Car hire in Townsville — Magnetic Island and the inland north
Compare 6 rental brands across 7 Townsville depots — pay at pickup, free cancellation.
111K+ reviews
Bookings
Trusted since 2001
Cheapest rate today, by vehicle class in Townsville
Townsville is the gateway to Magnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef and the Queensland outback. It sits in North Queensland, roughly half way between Airlie Beach to the south and Cairns to the north, making it a great spot to break up a Queensland road trip. With VroomVroomVroom, searching, comparing and booking a competitively priced hire car in Townsville takes as little as two minutes.
Economy Car
Suzuki Swift or similar
View offerTravel 30 Oct - 02 Nov 2026
from AUD $45/day
Compact Car
Toyota Corolla or similar
View offerTravel 30 Oct - 02 Nov 2026
from AUD $47/day
Compact SUV
Mazda CX-30 or similar
View offerTravel 30 Oct - 02 Nov 2026
from AUD $53/day
Intermediate Car
Toyota Corolla or similar
View offerTravel 19 Oct - 22 Oct 2026
from AUD $108/day
Intermediate SUV
Mazda CX5 or similar
View offerTravel 30 Oct - 02 Nov 2026
from AUD $79/day
Fullsize Passenger Van
Kia Carnival or similar
View offerTravel 23 Oct - 26 Oct 2026
from AUD $187/day
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on October 18, 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 18 October, 2026. Use the search tool for a live quote.
Townsville price guide
Daily rates by vehicle type
- One of seven classes sits below its usual level this week — standard cars are the cheapest of them at $113/day.
- The typical Townsville hire is 4 days, so an economy car at $82.02/day is about $328.08 for the trip.
- Economy cars are the most booked class (21.6%) but not the cheapest — compact cars are $1/day less.
| 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 carMost booked | 2025 range $51 - $208/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. $82 · about usual |
Compact car | 2025 range $54 - $218/day | This week $81 · dearer than usual |
Intermediate car | 2025 range $60 - $213/day | This week $107 · about usual |
Standard car | 2025 range $74 - $235/day | This week $113 · cheaper than usual |
Fullsize car | 2025 range - | This week - |
| SUVS | ||
Compact SUV | 2025 range $66 - $228/day | This week $90 · dearer than usual |
Intermediate SUV | 2025 range $71 - $255/day | This week $100 · about usual |
Standard SUV | 2025 range $91 - $264/day | This week $91 · about usual |
| UTES | ||
Dual cab ute | 2025 range - | This week - |
| PEOPLE MOVERS | ||
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 19 Oct – 25 Oct, against the class's 7-day rolling median. † Rows marked † use pickups up to 12 days ahead rather than 7 days out, so their comparison to the usual level is on that wider window.
Cheapest provider this week
Only on VroomVroomVroom- Europcar is cheapest this week at $81/day — $1 under the next brand, Thrifty at $82/day.
- The cheapest is also the best rated: Europcar scores 5 from 1 renter.
- Two brands sit within $15/day of each other — choose on rating and depot, not price alone.
| Provider | Cheapest this week | Renter ratings | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europcar | $81/day | 5 out of 5 (1 review) | Check prices for Europcar → |
| Thrifty | $82/day | Unrated | Check prices for Thrifty → |
| Redspot | $99/day | Unrated | Check prices for Redspot → |
| Hertz | $147/day | Unrated | Check prices for Hertz → |
| Sixt | $162/day | Unrated | Check prices for Sixt → |
Cheapest this week: the lowest daily rate from that brand for pickup 19 Oct – 25 Oct, any class, at Townsville depots. Ratings: VroomVroomVroom customers who collected at a Townsville depot (all reviews to date; count in brackets).
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.
