A Port Douglas woman and a woman from Cairns have been arrested and charged in relation to a stolen rental car.

Police spotted the car being driven along Ishmael Road in Earlville at about 10.30 last night before it was suddenly stopped and the two women ran from the vehicle.

They fled into a nearby residence and Police followed on foot, quickly catching up with the pair and placing them both under arrest. 

Checks of the vehicle confirmed it was a rental car that had not been returned to the car hire businesses after the lease expired in late January.

The 24-year-old from Port Douglas was interviewed for several outstanding matters and was charged with two counts of stealing and one count each of trespass and common assault.

She is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 8 March.

The 31-year-old Cairns woman was charged with bail and motor vehicle offences and will appear in court today.