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
MG Core 3 or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $48/day
Special
Mystery Vehicle or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $51/day
Compact Car
Volkswagen Polo or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $51/day
Intermediate Car
Toyota Corolla or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $52/day
Standard Car
Skoda Scala Select or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $56/day
Compact SUV
Mazda CX3 or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $59/day
Intermediate Ute (single/extended cab)
Toyota Hilux UTE 2WD or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $77/day
Compact Commercial Van/Truck
6 Cubic Metre Van or similar
View offerTravel 19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026
from AUD $86/day
Intermediate SUV
Subaru Crosstrek or similar
View offerTravel 17 Sep - 20 Sep 2026
from AUD $91/day
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on September 16, 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 16 September, 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
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$48
$154
17 Sep
$53
$154
18 Sep
$53
$148
19 Sep
$48
$152
20 Sep
$53
$154
21 Sep
$101
$154
22 Sep
$101
$154
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$52
$131
17 Sep
$56
$140
18 Sep
$56
$131
19 Sep
$52
$140
20 Sep
$56
$140
21 Sep
$114
$140
22 Sep
$114
$140
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$56
$167
17 Sep
$59
$167
18 Sep
$59
$161
19 Sep
$56
$179
20 Sep
$59
$185
21 Sep
$122
$221
22 Sep
$122
$269
Price range over the past 12 months for an economy SUV
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$59
$163
17 Sep
$70
$175
18 Sep
$70
$175
19 Sep
$59
$175
20 Sep
$70
$175
21 Sep
$123
$175
22 Sep
$123
$175
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$143
$168
17 Sep
$91
$173
18 Sep
$123
$179
19 Sep
$101
$179
20 Sep
$109
$173
21 Sep
$116
$173
22 Sep
$123
$173
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$156
$202
17 Sep
$154
$202
18 Sep
$151
$190
19 Sep
$135
$207
20 Sep
$149
$190
21 Sep
$154
$227
22 Sep
$167
$276
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$209
$217
17 Sep
$217
$217
18 Sep
$195
$195
19 Sep
$195
$195
20 Sep
$217
$217
21 Sep
$217
$217
22 Sep
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
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$77
$141
17 Sep
$127
$141
18 Sep
$112
$125
19 Sep
$77
$125
20 Sep
$127
$141
21 Sep
$84
$141
22 Sep
$127
$141
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
16 Sep
$156
$235
17 Sep
$210
$235
18 Sep
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
19 Sep
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
20 Sep
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
21 Sep
$139
$235
22 Sep
$139
$280
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 16 September, 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
4.7 (2)32 Central Park Ave (Metro)
Mon–Fri 07:00–18:00, Sat 07:00–17:30, Sun 07:30–17:30
Europcar Gold Coast Sofitel Broadbeach
3.0 (2)81 Surf Parade
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, w/e 08:00–12:00Europcar Gold Coast Southport
4.8 (1)116 Minnie Street
Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00, w/e 08:00–12:00
Hertz Nerang Downtown
N/A15 Brendan Drive
Mon–Fri 07:00–17:00, w/e 07:00–12:00Hertz Surfers Paradise Downtown
4.3 (5)84-89 Ferny Ave
Mon–Sun 07:00–17:00
Redspot Surfers Paradise
N/A32 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise,
Mon–Sun 08:00–16:00
Sixt Southport
4.7 (16)53 Winchester Street
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:00, closed w/eStaff were fantastic (Gary D. · Jul 2026)
Thrifty Nerang
N/A15 Brendan Drive
Mon–Fri 07:00–17:00, w/e 07:00–12:00Thrifty Surfers Paradise
4.6 (9)84-89 Ferny Ave
Mon–Sun 07:00–17:00
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 19 September to 26 September 2026, prices range from AUD $48 per day for an Economy Car to AUD $197 per day for a Fullsize 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 19 September to 26 September 2026 is a MG Core 3 or similar from Redspot costing AUD $48 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?
Booking your hire car in The Gold Coast 5 days beforehand can save you over 7 per cent, based on our own daily rate checks.
How much does it cost to rent a car in the Gold Coast for a week?
A one-week car hire in the Gold Coast currently starts from AUD $331, equivalent to around AUD $48 per day, based on a 7-day rental from 19 September to 26 September 2026. Redspot’s MG Core 3 or similar is our cheapest option — enter your travel dates to compare live car hire rates in the Gold Coast.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in the Gold Coast?
A minivan hired in the Gold Coast from 23 September to 30 September 2026 costs AUD $156 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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Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think
- 20 Jul 2026adam m.Booked: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or similarSouthport
- 14 Jul 2026stanley michael r.Booked: Kia Picanto or similarSouthport
- 13 Jun 2026joanne b.Booked: Toyota Corolla or similarGold Coast Airport
- 18 Aug 2026simon a.Booked: Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similarSouth Yarra
- 31 Jul 2026anthony p.Booked: Kia Stonic or similarNoosa Downtown
- 30 Jul 2026fiona l.Booked: Kia Stonic or similarMelbourne Airport
- 17 Aug 2026sol w.Booked: Mystery Vehicle or similarMelbourne Airport
- 13 Aug 2026patrisha o.Booked: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid or similarPerth Airport
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