Car hire on the Gold Coast — Surfers, Southport and the airport
Great value rental cars from the Gold Coast’s most trusted car hire providers
Cheapest rate today, by vehicle class on the Gold Coast
From compact cars to spacious SUVs and people movers, use VroomVroomVroom to check live pricing and compare pickup points for car hires from right across the Gold Coast. Simply enter your dates and pickup location to see what’s available. Search with no obligation and lock in your rate only when you’re ready to book.
If you’re flying into Gold Coast Airport or basing yourself in Surfers Paradise we’ve got you covered for there too.
Economy Car
View offerTravel 22 Aug - 25 Aug 2026
from AUD $53/day
Mini Car
View offerTravel 26 Aug - 31 Aug 2026
from AUD $54/day
Compact Monospace
View offerTravel 25 Aug - 28 Aug 2026
from AUD $54/day
Compact Car
View offerTravel 22 Aug - 25 Aug 2026
from AUD $55/day
Special
View offerTravel 22 Aug - 25 Aug 2026
from AUD $55/day
Intermediate SUV
View offerTravel 26 Aug - 31 Aug 2026
from AUD $56/day
Compact SUV
View offerTravel 26 Aug - 31 Aug 2026
from AUD $56/day
Intermediate Car
View offerTravel 22 Aug - 25 Aug 2026
from AUD $56/day
Standard Car
View offerTravel 22 Aug - 25 Aug 2026
from AUD $59/day
Showing 9 of 16 offers
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on August 21, 2026 by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, for the specified travel dates, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates. Rates include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 21 August, 2026
Booking tips for renting a car on the Gold Coast
Best time to book a hire car in the Gold Coast
Hire car prices in the Gold Coast fluctuate daily, but they see a bump over school holidays and July when the south of the country is in the midst of winter. July sees the highest average rates for a rental car in the Gold Coast followed by October and December, with April not far behind. May and June meanwhile are typically the cheapest months of the year.
Nationwide, our car hire trend data for Australia shows that car hires rented two weeks in advance are on average 12 per cent cheaper than same-day rentals. So regardless of when you’re planning to rent a car in the Gold Coast, booking in advance is the best way to get a more competitive rate.
How to find cheaper car hire on the Gold Coast
1. Consider an off-airport rental depot
Our rental car booking data for the Gold Coast indicates that renting from an off-airport rental provider can be considerably cheaper than either at the airport or in the Gold Coast itself. Across 2025, the average price of an off-airport car hire was $65 versus $102 at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) — and $84 for a city pickup. This price difference can deliver a substantial saving, especially for multi-day rentals. Both Bargain Car Rentals in Tweed Heads and East Coast Car Rentals in Tugan are off-airport rental car providers servicing Gold Coast Airport.
2. Choose a smaller car
This might sound obvious, but opting for a smaller rental car is often an easy way to find a cheaper car hire in the Gold Coast. Especially if you’re just zipping around town and the nearby beaches, an economy or compact hatchbacks (like an MG 3 or Kia Picanto) can fit the bill and present considerable savings when compared to an SUV or intermediate car. Smaller cars are also better suited to inner city driving, easier to park, and are typically cheaper to run, be they petrol-fuelled or EVs.
One-way car hires from the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a popular option for one-way car hires, with people often deciding to collect their car hire in the Gold Coast and then, at the end of their holiday, drive up to Brisbane Airport (BNE) for their flight home. It’s a relatively short drive — around 70 km — and minimises the need to lug bags around. Of course if you want a one-way for interstate driving, be it to just over the border to Byron Bay or all the way to Sydney, that’s also possible, just be sure to check your Terms and Conditions regarding additional charges for one-way hires and crossing the border. To search for a for one-way hire car, untick “Return to the same location” in the search form, select your drop-off point, and compare rates.
