How to pick up and return a hire car at Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
Great value rental cars from Gold Coast Airport’s most trusted car hire providers
Straddling the Queensland New South Wales border, and located around 38 km to the south of the Gold Coast and immediately to the north of Coolangatta, Gold Coast Airport (OOL) has a single terminal responsible for both domestic and international flights. Read on to learn which rental car providers service the airport, where their hire desks are, and how to pick up and return your rental car.
International or domestic?
Gold Coast Airport has one terminal known as Terminal 1, with domestic arrivals located at the centre of the terminal, international arrivals at the southern end, and the rental car desks roughly opposite domestic arrivals.
How to pick up your hire car
Gold Coast Airport has both on- and off-airport rental car providers, with the former within the terminal building and the latter a short drive away. Regardless of what type of provider you’re using, it’s prudent to supply your flight number when booking an airport rental car as this means your hire car provider will be aware if your flight is delayed.
Find your rental desk: On- or off-airport
As Gold Coast Airport has both on-airport and off-airport providers, the first step in picking up your rental car is knowing where you need to go, and this depends on which type of provider you have booked with.
On-airport pickup
Gold Coast Airport’s on-airport hire car desks are on the ground floor of the terminal, roughly opposite the domestic arrivals area.
How to find your off-airport rental car at Gold Coast Airport
Off-airport pickup
Off-airport rental car providers at Gold Coast Airport are located both to the north and south of the airport. As these providers don’t maintain rental desks at the airport itself, you’ll need to arrange transport to their depot, either by using their shuttle transfer, or a taxi or rideshare. Rental car shuttle transfers tend to leave regularly, although not always on demand, so there may be a short wait involved.
| Provider | Shuttle cost | Shuttle hours | Pick-up location |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Free | Mon–Sun 7:00 am–6:40 pm | Transit Centre. |
| East Coast Car Rentals | Free | Mon–Fri 7:00 am–6:30 pm Sat–Sun 7:30 am–6:00 pm | Transit Centre. |
Finalise your rental agreement and collect keys
Before you’re able to drive away, you’ll need to complete any paperwork and inspect the vehicle. Once these steps are complete, you’ll be handed the keys to your rental car. Learn more about a typical airport rental car pickup process.
What should I do if the desk is unattended?
If the rental car desk is unattended when you arrive, staff may have left a sign with instructions or a contact number. If there’s no notice, head to the rental car parking area, where another staff member should be available to help. You can also check your booking confirmation email for the provider’s contact details, but if you’re still unable to reach anyone, call us on 1300 722 920. Unattended rental desks are relatively common, so there’s usually no need to be concerned, as staff are often available in the hire car parking area.
How to return your hire car
On-airport return
Gold Coast Airport is approximately a 40-minute drive south of central Gold Coast, with the M1 providing the most direct route. When returning your hire car, follow the signs to the Rental Returns car park on the right-hand side of Terminal Drive. Once you’ve parked, return the keys to the staff at the car park office. If you’re travelling to the airport during weekday peak periods, generally between 7:30 and 9:30 am or 4:30 and 6:00 pm, allow some additional time in case of traffic congestion.
Set aside at least 30 minutes to return your rental vehicle, giving staff enough time to inspect the car and complete the necessary paperwork. If you’re returning the car to an off-airport depot, allow extra time for the shuttle transfer to the terminal. Airports generally recommend arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
Off-airport return
Off-airport depots serving Gold Coast Airport are located both to the north and south of the airport precinct, in both cases around six minutes by shuttle transfer. Be sure to allow sufficient time (in most cases 30 minutes should be adequate) for the return process, and as shuttles may not leave upon demand, allowing a further 15 minutes or so for the shuttle transfer is prudent.
| Provider | Shuttle bus | Depot location | Depot hours | Drive time |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Free | 2/57-61 Ourimbah Rd, Tweed Heads. | Mon–Sun 7:00 am–7:00 pm | 6 min |
| East Coast Car Rentals | Free | 3 Karana St, Tugun. | Mon–Fri 7:00 am–6:30 pm Sat–Sun 7:30 am–6:00 pm | 6 min |
Frequently asked questions
On picking up and returning a rental car at Gold Coast Airport
Can I walk to Gold Coast Airport’s off-airport depots?
While in theory this is possible, as it’s not an easy, scenic, nor pleasant walk, we don’t recommend it. You’re far better off to use either the shuttle transfer provided by rental providers, catch a taxi, or use a ride share service to reach any off-airport depot.
Are shuttle buses to off-airport providers free?
Yes, off-airport rental car providers servicing Gold Coast Airport offer free shuttle service between the airport and their depots.
How long should I allow for dropping off my car and getting to my flight?
Allow at least 30 minutes when returning a vehicle to an on-airport provider so there’s enough time to complete the paperwork and hand over the car. During busy travel periods, it’s wise to leave additional time in case the rental counters are crowded. For off-airport providers, allow around 45 minutes, as shuttle buses may not depart immediately and some waiting time may be required.
How long should I allow to get from my flight to the car hire desk?
Passengers arriving at Gold Coast Airport on an international flight should allow at least one hour from landing to clear immigration, collect their baggage and pass through customs. Travellers who are not using an Australian passport should consider allowing an additional 30 minutes, as the immigration and customs process may take longer.
For domestic arrivals, 30 to 45 minutes should generally be sufficient to collect any checked luggage and reach the rental car area, provided there are no baggage delays. During peak season, when the airport may be busier, allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes. Passengers travelling with carry-on luggage only should usually need around 20 to 30 minutes to reach either an on-airport rental desk or the shuttle pickup point for an off-airport provider.
When collecting a vehicle from an off-airport provider, remember to include the transfer time between the terminal and the depot. Although the drive usually takes only a few minutes, depending on traffic, you may need to wait around ten minutes for the shuttle. Calling the rental company as soon as you leave the aircraft may help reduce delays, as they may be able to send a shuttle to meet you or ask a driver already heading to the airport to wait.Where are the closest petrol stations to Gold Coast Airport?
Unless you have pre-paid for your fuel it’s a good idea to make sure you have refuelled your rental car before you return it to the rental car provider to avoid them needing to refuel it and charge you for the service at a premium rate.
Petrol stations convenient to Gold Coast Airport include:
bp: Ducat St, Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads.
Caltex: 496 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun.
Hope Energy: Airport Central, 1 Eastern Ave, Bilinga.
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