Brisbane car hire, including one-way pickups to Cairns & beyond
Compare 9 rental brands across 10 Brisbane depots — pay at pickup, free cancellation.
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Picking up at Brisbane Airport instead? See Brisbane Airport car hire →
Cheapest rate today, by vehicle class in Brisbane
Browse hire vehicles from compact cars to spacious SUVs ideal for exploring Queensland, compare rental car providers across Brisbane CBD depots, and find the ideal vehicle — with free cancellation — for your trip in as little as two minutes. We compare live rates from leading brands including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty, and you pay at pickup.
Economy Car
Suzuki Swift or similar
View offerTravel 18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026
from AUD $100/day
Compact Car
MG 3 or similar
View offerTravel 18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026
from AUD $83/day
Compact SUV
Mazda Cx3 or similar
View offerTravel 18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026
from AUD $103/day
Intermediate Car
Toyota Corolla or similar
View offerTravel 18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026
from AUD $87/day
Intermediate SUV
Mg Zs or similar
View offerTravel 18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026
from AUD $90/day
Premium Passenger Van
Kia Carnival or similar
View offerTravel 18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026
from AUD $171/day
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on September 11, 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.
All rates are in AUD, include mandatory fees, and were last updated on 11 September, 2026. Use the search tool for a live quote.
Brisbane price guide
Summary
- The typical hire is three days: 57.8% of rentals run three days or less and three-quarters finish inside six
- Quick maths: a compact car at $46.00/day will cost $138.00 for a three-day hire
- The cheapest isn’t always the most popular — but this time it is: compact cars (25.9%) are also the most booked category.
Daily rates by vehicle type
| Vehicle type | 12-month range Calculated using the middle 90% of daily rates over 2025 to show typical seasonal variation. | This week vs typical Compared against the 7-day rolling median rate for this vehicle category. Individual booking dates, pickup locations, and provider availability will alter final pricing. |
|---|---|---|
| CARS | ||
Economy car | 12-month range $29 - $210/dayCalculated using the middle 90% of daily rates over 2025 to show typical seasonal variation. | This week Compared against the 7-day rolling median rate for this vehicle category. Individual booking dates, pickup locations, and provider availability will alter final pricing. $48 · average for September |
Compact carMost booked | 12-month range $36 - $228/day | This week $46 · average for September |
Intermediate car | 12-month range $38 - $242/day | This week $48 · average for September |
Standard car | 12-month range $47 - $258/day | This week $53 · average for September |
Fullsize car | 12-month range $39 - $295/day | This week $86 · average for September |
| SUVS | ||
Compact SUV | 12-month range $53 - $296/day | This week $77 · average for September |
Intermediate SUV | 12-month range $40 - $315/day | This week $50 · average for September |
Standard SUV | 12-month range $78 - $249/day | This week $81 · average for September |
Fullsize SUV | 12-month range $52 - $374/day | This week $56 · below average |
| PEOPLE MOVERS | ||
People mover | 12-month range $71 - $410/day | This week $116 · below average |
Cheapest provider this week
Only on VroomVroomVroom| Provider | Cheapest this week | Renter ratings | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast | $46/day | 4.4 (7) | Check prices → |
| Redspot | $48/day | Unrated | Check prices → |
| Europcar | $58/day | 4.3 (2) | Check prices → |
| Hertz | $87/day | Unrated | Check prices → |
| Thrifty | $87/day | 4.9 (10) | Check prices → |
| Sixt | $89/day | 4.7 (11) | Check prices → |
| Budget | $90/day | 3.8 (18) | Check prices → |
| Avis | $92/day | 4.8 (2) | Check prices → |
Rates shown are indicative daily estimates based on historical booking data. 12-month ranges represent typical market pricing (excluding extreme top and bottom outliers). Actual prices fluctuate in real time based on availability, lead time, season, and location, and may exclude optional add-ons, local taxes, or young driver fees.