Average car hire rates on the Gold Coast
Price range over the past 12 months for a compact car
Price range over the past 12 months for an economy car
Price range over the past 12 months for an intermediate car
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
$53
$100
22 Aug
$53
$83
23 Aug
$53
$85
24 Aug
$53
$88
25 Aug
$55
$90
26 Aug
$53
$90
27 Aug
$53
$85
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
$56
$56
22 Aug
$56
$140
23 Aug
$56
$140
24 Aug
$56
$131
25 Aug
$65
$131
26 Aug
$56
$134
27 Aug
$56
$131
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
$59
$186
22 Aug
$59
$96
23 Aug
$59
$96
24 Aug
$59
$144
25 Aug
$63
$144
26 Aug
$59
$144
27 Aug
$59
$144
Price range over the past 12 months for a standard SUV
Price range over the past 12 months for an economy SUV
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
$70
$83
22 Aug
$70
$175
23 Aug
$70
$175
24 Aug
$70
$175
25 Aug
$58
$163
26 Aug
$56
$163
27 Aug
$58
$163
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
$88
$101
22 Aug
$87
$135
23 Aug
$61
$135
24 Aug
$59
$173
25 Aug
$58
$173
26 Aug
$56
$173
27 Aug
$64
$173
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
22 Aug
$114
$190
23 Aug
$71
$190
24 Aug
$85
$143
25 Aug
$94
$143
26 Aug
$82
$143
27 Aug
$98
$143
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
22 Aug
$188
$188
23 Aug
$163
$163
24 Aug
$163
$163
25 Aug
$163
$163
26 Aug
$163
$163
27 Aug
$163
$163
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
$145
$163
22 Aug
$146
$163
23 Aug
$146
$163
24 Aug
$146
$163
25 Aug
$146
$163
26 Aug
$146
$163
27 Aug
$146
$163
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
21 Aug
$93
$93
22 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
23 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
24 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
25 Aug
$54
$54
26 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
27 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
Historical daily rate pricing information is data from actual bookings made using our search engine in the previous 12 months.
Next 7 days rates are obtained from searches in our reservation system for a 3 day rental duration, by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am on the indicated pick up date. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice.
Prices are in AUD and include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
While we make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and reliable data, the data is provided ‘as is’ and errors or other defects may occur. For more information, click here: Terms and Conditions.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 21 August, 2026
Which type of hire car on the Gold Coast is right for you?
Selecting the right Gold Coast hire car will depend on the trip you have planned, how many passengers you’re carrying and how much luggage you have. Touring Queensland often means longer drives, while a weekend break might mean zipping around and a need for easy parking. See some common scenarios below, with options from all the major car hire providers.
| Best for | Vehicle type | Typical models | Why choose this vehicle type |
| Beach-and-theme-park family break | Compact SUV or people mover | Mazda CX-30, Kia Stonic, Kia Carnival | If you’re thinking of a family beach holiday with time at the Gold Coast’s theme parks thrown in, a people mover or SUV delivers plenty of comfort — and with the boot space you’ll need for time both at the beach and in the parks. |
| Surfers Paradise nightlife weekender | Economy car or compact car | Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris, Mg 3 Core | If a weekend enjoying the Gold Coast’s nightlife is what you have in mind, then a compact or economy car is ideal. They’re easy to park, simply to manage through congested areas, good on the gas, and generally cheaper to hire — leaving more of your budget for restaurants, bars and clubs. |
| Gold Coast hinterland day-tripper | Compact SUV | Mazda CX 3, Kia Stonic | Both Springbrook and Lamington National Park are an easy drive from the Gold Coast and a compact SUV is a great option. Its comfortable driving suits longer, winding roads, and better still, being smaller than a full SUV, navigating lookout car parks and the Gold Coast streets will be a breeze. |
| Interstate / one-way hire | Intermediate car | Kia Cerato, Toyoya Corolla, Mazda 3 | When you’re thinking about an interstate car hire from the Gold Coast, Byron Bay is just 100 km to the south and an intermediate car like a Kia Cerato or Mazda 3 makes for a comfortable and easy drive south. Likewise if you’ve got a flight out of Brisbane Airport, it’s only 70 km away. |
Gold Coast Airport car hire
Are you flying into the Gold Coast?
Consider collecting your vehicle from the airport. We work with a range of car hire providers at Gold Coast Airport (OOL).
Regional airports near the Gold Coast
Car rental depots on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast’s car rental depots are mostly in three main clusters: along the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach beachfront; a little north around Southport; and inland around Nerang. Find a convenient car hire depot on the map below, check customer ratings, and choose the one that best suits your accommodation and budget.
Budget Ashmore (gold Coast)
View details4.7 (2)Mon–Fri 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sat 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Sun 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM32 Central Park Ave, Queensland
Europcar Gold Coast Sofitel Broadbeach
View details3.0 (2)Mon–Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Sat–Sun 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM81 Surf Parade, Queensland
Europcar Gold Coast Southport
View details4.8 (1)Mon–Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat–Sun 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM116 Minnie Street, Queensland
Hertz Nerang Downtown
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat–Sun 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM15 Brendan Drive, Queensland
Hertz Surfers Paradise Downtown
View details4.3 (5)Mon–Sun 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM84-89 Ferny Ave, Queensland
Redspot Surfers Paradise
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM32 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise,, Queensland
Sixt Southport
View details4.7 (16)Mon–Fri 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Sat–Sun Closed53 Winchester Street, Queensland
Thrifty Nerang
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat–Sun 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM15 Brendan Drive, Queensland
Thrifty Surfers Paradise
View details4.6 (9)Mon–Sun 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM84-89 Ferny Ave, Queensland
Car hire near the Gold Coast
As the Gold Coast is a region rather than a specific town or city, there are plenty of locations within it where you can hire a rental car, including Surfers Paradise, Nerang, Southport, and even Gold Coast Airport.
