Sunshine Coast car hire — from Caloundra to Noosa
Compare 8 rental providers across 13 depots in 6 towns — from Caloundra to Noosa Heads. Pay at pickup, free cancellation.
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Cheapest rate today, by vehicle class on the Sunshine Coast
Planning a Sunshine Coast escape? Compare car hire rates from leading brands and book with confidence — no hidden surprises, just the right car at the right price. Whether you pick up your rental car at Sunshine Coast Airport, Maroochydore or Caloundra, having your own wheels lets you explore the hinterland or the beaches all at your own pace. With VroomVroomVroom, you can book today, pay later, and cancel for free if your plans change.
Economy Car
MG Core 3 or similar
View offerTravel 18 Oct - 21 Oct 2026
from AUD $59/day
Collect at Sunshine Coast AirportCompact Car
Mg 3 Core or similar
View offerTravel 29 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
from AUD $59/day
Collect at Sunshine Coast AirportCompact SUV
Mazda Cx3 or similar
View offerTravel 29 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
from AUD $63/day
Collect at Sunshine Coast AirportIntermediate Car
Toyota Corolla or similar
View offerTravel 18 Oct - 21 Oct 2026
from AUD $62/day
Collect at Sunshine Coast AirportIntermediate SUV
Hyundai Kona or similar
View offerTravel 29 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
from AUD $68/day
Collect at Sunshine Coast AirportFullsize Passenger Van
8 Seat Van
View offerTravel 25 Oct - 28 Oct 2026
from AUD $147/day
Collect at Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore)
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on October 17, 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 17 October, 2026
Sunshine Coast price guide
Daily rates by vehicle type
- All ten classes sit at or above their usual level this week — compact cars are the cheapest at $57/day.
- The typical Sunshine Coast hire is 4 days, so a compact car at $57.00/day is about $228.00 for the trip.
- Compact cars are both the most booked class (25.5%) and the cheapest at $57/day.
| Vehicle type | 2025 range Calculated 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. |
|---|---|---|
| CARS | ||
Economy car | 2025 range $39 - $165/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. $59 · about usual |
Compact carMost booked | 2025 range $38 - $156/day | This week $57 · about usual |
Intermediate car | 2025 range $46 - $185/day | This week $58 · about usual |
Standard car | 2025 range $48 - $178/day | This week $65 · dearer than usual |
Fullsize car | 2025 range $58 - $478/day | This week $100 · dearer than usual |
| SUVS | ||
Compact SUV | 2025 range $48 - $206/day | This week $71 · about usual |
Intermediate SUV | 2025 range $52 - $257/day | This week $59 · about usual |
Standard SUV | 2025 range $50 - $208/day | This week $78 · dearer than usual |
Fullsize SUV | 2025 range $59 - $316/day | This week $72 · about usual |
| UTES | ||
Single cab ute | 2025 range $77 - $140/day | This week $79 · cheaper than usual |
Dual cab ute | 2025 range $62 - $255/day | This week $97 · cheaper than usual |
People mover | 2025 range $98 - $298/day | This week $165 · dearer than usual |
Range: the middle 90% of daily rates for the class over the past 12 months (top and bottom 5% excluded). This week: the cheapest rate for pickup 18 Oct – 24 Oct, against the class's 7-day rolling median.
Cheapest provider this week
Only on VroomVroomVroom- East Coast is cheapest this week at $57/day — $1 under the next brand, Bargain Car Rentals at $58/day.
- Cheapest is well rated too: East Coast scores 4.7 from 22 renters; Redspot leads on 4.9, from 3 ratings, at $59/day.
- Six brands sit within $15/day of each other — choose on rating and depot, not price alone.
| Provider | Cheapest this week | Renter ratings | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast | $57/day | 4.7 out of 5 (22 reviews) | Check prices for East Coast → |
| Bargain Car Rentals | $58/day | 4.4 out of 5 (40 reviews) | Check prices for Bargain Car Rentals → |
| Redspot | $59/day | 4.9 out of 5 (3 reviews) | Check prices for Redspot → |
| Europcar | $66/day | 4.5 out of 5 (15 reviews) | Check prices for Europcar → |
| Thrifty | $69/day | 4.4 out of 5 (12 reviews) | Check prices for Thrifty → |
| Budget | $71/day | 4.7 out of 5 (38 reviews) | Check prices for Budget → |
| Hertz | $79/day | 4.6 out of 5 (30 reviews) | Check prices for Hertz → |
| Avis | $86/day | 4 out of 5 (6 reviews) | Check prices for Avis → |
| Sixt | $89/day | 4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews) | Check prices for Sixt → |
Cheapest this week: the lowest daily rate from that brand for pickup 18 Oct – 24 Oct, any class, at Sunshine Coast depots. Ratings: VroomVroomVroom customers who collected at a Sunshine Coast depot (all reviews to date; count in brackets).
