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

Home One-way Car Rentals Sydney 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(s).

Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.
Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases, including Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 (approximately US$ 10.85) per day, with some rentals capping the fee at AUD 115.5 (approximately US$ 75.98).

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, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases, including Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 (approximately US$ 10.85) per day, with some rentals capping the fee at AUD 115.5 (approximately US$ 75.98).

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$ 256-3746	US$ 197.34-2990.12	US$ 322-3881	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 455-1468	US$ 328.91-1411.04	US$ 559-1553	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 305-308	US$ 197.34-328.91	US$ 440-1621	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 262-449	US$ 197.34-2990.12	US$ 334-576	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 293-3581	US$ 0.00-2990.12	US$ 414-3791	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Check if there is a one-way rental fee between Sydney and Cairns, as some companies may apply additional charges.
Drop-Off Locations: Ensure you know the exact location for vehicle drop-off in Cairns to avoid inconvenience.
Vehicle Availability: Certain vehicles may not be available for one-way rental; confirm availability beforehand.
Mileage Restrictions: Some rentals may have mileage caps; verify if free mileage is included for your trip.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Know if crossing into different states might require additional permissions or fees.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route in Advance: Identify points of interest between Sydney and Cairns, ensuring electrifying stops along this picturesque coast.
Pre-Book Your Rental: Book in advance particularly during peak seasons to secure availability and better pricing.
Check Fuel Policies: Understand your rental company's fuel policy, such as returning the car with a full tank.
Research Restrictions: Gather details on geographical or usage restrictions for a smoother rental experience.
Pack Essentials: Prepare road trip essentials such as maps, snacks, and necessary documents for 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.

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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 steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Plan your route to avoid unnecessary detours.

Sydney Parking

Consider using public transport to avoid high parking fees in the city center.

Parking costs in Sydney can vary, with city center parking being pricier than suburban options.

Cairns Parking

Check for free parking zones near your destination to save costs.

Cairns offers a mix of free and paid parking options, with ample availability in most areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and ParkMe can help find and reserve parking spaces.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a valid toll payment account to avoid fines.

Use an electronic toll tag for seamless payments.

The route includes toll roads, mainly around Brisbane, with charges depending on the type of vehicle.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic Driving Routes from Sydney to Cairns:

Pacific Coastal Route

Coastal 25 hours (approx.)

A scenic drive featuring stunning beaches, charming seaside towns, and vibrant cities.

Newcastle , Coffs Harbour , Gold Coast , Brisbane , Townsville

Brisbane via National Parks

Nature-focused 20 hours (approx.)

Explore lush green national parks and world heritage sites along this route.

Blue Mountains , Toowoomba , Fraser Island , Noosa

Inland Explorer

Adventure 30 hours (approx.)

Discover the rural charm and outback spirit of Australia.

Dubbo , Tamworth , Rockhampton , Charters Towers

Memorable Journeys in the Region:

Sydney to Hunter Valley

3 hours

Enjoy the rolling vineyards and gourmet experiences in the Hunter Valley region.

Brisbane to Sunshine Coast

2 hours

Relax at picturesque beaches or visit the famous Australia Zoo.

Cairns to Cape Tribulation

3 hours

Journey into the Daintree Rainforest, a natural World Heritage site.

Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay

5 hours

Drive by serene beaches and vibrant coastal towns for a fantastic experience.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan Your Stops: Schedule frequent breaks to rest and explore local attractions.

Budget Wisely: Consider rental prices, fuel costs, and overnight stays during your trip.

Know Your Route: Use GPS or maps to navigate efficiently and safely.

Check the Vehicle: Inspect the car rental for any pre-existing damages and ensure its suitability for long trips.

Time Management: Estimate travel times wisely to avoid unnecessary delays or rushed trips.

Fuel Up: Know locations of gas stations along your route to prevent running out of fuel.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When planning a one-way road trip from Sydney to Cairns, choosing the right rental company is crucial. Below is a list of companies offering reliable one-way rental services for this route.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	High	Extensive fleet including SUVs, vans, and compact cars , 24/7 customer service , Multiple pickup and drop-off points
Avis	$$$	Very good	High	High-quality vehicles , Premium membership benefits , Multiple road assistance services
Budget	$$	Good	High	Cost-effective solutions for budget travelers , Wide range of compact and economic cars , Flexible pickup and drop options
Europcar	$$	Good	Moderate	Eco-friendly car options , Convenient online booking tools , Varieties of automatic and manual cars

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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

Rental Car Centers: Sydney to Cairns Route

Rental Car Pickup Locations in Sydney:

All major car rental companies have desks at Sydney Airport and various downtown locations.

Operating Hours of Rental Desks:

Most rental desks operate 7 days a week, typically from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Shuttle Services Between Terminals:

Complimentary shuttle services are available to transfer between airport terminals and rental car centers.

Approximate Distance and Travel Time:

The drive from Sydney to Cairns covers approximately 2400 kilometers, and it takes around 27 hours of driving.

Availability of Fuel Stations:

Fuel stations are present throughout the route at regular intervals, ensuring convenience for long-distance travelers.

Plan your stops and accommodations ahead of time to enjoy a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car at a location (Sydney in this case) and drop it off at a different location (like Cairns). This type of rental is convenient for travelers planning non-circular trips.

Are there additional fees associated with a one-way rental from Sydney to Cairns?

Yes, one-way rentals typically involve a drop-off fee, which covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin. This fee varies by rental company and depends on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.

What documents do I need to rent a vehicle for this journey?

You will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in your name for the deposit, and, if applicable, your international driving permit (IDP) if your license is not in English.

Can I choose specific car models for the rental?

While rental companies categorize cars by class (economy, SUV, etc.), they generally cannot guarantee specific makes or models. However, you can request preferences when booking.

What is the approximate driving distance and travel time from Sydney to Cairns?

The distance is around 2,400 kilometers (1,491 miles), typically requiring about 27 hours of driving time. It is advisable to plan stops and potentially allocate several days for the trip.

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