - 26 February 2020
" The car was clean, fully functional and comfortable. "
" This was a thoroughly excellent experience from start to finish. We were particularly impressed with the ease and efficiency of the drop-off procedure at Cairns airport. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by GARY - 11 February 2020
" All was good apart from the $180 I had to pay extra for insurance "
" The staff were very experienced and gave me advice about my destination "
Value for Money: 9 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 9
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by JAMES - 07 February 2020
" Queries were dealt with promptly and efficiently "
" the company were quick to sent their shuttle service after i made contact at Cairns airport. Overall, a good experience "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by RALF - 24 December 2019
" Ongoing issues have not been resolved within the last 6 years incl. ours ( mis sold excess insurance). Anna was informed all the way. Thanks. Merry Christmas. "
" East coast had now the same issues (mis sale of excess insurances, bad service, bad cars - high km etc over 6 years now. Therefore we will use a different car rental company in Sydney and in the near future. Enough is enough. Good luck with your partner. Merry Christmas. "
Value for Money: 3 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 3 Expediency of Drop-off: 7 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by NICHOLAS - 19 December 2019
" Nothing further to add "
" In general very good indeed but two observations: 1) the Sat Nav was defective and unreliable and there was a slightly damaged windscreen which had not been noticed by Enterprise and 2) we would have appreciated the chance of paying motorway tolls direct "
Value for Money: 7 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 6
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by CHRISTOPHER - 13 December 2019
" See sec. 3 "
" The vehicle was unpleasant to drive. It has covered 95,000 miles and the gearbox is terrible. We had not used East Coast before. We felt it had not been made clearer to us that we needed to phone you on landing in Cairns to arrange a pick up service. We expected you to be inside the airport. We have also used AVIS, Enterprise and Alamo whilst in Australia and we have preferred thwir processes. Although staff were efficient and friendly, the process isn't as good as the vehicle was poor, so we would default to another provider first in future. "
Value for Money: 4 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 4 Condition of the Vehicle: 4
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by DEREK - 14 October 2019
" Ok "
" Desk closed when we arrived in Cairns. We had to walk to the domestic terminal. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by STUART - 20 September 2019
" As above . Arrived tired - charged extra , dropped the car and charged when left the car and building . No issue was raised when I handed back the car . Very underhand and unprofessional. I intend to complain . The petrol was checked and approved by the company employee, no mention of extra payments made but now charged !!!! "
" Having been charged for an extra driver at the airport I have subsequently been charged for additional fueling and extra charges having handed the car back . I guarantee that we filled the car to the brim and feel that I have been ripped off by extra charges when I have not been in the airport for a full explanation. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by CHARLOTTE - 16 July 2019
" We were refused the vehicle when we arrived due to missing our connecting flight. We were 'helpfully' put thru on the phone to America which clearly couldn't help. Dreadful service "
" We were refused the vehicle when we arrived due to missing our connecting flight. We were 'helpfully' put thru on the phone to America which clearly couldn't help. Dreadful service "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ALAN - 25 March 2019
" Very good experience "
" Great reliable and friendly experience "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by IAN - 08 March 2019
" We did not have reason to contact Auto Europe other than to book the car. "
" I've rented in Australia before and have been allowed to use cars withing geographical limits that included some good quality unsurfaced roads. Thrifty's terms say that cars cannot be taken on any unmettled roads which severely restricted where we could go. This spoilt some aspects of our holiday. "
Value for Money: 5 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9 Expediency of Drop-off: 7 Condition of the Vehicle: 5
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ROBERT - 17 February 2019
" Car and staff very good "
" very good customer relations "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by BARRY - 13 February 2019
" As above "
" I will not rent a car from any company that has stickers or their logo on the vehicle. East Coast have front and rear number plates with their name on. I do not like to advertise that I am a vulnerable tourist whose rental car may have all my worldly travelling kit in the boot/trunk. Rental experience was very good and I would recommend them to friends with the proviso that they will stand out like a sore thumb as a tourist!. I have met a lot of travellers over the years of the same mind. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by NORMAN - 27 January 2019
" good car done lots of miles "
" Took the car back early. would like an email to say all was ok with the car. having to wait and check your next credit card bill to see if they will charge for something is poor "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 6 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ELIZABETH - 19 January 2019