Cheapest this week across Sunshine Coast
| Location | Depots | Providers | Cheapest this week | Vs the lowest rates in the Sunshine Coast | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maroochydore8 depots, 8 providers | 8 | 8 | Cheapest this week$57/day | LowestRegion's lowest | Compare prices in Maroochydore → |
| Sunshine Coast Airport10 depots, 10 providers | 10 | 10 | Cheapest this week$57/day | +0%+0% vs lowest | Compare prices in Sunshine Coast Airport → |
| Noosa Heads5 depots, 5 providers | 5 | 5 | Cheapest this week$69/day | +21%+21% vs lowest | Compare prices in Noosa Heads → |
| Caloundra5 depots, 5 providers | 5 | 5 | Cheapest this week$71/day | +25%+25% vs lowest | Compare prices in Caloundra → |
| Currimundi5 depots, 5 providers | 5 | 5 | Cheapest this week$71/day | +25%+25% vs lowest | Compare prices in Currimundi → |
| Warana1 depots, 1 providers | 1 | 1 | Cheapest this week$76/day | +33%+33% vs lowest | Compare prices in Warana → |
💡 Picking up in Maroochydore instead of in Warana can save you about 25% this week — roughly 8 km by road from Warana.
Prices are indicative and change with availability, lead time, season and location; they may exclude add-ons and young-driver fees.
Where to pick up on the Sunshine Coast
Where you collect your car hire on the Sunshine Coast can impact not only the price you pay but the convenience of collecting and dropping it off. Below are every town on the Sunshine Coast with a depot, including the number of depots and providers, and the relative driving distances to various locations on the Sunshine Coast.
| Location | Depots | Providers | From | To Maroochydore | To airport | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaroochydoreCheapest this week | 8 | 8 | $57 | - | 12 km | Maroochydore car hire → |
Sunshine Coast AirportMost booked this week | 10 | 10 | $57 | 13 km | - | Sunshine Coast Airport car hire → |
Noosa Heads | 5 | 5 | $69 | 39 km | 33 km | Noosa Heads car hire → |
Caloundra | 5 | 5 | $71 | 18 km | 29 km | Caloundra car hire → |
Currimundi | 5 | 5 | $71 | 14 km | 24 km | - |
Warana | 1 | 1 | $76 | 8 km | 18 km | - |
| Mooloolaba | Try searching in Maroochydore. Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty all have depots on Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore, about four kilometres to the north. | |||||
| Coolum Beach | Try searching at Sunshine Coast Airport or Noosa Heads. Coolum Beach is roughly halfway between the airport and Noosa, both of which have rental depots. | |||||
| Buderim | Try searching in Maroochydore. The closest rental car providers to Buderim are in Maroochydore, around seven kilometres to the east. | |||||
| Marcoola and Mudjimba | Try searching at Sunshine Coast Airport. Marcoola and Mudjimba are two of the closest suburbs to the airport where there are a full range of on- and off-airport rental car providers. | |||||
Ordered by booking share · distances are road distances from each town centre · every price is a rolling 7-day minimum for that location.
Getting around the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast stretches from Noosa and Noosaville in the north to Caloundra in the south, a distance of between 65 and 90 kilometres depending on which way you drive, and where you’re staying will determine just how much you need a rental car.
Warana
8 km
Sunshine Coast Airport
13 km
Currimundi
14 km
Caloundra
18 km
Noosa Heads
39 km
- Mooloolaba more or less marks the centre of the coast, but as it has no depots, Maroochydore is your closest option. Buderim, to the west of Mooloolaba, is likewise best served by the depots in Maroochydore.
- Sunshine Coast Airport, around nine kilometres north of Mooloolaba, has a full range of rental car providers, and these are particularly convenient if you’re staying in Marcoola or Mudjimba.
- Once you’re staying as far north as Coolum, you’re about halfway between the airport and Noosa Heads to the north, meaning either is a reasonable option for a rental car.
Flying into Sunshine Coast Airport?
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) sits close to Mudjimba and Marcoola, around nine kilometres north of the centre of the Sunshine Coast, and is served by ten rental car providers.
Flying into Brisbane and driving up to the Sunshine Coast is often cheaper — compare both.
Airports in the area
One-way car hire from the Sunshine Coast
- Sunshine Coast to Brisbane · 1 hr 30 min via M1
- Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay · 2 hrs 30 min via M1
The Sunshine Coast is a popular option for one-way car hires, with people often deciding to collect their car hire on the Sunshine Coast and then, at the end of their holiday, drive down to Brisbane Airport (BNE) for their flight home. The drive between the two is around 115 kilometres and typically takes about one hour and 30 minutes to drive. If you want a one-way hire for a longer trip, for example north to Hervey Bay, that’s also possible, but check your Terms and Conditions regarding additional charges for one-way hires. To search for a one-way hire car, untick “Return to the same location” in the search form, select your drop-off point, and compare rates.
