Hire the best car at the best price at Brisbane Airport

Complete Guide to Brisbane Airport Car Hire: Options, Companies & Travel Tips

Brisbane Airport serves as a major gateway to Queensland, Australia’s sunshine state, and the perfect starting point for exploring the city, nearby coastal areas, and the spectacular hinterland regions. For visitors arriving by air, hiring a car directly from the airport provides convenience and flexibility to discover Southeast Queensland at your own pace. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car rental options at Brisbane Airport.

Car Hire Companies at Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport hosts all major rental companies with locations at both Domestic and International terminals:

International Brands

• Avis: Domestic and International terminals
• Budget: Domestic and International terminals
• Europcar: Domestic and International terminals
• Hertz: Domestic and International terminals
• Thrifty: Domestic and International terminals
• Enterprise: Domestic and International terminals
• Sixt: Domestic terminal

Australian Companies

• East Coast Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Redspot/Enterprise: Domestic and International terminals
• Apex Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Alpha Car Hire: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Jucy: Off-airport with shuttle service

Local Brisbane Operators

• Bargain Car Rentals Brisbane: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Brisbane Car Hire: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Advance Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service

Terminal Locations & Access

Domestic Terminal Rentals

• Car rental desks located on Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal
• Rental car parking area adjacent to the terminal
• Short walking distance from baggage claim
• Major providers including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, and Europcar
• Operating hours typically 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM (aligned with flight schedules)

International Terminal Rentals

• Car rental desks located on Level 2 of the International Terminal
• Rental car pickup area a short walk from the terminal
• All major international brands represented
• Operating hours aligned with international flight schedules
• Some providers offer meet-and-greet service for late arrivals

Off-Airport Providers

• Located 5-10 minutes from airport terminals
• Free shuttle service provided (booking required)
• Typically offer lower rates than on-airport providers
• Allow extra 20-30 minutes for pickup process
• Some operate from nearby Eagle Farm or Hendra

Vehicle Types Available

Brisbane Airport car hire companies offer extensive vehicle options:

Economy & Compact Cars

• Models: Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Hyundai i20, Mazda 2
• Ideal for city exploration and easier parking
• Most fuel-efficient option
• Perfect for solo travelers or couples
• Most affordable category
• Price range: $35-75 per day

Medium Sedans & Hatchbacks

• Models: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, Kia Cerato
• Good balance of comfort and economy
• Suitable for small families
• Adequate trunk space for luggage
• Comfortable for day trips to Sunshine or Gold Coasts
• Price range: $45-90 per day

SUVs & Crossovers

Available in multiple categories:

• Compact SUVs: Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona, Toyota C-HR
• Medium SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson
• Large SUVs: Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe
• Popular for exploring Scenic Rim and hinterland areas
• Better visibility and higher seating position
• Price range: $65-160 per day depending on size

Premium & Luxury Vehicles

• European sedans: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4
• Luxury SUVs: BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5
• Primarily available at international terminal locations
• Limited availability—advance booking essential
• Price range: $120-300+ per day

People Movers

• 7-8 seater options: Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax, Toyota Granvia
• Ideal for larger families or groups
• Perfect for airport pickups of visiting relatives
• Limited availability—book well ahead
• Price range: $120-200 per day

Specialty Vehicles

• 4WD Vehicles: For Fraser Island, Moreton Island, or outback Queensland
• Convertibles: For coastal drives to Sunshine and Gold Coasts
• Commercial Vehicles: Vans and utes for business travelers
• Minibuses: For larger groups (10+ passengers)
• Wheelchair Accessible: Available with advance notice

Booking & Pickup Process

Reservation Tips

• Advance booking strongly recommended, especially for peak seasons
• School holidays, Christmas/New Year, and Easter periods see highest demand
• Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best rates and selection
• Most companies offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before pickup
• Compare rates across providers—significant variations exist

