Road trip · Queensland
Can you drive to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation in a rental car?
Short answer
Yes. From Cairns it's est. 141 km (88 mi), about 2 h 30 min, on sealed roads all the way to Cape Tribulation, with a short cable-ferry crossing over the Daintree River. Stop at Cape Tribulation: the Bloomfield Track north of it is a 4WD track that rental cars can't use.
Last checked October 21, 2026By Brett Gould3 sources ↓
Distance141 km (88 mi)
Driving time2 h 30 minest., no stops
Allow2-3 days
Right carAny car
✦ Ask niftirent — one box
Ask a question, or tell us your trip
Do I need an IDP?What's the deductible?How do I contact you?Sydney, Dec 4 – Dec 12, automatic, I'm 24Cairns, Dec 20 – Jan 3, an SUV, zero deductible
The drive
| Distance | est. 141 km (88 mi) Cairns → Cape Tribulation, one way |
| Drive time | about 2 h 30 min, no stops (Google Maps) |
| Allow | 2-3 days (stay in Port Douglas or the Daintree) |
| Car | any car, sealed roads only |
| Pickup | Cairns Airport depot (free shuttle bus from the terminal); return to Cairns |
| Price | live prices at Cairns for your dates: use the search on this page |
Stops on the way
- Palm Cove and the Captain Cook Highway coast (lookouts between Cairns and Port Douglas).
- Port Douglas, est. 67 km from Cairns, about 1 h 15 min. Cairns to Port Douglas
- Mossman Gorge (shuttle from the visitor center), est. 78 km from Cairns, about 1 h 15 min.
- Daintree River ferry: a short cable ferry; pay at the crossing. Damage while the car's on the ferry isn't covered, so drive on slowly and follow the crew.
- Cape Tribulation: rainforest boardwalks and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
What to know
- Sealed roads only: stop at Cape Tribulation; the Bloomfield Track beyond it isn't allowed in rental cars. Unsealed roads in a rental car
- Crocodiles: don't swim in rivers or at beaches unless signs say it's safe.
- Wet season (about November to April): heavy rain can close roads; check conditions before you go.
Related questions
CAIRNSCar rental in CairnsPickups, opening hours and live prices in Cairns.CAIRNS AIRPORTCairns Airport car rentalWhere to find the depot and the free shuttle from the terminal.Scenic driveCairns to Port Douglas car rentalThe Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Port Douglas is one of Australia's great short drives, with rainforest-covered hills on one side and the Coral Sea...Road tripsWhat are the best road trips in Australia by rental car?For a first trip, the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne (est. 508 km loop), Cairns to Port Douglas and the Daintree, Tasmania's loop (est. 834 km) and Perth...Road rulesCan I drive a rental car on unsealed roads in Australia?No. With the rental company we book, rental cars, including 4WDs, can't be driven on unsealed (gravel or dirt) roads, 4WD tracks or beaches without the...
Quick answers
How long is the drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation?
About 2 h 30 min for est. 141 km, without stops; most people take 2-3 days with stops.
Do I need a 4WD for the Daintree?
No. The road to Cape Tribulation is sealed. The Bloomfield Track north of it is 4WD-only and not allowed in rental cars.
Can I take a rental car on the Daintree ferry?
Yes. The rental terms allow the crossing; damage while the car's on the ferry isn't covered, so drive on slowly.
Is it worth renting a car in Cairns?
Yes: beaches, rainforest and the Tablelands are easiest by car; reef trips leave by boat.
Sources
1Google MapsDistance and drive time, Cairns to Cape Tribulation (no stops).maps · checked Oct 21, 2026
2Rental company termsSealed roads, Bloomfield Track, ferry damage (cl. 5.1, 7.10).rental terms · checked Oct 21, 2026
3Tourism Tropical North QueenslandStops, seasons and the Daintree ferry.queensland.com · tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Ready to see cars?
Clear pricing, no hidden fees, and the cover and terms shown on every rate before you book.
See live options →Not sure what to book? Tell us your trip and we'll help you choose the right car.