Hire the best car at the best price at Townsville Airport

Townsville Airport Car Hire Complete Guide

Overview

Townsville Airport (TSV) offers several car rental options to suit various needs and budgets. Located in the terminal building, the car rental desks provide convenient access for arriving passengers looking to explore Townsville and North Queensland.

Car Rental Companies at Townsville Airport

Major Providers

• Avis: Located in the arrivals area
• Budget: Terminal building, arrivals area
• Hertz: Terminal building, arrivals area
• Europcar: Terminal building, arrivals area
• Thrifty: Terminal building, arrivals area
• Enterprise: Terminal building, arrivals area

Local/Regional Providers

• Redspot/Enterprise: Offers competitive rates with local service
• East Coast Car Rentals: Budget-friendly options

Location and Hours

• All car rental desks are located inside the terminal building in the arrivals area
• Most operate from first flight to last flight daily (approximately 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM)
• After-hours returns available for most companies
• Vehicle pickup in the dedicated car rental parking area, approximately 50 meters from the terminal

Reservation Tips

Best Booking Practices

• Book in advance: Especially during peak tourist season (June-October) and school holidays
• Online reservations: Often offer discounts compared to walk-up rates
• Compare packages: Some companies offer inclusive packages with unlimited kilometers and reduced insurance excess
• Membership programs: Companies like Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold, and Enterprise Plus allow for faster pickup

Documentation Required

• Valid driver’s license (in English or with International Driving Permit)
• Credit card in the main driver’s name
• Identification (passport for international visitors)
• Booking confirmation

Vehicle Options

Available Car Types

• Economy/Compact: Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio
• Medium/Intermediate: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3
• Standard/Full-size: Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Hyundai Elantra
• SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan X-Trail
• People Movers: Kia Carnival, Toyota Tarago
• 4WD options: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton (essential for exploring certain North Queensland attractions)

Specialty Vehicles

• Luxury options: Limited availability, best to book well in advance
• Commercial vehicles: Small vans and utilities available from select providers

Insurance Options

Standard Coverage

Most rentals include basic insurance with an excess/deductible (typically $3,000-$5,000)

Additional Coverage Options

• Excess Reduction: Reduces your liability in case of damage
• Zero Excess Coverage: Eliminates financial liability in most circumstances
• Glass and Tire Coverage: Specific protection for common outback driving damages
• Third-party options: Independent insurance providers sometimes offer cheaper excess coverage than rental companies

Pricing & Payment

Average Cost Ranges

• Economy cars: $40-$70 per day
• Medium cars: $50-$80 per day
• Full-size cars: $70-$100 per day
• SUVs and 4WDs: $80-$150 per day
• Premium/Luxury vehicles: $120+ per day

Additional Charges to Consider

• Additional drivers: $5-$10 per day
• Young driver surcharge: For drivers under 25 years
• One-way fees: If returning to a different location
• Late return fees: Often charged by the hour
• Fuel charges: Most require full-to-full fuel policy

Return Process

Return Location

• Dedicated rental car return area in the airport parking lot
• Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” when approaching the terminal

Return Procedure

1. Refuel the vehicle (most companies require full tank on return)
2. Park in the designated rental return area
3. Complete return paperwork (or digital return) with the rental staff
4. Return keys to the rental desk or after-hours drop box
5. Collect final receipt/invoice

After-Hours Returns

• Key drop boxes available at most rental counters
• Follow specific provider instructions for after-hours returns
• Take photos of the car condition and fuel gauge as evidence

Exploring Townsville and Beyond

Popular Destinations & Driving Times

• Townsville CBD: 10 minutes (6 km)
• The Strand & Jezzine Barracks: 15 minutes (8 km)
• Castle Hill Lookout: 15 minutes (8 km)
• Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal: 15 minutes (9 km)
• Billabong Sanctuary: 20 minutes (17 km)
• Paluma Range National Park: 1 hour (65 km)
• Alligator Creek: 30 minutes (25 km)
• Mission Beach: 3 hours (235 km)
• Cairns: 4 hours (350 km)
• Charters Towers: 1.5 hours (135 km)

Driving Tips for North Queensland

• Wet Season Awareness (November-April): Be prepared for sudden heavy rainfall
• Wildlife Caution: Dawn and dusk are peak times for kangaroos and wallabies on roads
• Outback Driving: Carry extra water and notify someone of your route when traveling to remote areas
• Magnetic Island: Check with your rental company about taking vehicles on the ferry (most allow this but confirm first)
• Road Conditions: Some attractions require 4WD vehicles, especially after rain

Fuel Options

Refueling Locations Near the Airport

• BP: Bruce Highway, 2 km from airport
• Caltex/Ampol: 4 km from airport on Ingham Road
• Shell: 5 km from airport in Garbutt

Fuel Policies

• Most rentals operate on a “full-to-full” policy
• Premium fuel (98 octane) availability is limited outside major towns
• Diesel widely available for 4WD rentals

FAQ

Common Questions

• Can I take rental cars to Magnetic Island? Most companies allow this, but always confirm first
• Are there age restrictions? Most require drivers to be 21+, with surcharges for under 25
• Is unlimited mileage included? Most rentals include unlimited kilometers, but budget options may have limits
• Can I pick up in Townsville and drop off elsewhere? One-way rentals are available with most companies but incur additional fees
• Are child seats available? Yes, but must be requested in advance (approximately $10-15 per day)
• Can international visitors rent cars? Yes, with a valid license in English or International Driving Permit

Special Offers and Loyalty Programs

• Tourism packages: Some hotels and tour operators offer discounted car rental packages
• Airline partnerships: Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar frequent flyer members may receive discounts
• Extended rental discounts: Weekly rates often offer significant savings over daily rates

Contact Information

• Avis: (07) 4759 3200
• Budget: (07) 4721 1827
• Hertz: (07) 4721 5599
• Europcar: (07) 4775 1311
• Thrifty: (07) 4755 7400
• Enterprise: (07) 4724 1111

This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the car rental process at Townsville Airport and make your North Queensland adventure as smooth as possible.