When to book a hire car in Brisbane
Cheapest month
May · $85/day
city pickup
Peak month
Jul · $113/day
widest swing in AU
Off-airport
$64/day
vs $105 on-airport
Book 10+ days in advance
≈29% less
than same-day
Average daily rate through the year
Brisbane city pickup · AUD/day · 2025
Summary
- Winter is peak season for rental cars in Brisbane, with July the most expensive month thanks to the combination of Queensland, NSW and Victorian school holidays overlapping from late June to mid-July, and those in the southern states looking to escape the cold.
- Coming after Easter and before the above rush, May is the cheapest month of the year, with November the second-cheapest before the end of year holiday season comes.
- Notably, as the summer break starts mid-month, early December escapes much of the holiday season rental car rate spike and prices like an ordinary month for the first couple of weeks.
When people book hire cars in Australia versus Brisbane
Most people search for their car hire in Brisbane within 12 days of their planned rental. Planning ahead is typically rewarded in Brisbane as over the last 12 months, booking 10 days ahead averaged a 29 per cent saving versus a same-day booking over the last 12 months.
- Most book 12 days ahead
- Booking 10 days ahead typically saves 29%
Source: VroomVroomVroom car hire price trends: tracking millions of real car hire searches across 2025
Which type of hire car in Brisbane is right for you?
| Best for | Vehicle type | Why | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend CBD & South Bank break | Economy or compact car (Kia Picanto, MG 3, Toyota Corolla) | If you’re staying at an inner-city hotel, many CBD depots are on Charlotte and Albert streets, a short walk away. Economy and compact cars are preferable on busy city streets and can be easily parked around South Bank and the CBD. | |
| Gold Coast / Sunshine Coast escape | Compact SUV or intermediate car (Toyota CH-R, Mazda Cx3, Kia Cerato) | Surfers Paradise is 76 km south of Brisbane on the M1, the Sunshine Coast is 116 km north via the Bruce Highway, and both destinations are a comfortable there-and-back drive on a full tank or charge. A more spacious SUV will make your road trip all the more comfortable. | |
| Family day trip to the theme parks | Mid-size SUV or people mover (Kia Sportage, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Carnival) | Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World are three of the Gold Coast’s most popular theme parks, and for a family trip, a people mover or 7-seat SUV delivers plenty of comfort — along with all the boot space you’ll need — for a scenic drive to the Gold Coast. | |
| Sunshine Coast Hinterland scenic drive | SUV (Mg Zs, Ldv D90, Mazda CX5) | A road trip to the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland will include mountain roads that climb out of the Bruce Highway corridor. The extra ground clearance that comes with an SUV will be a welcome help on any steeper drives. |
Flying into Brisbane Airport?
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is about 14 km northeast of the city, about 20 to 25 minutes via Moreton Drive, with 11 rental brands on- and off-airport. Airport pickup averaged $105/day in 2025 against $64 off-airport — compare both before you lock it in.
Regional airports near Brisbane
Consider an off-airport rental depot
Across 2025, the average price of an off-airport rental car in Brisbane was 40 per cent cheaper than at a hire car depot at Brisbane Airport, and 35 per cent cheaper than a CBD provider. Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast Car Rentals (both in Hendra) and Everything Fleet (in Pinkemba) are off-airport depots serving Brisbane Airport.
Look at near-airport locations and budget providers
Not all rental car providers near Brisbane Airport are considered off-airport depots (because they don’t offer a shuttle service to and from the airport), but they may still offer cheaper hire car prices than CBD branches. Brisbane suburbs with hire car depots close to Brisbane Airport include Eagle Farm, Hendra and Pinkemba, and are worth comparing prices in. More affordable rental car providers in Brisbane include Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast Car Rentals and Everything Fleet.
One-way car hire from Brisbane
- Brisbane to Cairns · 19 hrs 30 min via The Bruce Hwy
- Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast · 1 hr 30 min on the M1
Brisbane is a very popular option for one-way car hires, with the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Cairns all being common requests. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are relatively short drives from Brisbane (70 km and 116 km respectively), while Brisbane to Cairns is an epic road trip of over 1,700 km. 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. A one-way fee may apply, but exact policies vary by provider and the distance involved.