Required Documentation

• Valid driver’s license (English or International Driving Permit)
• Credit card in the main driver’s name
• ID/passport for international visitors
• Booking confirmation or reservation number
• Secondary ID may be required for some providers

Pickup Procedure

1. Proceed to rental desk in respective terminal
2. Complete paperwork and credit card pre-authorization
3. Review and sign rental agreement
4. Receive keys and vehicle location information
5. Conduct vehicle inspection before departure
6. For off-airport providers, call for shuttle or proceed to designated pickup area

After-Hours Arrival

For flights arriving outside standard hours:

• After-hours pickup available from most major companies
• Advance arrangement required
• Additional fees may apply for very late pickups
• Key collection procedures vary by company
• Some companies have key boxes with code access

Navigating Brisbane from the Airport

Airport to Key Destinations

• Brisbane CBD is approximately 20 minutes (16 km) via AirportLink tunnel
• Sunshine Coast is approximately 80 minutes north (100 km)
• Gold Coast is approximately 80 minutes south (95 km)
• Australia Zoo is approximately 70 minutes north (85 km)
• Mt. Tamborine/Scenic Rim is approximately 75 minutes southwest (80 km)

Key Routes from the Airport

• To Brisbane CBD: Airport Drive → AirportLink tunnel (toll road) → Inner City Bypass
• To Sunshine Coast: Airport Drive → Gateway Motorway (toll) → Bruce Highway
• To Gold Coast: Airport Drive → Gateway Motorway (toll) → Pacific Motorway
• To West Brisbane/Ipswich: Airport Drive → AirportLink → Legacy Way (toll)
• To North Brisbane: Airport Drive → Gateway Motorway → Gympie Road

Toll Roads

Brisbane has several toll roads, all using electronic tolling:

• AirportLink: Connects airport to city center (fastest route)
• Gateway Motorway: North-south connection (sections are tolled)
• Legacy Way: Connects Western Freeway to Inner City Bypass
• Clem7 Tunnel: North-south connection under Brisbane River
• Go Between Bridge: Connects Hale Street to Montague Road

Toll payment options:

1. Rental company toll package: Convenient but fees apply
2. Purchase Brisbane pass: Online or via phone within 3 days
3. Toll invoice: Pay additional admin fees if not arranged beforehand

Parking in Brisbane

• CBD parking can be expensive ($25-40 for a full day typically)
• Parking restrictions and clearways strictly enforced
• Suburban shopping centers often offer free time-limited parking
• South Bank has several parking options for cultural precinct visits
• Sunday street parking often free in CBD

Return Procedure & Requirements

Fuel Requirements

• Most rentals require a full tank upon return (“full-to-full” policy)
• Nearest fuel stations to the airport:
  • BP on Airport Drive (3 minutes from terminals)
  • Caltex on Lomandra Drive (2 minutes from Domestic Terminal)
  • Shell on Airport Drive (5 minutes from International Terminal)
  • Allow 10-15 minutes before return for refueling

Return Process

1. Refuel the vehicle (unless prepaid fuel option selected)
2. Follow signs to “Car Rental Return” at respective terminal
3. Park in the designated area for your rental company
4. Complete vehicle check-in with staff during business hours
5. Return keys at the rental counter or designated key drop for after-hours
6. Shuttle buses available between terminals if needed

Return Hours

• Major companies: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM, seven days (aligned with flight schedules)
• After-hours return available at designated drop boxes
• Late fees may apply if not returned on time
• Some companies offer grace periods of 29-59 minutes

Cost Considerations

Price Factors

• Seasonal variations: School holidays and major events see 20-40% higher rates
• Vehicle size: Economy cars cost significantly less than SUVs
• Rental duration: Weekly rates offer substantial discounts (25-40%)
• Advance booking: Early bookings typically save 15-25%
• Airport premium: 10-15% higher than off-airport locations

