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Explore the Scenic Drive from Cairns to Brisbane

Plan your one-way car rental journey through picturesque landscapes.

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 1-3 years.

    Notes: Local renters may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for verification or complete a Rental Qualification Form with additional identification.

  • 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. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some policies also support UnionPay and debit cards (Visa, Master, UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years depending on the policy. Young drivers aged 20-25 may incur additional fees ranging from AUD 5.92 to AUD 20.89 per day, with some policies capping the fee at AUD 75.97 per rental.
  • 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 1-3 years. Accepted combinations include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, and Original South Korea Driving License (English version with translation on the back).

    Notes: Foreign renters may be required to complete a Rental Qualification Form with additional identification or provide a utility/phone bill for verification.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some policies also support UnionPay and debit cards (Visa, Master, UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years depending on the policy. Young drivers aged 20-25 may incur additional fees ranging from AUD 5.92 to AUD 20.89 per day, with some policies capping the fee at AUD 75.97 per rental.
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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 TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 168-1270US$ 0.00-1444.60US$ 512-1431Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 502-887US$ 0.00-656.63US$ 759-1149Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 271-275US$ 196.99-1193.88US$ 193-212Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 269-514US$ 0.00-2984.71US$ 186-785Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 283-4712US$ 0.00-2984.71US$ 229-5209Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 4612-4612US$ 2984.71-2984.71US$ 839-4901Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Check with your rental provider for any additional fees associated with one-way rentals.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Verify if there are any limitations on crossing state borders during your journey.
  • Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle suitable for the distance and terrain of your road trip.
  • Rental Duration: Ensure you have adequate time to explore key points along the route without rush.
  • Drop-Off Location: Confirm the exact location and closing times of the drop-off station at your destination.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Route Planning: Plan your route meticulously to include rests, refueling stops, and overnight stays if necessary.
  • Accommodation Booking: Book accommodations early during peak seasons to secure your stay.
  • Refueling Before Drop-Off: Fill up your fuel tank before vehicle return to avoid extra charges.
  • Vehicle Check: Inspect your rental car upon pick-up and report any damages upfront.
  • Confirm Booking Details: Double-check your reservation specifics including dates, times, and locations.
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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Shell Coles Express - 3 Great Barrier Road, Brisbane Airport QLD 4008, Australia

BP (offsite) - Pacific Highway & Abraham Road, Bilinga QLD 4225, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

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Cairns Parking

Consider using parking facilities at shopping centers for affordable rates.

Parking in Cairns is generally accessible, with both free and paid options available near popular areas such as the Esplanade.

Brisbane Parking

Use public transport for inner city travel to avoid high parking fees.

Brisbane offers a mix of street parking and parking garages, with rates varying by location and time of day.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and Secure-a-Spot can help find and reserve parking spots in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure the rental car is equipped with an electronic toll tag to avoid fines.

Plan your route to include toll-free alternatives if cost is a concern.

The route includes toll roads such as the Gateway Motorway near Brisbane. Charges are automatically applied via electronic toll systems.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Cairns and Brisbane:
Coastal Route
Scenic Drive 20 hours

Enjoy stunning ocean views and tropical scenery.

Townsville , Airlie Beach , Mackay , Rockhampton
Inland Route
Countryside Escape 18 hours

A faster route that provides beautiful farmland and mountain views.

Charters Towers , Emerald , Roma , Toowoomba
Heritage Trail
Historical Journey 22 hours

Discover Queensland’s rich history along this route.

Atherton , Clermont , Gladstone , Gympie
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle suited to your route and group size.

Navigation Preparation: Bring maps or download offline maps due to spotty internet.

Booking in Advance: Reserve accommodation and activities to secure spots.

Budget Planning: Allocate funds for fuel, accommodation, and attractions.

Fuel Management: Locate service stations along your route to avoid running low.

Safety First: Drive attentively and rest if fatigued, especially at night.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

A variety of companies offer one-way car rental services from Cairns to Brisbane. Choosing the right company depends on convenience, availability, and your specific needs.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Large network of rental locations , Wide selection of vehicles , 24/7 customer support , Loyalty program benefits available
Avis$$MediumVery Good Convenient pickup and drop-off options , Inclusive service packages , Well-maintained vehicles
Thrifty$MediumGood Budget-friendly options , Flexible serviced locations , Hidden costs transparency
Europcar$$$HighExcellent Luxury and specialty vehicle options , Comprehensive insurance coverage options , Competitive pricing for premium services
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
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

Car Rental Centers in Cairns and Brisbane

Operating Hours:

Most car rental desks in Cairns Airport operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. In Brisbane, they operate generally from 6:00 AM to midnight.

Locations:

Cairns Airport rental car facilities are located in the arrivals terminal, and Brisbane Airport car rental desks are accessible near the domestic and international terminals.

Shuttle Service:

Both airports offer complimentary shuttles between terminals for easy access to car rental facilities.

Rental Fees and Policies:

One-way rental fees apply and vary by company. Ensure you check fuel policies as most companies operate on a full-to-full policy.

Avoid delays by booking your rental car in advance and confirming operating hours for your arrival and departure schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Cairns to Brisbane route covers a distance of approximately 1,700 km, and the drive typically takes around 20-22 hours without extended stops. It's recommended to split the journey into multiple days to ensure safety and comfort.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way car rental?

In many cases, car rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of logistics in returning the vehicle. This fee varies between providers, so it's best to check with the rental company during the booking process.

Can I select the type of vehicle for my rental?

Yes, most car rental providers offer a range of vehicle options, from compact cars to SUVs. Ensure you choose a vehicle that suits the needs of your trip, whether for fuel efficiency or ample space for luggage and passengers.

Are there any restrictions on driving a rental car across state lines?

As Cairns is in Queensland and Brisbane is within the same state, there are no state line crossings for this route. However, always confirm with the rental provider regarding any location-specific restrictions or policies.

What documents are required to rent a car?

Typically, you will need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and identification such as a passport if you're an international traveler. Check the specific requirements of the rental company you select.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