Which type of hire car on the Sunshine Coast is right for you?
| Best for | Vehicle type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family beach holiday | Compact SUV or People mover (Kia Stonic, Mazda CX-30, Kia Carnival) | The Sunshine Coast is famous for its sheltered beaches, making it a favourite for family holidays, and with family beach holidays comes a need for more rental car boot space for all that beach gear, making a compact SUV or people mover a great rental option. Also works well for trips to Australia Zoo, Aussie World, and the Ginger Factory. |
| Sunshine Coast hinterland day-tripper | Compact SUV (Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Yaris) | If you’re planning on dodging the downtown traffic in Mooloolaba and Alexandra and instead need a rental car to explore the scenic road trips through Maleny & Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a compact SUV will give you some extra space and comfort along the way. |
| Brisbane weekend escape | Compact or intermediate car (Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato, Kia Sportage) | The Sunshine Coast is within easy driving distance of Brisbane for a weekend road trip, and if you’re after a car hire to get you there without the needs of a multi-day tour, then a compact or intermediate car would fit the bill. |
| Fly-in, straight to the coast | Economy or compact car (Suzuki Swift, Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic) | If you’re flying into Sunshine Coast Airport and want a car hire to get you into the Sunshine Coast, be it to Mooloolaba or Alexandra, Coolum and Noosa to the north, or Currimundi and Caloundra to the south, an economy or compact car can be a good choice — especially for parking and when the traffic builds up. |
Collecting elsewhere around the Sunshine Coast
Not every suburb on the Sunshine Coast has a rental car depot of their own, but there typically isn’t a rental car provider too far away.
Mooloolaba
Probably the most famous location along the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba has no rental car depots of its own, but Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty all have depots on Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore, about four kilometres to the north.
Coolum Beach
Set on the northern part of the Sunshine Coast, roughly halfway between Noosa and Noosaville to the north and Maroochydore to the south, Coolum doesn’t have any rental car providers but you can find plenty to choose from at Sunshine Coast Airport, or a smaller selection of providers at Noosa and Noosaville.
Marcoola and Mudjimba
Two of the closest suburbs to Sunshine Coast Airport, the closest rental car providers to Marcoola and Mudjimba are at the airport. Most major rental car providers operate either an on-airport or off-airport branch, and these are just a short drive from Marcoola or Mudjimba.
Beyond the Sunshine Coast
If you’re planning on driving your car rental further than the Sunshine Coast, you’re spoilt for options. If you’re after a one-way hire, just untick “return to the same location” to compare one-way rates.
Local expert tips when renting a car on the Sunshine Coast
Behind the wheel itself? Our Sunshine Coast driving tips cover road rules, parking and local quirks
Peak hour traffic
Expect heavy traffic on the Sunshine Coast during peak traffic times. Areas that may become congested include Nicklin Way, Hastings Street, Buderim Street, and Sugar Road/Maud Street. The Bruce Highway between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway can get especially congested on weekends and over holiday periods.
Speed limits
The two default speed limits on Sunshine Coast roads are 50 km/h in built up residential areas, and 100 km/h in rural areas. There are exceptions though: 10 km/h in shared zones; 30 km-40 km/h in recreational and entertainment areas and near hospitals; and, 40 km/h in school zones (generally between 7–9 am and 2–4 pm).
Parking
There are two PARKnGO multi-deck car parks on the Sunshine Coast, one in Mooloolaba and the other in Maroochydore. On-street parking on the Sunshine Coast is heavily policed, so pay attention to any signage rules before you park.
Hinterland driving
Drives through the Blackall Range (including Maleny, Montville, Mapleton) feature 100% sealed roads suitable for regular 2WD vehicles, although weekend and holiday crowds can create tight parking and slow-moving traffic.
Set on Coolum Beach?
If you’re planning to visit Coolum Beach, the closest rental car depots are in Noosa and Noosaville to the north and Sunshine Coast Airport to the south.
Save on fuel cost
You’re required to return your hire car with a full tank of fuel. Find the best value on petrol with our free fuel price comparison app.
Also need a campervan?
Campervan hire in Brisbane
Compare Apollo, Britz, Jucy and more. Deposit or upfront payment applies to campervans.
Compare campervans →Sunshine Coast car hire FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a car in The Sunshine Coast?
For a 3-day rental with pickup between 18 and 24 October 2026, prices range from AUD $57 per day for a Compact car to AUD $117 per day for a Standard SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in The Sunshine Coast.