Local expert tips for hiring a car in the Gold Coast
Peak hour traffic
Traffic in the Gold Goast can be congested over holiday periods and the standard peak traffic time is usually 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, so allow for additional travel time. The Gold Coast is popular with cyclists so be sure to be a cyclist-aware driver.
Book in advance
Gold Coast city pickup rates are typically at their most expensive in July when Australians from the southern states seek to escape the winter chills by travelling north for some sunshine. Booking at least two weeks in advance at this time of years is a good idea.
Check your flight times
While the runway at Gold Coast Airport crosses the New South Wales Queensland border, the terminal is in Queensland meaning the airport operates according to Queensland time (AEST). Keep this in mind if you have a pickup or drop-off at the airport.
Parking
Parking in the Gold Coast is available at council carparks and metered street parking, and payment is possible by credit card, cash and the EasyPark App, though not all meters accept cash. Check parking signing carefully as fines can be high and parking limits are strictly policed.
Tollways in the Gold Coast
There are no toll roads in the Gold Coast, but if you’re driving from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, you may use the Gateway Motorway or Logan Motorway, both of which have tolls. Check with your car hire provider when you collect your rental car for more details.
Be tram aware
When driving, stay alert and watch out for trams from the Gold Coast’s G:link light rail. Never drive, stop, or park on the tracks, only make U-turns where explicitly signed as permitted, and obey all special traffic signals and road rules along the shared corridors.
Frequently asked questions
On hiring a car in the Gold Coast, Queensland
How much does it cost to hire a car in The Gold Coast?
For a rental period from 22 August to 25 August 2026, prices range from AUD $53 per day for an Economy Car to AUD $190 per day for a Standard SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in The Gold Coast.
What is the cheapest car rental in The Gold Coast?
The cheapest car rental in The Gold Coast for the rental period from 22 August to 25 August 2026 is a MG Core 3 or similar from Redspot costing AUD $53 per day. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
What is the best way to rent a cheap car in The Gold Coast?
Based on our data from over 156,800 rental car bookings in The Gold Coast over the last 12 months, booking your hire car two weeks beforehand can save you over 10 per cent.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in The Gold Coast?
The price of a minivan hired in The Gold Coast from 26 August to 31 August 2026 ranges from AUD $94 to AUD $163 per day before any added extras. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in The Gold Coast.
What is the highest-rated hire car in The Gold Coast?
The highest-rated rental car in The Gold Coast is Hyundai I30 or similar, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.
What is the best car rental company in The Gold Coast?
Sixt is our highest-rated car hire provider in The Gold Coast, scoring an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
What is the cheapest car rental company in The Gold Coast?
Redspot is the cheapest car rental company in The Gold Coast, with rates from AUD $53 per day based on our rolling weekly search data. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
Can I pick up in Gold Coast and drop off somewhere else?
Yes — a one-way hire to Brisbane (70 km) or Byron Bay (100 km) is a popular rental option from the Gold Coast. Any surcharge related to a one-way hire is shown in your booking total before you book. One-way fees vary by provider, please check your Terms and Conditions for more details.
Do I need a rental car in the Gold Coast?
While the Gold Coast has a range of transport options, a rental car brings with it unrivalled flexibility. The train line that serves the Gold Coast is primarily a rail link to Brisbane and so while handy for commuting between the two, it is of less use if you’d like to explore a bit further. Likewise, the buses, while convenient, do have limited hours of operation. You could always rely on Uber or taxis, but their costs can add up fast — particularly if you’re planning on longer trips. With a rental car, you can combine both its flexibility and convenience — and all this for a not unreasonable price. Once you weigh up the cost and lesser convenience of other transport options, especially if you’re planning on doing some road trips or scenic drives from the Gold Coast, deciding to hire a rental car can be a very smart move.
Are the Surfers Paradise car hire depots the same as the Gold Coast’s?
Three of the Gold Coast’s six rental brands (Hertz, Redspot and Thrifty) have depots in Surfers Paradise itself.
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