Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Brisbane to Cairns. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
Notes: Budget Australia may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as it deems necessary or appropriate or in accordance with applicable law (e.g. copy of utilities bill, phone bill).
Notes: Budget Australia may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as it deems necessary or appropriate or in accordance with applicable law (e.g. copy of utilities bill, phone bill).
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 70/dayStarting from
US$ 77/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 162-3746 | US$ 0.00-3277.47 | US$ 209-1585 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 1312-1312 | US$ 983.24-3277.47 | US$ 1372-1372 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 289-3518 | US$ 196.64-3277.47 | US$ 454-643 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 170-408 | US$ 0.00-3277.47 | US$ 230-537 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Van | US$ 233-233 | US$ 0.00-1191.80 | US$ 548-548 | Large families, groups |
| Pickup Truck | US$ 418-3460 | US$ 360.52-2979.51 | US$ 512-3589 | Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage |
Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Always refuel the vehicle before returning it to avoid extra charges.
Keep the last receipt as proof of refueling near the drop-off location.
Filling up at stations further from the airport can often be cheaper.
The average fuel cost along the route is approximately AUD 1.80 per liter.
Maintain a steady speed of around 90-100 km/h for optimal fuel efficiency.
Ensure tires are adequately inflated to reduce fuel consumption.
Use air conditioning sparingly, especially during highway driving.
Parking at the airport costs approximately AUD 20 per day.
Street parking in the city center is limited to 2 hours in most areas.
Utilize Park-and-Ride facilities for cheaper long-term parking.
Cairns Airport offers short-term parking starting at AUD 5 per hour.
Free parking is available in some suburban areas near the city center.
Look for covered parking facilities to protect the car from the sun.
Parkopedia: Comprehensive parking options and pricing.
Secure Parking App: Reserve and pay for parking in advance.
EasyPark: Real-time availability and payment for parking spaces.
Explore tropical islands and the iconic Whitehaven Beach.
Immerse in ancient rainforests and spot exotic wildlife.
Adventure on the world's largest sand island.
Discover waterfalls and agricultural richlands.
Plan Your Route: Use maps and travel guides to chart out your journey in advance and plan for attractions.
Fuel Up: Check for fuel stations along your route and plan refueling stops to avoid running low.
Inspect the Vehicle: Ensure the rental car is in good condition and familiarize yourself with its features.
Understand Costs: Review the rental agreement to understand all costs, including insurance and one-way fees.
Safety First: Check road conditions and weather forecasts before starting your drive.
Environmental Consciousness: Minimize environmental impact by avoiding littering and conserving fuel.
When heading from Brisbane to Cairns, selecting a car rental company with options for one-way rentals can save time and effort. Choosing a company depends on factors such as fleet variety, geographic coverage, fees, and unique offerings.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | $$ | High | Extensive | Wide availability of pick-up and drop-off points , Large selection of vehicles including eco-friendly options |
| Avis | $$ | Extensive | Very broad | User-friendly online booking system , Offers long-term rental deals |
| Budget | $ | Moderate | Broad | Affordable rates for economy vehicles , Frequent discounts for loyal customers |
| Europcar | $$$ | High | Extensive | Premium vehicle options available , Smooth one-way rental procedure |
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Most rental centers operate from 7 AM to 10 PM, with some offering 24-hour services.
At Brisbane, rental counters are at the airport arrivals terminal. In Cairns, return locations are near the airport departures area.
Shuttle services between the airport terminal and rental car lots operate every 10 minutes.
After returning the vehicle in Cairns, airport buses and taxis are readily available to reach other destinations.
It's recommended to reserve your vehicle online for better availability during peak rental times.
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