How to find a cheap car hire deal in Brisbane
Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Brisbane. Choose from options averaging R 1,245 a day and get going for less.
Daily rental prices in Brisbane start from just R 532.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from R 1,964 and make room for more adventures.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Brisbane car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
Browse the offers available with simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and Alpha Car Hire. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage simba car hire or another supplier offers for your Brisbane car hire can differ, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover 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're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 1,782 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,371.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly R 1,197 a day.
The Intermediate rental category is a solid choice if you're unsure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Brisbane.
Flying to Brisbane? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Brisbane, be on your way quicker by picking up a car hire at Brisbane Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 13 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Brisbane
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Brisbane makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Brisbane car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Brisbane that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
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 compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Brisbane.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Australia. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you should add a car seat to your Brisbane car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Australia, be aware that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) on your trip here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
English is the language used most widely across the country.
Best hotels in Brisbane for drivers
Offering valet parking, The Calile Hotel gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Brisbane and also comes with a pool and a 24-hour front desk.
Or make use of the accessible parking at The Colmslie Hotel. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this stay, which also features car hire options and luggage storage.
Explore the full range of hotels in Brisbane and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Brisbane and your hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at must-see attractions like Queensland Museum of Modern Art, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park 4P and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Brisbane
Gold Coast should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Surfers Paradise Beach and Pacific Airshow. 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.
Logan City has some comfortable places to stay such as Sunnybank Star Motel and Springwood Motor Inn. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Set out for Hervey Bay, around 241 kilometres north of Brisbane. From Big Whale to Eli Creek, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
Hit the hay in Hervey Bay at either Kondari Hotel or The Beach Motel Hervey Bay. They've got a bed waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