What is the cheapest car rental in The Sunshine Coast?
The cheapest car rental in The Sunshine Coast is a Compact car from AUD $57 per day, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 18 and 24 October 2026. 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 Sunshine Coast?
Booking your hire car in The Sunshine Coast 10 days beforehand can save you over 18 per cent, based on our own daily rate checks.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in The Sunshine Coast?
A minivan hired in The Sunshine Coast starts from AUD $165 per day before any added extras, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 18 and 24 October 2026. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in The Sunshine Coast.
How much does it cost to hire an Electric Car in the Sunshine Coast?
An electric rental car hired in the Sunshine Coast from 20 October to 27 October 2026 costs AUD $181 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 best car rental company in The Sunshine Coast?
Budget is our highest-rated car hire provider in The Sunshine 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 Sunshine Coast?
East Coast is the cheapest car rental company in The Sunshine Coast, with rates from AUD $57 per day, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 18 and 24 October 2026. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
Which town should I pick up my hire car in?
This will depend on where you’re staying. The largest concentrations of rental car providers along the Sunshine Coast, running north to south, are located at Noosa, at or around Sunshine Coast Airport, Maroochydore, Warana, Currimundi, and Caloundra. Picking a depot that is close to where you’re staying will add to the convenience of having a car hire for your stay.
Is there a car hire depot in Mooloolaba?
No. The nearest car hire desks to Mooloolaba are the Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty depots on Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore, about four kilometres to the north.
Is there a car hire depot in Coolum Beach?
No. The closest rental car providers to Coolum Beach are those that serve Sunshine Coast Airport, around 11 kilometres to the south. Most rental car providers have a car hire desk either on- or off-airport.
Do I need a car on the Sunshine Coast?
This depends on what you have planned. Organising a rental car for your time on the Sunshine Coast can have many uses: A one-way hire from Brisbane; for the drive to where you are staying from the airport; to explore the Sunshine Coast’s many different beaches, or for a road trip into the hinterland that the Sunshine Coast is so famous for.
Can I pick up on the Sunshine Coast and drop off in Brisbane?
Yes. One-way car rentals between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are a popular option. In either direction be sure to opt for a collection or return location that is convenient to where you’re staying on the Sunshine Coast. Note that there will be a one-way fee added, and as these can vary between rental car providers, be sure to compare rates when choosing your car.
Are the Maroochydore car hire depots the same as the Sunshine Coast’s?
Maroochydore’s rental car depots are part of the same Sunshine Coast network, and they are both the most centrally located depots on the Sunshine Coast and the closest to Mooloolaba (which has no rental car depots of its own).
Have a question we haven’t answered?
Why book your Sunshine Coast car hire with VroomVroomVroom?
3/5 · Andrew D. · Aug 2026
Cheaper than booking direct though the insurance through you was dearer Couldn’t take photos when I got to Brisbane airport rushed through by staff they told me automatic photos were taken as I drove in...
Booked: Passenger Van
Maroochydore Downtown
5/5 · Karene C. · Jul 2026
Brilliant & hassle free
Booked: Passenger Van
Adelaide Airport
5/5 · ray e. · Sep 2026
very easy
Booked: Passenger Van
Sydney Airport
5/5 · Brendon F. · Sep 2026
i'd been to so many websites, and this was the best including the price.
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane Airport
5/5 · sasha l. · Sep 2026
great price, easy booking process
Booked: Passenger Van
Gold Coast Airport
5/5 · Kampanat S. · Aug 2026
Good
Booked: Passenger Van
Gold Coast Airport
5/5 · Anthony Yide W. · Sep 2026
great
Booked: Passenger Van
Gold Coast Airport
5/5 · . · Aug 2026
quick and easy
Booked: Passenger Van
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Plan your Queensland road trip
Sunshine Coast day trips
Use the Sunshine Coast as a base for fun day trips combining beaches, rainforest and hinterland scenes. Drive north to Noosa or Rainbow Beach, inland through Montville and Maleny, or explore Caloundra and the Glass House Mountains, with national parks, waterfalls, coastal walks and pretty towns in between.
Brisbane → Sunshine Coast
Explore the best of Southeast Queensland on a six-day road trip from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast. Follow the coast through Bribie Island, Caloundra and Noosa, then head inland to discover the Blackall Range, charming towns, waterfalls, the Glass House Mountains and Australia Zoo.
Atherton Tablelands
Escape Cairns for the Atherton Tablelands, where rolling farmland, rainforest and volcanic landscapes make for a memorable road trip. Take the scenic route between waterfalls, crater lakes and country towns, sample local coffee and produce, spot native wildlife, and stop at highlights including Millaa Millaa Falls and Lake Eacham.
