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

Home One-way Car Rentals Townsville to Cairns

Can I rent a car from Townsville to Cairns?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Townsville to Cairns. 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 1-3 years depending on the rental policy.

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. A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard. If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, UnionPay, JCB, and Discover. Debit cards may also be accepted in some cases.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old depending on the rental policy. For young drivers aged 18-25, additional fees may apply, ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 per day, with some rentals capping the fee for the rental term.

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 policy. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
• Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version)
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, DinersClub, AMEX, UnionPay, JCB, and Discover. Debit cards may also be accepted in some cases.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old depending on the rental policy. For young drivers aged 18-25, additional fees may apply, ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 per day, with some rentals capping the fee for the rental term.

How much does renting a car from Townsville to Cairns 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$ 69/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 75/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 152-571	US$ 0.00-1080.92	US$ 207-585	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 565-565	US$ 432.37-1080.92	US$ 826-826	Small families, light luggage
SUV	US$ 161-695	US$ 0.00-1080.92	US$ 223-638	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 617-617	US$ 432.37-432.37	US$ 271-969	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Be aware of potential additional charges for dropping the car off in a different city.
Route Planning: Plan your route carefully to consider fuel stops, sightseeing, and road conditions.
Vehicle Suitability: Choose a vehicle that is suitable for the terrain and your luggage needs.
Rental Period: Check for minimum rental periods that might apply for one-way hires.
Return Locations: Confirm that the destination location offers convenient drop-off facilities.

Smart Planning Tips:

Understand Mileage Policies: Verify if the rental package includes unlimited mileage or if there are restrictions.
Inspect Drop-Off Conditions: Know the condition requirements for drop-off to avoid additional charges.
Ensure Proper Licensing: Ensure your driving license is valid and accepted in the region you're renting.
Check Fuel Policies: Understand if the car must be returned with a full tank or can be dropped off empty.
Know Emergency Support Details: Keep contacts for roadside assistance and the rental company's support handy.
Explore Insurance Options: Review what is covered under the rental's insurance and consider additional coverage if needed.

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 before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Plan refueling stops ahead of time, especially in remote areas.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel price in Cairns is approximately $1.90 AUD per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize air conditioning usage to save fuel.

Townsville Parking

Parking in Townsville CBD costs around $1.50 AUD per hour.

Free parking is available in suburban areas.

Use parking garages for secure overnight parking.

Cairns Parking

Cairns offers metered parking in the city center at $1.60 AUD per hour.

Free parking is available at most shopping centers.

Consider pre-booking parking spaces during peak tourist seasons.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

Secure Parking

EasyPark

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Explore Scenic Drives from Townsville to Cairns:

Coastal Way

Scenic Route 4 hours 30 mins

This route follows the picturesque coastline offering breathtaking ocean views and beach stops.

Townsville , Mission Beach , Palm Cove , Cairns

Rainforest Pathway

Nature Route 5 hours

Journey through lush rainforests, highlighting the scenic beauty of Northern Queensland.

Townsville , Tully Gorge , Atherton Tablelands , Cairns

Outback Trails

Historic Route 6 hours

Discover the heritage-rich towns and outback landscapes.

Townsville , Charters Towers , Undara Lava Tubes , Cairns

Discover Nearby Destinations:

Great Barrier Reef Drive

6 hours

Experience stunning coastal sceneries and coral reef views, an iconic Queensland adventure.

Atherton Tablelands Escape

2 hours from Cairns

Explore waterfalls, crater lakes, and lush rainforests in the Tablelands.

Mission Beach Relaxation

2 hours

A tranquil beachside retreat located between Townsville and Cairns.

Paluma Range Parks

1 hour from Townsville

An adventure through scenic highland landscapes and waterfalls.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Route Planning: Map out your stops and estimate travel times to make the journey enjoyable.

Fuel Stops: Identify fuel stations along the route to avoid running out in remote areas.

Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your rental car is in good condition and suitable for your planned route.

Must-Visit Spots: Research iconic spots along the route for memorable experiences and photos.

Food and Drinks: Pack snacks or pinpoint towns where you can stop for meals during the journey.

Road Safety: Understand local road regulations and adhere to speed limits for a safe trip.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Townsville to Cairns requires careful consideration of fees, vehicle options, and company availability.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Budget Rentals	$$	Good	Excellent
Avis Car Rental	$$$	Premium	Good	Luxury vehicle options , Wide availability across major cities , Excellent customer service
Hertz	$$$$	Luxury	Very good	Top-tier vehicles , Multiple roadside assistance plans , Convenient airport counters
Europcar	$$$	Excellent	Very good

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

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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 Center at Cairns

Operating Hours:

The car rental center operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Location:

The car rental center is located on-site at Cairns Airport, adjacent to the Arrivals Hall.

Transportation:

Shuttle services are available from terminal gates to car rental parking lots every 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Townsville Airport(TSV) Car Rentals

Ensure to fuel your vehicle fully before drop-off to avoid additional fees. Keep the car clean to prevent cleaning charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car at one location, such as Townsville, and return it to another location, like Cairns. This is particularly useful for travelers planning a route that doesn't circle back.

Are there any additional fees for one-way rentals between Townsville and Cairns?

Yes, many rental companies charge a one-way fee, also known as a drop-off fee, because of the additional logistics involved. It's advisable to confirm this cost with your rental provider beforehand.

Can I choose the vehicle type for this route?

Yes, you can generally select from available vehicle categories like compact, SUV, or luxury cars. Availability may depend on the rental company and timing of your booking.

What are the mileage limits for this route?

Most car rentals include unlimited mileage, but it's always smart to verify this during your booking. If there are mileage restrictions, exceeding them may result in additional charges.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it in Cairns?

Typically, rental companies require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when picked up. There are also prepay options, but surcharges may apply if the tank isn't full at return.

Ready to Book Your Townsville to Cairns Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Explore Cairns with Ease - A Seamless Car Rental Experience