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Explore the Beauty Between Sydney and Cairns

Enjoy the journey with a reliable one-way car rental along the scenic east coast of Australia.

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

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 - 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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$ExcellentHigh Extensive fleet including SUVs, vans, and compact cars , 24/7 customer service , Multiple pickup and drop-off points
Avis$$$Very goodHigh High-quality vehicles , Premium membership benefits , Multiple road assistance services
Budget$$GoodHigh Cost-effective solutions for budget travelers , Wide range of compact and economic cars , Flexible pickup and drop options
Europcar$$GoodModerate Eco-friendly car options , Convenient online booking tools , Varieties of automatic and manual cars
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

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.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