Which type of hire car in Townsville is right for you?
| Best for | Vehicle type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend city break & JCU visit | Compact or intermediate car (Volkswagen Polo, Mazda CX3, Toyota Corolla) | Townsville’s CBD depots are mostly clustered a short walk apart and close to the airport. If you’re on a weekend visit or planning a trip to James Cook University, a compact or intermediate rental car makes a lot of sense. |
| Reef gateway & Magnetic Island day-tripper | Compact car (Mg 3 Core, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX5) | If you’re planning on heading to Magnetic Island, the hire car generally stays on the mainland while the passenger ferry takes you on the island crossing. With this in mind, there’s no need to size up your rental car for an island holiday that doesn’t include it. |
| Outback/inland tourer | Compact SUV/Standard SUV (Kia Sportage, Mazda CX3, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross) | Long highway distances and Townsville’s reputation as a “gateway to the Outback” means skipping on a compact car and instead selecting one with extra clearance and a bigger fuel tank is a good approach. |
| Garrison & trade or short-term commercial | Ute or commercial van (Dual Cab 4WD, Ford Ranger, Kia Carnival) | If you’re in Townsville on business — be it with the military, mining trade, or general commercial work, hiring a ute or commercial van can be a good decision. Make your booking early to make sure you don’t miss out. |
Flying into Townsville Airport?
Townsville Airport (TSV), also known as Garbutt Airport, is located six kilometres — or a 10 to 15 minute drive — from Townsville, and there are nine rental providers at the terminal to choose from.
Regional airports near Townsville
One-way car hire from Townsville
- Townsville to Airlie Beach · 3 hrs 15 min via Bruce Hwy
- Townsville to Cairns · 4 hrs via Bruce Hwy
Both Airlie Beach and Cairns are popular one-way rentals from Townsville, and the city often features on road trips from Brisbane to Cairns. 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. In most cases a one-way fee will apply, but both fees and policies vary by provider and the distance involved, so you’re best to check provider Terms and Conditions before making your booking.
Car rental depots in Townsville
Most of Townsville’s rental providers are clustered within walking distance of each other, on or near the western end of Ingham Road, not far from Townsville Airport. Redspot is more centrally located, towards the eastern end of Ingham Road. It is also the only depot open at weekends, and then only until midday.
Dollar Townsville 4wd
N/A49-51 Bolam St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, closed w/eDollar Townsville Downtown
N/A49-51 Bolam St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, closed w/e
Europcar Townsville City
5.0 (1)303 Ingham Road
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00, closed w/e
Hertz Townsville Downtown
N/A49-51 Bolam St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, closed w/e
Redspot West End Townsville
N/A115 Ingham Rd, West End, Townsville
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, w/e 08:00–12:00
Sixt Townsville
N/ACorner Ingham and Meenan St
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30, closed w/e
Thrifty Townsville Downtown
N/A49-51 Bolam St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, closed w/e
Local expert tips when renting a car in Townsville
Behind the wheel itself? Our Townsville driving tips cover road rules, parking and local quirks
Parking for Magnetic Island
If you’re planning on taking the passenger ferry to Magnetic Island and want to leave your car in Townsville, parking is available near the ferry terminal and starts at $10 per day.
Heading to Magnetic Island
Both Sealink and Magnetic Island Ferries run services to Magnetic Island, but only Magnetic Island Ferries carries vehicles. Not all rental car providers allow their vehicles to be taken on the ferry, but Redspot and Sixt do — check their Terms and Conditions for details.
Parking in Townsville
Free parking in Townsville can be found on Aplin, Dean, Eyre and Leichhardt streets. Paid 2-hour (2P) parking options are available on most inner-city streets including Sturt and Flinders streets and starts at $2/hour.
Watch the weather
Townsville’s wet-season runs from November to April, and monsoon rain can close flood-prone sections of the Bruce Highway, both south toward Ayr and north toward Ingham. If you’re hiring a car in rainy season, check RACQ road reports before setting out.
Townsville 500
The Townsville 500 is an annual motor racing event for Supercars, held on the Reid Park Street Circuit, typically in July. Road closures and changed traffic flows can occur around the event.
Save on fuel
Townsville has at least 20 petrol stations to choose from, and as it’s important to return your vehicle with a full tank of fuel to avoid extra fuel fees, find the best value on fuel in Townsville with our free fuel price comparison app.
