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

Home One-way Car Rentals Cairns to Sydney

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(s).

Notes: 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, UnionPay, and AMEX. Debit cards supported include Visa and Master. Supported card types: XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees ranging from AUD 16.5 to AUD 31.76 per day, depending on the provider. Some fees are capped (e.g., AUD 115.5 for the rental period).

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(s). Accepted combinations include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation (certified by the Australian Translation and Accreditation Institute), or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version with translation on the back).

Notes: 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 passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, UnionPay, and AMEX. Debit cards supported include Visa and Master. Supported card types: XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees ranging from AUD 16.5 to AUD 31.76 per day, depending on the provider. Some fees are capped (e.g., AUD 115.5 for the rental period).

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$ 340-4966	US$ 196.99-3283.19	US$ 512-841	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 887-4951	US$ 656.63-3283.19	US$ 814-1149	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 352-358	US$ 196.99-196.99	US$ 605-625	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 354-4966	US$ 196.99-3283.19	US$ 550-5078	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 369-4712	US$ 196.99-2984.71	US$ 634-5209	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 4612-4612	US$ 2984.71-2984.71	US$ 839-4901	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-way fee: Be aware of additional charges for dropping off the car at a different location.
Mileage policies: Ensure that mileage limits align with your planned travel distance.
Route planning: Verify that rental locations exist at both Cairns and Sydney for convenient pick-up and drop-off.
Cross-state regulations: Check for any restrictions when crossing state borders within Australia.
Vehicle model availability: Confirm that your selected car type is available for one-way rentals.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book well in advance: Ensure availability and the best rates by securing your booking early.
Research fuel station locations: Plan fueling stops en route to avoid running low on fuel in remote areas.
Consider additional insurance: Protect yourself from unexpected events with suitable rental insurance.
Inspect the car at pick-up: Check the vehicle thoroughly to note any pre-existing damage.
Understand drop-off protocol: Learn about the drop-off process to avoid any end-of-rental complications.

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

United Petroleum - 32 Princes Highway, Sydney Airport NSW 2020, Australia

BP Runway - General Holmes Drive, Mascot NSW 2020, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds to conserve fuel.

Avoid unnecessary idling during stops.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal mileage.

Cairns Parking

Consider using parking lots near the city center to avoid street parking time limits.

Parking in Cairns is generally available at public lots and street parking areas. Costs vary by location, with some free options available in less crowded areas.

Sydney Parking

Utilize parking apps to find and reserve spots in advance, especially in busy areas.

Sydney offers numerous parking facilities, including multi-level car parks and street parking. Rates are higher in the city center, particularly during peak hours.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps such as Parkopedia and Secure Parking can assist in locating and reserving parking spaces.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is equipped with an electronic toll tag to avoid additional fees.

Plan your route to include toll-free alternatives if you wish to save on toll expenses.

The route from Cairns to Sydney includes toll roads such as the M7 and M2 in Sydney. Charges vary depending on the vehicle type and distance traveled.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Explore Scenic Journeys from Cairns to Sydney:

Great Green Way

Coastal Scenic Route 12-15 hours

Explore lush rainforests, picturesque towns, and beautiful coastlines along this stunning drive.

Townsville , Mission Beach , Airlie Beach

Inland Heritage Highway

Historic Inland Route 15-18 hours

Discover Australia's rich history, charming small towns, and regional landmarks.

Charters Towers , Emerald , Dubbo

Pacific Coast Drive

Coastal Adventure Route 20-25 hours

Combine breathtaking ocean views with vibrant cities and natural reserves.

Brisbane , Gold Coast , Port Macquarie

Unforgettable Trips Along the Way:

Barrier Reef Road

5 hours from Cairns

Drive along the Coral Sea, experiencing the vibrant ecosystems of the Barrier Reef.

Hunter Valley Escape

2 hours from Sydney

Explore world-renowned wineries and tranquil countryside settings.

Sunshine Coast Adventure

1.5 hours from Brisbane

Experience beautiful beaches, national parks, and vibrant local culture.

Blue Mountains Exploration

1.5 hours from Sydney

Discover stunning mountain vistas and exciting hiking trails.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Route Planning: Ensure your journey is enjoyable by planning rest stops and scenic detours in advance.

Refueling Spots: Check the availability of gas stations and plan refueling to avoid inconveniences.

Accommodations: Book accommodations in advance, especially in remote areas, to guarantee availability.

Rental Car Tips: Inspect your rental car thoroughly before driving off to note pre-existing conditions.

Weather Preparation: Be prepared for weather changes and carry necessary gear for sunny or rainy conditions.

Navigational Aids: Utilize GPS devices or mobile apps to comfortably navigate your way through.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

This guide helps you select the best car rental company for one-way trips from Cairns to Sydney, detailing options that offer this service.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Budget	$$	High	Extensive	Affordable pricing on one-way trips , Wide range of vehicle options , Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations
Enterprise	$$$	Moderate	National	Excellent customer service , Reliable vehicle availability , Frequent promotions and discounts
Hertz	$$$	Luxurious and varied	Comprehensive	Premium vehicle options , Loyalty program benefits , High availability across major cities
Thrifty	$	Basic to mid-range	Regional	Low one-way rental fees , Practical vehicle choices , Easy reservations and modifications

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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

Cairns Car Rental Center Information

Rental Car Center Location:

The rental center is located at Cairns Airport, adjacent to the arrivals terminal for easy access.

Operating Hours:

Most car rental desks operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 7 days a week.

Shuttle Service:

Free shuttle services are available between domestic and international terminals to the rental center.

Plan ahead by booking your rental vehicle online and confirming late-hour pick-up if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Cairns and drop it off in Sydney?

Yes, most car rental companies offer a one-way rental service that allows you to pick up a car in Cairns and return it in Sydney. This convenience is subject to a potential one-way fee, so it is advisable to check with your rental provider for specific terms and costs.

What are the typical one-way fees for rentals from Cairns to Sydney?

One-way fees vary depending on the rental company, the car category, and the duration of the rental. Typically, these fees can range from $200 to $400 AUD. Ensure to confirm the fee when booking.

Is unlimited mileage included in a Cairns to Sydney car rental?

Many car rental services offer unlimited mileage for long trips like Cairns to Sydney. However, some may have daily mileage limits, so it's important to clarify this before finalizing your booking.

What are some scenic stops along the Cairns to Sydney route?

The route from Cairns to Sydney offers various scenic attractions including the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, the Capricorn Coast, and the Blue Mountains near Sydney. Plan your stops to explore these highlights.

Can I rent a one-way car with a different drop-off time than the usual business hours?

Yes, many rental locations offer after-hours drop-off boxes where you can leave the vehicle key. Check with your chosen rental agency for the availability of this service at Sydney locations.

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Explore Australia's Scenic Route from Cairns to Sydney