Car rental depots in Brisbane CBD
Brisbane’s CBD car rental depots are clustered in the city centre, mostly on Albert and Charlotte streets. Find a convenient car hire depot on the map below, browse customer ratings, and choose the rental car that fits your accommodation and budget.
Avis Brisbane Albert St
4.8 (2)53 Albert Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, w/e 08:00–14:00Avis South Brisbane
N/ACnr Fish Lane & Cordelia St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, closed w/e
Budget Brisbane Downtown
3.8 (18)53 Albert Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, w/e 08:00–14:00
Dollar Brisbane Downtown
N/A55 Charlotte St
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, w/e 08:00–13:00
East Coast Brisbane City
4.4 (7)13 Warner Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, Sat 08:00–13:00, closed Sun
Europcar Brisbane City
4.3 (2)728 Ann Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, w/e 08:00–12:00
Hertz Brisbane Downtown
N/A55 Charlotte St
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, w/e 08:00–13:00
Redspot Brisbane
N/A46 Charlotte Street, Brisbane City,
Mon–Sat 08:00–16:00, Sun 08:00–14:00
Sixt Brisbane City
4.7 (11)49 Barry Parade
Mon–Fri 07:00–16:00, w/e 08:00–12:00
Thrifty Brisbane Downtown
4.9 (10)55 Charlotte St
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, w/e 08:00–13:00
Car hire around Brisbane
If you’d prefer to collect your hire car from outside the city centre, the following pickup points are dotted around greater Brisbane, from Ascot, Brisbane Airport, Hamilton, Hendra and Tingalpa to the east and southeast, Slacks Creek, Springwood and Woodridge in the south, and Boondall, Brendale and Strathpine to the north. Choosing a depot near where you’re staying can save you a trip into the CBD, and sometimes a little on the daily rate too.
Elsewhere in Queensland: Gold Coast · Sunshine Coast
Local expert tips when renting a car in Brisbane
Behind the wheel itself? Our Brisbane driving tips cover road rules, parking and local quirks
Toll payments
Brisbane has six inner-city toll roads: AirportlinkM7, Clem7, Gateway Motorway, Go Between Bridge, Legacy Way and Logan Motorway. None accept cash or credit card payment, and while most hire cars have e-Tags fitted, treatment of tolls and fines vary by provider. Check your rental car Terms and Conditions for details.
Flooding
Brisbane’s storm season runs October to March, and thunderstorms can cause flooding in low-lying suburbs near the Brisbane River including South Brisbane, Milton, West End and New Farm. Sections of the Bruce Highway towards the Sunshine Coast are likewise prone to flooding at this time.
Ekka
Held every August at the Brisbane Showgrounds, Ekka, or the Royal Queensland Show, is Queensland’s largest event and attracted over 420,000 people in 2025. We see cheap rental cars selling out first at this time of year, so book early if you’re after a budget rental car for the show.
Parking
King George Square and Wickham Terrace are Council car parks in Brisbane’s CBD. The first hour on weekdays costs $24, with evening and weekend discounts available. Commercial car parks and paid on-street parking are also available. Any parking fine will be charged to you by your rental car provider.
Charging EVs
Providers including Chargefox, Evie and Jolt contribute towards the 50+ electric vehicle charging locations in Brisbane. Southbank, Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, and around QUT are all well-serviced. Coverage near Brisbane Airport is limited, so be sure to charge your EV before driving to the airport to return your car.
Driving to the airport
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is a 15 km or 20-minute drive east of Brisbane’s CBD. AirportlinkM7 (toll way) or Kingford Smith Drive are the primary approaches by car. If you’re driving during peak hours (weekdays 7:30 am-9:30 am and 4:30 pm to 6 pm), allow extra time in case of traffic congestion.
Also need a campervan or a ute?
Campervan hire in Brisbane
Compare Apollo, Britz, JUCY and more. Deposit or upfront payment applies to campervans.
Compare campervans →
Ute, van & truck hire in Brisbane
Moving or hauling? Compare commercial vehicles — pay at pickup.
Compare commercials →Brisbane car hire FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a car in Brisbane?
For a rental period from 13 September to 16 September 2026, prices range from AUD $46 per day for a Compact Car to AUD $142 per day for a Standard SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in Brisbane.
What is the cheapest car rental in Brisbane?
The cheapest car rental in Brisbane for the rental period from 13 September to 16 September 2026 is a MG 3 or similar from East Coast costing AUD $46 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 Brisbane?
Based on our data from over 40,800 rental car bookings in Brisbane over the last 12 months, booking your hire car 10 days beforehand can save you over 29 per cent.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Brisbane for a week?
A one-week car hire in Brisbane currently starts from AUD $322, equivalent to around AUD $46 per day, based on a 7-day rental from 14 September to 21 September 2026. East Coast’s MG 3 or similar is our cheapest option — enter your travel dates to compare live car hire rates in Brisbane.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in Brisbane?
The price of a minivan hired in Brisbane from 14 September to 21 September 2026 ranges from AUD $92 to AUD $214 per day before any added extras. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in Brisbane.
How much does it cost to hire an Electric Car in Brisbane?
An electric rental car hired in Brisbane from 14 September to 21 September 2026 costs AUD $83 per day before any added extras. As rates can vary depending on the depot location, please enter your travel dates in the search form to compare live rates, rental car provider options, and depot location.
What is the highest-rated hire car in Brisbane?
The highest-rated rental car in Brisbane is Mitsubishi Pajero or similar, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.
What is the best car rental company in Brisbane?
Thrifty is our highest-rated car hire provider in Brisbane, scoring an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Brisbane?
East Coast is the cheapest car rental company in Brisbane, with rates from AUD $46 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.
Is it cheaper to pick up at Brisbane Airport or in the city?
Due to charges levied by Brisbane Airport, renting an on-airport car hire is more expensive than at off-airport depots, with CBD locations less expensive than on-airport, but more expensive than off-airport. In 2025, the average price of an off-airport rental car in Brisbane was 40 per cent cheaper than an on-airport depot, and a CBD provider was 7 per cent cheaper than an on-airport option.
What toll roads will I need to plan for around Brisbane?
Brisbane toll roads include the Gateway Motorway, Logan Motorway, Clem7 Tunnel, AirportlinkM7 and Legacy Way. Hire cars are usually already fitted with an e-Tag, but confirm how toll payments are handled with your provider when you collect the car. Any fines for non-payment will be on-charged to you by the provider, often with a surcharge.
Do I need a rental car in Brisbane?
Brisbane’s CBD is relatively compact and well served by public transport, but if you’re planning to venture outside the CBD, booking a car hire is the recommended approach — both for the added convenience and for being able to drive where you want, when you want. Brisbane has plenty of car parking areas, so it’s easy to park your car and then explore on foot, and if you need to park at Brisbane Airport, that’s available too.
Can P-platers hire a car in Brisbane?
A holder of a Provisional Licence (P-plater) may be able to hire a car in Brisbane as long as they have held their provisional licence for at least 12 months, but this should be confirmed beforehand as not all rental car providers accept provisional licences. The P-plater must also be at least 21 years of age.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Brisbane?
The minimum age to rent a car in Brisbane is 21 years of age, but drivers under the age of 25 are often subject to a “Young Driver Surcharge.” This surcharge is levied per day of rental, and the exact charge varies from one rental car provider to another.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
Why book your Brisbane car hire with VroomVroomVroom?
5/5 · Craig W. · Aug 2026
it was easy
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane City
5/5 · Craig W. · Aug 2026
Quick and easy!
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane City
5/5 · Paul F. · Jun 2026
good
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane City
5/5 · Kylie L. · Jun 2026
Very easy to make a booking and price was great.
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane City
5/5 · Richard M. · May 2026
Easy fast
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane City
5/5 · Patrisha O. · Aug 2026
Found a cra rental where I couldnt anywhere else
Booked: Passenger Van
Perth Airport
5/5 · Petra J. · Jul 2026
Always easy
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane Airport
5/5 · Nicolas R. · May 2026
Very easy and clear
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane Airport
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