Compare Car Rental Gold Coast: OOL Airport

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Compare rental cars from major brands at Gold Coast Airport with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices. Its location on the QLD/NSW border makes it a good starting point to explore destinations in both states, from Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay. You can choose to collect your vehicle right in the terminal or catch a short shuttle to an off-airport depot for a potentially cheaper deal.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 657194

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Terminal Rental Desks	Get your car right after arrival Major brands available (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty) Many car types to choose from Cars available even without booking ahead	Airport fees added (about 10-15% extra) May need to wait in line after busy flights Higher prices than other locations Fixed prices (no bargaining)
On-Airport Parking Area	Short walk from airport building Fast pickup Open longer hours	Same high prices as terminal desks Hard to find if you're new to the airport
Off-Airport Providers (shuttle)	Lower prices (no airport fees) Free bus to rental office Often have newer cars	Wait 5-15 minutes for shuttle bus Takes longer than terminal pickup Must call when you arrive Open fewer hours
Bilinga/Tugun Local Agents	Lowest prices possible Personal customer service May negotiate better deals	Open fewer hours Need taxi/Uber to get there (5-10 min) Fewer car types available

Shuttle Services: Off-airport companies like East Coast Car Rentals, Sunset Rentals and Alpha offer free shuttles that run every 15-20 minutes during business hours.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Gold Coast Airport (OOL)?

On average, car rentals at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) cost around AUD $93 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $25 per day.

How to pay less?

Check suppliers outside the airport. A short, free shuttle ride to an off-airport depot can help you dodge the airport location fee and often means lower base rates.
Don't let them fill the tank for you. Returning the car with a full tank is almost always cheaper. There are plenty of petrol stations near the Gold Coast Airport.
A one-way trip to Brisbane can be a bargain. This popular route often has low or even zero one-way fees, so check the price if you're heading north.
Use your hotel's free airport shuttle. If your accommodation offers a transfer, you could save a full day's rental cost by picking up your car the next morning instead of on arrival.

Parking and Local Driving

Return Location	Parking Options	Key Details
Terminal Rental Return	Dedicated rental return area Follow "Car Rental Return" signs	One-way system, follow signs carefully Staff usually on hand during business hours Return at least 30-45 minutes before flight
Off-Airport Returns	Provider-specific lots Follow company instructions	Allow 30 extra minutes for shuttle transfer Shuttle frequency decreases in evenings Confirm hours for late returns
After-Hours Returns	Key drop facilities Terminal car park (some companies)	Extra fees may apply Specific procedures vary by company Document vehicle condition using photos
Initial Fuel Stations	Caltex (1.5 km north on Gold Coast Hwy) BP (2 km south on Gold Coast Hwy)	Fuel up before return (full tank policy) Keep receipt as proof of refuelling

Local Road Rules:

Queensland drives on the left side of the road
Default urban speed limits are 50 km/h and 100-110 km/h on highways
Airport surroundings have 60 km/h limits on main roads
Border crossing to NSW: speed cameras common as well as time zone change during daylight savings

Why rent a car in Gold Coast

Hire a car to visit:

Coolangatta Beach – 2 km, 5 minutes
Burleigh Heads – 15 km via Gold Coast Highway
Surfers Paradise – 25 km, 35 minutes
Springbrook National Park – 40 km, 50 minutes
Dreamworld – 45 km via M1 Motorway
Byron Bay (NSW) – 65 km via M1/Pacific Highway

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

How long does the car rental pick-up process take at Gold Coast Airport? Off-peak around 15-20 minutes from counter to driving away. Peak times (10am-2pm) can be 30-45 minutes when there are queues.

Can I pick up at Gold Coast Airport and return to Brisbane Airport? Yes, most major companies offer this option. You can pick up at Gold Coast Airport and return to Brisbane Airport. One-way fees between these airports are often minimal or waived. When charged, they're usually around $0-75 depending on provider and demand.

Is there a difference between Gold Coast Airport and Coolangatta Airport? They are the same airport. The official name is Gold Coast Airport but it's located in Coolangatta and sometimes referred to as Coolangatta Airport (OOL).

Are there any restrictions on driving into New South Wales? Generally no restrictions for standard rentals from major companies. The airport is on the QLD/NSW border and driving between states is common and permitted. Always check your rental agreement for any limits (e.g., unsealed roads, remote areas) or kilometre restrictions.

What should I do if my flight arrives late at night? Pre-book through a major company and confirm their late arrival procedure. Some have key collection lockers or can arrange staffed after-hours pickups for pre-booked customers (fees may apply). Alternatively stay at accommodation near the airport and pick up your car the next morning.

Are rental companies strict about return times? Most companies offer a 29-59 minute grace period. Beyond that, you may be charged for an additional day. Always let them know if you're running late as they may be able to accommodate.

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