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Embark on a Scenic Journey from Gold Coast to Brisbane

Discover convenience in one-way rentals as you traverse Australia's most iconic east coast route.

Can I rent a car from Gold Coast to Brisbane?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Gold Coast to Brisbane. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for AU residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
  • 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.

    Notes: You may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking. Budget Australia may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as deemed necessary or appropriate (e.g., copy of utilities bill, phone bill).

  • 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 policies also support XpCard, DcCard, or UnCard. Debit cards are accepted in limited cases (Visa and Master).
  • Age requirements: The general driving age is between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, ranging from AUD 10.85 to AUD 31.76 per day, depending on the rental policy. Some policies cap the maximum young driver 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 year. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
    • Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

    Notes: 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, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some policies also support XpCard, DcCard, or UnCard. Debit cards are accepted in limited cases (Visa and Master).
  • Age requirements: The general driving age is between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, ranging from AUD 10.85 to AUD 31.76 per day, depending on the rental policy. Some policies cap the maximum young driver fee at AUD 75.97 per rental.
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How much does renting a car from Gold Coast to Brisbane cost?

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

US$ 56/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 58/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 86-148US$ 32.77-78.66US$ 167-338Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 140-140US$ 39.33-78.66US$ 197-197Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 102-163US$ 32.77-52.44US$ 231-380Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 90-206US$ 32.77-78.66US$ 173-434Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 112-114US$ 32.77-52.44US$ 260-265Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 230-230US$ 78.66-78.66US$ 314-456Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way Fees: Most rental companies charge a one-way fee when dropping off the car at a different location. Verify the fee structure while booking.
  • Cross-border Restrictions: Ensure the route and destinations abide by the company's cross-border policies if applicable.
  • Fuel Policies: Understand whether the car comes with a full tank and the expectations for fuel levels upon return.
  • Insurance and Damage Coverage: Evaluate the insurance offered and any liabilities for damages that might occur during the journey.
  • Cancellation Policies: Be clear on the cancellation terms and applicable fees in case changes to travel plans arise.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Stops: Map out potential rest and scenic stops to enrich your travel experience.
  • Vehicle Suitability: Choose a vehicle suitable for the number of passengers and luggage.
  • Know the Route: Familiarize yourself with the route and any toll roads before commencing your journey.
  • Emergency Contacts: Have handy the rental company’s emergency helpline and roadside assistance numbers.
  • Time Management: Factor in time for breaks and possible traffic delays to ensure a comfortable journey.
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
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the vehicle to the same level it was at the time of pickup to avoid additional charges.

Save the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling before returning the vehicle.

Plan to refuel at nearby stations to the drop-off location to ensure fuel levels are accurate.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost along the route is approximately $1.80 AUD per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of around 90-100 km/h for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

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Gold Coast Parking

Parking costs in Gold Coast range from $2 to $5 per hour in public areas.

Free parking is available in some suburban areas, but time limits may apply.

Pro tip: Use multi-level parking facilities for better security and availability.

Brisbane Parking

Brisbane city parking rates are typically $4 to $8 per hour in central areas.

Street parking is available but may require a permit in some zones.

Pro tip: Utilize park-and-ride options to save on inner-city parking fees.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkhound - Allows advance booking of parking spots.

Secure Parking - Provides real-time availability in Brisbane and Gold Coast.

EasyPark - Offers a user-friendly interface for finding parking in Australia.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic Routes between Gold Coast and Brisbane:
Pacific Motorway (M1)
Highway Drive 1 hour

The most direct route connecting Gold Coast to Brisbane via the well-maintained M1 Highway, offering efficient travel without unnecessary detours.

Dreamworld , Yatala Drive-In
Gold Coast Hinterland Drive
Scenic Drive 2 hours

Pass through the lush greenery of the Gold Coast Hinterland, featuring national parks and scenic lookouts.

Tamborine Mountain , Lamington National Park
Coastal Drive
Leisure Drive 1.5 hours

Travel along the coastline for views of stunning blue seas and iconic beaches.

Burleigh Heads , Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle type suitable for the routes planned, ensuring comfort and compatibility.

Budget Planning: Understand the rental costs, including extras like insurance, fuel policies, and cleaning fees.

Route Confirmation: Plan specific stops along the way for both sightseeing and resting to break up the journey.

Filling Stations: Locate fueling stations along your route, especially if taking less urban or remote paths.

Packing Essentials: Pack in alignment with activities planned, such as swimsuits for coastal drives or warm clothing for elevated areas.

Safety Precautions: Avoid driving at night in poorly lit areas and always ensure your GPS device is updated.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a car rental company for a one-way journey from Gold Coast to Brisbane requires consideration of one-way fee policies, vehicle options, and location convenience.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Wide range of vehicles available , Frequent traveler programs , Multiple pick-up and drop-off locations
Avis$$ModerateHigh 24/7 customer support , Free additional driver based on promotions , GPS navigation available
Budget$ModerateModerate Affordable rates , Online check-in option , Eco-friendly vehicle options
Europcar$$HighExtensive Modern fleet , Offers unlimited mileage , Accessible vehicle choices
QEEQ

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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 Information in Gold Coast and Brisbane

Operating hours:

Rental centers in Gold Coast and Brisbane typically operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Locations:

Rental car centers are located adjacent to the terminals at both Gold Coast and Brisbane airports.

Shuttle services:

Complimentary shuttles run every 15 minutes between the terminals and rental centers at both locations.

Driving tips:

Familiarize yourself with toll roads as these are common in Brisbane and can incur additional fees if not prepared ahead.

Pro Tips for Coolangatta Airport(OOL) Car Rentals

To save on costs, book your rental car well in advance to secure the best deals for one-way rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location, such as Gold Coast, and return it to another, like Brisbane. This is convenient for travelers who do not plan to drive the car back to the starting point.

Are there extra fees for one-way rentals?

Many car rental companies charge an additional fee, often referred to as a 'drop-off fee,' when the vehicle is returned to a different location than the pick-up point. However, certain promotions or rental agreements might waive this fee.

How long does it take to drive from Gold Coast to Brisbane?

The driving distance between Gold Coast and Brisbane is approximately 80 kilometers, and it typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

What documentation is required to rent a car?

To rent a car, you'll generally need to provide a valid driver's license, a credit card, and possibly an additional form of identification. If you're an international traveler, an International Driving Permit might also be required.

Can I travel to Brisbane Airport with the rental car?

Yes, most car rental companies allow you to drop off the rental car at Brisbane Airport. Make sure to check the drop-off specifics with the company when confirming your booking.

Ready to Book Your Gold Coast to Brisbane Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes