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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+.
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
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
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Thrifty
Popular companies that offer luxury car hire in Brisbane
- Avis Signature Series
- Europcar
- Queensland Luxury Car Rentals
- Hertz Dream Collection
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
Europcar
Exclusive
$20 off nationwide rentals
Available on rentals until 31 January 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and more. Minimum spend of $200 required. T&Cs apply.
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DiDi
Exclusive
Get $20 credit
Get $5 off each of your first four rides in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Perth and Newcastle. Valid on all dates for new users. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand rentals
Available on select dates until 15 December 2020. Rental must be for 2 days or more and booked 21 days in advance. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
$1/day one-way car hire in Australia
Valid on select dates for select car hire in Australia. Destinations updated regularly.
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Europcar
Up to 20% off base rate
Available on rentals until 15 December 2020 in Australia and New Zealand. Pick up on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday required to avail offer. T&Cs apply
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Hertz
Get 1 day free on Australia car hires
Available on rentals until 31 December 2020 when you book a minimum of 5 consecutive days. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
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Hertz
Free upgrade on Australia rentals
Available on rentals until 31 December 2020 when you use the code. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
4th day free + free upgrade on Australia car hires
Available on rentals until 18 December 2020 in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and more. Minimum 4 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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Skyscanner Car Hire
Brisbane car hire from $23
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020 with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and more. Destinations from Brisbane include Gold Coast, Moreton Island, Sunshine Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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DriveNow
Campervan hire from $5/day
Available on select routes, dates and locations in Australia, including Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns and Brisbane, and New Zealand.
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Budget Car Rental
7th day free car hire
Available on rentals until 18 December 2020 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and more. Minimum rental period of 7 consecutive days. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
Free double upgrade on rentals
Available on rentals until 18 December 2020. Destinations include Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and more. Minimum of 2 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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DiDi
Up to $40 off rides
Get $20 off 2 rides in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Available from 4pm-10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 25 October 2020. Maximum of 2 rides/week. T&Cs apply.
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DiDi
Up to $50 off rides
Get $5 off 10 rides in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Newcastle. Valid for new users only. Maximum of 4 rides per day. T&Cs apply.
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Hertz
Up to 20% off Australia car hires
Available on rentals until 31 December 2020 when you book a minimum of 7 consecutive days. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
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Hertz
Up to 33% off + Free upgrade on weekend rentals
Available on rentals until 31 December 2020 across Australia. Minimum of 3 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
SUV rentals from $59/day
Available on 3+ day rentals until 31 October 2020 across Australia. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
$35 off SUV rentals
Available on Intermediate SUVs rentals until 18 December 2020. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart. Minimum of 2+ days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
Up to 15% off Australia rentals
Available until 20 December 2020 on prepay bookings. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
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Skyscanner Car Hire
Gold Coast car hire from $33
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020 with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and more. Destinations from Gold Coast include Brisbane, Toowoomba, Lamington National Park and more. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Car Rental
Get 3rd day free on Australia rentals
Available on rentals until 18 December 2020 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and more. Minimum of 3 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Car Rental
Up to 15% off prepay bookings
Available on rentals until 20 December 2020 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, GOld Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Car Rental
Up to 20% off Western Australia car hire
Available on select 2020 and 2021 dates in Fremantle, Midland and Malaga. Minimum of 7 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Car Rental
4th day free car hire
Available on rentals until 18 December 2020 when you book for 4 consecutive days. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Car Rental
Free car hire upgrade
Available on rentals until 18 December 2020 when you book for 2 consecutive days. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Car Rental
Western Australia car hire from $20
Available on rentals until 16 January 2021 across Fremantle, Midland and Malaga. Minimum 7 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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National Car Rental
Free car rental for members
Join the Emerald Club and earn 1 rental credit for every qualified car rental. Inclusive of free rental days and other benefits. Destinations include Australia, Canada, United States and more. T&Cs apply.
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DriveMyCar
Car hire from $24 per day
Hire cars across Australia from as little as $24 per day. T&Cs apply.
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Rentalcars.com
Compare over 800 car hire companies worldwide
Rentalcars.com can help you compare major car hire company rates for the best price. Companies it compares include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar and Budget. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada and more.
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Avis
Third day free on Australia rentals
Available on rental until 18 December 2020 when you use the code. Destinations include Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and more. Minimum of 3 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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DriveNow
One-way car hire from $5/day
Available on select dates. Destinations include Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Cains, Sunshine Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
$1 Australia one way car hires
Available on select rental dates from 14 October -30 November 2020. Minimum of 4-5 rental days required. T&Cs apply.
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Discover Cars
Brisbane car hires from $16.05/day
Available on select rental dates in 2020. Car types include intermediate, economy, compact and more. T&Cs apply.
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Discover Cars
Australia car hires from $14.99/day
Available on select dates in Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne and more.
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Europcar
Up to 15% off base rate on 5+ day car rentals
Available for pick ups from May - December 2020 at select locations across Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs and black out dates apply.
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Looking4Parking
Up to 60% off advance bookings
Available for travel on select dates across Australia. Save up to 60% if you book in advance today. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
Up to 10% off base rate on 3+ day car rentals
Available for pick ups until 15 December 2020 at select locations across Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs and black out dates apply.
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Europcar
Earn 1,000 bonus Velocity points
Available on pick ups until 31 January 2021 across Australia and New Zealand. Minimum 4 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
Free upgrade on car hires
Sign up your email and receive the best car rental offers in Australia. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
Get $200 hotel voucher on car hires
Receive an exclusive $200 accommodation credit voucher when you book an intermediate class or higher vehicles for 3+ nights. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
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