Hire the best car at the best price at Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore)

Complete Guide to Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) Car Hire: Options & Tips

Sunshine Coast Airport, located in Maroochydore, serves as the gateway to one of Australia’s most beloved holiday destinations. For visitors arriving by air, hiring a car directly from the airport provides the ideal way to explore the stunning coastline, hinterland villages, and natural attractions that make the Sunshine Coast special. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car rental options at Sunshine Coast Airport.

Car Hire Companies at Sunshine Coast Airport

Sunshine Coast Airport hosts several rental companies with convenient terminal access:

Major Providers

• Avis: Located in the terminal building
• Budget: Located in the terminal building
• Hertz: Located in the terminal building
• Thrifty: Located in the terminal building
• Europcar: Located in the terminal building
• Enterprise: Located in the terminal building

Local & Off-Airport Providers

• East Coast Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Bargain Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Maroochy Car Hire: Local operator with delivery service
• Economy Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Sunshine Coast Car Hire: Local operator with meet and greet

Terminal Location & Access

Terminal Car Rental Desks

• Located in the arrivals area of the main terminal
• Easy access after baggage collection
• Open during airport operational hours (typically 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
• All major brands represented in a dedicated area

Car Collection Area

• Adjacent to the terminal building
• Short walking distance (1-3 minutes) from the terminal
• Clearly signposted directions
• No shuttle required for major companies
• Compact airport layout makes for easy navigation

Off-Airport Providers

• Located 5-10 minutes from terminal area
• Free shuttle service provided (must be arranged)
• Typically offer lower rates than on-airport providers
• Allow extra 20-30 minutes for pickup process
• Phone call usually required upon arrival

Vehicle Types Available

Sunshine Coast Airport car hire companies offer various vehicle options:

Economy & Compact Cars

• Models: Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Hyundai i20, Suzuki Swift
• Ideal for couples or solo travelers
• Most fuel-efficient option
• Easiest parking at beach locations and shopping centers
• Most affordable category
• Price range: $35-65 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 hinterland
• Price range: $45-80 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 hinterland areas like Maleny and Montville
• Better ground clearance for rural roads
• Price range: $60-150 per day depending on size

Premium Vehicles

• Limited selection compared to larger airports
• European models occasionally available
• Advance booking essential for luxury options
• Popular during wedding season
• Price range: $100-200 per day

People Movers

• 7-8 seater options: Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax
• Ideal for larger families or groups
• Perfect for extended family holidays
• Limited availability—book well ahead
• Price range: $110-180 per day

Specialty Vehicles

• Convertibles: Limited availability but perfect for coastal drives
• 4WD Vehicles: For beach driving and hinterland exploration
• Commercial Vehicles: Small vans and utes available
• Long-term rentals: Special rates for extended stays

Booking & Pickup Process

Reservation Tips

• Advance booking strongly recommended, especially for peak seasons
• School holidays and summer months (December-February) see highest demand
• Book 2-3 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 terminal
2. Complete paperwork and credit card imprint
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 the Sunshine Coast from the Airport

Airport to Key Destinations

• Maroochydore/Cotton Tree: 5 minutes (2 km)
• Mooloolaba: 15 minutes (10 km)
• Noosa: 30 minutes (30 km)
• Caloundra: 25 minutes (25 km)
• Maleny/Montville (Hinterland): 40 minutes (30 km)
• Australia Zoo: 30 minutes (30 km)

Key Routes from the Airport

• To Maroochydore/Alexandra Headland: David Low Way or Sunshine Motorway
• To Noosa: Sunshine Motorway to Eumundi-Noosa Road
• To Hinterland: Sunshine Motorway to Bruce Highway to Landsborough
• To Brisbane: Bruce Highway southbound (90 minutes)
• To Fraser Island: Bruce Highway northbound to Gympie (3 hours to ferry)

Toll Roads

• No toll roads on the Sunshine Coast
• Bruce Highway to Brisbane is toll-free
• Brisbane has toll roads if traveling into the city

Parking Considerations

• Most beaches have free parking with time limits
• Shopping centers offer free parking (Sunshine Plaza, Kawana Shoppingworld)
• Paid parking in some areas of Mooloolaba and Hastings Street (Noosa)
• Most accommodations offer free parking for guests
• National Parks have designated parking areas

