From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 6099341191
logo_img

Explore The Scenic Route From Cairns To Townsville

Make your one-way car rental a journey to remember with stunning vistas and efficient planning.

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 depending on the rental company.

    Notes: Local renters may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for verification. Budget Australia may require a Rental Qualification Form and additional identification such as a copy of a utilities or phone bill.

  • 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, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some companies also support XpCard and DcCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years depending on the rental company. Young drivers aged 20-25 may incur additional fees, ranging from AUD 10.85 to AUD 18.09 per day, with some companies capping the fee at AUD 75.97 or 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 1-3 years depending on the rental company. Additional requirements include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version with translation on the back).

    Notes: Foreign renters may need to present additional identification such as a utility bill within 3 months for verification.

  • 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, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some companies also support XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard. Debit cards (Visa and Master) are accepted by some companies.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years depending on the rental company. Young drivers aged 20-25 may incur additional fees, ranging from AUD 10.85 to AUD 18.09 per day, with some companies capping the fee at AUD 75.97 or AUD 115.5 for the rental period.
requirements.image

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$ 265-755US$ 0.00-1444.60US$ 438-1039Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 741-3791US$ 0.00-3283.19US$ 1014-4092Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 132-141US$ 0.00-131.32US$ 193-212Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 130-747US$ 0.00-3283.19US$ 186-973Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 144-5147US$ 0.00-3283.19US$ 229-5644Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 5047-5302US$ 3283.19-3283.19US$ 764-5786Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fees: Understand the additional fees applicable when dropping off at a different location.
  • Drop-Off Restrictions: Verify if the rental agency allows drop-off at your planned destination.
  • Mileage Limitations: Check if there are any mileage restrictions, particularly for one-way trips.
  • Vehicle Availability: Ensure the type of car you require is available for your one-way trip.
  • Cross-Border Travel: Understand the policies for crossing regional or state borders, if applicable.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Refueling Stops: Identify refueling stations along the key points of your route to avoid last-minute searches.
  • Allow Extra Time: Plan your schedule with buffer time to account for unexpected road or weather conditions.
  • Pack Smartly: Pack only what you need to avoid overloading the vehicle, which could also impact fuel efficiency.
  • Familiarize With the Car: Spend a few minutes understanding the controls and features of your rental car.
  • Confirm Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including license, rental agreement, and insurance.
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 Reddy Express Garbutt - 346 Ingham Rd, Garbutt QLD 4814, Australia

Shell - 346 Ingham Rd, Garbutt QLD 4814, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency.

Remove unnecessary weight and roof racks to reduce drag.

refueling-bg
Cairns Parking

Consider using parking lots near the Esplanade for convenient access to popular attractions.

Parking in Cairns is available at various public lots and on-street parking zones. Rates vary from free to 2 AUD per hour depending on the area.

Townsville Parking

Look for parking near The Strand for easy beach access.

Townsville offers parking options including metered street parking and public car parks. Rates typically range from 1 to 2 AUD per hour.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and EasyPark can help users find and book parking in advance.

parking-bg
Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to check for any temporary road closures or detours that might introduce tolls.

Plan your route using navigation apps to confirm toll-free travel.

No toll roads are present along the route from Cairns to Townsville.

tolls-bg

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Discover Diverse Routes Across Queensland:
Coastal Explorer
Scenic 5 hours

A picturesque drive along the scenic coastline, featuring lush landscapes and ocean views.

Cairns , Mission Beach , Cardwell , Townsville
Rainforest Escape
Adventure 6 hours

Immerse yourself in Queensland's rich natural tapestry by traveling through expansive rainforests.

Cairns , Kuranda , Tully Gorge , Townsville
Hinterland Heritage Route
Cultural 6.5 hours

Delve into the historical ambience of Queensland's hinterland, exploring cultural sites and nature.

Cairns , Atherton Tablelands , Charters Towers , Townsville
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Understand vehicle requirements: Choose a rental car that suits both route conditions and your travel group size for comfort and safety.

Budget for fuel costs: Keep tabs on fuel prices and identify service stations beforehand to optimize your trip's budget.

Plan rest stops: Schedule frequent stops at scenic locales and towns to ensure a refreshed and enjoyable journey.

Review car rental terms: Double-check rental agreements for one-way fees and insurance coverage to avoid hidden costs.

Leverage local knowledge: Consult locals or tourism offices for recommendations to enhance your trip's uniqueness.

Study road conditions: Stay updated on potential roadworks or weather advisories to ensure a seamless driving experience.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

An overview of rental companies offering one-way services between Cairns and Townsville.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Avis$$$ExcellentWide Large selection of vehicles , Established presence at Cairns and Townsville , Reliable customer service
Budget$$GoodModerate Affordable pricing , Offers fuel-efficient options , Convenient locations at major transportation hubs
Hertz$$$ExcellentWide High-quality and well-maintained vehicles , Comprehensive roadside assistance , Rapid booking process
Europcar$$GoodModerate Flexible rental policies , Favorable insurance options , Discount programs for regular customers
QEEQ

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

companies-img1
Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

companies-img2
Best Rates

Compare across providers

companies-img3
24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

companies-img4
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

About the Car Rental Center

Operating Hours:

Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Rental Car Center Location:

Located at both Cairns and Townsville airports, easily accessible for travelers.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles are available every 15 minutes between the terminal and rental car pick-up/drop-off points.

Parking and Return:

Designated parking zones for vehicle returns at the destination.

Ensure to book your vehicle in advance during peak travel seasons to secure availability and possibly save on rental costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary benefits of choosing a one-way car rental from Cairns to Townsville?

One-way car rentals allow you to conveniently travel between cities without needing to return the vehicle to the starting location, saving time and reducing travel constraints. Additionally, it promotes flexibility in planning your journey.

Are there any specific restrictions or requirements for one-way rentals on this route?

Certain rental providers might have specific agreements or fees for one-way trips. Ensure you thoroughly check the rental terms and conditions during booking to be aware of any additional charges or limitations.

What type of vehicle should I choose for the Cairns to Townsville drive?

The type of vehicle mainly depends on your travel needs. For solo travelers or couples, a compact car might suffice, while families or larger groups might opt for an SUV or van for comfort and space.

Are there any fuel requirements for returning the rental car?

Typically, rental agreements require you to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. It's advisable to fill the tank at a station near the drop-off location in Townsville to avoid additional charges.

What options are available if I need assistance during the drive?

Most rental car providers offer roadside assistance for emergencies. Verify whether your rental agreement includes such a service and ensure to have relevant contact numbers handy during your trip.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