One-Way Car Rental from Brisbane to Cairns | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Brisbane to Cairns

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Budget Australia may require additional identification such as a utility bill or phone bill. If you are a local renter, you may also be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for verification.

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). If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.
Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are supported. Debit cards may also be accepted in some cases (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee, such as AUD 16.5/day (capped at AUD 115.5) or AUD 29/day, depending on the provider. Some providers allow drivers as young as 18, with a fee of AUD 9/day. Other providers may set the minimum age at 25.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Accepted combinations include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version). An English translation must be provided on the back of the South Korea licence.

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).
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are supported. Debit cards may also be accepted in some cases (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee, such as AUD 16.5/day (capped at AUD 115.5) or AUD 29/day, depending on the provider. Some providers allow drivers as young as 18, with a fee of AUD 9/day. Other providers may set the minimum age at 25.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 184-3837	US$ 0.00-3283.19	US$ 262-3895	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 3791-3791	US$ 3283.19-3283.19	US$ 3911-3911	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 286-286	US$ 196.99-3283.19	US$ 450-3732	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 199-1560	US$ 0.00-3283.19	US$ 297-1326	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 233-3712	US$ 0.00-3283.19	US$ 380-4174	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 1584-3469	US$ 1408.48-2984.71	US$ 1734-3704	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

Understand the one-way rental fees: Check if there are any additional fees for dropping off the car at a location different from where you picked it up.
Verify cross-border restrictions: Ensure your one-way trip remains within allowable areas as stated by your rental agreement.
Plan refueling logistics: Refuel before returning the car to avoid additional charges at the drop-off point.
Confirm vehicle type availability: Certain car types might not be available for one-way rentals. Check this with your rental provider.
Ensure timely drop-off: Late returns can incur additional charges. Adhere to the agreed drop-off time.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan your itinerary: Have a clear route planned to make the most of your journey.
Book in advance: Secure your rental early to avail better rates and vehicle options.
Understand rental policies: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
Note the drop-off location: Ensure you know the exact address or coordinates of the drop-off center.
Discuss additional services: Check for available extras such as GPS, child seats, or additional drivers if required.
Inspect the car condition: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any pre-existing damage during pick-up to avoid disputes later.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

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.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Shell - 291-293 Sheridan Street, James St, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia

Puma Stratford - 35-39 Arnold St, Stratford QLD 4870, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a consistent speed to save fuel.

Avoid idling for extended periods.

Brisbane Parking

Consider using designated parking areas to avoid fines.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Cairns Parking

Look for public parking spaces near the city center.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Plan your route to avoid unnecessary tolls.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Explore Challenging and Scenic Routes from Brisbane to Cairns:

The Pacific Coast Way

Scenic Coastal Drive 20-24 hours of driving

Spanning along Queensland's coastline, this route offers breathtaking ocean views, tropical landscapes, and iconic beaches.

Noosa Heads , Fraser Island , Town of 1770 , Airlie Beach , Tully

The Outback Highway

Adventure Drive 22-28 hours of driving

For those seeking offbeat experiences, the Outback Highway traverses inland areas, highlighting Queensland's rugged beauty.

Charters Towers , Emerald , Barcaldine , Longreach , Mount Isa

The Hinterland Scenic Route

Rainforest and Highland Drive 18-22 hours of driving

Discover lush rainforests, mountain ranges, and hidden waterfalls on this immersive route connecting Brisbane to Cairns via hinterlands.

Sunshine Coast Hinterlands , Eungella National Park , Atherton Tablelands , Mossman Gorge , Kuranda

Amazing Day and Overnight Trips Nearby:

Fraser Island Escape

4-5 hours from Brisbane

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Fraser Island, known for its sand dunes, freshwater lakes, and rainforests.

Whitsunday Islands Getaway

10 hours from Brisbane

Experience pristine beaches like Whitehaven and the coral reefs of the Whitsundays.

Great Barrier Reef Adventure

1 hour from Cairns

A must-do, snorkel or dive into the vibrant underwater world off the coast of Cairns.

Atherton Tablelands Explored

1.5 hours from Cairns

Discover waterfalls, lakes, and charming villages in this highland region.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Ensure Vehicle Condition: Before setting out, double-check the condition of the rental car, including tire pressure, oil levels, and fuel capacity.

Plan Routes in Advance: Utilize GPS or maps to pre-plan your journey and mark key stopping points to avoid running into deserted areas.

Understand Rental Costs: Familiarize yourself with rental agreements and additional fees, such as one-way drop-off charges.

Fuel Up Strategically: Make note of gas stations along your route, especially when traversing remote areas.

Utilize Stop-Off Attractions: Break up the drive by exploring popular stops along the way to enhance your travel experience.

Stay Hydrated and Prepared: Pack essential items such as water, snacks, sun protection, and an emergency kit.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the best car rental company for a one-way trip ensures a smooth and cost-efficient journey. Here are some options offering one-way rentals between Brisbane and Cairns.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	High	Excellent	Wide range of vehicles , Multiple pickup/dropoff locations , Frequent customer loyalty promotions
Hertz	$$	High	Very Good	24/7 customer service , Roadside assistance included , Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Europcar	$$$	Medium	Good	Affordable insurance options , Conveniently located branches , Sustainable vehicle choices
Budget	$	Medium	Good	Economical pricing , Simple booking process , Available in rural locations

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Brisbane and Cairns Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Brisbane: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM | Cairns: 6:00 AM - Midnight

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Brisbane: Adjacent to Domestic Terminal | Cairns: Ground Level, Rental Lane

Shuttle Availability:

Brisbane: Complimentary every 15 mins | Cairns: On-demand service available

To save time, consider completing your check-in process online before picking up the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost for a one-way car rental from Brisbane to Cairns?

The cost for a one-way car rental from Brisbane to Cairns depends on factors like the car type, rental duration, and the rental provider. Typically, prices range between AUD 300 to AUD 1500 for a week's rental. Ensure to check for additional one-way fees.

Are there any one-way fees for rentals on this route?

Many car rental companies charge a one-way fee to compensate for vehicle return logistics. This fee can vary significantly, generally between AUD 50 to AUD 500. It's advisable to confirm the fee with the rental company while booking.

What is the distance and travel time between Brisbane and Cairns?

The driving distance between Brisbane and Cairns is approximately 1700 kilometres. Depending on road conditions and stops, it typically takes around 20 to 22 hours of driving to cover this distance.

Are there car types better suited for the Brisbane to Cairns route?

For long-distance drives like Brisbane to Cairns, selecting a comfortable and reliable vehicle is crucial. SUVs or sedans are often preferred for their comfort and fuel efficiency over extended trips.

Is it possible to include optional add-ons in my rental package?

Yes, most car rental companies offer optional add-ons such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, and additional insurance coverage. When booking, inquire about available add-ons to customize your rental package to your needs.

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Explore the Beauty of Australia: Brisbane to Cairns Roadtrip