Return Procedure & Requirements

Fuel Requirements

• Most rentals require a full tank upon return (“full-to-full” policy)
• Nearest fuel stations to the airport:
  • Caltex on David Low Way (2 minutes)
  • 7-Eleven on Sunshine Motorway (5 minutes)
  • BP on North Shore Connection Road (3 minutes)
  • Allow 10 minutes before return for refueling

Return Process

1. Refuel the vehicle (unless prepaid fuel option selected)
2. Follow signs to “Car Rental Return” at Sunshine Coast Airport
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

Return Hours

• Major companies: 7:00 AM – 8:00 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 December-January peak season cost 30-50% more
• 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%

Additional Charges

• Insurance excess reduction: $15-30 per day
• Additional drivers: $5-8 per day per driver
• GPS rental: $8-12 per day (consider using your smartphone instead)
• Child seats: $7-15 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)

Popular Driving Destinations from Sunshine Coast Airport

Having a rental car opens up numerous destinations:

Coastal Highlights

• Mooloolaba Esplanade and Beach (15 minutes)
• Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street (30 minutes)
• Coolum Beach (10 minutes)
• Kings Beach, Caloundra (25 minutes)
• Rainbow Beach (1.5 hours)

Hinterland Attractions

• Montville and Maleny (40 minutes)
• Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (45 minutes)
• Glass House Mountains (30 minutes)
• Kondalilla Falls (45 minutes)
• Eumundi Markets (25 minutes) – Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Family Attractions

• Australia Zoo (30 minutes)
• SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (15 minutes)
• Aussie World (20 minutes)
• The Ginger Factory (20 minutes)
• Big Pineapple (15 minutes)

Day Trips

• Fraser Island access (3 hours to ferry)
• Brisbane (90 minutes)
• Hervey Bay (2.5 hours)
• Moreton Island (2 hours to ferry)
• North Stradbroke Island (2.5 hours to ferry)

Tips for Visitors

Driving Essentials

• Drive on the left side of the road
• School zones (40 km/h) strictly enforced
• Mobile phone use while driving prohibited
• Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
• Child restraints required by law

Sunshine Coast Driving Considerations

• Wildlife hazards, especially at dawn and dusk
• Hinterland roads can be winding – drive cautiously
• Beach driving permits required for designated beaches
• Afternoon storms common in summer months
• School pick-up times (2:30-4:00 PM) create congestion near schools

Weather Considerations

• Summer (December-February): Hot with afternoon storms possible
• Winter (June-August): Mild, sunny days and cool evenings
• Air conditioning recommended year-round
• Convertibles popular but consider sun protection
• Rain can be sudden and heavy—adjust driving accordingly

Local Tips

• Avoid Hastings Street (Noosa) parking during peak times
• Eumundi Market days (Wednesday/Saturday) create traffic in Eumundi
• Early morning is best for finding beach parking in summer
• Allow extra time for weekend traffic, especially during holidays
• Use the “Park & Ride” service in Noosa during peak season

Special Considerations for Sunshine Coast Visits

Major Events

• Noosa Food & Wine Festival (May): Increased traffic around Noosa
• Mooloolaba Triathlon (March): Road closures in Mooloolaba
• Caloundra Music Festival (October): Limited parking in Kings Beach area
• Sunshine Coast Marathon (August): Road closures in Alexandra Headland
• Christmas/New Year Period: Extreme high demand, book months ahead

Beach Access

• North Shore beaches accessible via Noosa North Shore Ferry (4WD recommended)
• Rainbow Beach requires 4WD for beach driving
• Double Island Point requires 4WD access
• Beach driving permits available online or from visitor information centers
• Tide times important for beach driving – check before departing

Seasonal Considerations

• School holidays create higher demand and rates
• Summer storms can cause flash flooding (December-March)
• Winter offers ideal driving conditions with clear skies
• Whale watching season (July-November) increases traffic to coastal lookouts
• Weekends see higher demand for all vehicle categories

Sunshine Coast Airport car hire provides the perfect starting point for exploring this diverse and beautiful region. With proper planning and the right vehicle choice, visitors can enjoy the flexibility to discover stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and family attractions at their own pace.