Gold Coast Car Rental – Road Genius

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Find competitive car rental prices on the Gold Coast with Road Genius. Check live rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and reserve with no booking fees. We compare hire cars from depots at Gold Coast Airport and in spots like Surfers Paradise, making it easy to visit the theme parks, beaches and hinterland on your own schedule.

Map of campervan rental depots near 651024

Car Rental Locations and Options

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)	Get your car right away All major rental companies available Open 6 AM-11 PM	Higher prices (airport fees apply) Long waiting lines during busy times Limited pickup after hours
Off-Airport Providers	Lower prices (no airport fees) Usually include free shuttle bus	Extra 30-minute shuttle trip Must call after collecting luggage Limited opening hours
Surfers Paradise	Easy for hotel guests Usually lower prices	Limited hours (8 AM-5 PM) Need transport from airport Fewer car types available

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Gold Coast?

On average, car rentals in Gold Coast cost around AUD $90.74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $27.37 per day.

Parking and Local Driving

Location	Parking Options	Costs & Restrictions
Surfers Paradise	Bruce Bishop Car Park Street parking (metered) Hotel parking	Meters operate 9 AM-7 PM Time limits (often 2-3 hours) Hotel parking may incur daily fees
Theme Parks	Large on-site lots	No time restrictions
Beaches (Burleigh, Currumbin)	Beachfront parking Side streets	Limited availability on weekends Some areas require resident permits
National Parks	Dedicated parking at trailheads	Limited spaces at popular lookouts

Important Traffic Rules:

Drive on the left side of the road.
Speed limits: 50 km/h urban areas, 100-110 km/h highways.
School zones: 40 km/h during school times.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (zero for learners/provisional).
No mobile phone use while driving (severe penalties).
All toll roads are electronic (no cash booths).

Tram Considerations: Gold Coast has a light rail system through central areas. Never stop on tram tracks and give way to trams when they're starting from stations.

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

Can I drive to Brisbane on a day trip from Gold Coast? Yes, Brisbane is about 1 hour away via the M1 motorway; allow 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Avoid weekday peak hours (7-9 AM northbound, 4-6 PM southbound) for the easiest journey.

Do I need an International Driving Permit? Only if your licence is not in English. Otherwise, your valid home licence is sufficient for driving in Queensland.

Are there any restrictions on where I can drive my rental car? Most standard rentals prohibit off-road driving and unsealed roads. Always check your rental agreement for specific restrictions.

How far in advance should I book a rental car? For peak periods (December-January, Easter), book several months ahead. For other times, booking 1-2 weeks in advance is usually sufficient.

Can I pick up my rental car at Gold Coast Airport and return it in Brisbane? Yes, one-way rentals are possible but often incur an additional fee. Between Gold Coast and Brisbane, this fee is sometimes waived by major companies. One-way rentals are also possible on many other routes. Gold Coast to Sydney and Gold Coast to Cairns are other popular options.

Car Hire Gold Coast