Car hire in Brisbane: Explore Queensland by car from just $29 a day
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Car hire in Brisbane that’ll set you back as little as $29 a day

Drive off direct from Brisbane Airport toward the River City and beyond at the very best price.

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As the capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane could never be accused of leaving visitors short of things to do. However, if you want a real taste of Brisbane, you’ll need to hit the road and explore the region beyond the city limits.

Within an hour you can reach vineyards, national parks and charming villages. Here are a few things you should know before starting the engine – including your car rental options and popular driving routes.

Compare hire cars and prices in Brisbane

Wondering how much rental will cost? Or what type of car works best for your travelling party? We used our comparison tool to uncover the cheapest hires from Brisbane Airport for various car sizes. Our findings are based on a 5-day rental, booked a month in advance for drivers aged 25+.

Fiat Punto

Small economy car

  • Car: Fiat Punto
  • Seats: 5
  • Luggage: 1 large bag and 1 small bag
  • Rental company: Jucy
  • Cost: $143.12 for 5 days or $28.62 per day

Medium car

  • Car: Toyota Corolla
  • Seats: 5
  • Luggage: 1 large bag and 1 small bag
  • Rental company: Jucy
  • Cost: $163.56 for 5 days or $32.71 per day

Large car

  • Car: Toyota Camry
  • Seats: 5
  • Luggage: 2 large bags, 1 small bag
  • Rental company: East Coast Rentals
  • Cost: $220.80 for 5 days or $44.16 per day

Holden Commodore Estate

Estate car

  • Car: Holden Commodore Estate
  • Seats: 5
  • Luggage: 3 large bags, 3 small bags
  • Rental company: Budget
  • Cost: $445.87 for 5 days or $89.17 per day

Prices mentioned above were retrieved on 6 August 2019 and change constantly. Get the latest prices for your car hire today.

Who offers car hire from Brisbane Airport?

Most major car hire companies have desks at both domestic and international terminals within Brisbane Airport. At the domestic terminal, this is found on level one near Virgin and Qantas ends

Popular companies that offer luxury car hire in Brisbane

Popular companies that offer car trailer hire in Brisbane?

  • Budget Australia
  • Brisbane Northside Trailer Hire
  • Move Yourself
  • Kennards Hire
  • Hire My Trailer

Popular companies that offer formal car hire in Brisbane

  • Premier Limos
  • Luxcar
  • Limoso
  • Prestige Chauffeurs
  • Milimo
  • Queensland Luxury Car Rentals
  • United Limosines
  • Premier Transfers

Tips for driving/FAQs

  • Drive on the left. Australians drive on the left and Queenslanders are no different. Driving in the city of Brisbane is pretty uncomplicated, just remember on multi-lane roads and motorways it’s legal for cars to overtake you on the left-hand side as well as the right.
  • Toll roads. A number of toll roads operate around Brisbane. These include Airportlink M7, Clem7, Gateway Motorway, Go Between Bridge, Legacy Way and Logan Motorway. Most major car hire companies have devices fitted to their cars which track your use of toll roads. They will issue you a bill for this use at the end of your hire period. Make sure you ask about your hire company’s toll policy before you embark on your journey.
  • Transit lanes. Brisbane has a number of transit lanes. They’re clearly signposted with the words "Transit Lane" and the logo of a T1 or T2 against a red background. These lanes are meant for public passenger services carrying multiple passengers. So if you see a bus or taxi using the lane, don’t follow it.
  • Younger drivers. Most companies require drivers to be over 21 and to have a full driving licence. If you’re under 25 you may also need to pay a surcharge and be restricted on the types of vehicles you can hire.
  • Excess reduction. Hire cars come with basic insurance. Excess on these policies is often high, but you can opt to take out additional cover that will reduce this in the event of an accident. You can compare your options here.

I'm ready to book my car hire!

4 popular driving routes in Brisbane

Brisbane to Mount Mee

  • How long is the drive? 171 km, round-trip
  • How long do I need? 1 day
  • Must-sees along the way: Samford Valley, Dayboro heritage trail, Ocean View Estate Winery and llama cottage, Piccabeen Trail, Dahmongah Lookout Park, Caboolture Historical Village and Redcliffe Beach.

The region around the mountain is home to a tangle of walking trails, vineyards, forests and waterfalls. On the way back stop at Redcliffe to explore the seaside town before heading back to the city.

Brisbane to Toowoomba

  • How long is the drive? 265 km, round-trip
  • How long do I need? 1 day
  • Must-sees along the way: Ipswich Antique Centre, Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve, Ipswich Nature Centre, Ipswich Art Gallery, Picnic Point and Japanese Gardens.

A day trip to Queensland's Garden City is not just for lovers of all things nature. Toowoomba is also home to a foodie scene that can rival any big Aussie city. It also boasts sites for architecture buffs. Include a stop in Ipswich on the way there to really get a taste of the region.

Brisbane to Byron bay loop

  • How long is the drive? 393 km, round-trip
  • How long do I need? 1-3 days
  • Must-sees along the way: Cedar Creek Falls, Mount Tamborine Gallery Walk, Natural Bridge, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Yatala Pie Shop and Chung Tian Temple.

Sure, you could get to Byron Bay and back with a 4-hour round trip but where's the fun in that? With a couple of detours, you can throw in a stop in Mount Tamborine, the country town of Murwillumbah and a peaceful Buddhist Temple.

Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail (Brisbane to Kingaroy)

  • How long is the drive? 525 km
  • How long do I need? 1-3 days
  • Must-sees along the way: Wivenhoe Dam, Bellevue Homestead, Esk, Blackbutt, Bunya Mountains and Ringsfield House.

A drive along the Heritage Trail sees you following in the footsteps of pioneers as you stop at historic towns known for their heritage and culture. Drive for just over an hour and you'll get to Wivenhoe Dam or follow the whole trail with stops all the way to Kingaroy.

Car hire deals in Brisbane

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DriveNowDriveNow

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Skyscanner Car HireSkyscanner Car Hire

Gold Coast car hires from $14

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Brisbane car hires from $29

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AvisAvis

Earn 4 Qantas points with every $1 spent

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East Coast Car RentalsEast Coast Car Rentals

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Brisbane car hire from $35.91/day

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