Whether you’re visiting Brisbane for business, leisure, or just passing through on a road trip across Queensland, renting a car is one of the best ways to experience the city and its stunning surroundings. From the convenience of exploring at your own pace to accessing remote beaches and hidden hinterlands, car rental Brisbane offers flexibility and freedom unmatched by public transport.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a car in Brisbane — from tips on finding the best deals to understanding driving conditions and discovering top destinations nearby.

Why Rent a Car in Brisbane?

Freedom to Explore
Brisbane is surrounded by incredible destinations like the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and the Scenic Rim — all of which are most easily accessed by car. Public transport may get you around the CBD, but to truly experience the best of South East Queensland, having your own vehicle is essential.
Time-Saving & Convenient
Whether you’re arriving at Brisbane Airport or staying in the city, rental companies are easily accessible. With a car, you don’t need to wait on train or bus schedules — you control your itinerary.
Ideal for Families or Groups
Travelling with family or friends? A rental car can be far more affordable than multiple train or taxi rides, especially when you split the cost. Plus, you’ll have room for luggage, picnic gear, or beach equipment.

Where to Rent a Car in Brisbane

You’ll find plenty of car rental agencies throughout Brisbane, with major pickup points at:

Brisbane Airport (BNE) – Perfect for travelers arriving by air.

CBD Offices – Convenient for business travellers or city visitors.

Suburban Locations – Some companies offer pick-up/drop-off in areas like Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, and Spring Hill.

Popular car rental companies in Brisbane include:

Avis

Hertz

Europcar

Budget

Thrifty

Sixt

Apex Car Rentals

Alpha Car Hire

Many local operators also offer competitive rates and flexible options, especially for long-term or one-way rentals.

Average Cost of Car Rental in Brisbane

Prices vary based on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and the season. Here’s a rough guide:

Economy Car: $40–$70/day

SUVs: $80–$120/day

Luxury or Premium Cars: $150+/day

Campervans or Vans: $100–$200/day

Tips to save money:

Book in advance for the best rates.

Compare prices on aggregator sites like Kayak, or Skyscanner.

Avoid extras unless necessary (e.g., GPS, which your phone likely covers).

Consider weekday pickups — weekends often have higher rates.

Driving in Brisbane: What You Need to Know

Drive on the Left: Like the rest of Australia, Brisbane follows left-hand driving.

Speed Limits: Generally 50 km/h in urban areas and up to 100–110 km/h on highways.

Tolls: Some roads and tunnels (like Clem7 and Airport Link) have tolls. Check if your rental car is toll-ready or set up a temporary toll account.

Parking: There’s ample parking in Brisbane, but city parking can be expensive. Use apps like Parkopedia or Secure-a-Spot to find cheaper options.

Fuel: Unleaded petrol is common; most rental cars run on 91 octane. Fuel prices range from $1.80–$2.20 per litre (as of 2025).

Best Day Trips from Brisbane with a Rental Car

Renting a car opens up a world of possibilities beyond the city:

🌊 Gold Coast (1-hour drive)

Famous for beaches like Surfers Paradise, theme parks (Dreamworld, Movie World), and vibrant nightlife.

☀️ Sunshine Coast (1.5-hour drive)

Visit Noosa for boutique shopping and coastal walks or explore the laid-back towns of Caloundra and Mooloolaba.

🌿 Tamborine Mountain (1-hour drive)

Rainforests, waterfalls, and wineries make this a perfect romantic or nature-focused getaway.

🐨 Australia Zoo (1-hour drive)

Founded by Steve Irwin, this world-renowned zoo is a hit with families.

🏞 Scenic Rim (1.5–2 hour drive)

Explore national parks, hiking trails, and charming country towns like Boonah and Mount Tamborine.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Compact/Economy Cars: Great for solo travelers or couples mainly sticking to city roads.

SUVs: Ideal for families or if you plan to explore mountainous or coastal areas.

Vans: Perfect for larger groups or moving lots of gear.

4WDs: Not necessary for Brisbane itself, but useful if you plan to visit Fraser Island or outback regions.

Things to Check Before Driving Off

Inspect the vehicle and take photos of any existing damage.

Understand the fuel policy (full-to-full is most common).

Check if the car includes unlimited kilometers (ideal for longer trips).

Ensure you have roadside assistance contact details.

Final Thoughts

Car rental in Brisbane is the smartest way to explore both the city and the incredible destinations surrounding it. From road-tripping down the Gold Coast to escaping into the hinterland, the freedom a rental car provides will take your Queensland adventure to the next level.

So whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, consider hiring a car in Brisbane — and let the journey begin.Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Renting a car during your visit can significantly enhance your experience, allowing you to explore the city and its breathtaking surroundings at your leisure.

For those who appreciate nature, the Glass House Mountains are a must-visit. Located about an hour north of Brisbane, these stunning volcanic peaks provide numerous hiking trails and lookout points where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Queensland's natural landscape. Renting a car allows you to explore these areas without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Additionally, renting a car can be particularly advantageous for business travelers. It allows for easy access to meetings, conferences, and networking events. You can drive to various locations without the hassle of waiting for taxis or rideshares, ensuring that you arrive on time and stress-free.

When it comes to car rental options, Brisbane offers a wide range of choices, from compact cars for solo travelers to larger vehicles for families or groups. Major rental companies, including Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz, have offices conveniently located at the airport and throughout the city, making it easy to pick up and drop off your vehicle.

In conclusion, renting a car in Brisbane not only enhances your travel experience but also opens up a world of possibilities for exploration. Whether you're looking to unwind on the beach, hike through national parks, or navigate the city for business, the flexibility and convenience of having your own vehicle are unmatched. So, the next time you find yourself in Brisbane, consider renting a car to fully immerse yourself in all that this beautiful city and its surroundings have to offer.

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