Car hire in Brisbane, Australia

Compare car hire from trusted providers

Book car hire with confidence

Save big on car hire in Brisbane

Find a cheap car hire deal

Search for Brisbane car hire near you

Choose from 90 pick-up spots

Select your Brisbane pick-up location

There are 90 car hire providers in Brisbane. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Brisbane: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need a driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Brisbane.
Travellers with a licence in English can use it without extra paperwork. If not, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). The name on your ID must match your reservation.
Navigating city driving
Brisbane has wide roads and clear routes linking major areas.
Driving is straightforward, with signed roads connecting the CBD, riverside districts and outer suburbs. Navigation apps help you avoid tunnel congestion and guide you across the city’s bridges and motorways.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Some major roads and tunnels in Brisbane have tolls.
Most tolls are electronic and billed to your rental car. Brisbane has no emissions zones, so there are no extra charges for everyday driving in the city.
Parking your car in Brisbane
Parking is available across the CBD and suburbs.
Street spaces in the centre can be limited. Multi-storey car parks near South Bank and shopping streets offer easier access. Check signposts for time limits.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Brisbane are increasing.
Petrol stations are common on main roads. Charging points are expanding across the city, especially near malls. Apps like PlugShare help you find available chargers.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are steady, but peak-hour traffic can be slow.
Speeds vary between suburbs and motorways. Take extra care in heavy rain, watch for lane changes and use clear signals near busy crossings.
Find Brisbane car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Brisbane

Choose from the best car hire companies in Brisbane

Hiring a car in Brisbane: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companysimba car hire
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 2,006
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Brisbane

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Brisbane car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Brisbane

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Brisbane for an average of R 2,006 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, so you can quickly compare prices and book.

  • R 463 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Brisbane.

  • Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from R 1,400 and squeeze in a few road trips.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Brisbane car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.

  • Simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and Alpha Car Hire are among the most trusted providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.

  • The coverage simba car hire or another supplier offers for your Brisbane car hire can vary, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.

  • Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of R 1,113 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around R 993, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/simba-car-hire/1705)) comes in next.

  • The third option also stays competitive on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly R 875 a day.

  • If you're still weighing up which ride is right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of car in Brisbane.

Flying to Brisbane? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Get a head start on your Brisbane trip by picking up a car hire at Brisbane Airport. The city centre is about 13 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Brisbane

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Brisbane gives you the freedom to explore for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Brisbane car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Brisbane big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Brisbane car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Brisbane.

Good to know

  • Age requirements often vary by provider and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.

  • If you're going away with the kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your Brisbane car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

  • Come prepared to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.

  • If it's your first time driving in Australia, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.

  • Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.

  • The Australian dollar (AUD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with your card when you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't possible.

Best hotels in Brisbane for drivers

  • Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Quattro on Astor. Offering parking as well as a pool and room service, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Brisbane.

  • Emporium Hotel South Bank also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features valet parking, plus Wi-Fi and ironing services. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the range of hotels in Brisbane for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Brisbane and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Gallery of Modern Art, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and South Bank Beach are some of the city's best experiences.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Brisbane

  • Gold Coast has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit SkyPoint Observation Deck and Pelican Beach. This city is about 72 kilometres southeast of central Brisbane.

  • Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences and Novotel Surfers Paradise are recommended accommodation options with parking in Gold Coast.

  • Sunnybank Star Motel and Springwood Motor Inn are comfy places to stay in Logan City if you're sticking around for a bit. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Hervey Bay, about 241 kilometres north of Brisbane. First, swing past Big Whale, then head to Eli Creek.

  • Rest your head in Hervey Bay at either The Beach Motel Hervey Bay or Main Street Motel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Brisbane will set you back around R 2,006 per day or R 7,393 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Brisbane is an economy SUV. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Brisbane are currently Bargain Car Rentals and simba car hire.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Brisbane is currently May.
On average, around R 7,393. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Brisbane is R 1,388.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Brisbane for a whole month is R 47,030. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Brisbane, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Brisbane that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Brisbane.
Most places – Brisbane included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 519 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,756.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like simba car hire, East Coast and Alpha Car Hire offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated East Coast as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Brisbane.