" Very easy to use and book through. No problems "
" Marked 8 for efficiency of counter staff due to waiting 10mins for someone to arrive but once arrive process was very simple quick and easy. Staff member was very friendly and helpful. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by SCOTT - 11 January 2019
" Very smooth altogether "
" Lovely people and very helpful "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by NICK - 06 December 2018
" I thought you were a car hire company not an agency made it more challenging, They need to sharpen up, Check the car with you before handing the keys, I had to take photos as evidence not a good start. But the vehicle did perform very well and was comfortable "
" I was expecting the counter to be in the main terminal, I had to ring them and then walk at least 500 m in 35 degree heat with luggage after flying for 18 hours to domestic terminal, the staff tried to sell me upgrades which is not welcome when tired. I was told the vehicle was in perfect condition, it was not several scratches and scuffs. Not clear where to drop keys on return I was told the counter would be staffed at 6am it was not. Very complacent need to remember people have traveled for long periods of time from different climates and are tired, stop trying to sell upgrades "
Value for Money: 7 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 6 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by WALDEMAR - 13 November 2018
" Your call centre agent was very helpful and professional in resolving booking problem at the counter during pick-up and made a follow-up call. Thank you. "
" Due to a software glitch my booking seemed to be cancelled in car hire company's system, but after contacting Auto Europe call center it has been resolved. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 6 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by DEREK - 28 October 2018
" Very efficient staff "
" Excellent service at counter despite arriving nearly an hour early. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ALEXANDER - 25 October 2018
" Very good car and staff. We really enjoyed our trip down the east coast of Australia. "
" We booked a Hyundai i20 and were advised to upgrade to a Toyota corolla and we were very pleased as it was very comfortable and included a GPS which was invaluable to us over our 5000 Kilometer journey. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by JOHN - 15 October 2018
" Every thing was very easy "
" Staff was not very helpful as to where to go with the car "
Value for Money: 9 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by KEITH - 24 August 2018
" I am becoming a fan of Auto Europe. The system is very easy and clear to use. The rates are excellent. "
" The location iof the pick-up is a little out of the way, but this is reflected in the price, and the airport shuttle seems to work well. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by MARK - 17 July 2018
" Had a good experience. Spacious car, exactly what we ordered. "
" Had a good experience. Spacious car, exactly what we ordered. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by ALEXANDER - 29 June 2018
" Very easy service to use and phone staff were great whenever I contacted them. Saved a lot of money too! "
" Only issue was that we had to trek over to the domestic terminal at Cairns airport with all our baggage as no service at international terminal when we arrived. "
Value for Money: 9 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by BARRY - 23 June 2018
" I would have been pleased to recommend East Coast and Auto Europe were it not for the experience on picking up the car. "
" I was satisfied with the rental apart from one issue. On arrival at he rental shop in Cairns, having been picked up from the airport, our car was not ready. We had to wait for about 1.5 hours, which is not what you want after a long flight. This is despite the company having our flight details and arrival time well in advance. Apart from one member of staff, the other staff were not helpful or particularly friendly. "
Value for Money: 7 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 3 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 9
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by COLIN - 26 May 2015
" It would have been useful to understand the different types of additional insurance you will be asked to take out and why to enable being able to budget and make a decision with no pressure "
" It would have been useful to understand the different types of additional insurance you will be asked to take out and why to enable being able to budget and make a decision with no pressure "
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by PETER - 30 January 2014
" Easy booking process "
" Very efficient and well organised. Almost new car. Would use again. "
CAIRNS, AU - Reviewed by MARK - 28 January 2013
" You are my first port of call for all rentals on my travels and I only go elsewhere if you have no agent or availability at the destination in question.This is because you offer great reach, good value, prompt and flexible service, reduced or zero excess at low additional cost, everything I look for in rentals. "
" they were pretty good though I was disappointed to have to use a shuttle service which is something I always try to avoid - my fault for not reading the voucher though, not yours or theirs. I felt it excessive that the stated fee for managing any tickets etc is $110 (I hope this isn't pit to the test!) but the service was courteous and efficient and it was a nice vehicle so all good. "
- Home
- Car Hire Destinations
- Australia
- Cairns
- Cairns Car Hire Reviews