Additional Charges

• Insurance excess reduction: $15-35 per day
• Additional drivers: $5-10 per day per driver
• GPS rental: $8-15 per day
• Child seats: $8-15 per day per seat
• Young driver surcharge: Usually applies to drivers under 25

Insurance Options

• Standard insurance with excess of $3,000-$5,000 typically included
• Excess reduction options available at booking or pickup
• Third-party excess insurance often cheaper than rental company options
• Credit card insurance coverage may apply (check your card benefits)
• International visitors should understand Australian insurance terminology

Popular Driving Destinations from Brisbane Airport

Having a rental car opens up numerous destinations:

Brisbane City & Suburbs

• Brisbane CBD and South Bank (20 minutes)
• Mt. Coot-tha Lookout and Botanic Gardens (30 minutes)
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (35 minutes)
• Eat Street Northshore (15 minutes)
• Moreton Bay Region (30-45 minutes)

Day Trips

• North: Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Australia Zoo (70-90 minutes)
• South: Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Theme Parks (60-80 minutes)
• West: Ipswich, Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley (60-90 minutes)
• South West: Scenic Rim, Mt. Tamborine, Lamington National Park (75-90 minutes)
• Islands: North Stradbroke Island (80 minutes plus ferry)

Longer Trips

• Fraser Island (3.5 hours to ferry departure)
• Hervey Bay (3.5 hours)
• Byron Bay (2 hours)
• Bundaberg (4 hours)
• Southern Queensland Country (2-3 hours)

Tips for International Visitors

Driving Essentials

• Drive on the left side of the road
• Distances and speeds displayed in kilometers
• Blood alcohol limit of 0.05% strictly enforced
• Mobile phone use while driving prohibited
• Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
• Child restraints required by law

Queensland Road Conditions

• Wildlife hazards, especially at dawn and dusk
• Flash flooding possible during summer storm season
• Road works common on major highways
• Rural roads may have limited services
• Four-wheel drive required for beach driving and some island access

Weather Considerations

• Summer (December-February): Hot and humid with afternoon storms
• Winter (June-August): Mild and dry, perfect driving conditions
• Cyclone season (November-April) can affect far north Queensland
• Air conditioning essential in vehicles during summer
• Rain can be sudden and heavy—adjust driving accordingly

Cultural Tips

• Road rage uncommon but avoid confrontation
• Wave to thank other drivers for giving way
• Police have authority to conduct random breath tests
• Speed cameras common on major roads
• Pedestrians have right of way at crossings

Special Considerations for Brisbane Visits

Major Events

• Brisbane Festival (September): Increased city traffic and limited parking
• Ekka (Royal Queensland Show, August): Heavy traffic around RNA Showgrounds
• State of Origin matches: Traffic congestion around Suncorp Stadium
• Riverfire: Road closures in CBD and South Bank
• Christmas/New Year Period: Extreme high demand, book months ahead

Beach and Island Access

• North Stradbroke Island requires vehicle ferry (booking recommended)
• Moreton Island requires 4WD and ferry booking
• Bribie Island has bridge access but 4WD needed for beach driving
• Beach driving permits required for designated beaches
• Specific vehicle restrictions apply for island access

Seasonal Considerations

• School holidays create higher demand and rates
• Summer storms can cause flash flooding (November-March)
• Winter offers ideal driving conditions with clear skies
• Holiday periods see congestion on routes to coastal areas
• Weekends see higher demand for convertibles and premium vehicles

Airport Development

• Brisbane Airport regularly undergoes development
• Car rental areas may relocate during construction periods
• Check latest information before travel
• Allow extra time during busy construction phases
• New automated systems being implemented by some providers

Brisbane Airport car hire provides the ideal starting point for exploring Southeast Queensland’s diverse attractions. With proper planning and the right vehicle choice, visitors can enjoy the flexibility to discover Brisbane, its beautiful surrounding regions, and the spectacular coastlines at their own pace.