Also need a campervan or a ute?
Campervan hire in Townsville
Compare Apollo, Britz, JUCY and more. Deposit or upfront payment applies to campervans.
Compare campervans →
Ute, van & truck hire
Moving or hauling? Compare commercial vehicles — pay at pickup.
Compare commercials →Townsville car hire FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a car in Townsville?
For a 3-day rental with pickup between 19 and 25 October 2026, prices range from AUD $81 per day for a Compact car to AUD $124 per day for a Fullsize car. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in Townsville.
What is the cheapest car rental in Townsville?
The cheapest car rental in Townsville is a Compact car from AUD $81 per day, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 19 and 25 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 Townsville?
Booking your hire car in Townsville 3 days beforehand can save you over 4 per cent, based on our own daily rate checks.
How much does it cost to hire an Electric Car in Townsville?
An electric rental car hired in Townsville from 23 October to 26 October 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 best car rental company in Townsville?
Europcar is our highest-rated car hire provider in Townsville, scoring an average rating of 5 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Townsville?
Europcar is the cheapest car rental company in Townsville, with rates from AUD $81 per day, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 19 and 25 October 2026. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
Can I take a hire car across to Magnetic Island?
While both Sealink and Magnetic Island Ferries run services to Magnetic Island, only Magnetic Island Ferries can carry vehicles, and they operate multiple services a day from 5 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and 7 am to 5 pm on weekends. Not all rental car providers allow their vehicles to be taken on the ferry, but both Redspot and Sixt do. Check their Terms and Conditions for important details regarding taking a vehicle on a ferry.
How far is it from Townsville to Cairns, and can I hire one-way?
Townsville to Cairns is roughly a 350 km or four hour drive via the Bruce Highway. You can hire a car in Townsville and drop it off in Cairns, but there will be a one-way fee, which varies by provider and is shown in your total before you book.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
Why book your Townsville car hire with VroomVroomVroom?
5/5 · Chris S. · Sep 2026
Easy
Booked: Passenger Van
Melbourne South
5/5 · Mark F. · Sep 2026
Easy to use
Booked: Passenger Van
Sydney Airport
5/5 · GINO B. · Aug 2026
Easy to book and great rates
Booked: Passenger Van
Gold Coast Airport
5/5 · Keith S. · Aug 2026
I picked up the car about 3pm today from Rockhampton airport, it is a new Hyundai and it was ready to go Thanks Keith
Booked: Passenger Van
Rockhampton Airport
5/5 · Mary M. · Sep 2026
Easy website
Booked: Passenger Van
Melbourne Airport
5/5 · Marita C. · Aug 2026
Easy to use website
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane Airport
5/5 · BRENDEN M. · Jun 2026
Great.
Booked: Passenger Van
Sunshine Coast Airport
5/5 · John P. · Jul 2026
So easy
Booked: Passenger Van
Hobart Downtown
Recent verified reviews.
25+ years of car hire
Comparing Australian rentals since 2001.
Reliability
Book now, pay at pickup on standard cars.
Compare top brands
Find it cheaper and we’ll match it.
World-class support
Real people, Australian hours, every day.
Plan your Queensland road trip
Brisbane → Cairns
Travel Queensland’s east coast on a 13-day road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. Follow the Bruce Highway through the Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay, visit K’gari and the Whitsundays, then continue via Townsville, Mission Beach and the Atherton Tablelands before arriving in tropical Cairns.
Cairns → the Daintree
Explore Tropical North Queensland on a nine-day road trip from Cairns to the Daintree. Travel via Palm Cove and Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge, cross the Daintree River and explore Cape Tribulation, then continue to Cooktown before looping back through the region’s rainforest, beaches and relaxed coastal communities.
Explore Western Queensland
Swap Queensland’s coast for the wide-open landscapes of the outback on a road trip through Western Queensland. Discover Longreach’s aviation history and Thomson River sunsets, explore Roma’s country heritage and distinctive bottle trees, then visit Mitchell for artesian hot springs, local culture and access to spectacular national park scenery.
