On average, car rentals at Townsville Airport (TSV) cost around AUD $172.24 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $74.09 per day.
Compare your options. Prices vary a lot between rental companies, even for the exact same car. A quick search on a comparison site shows you everything at once.
Book a full week if you can. Renting for 7+ days often triggers a big discount. For busy times like Townsville's school holidays or the Townsville 500 race in July, booking a few months ahead is a smart move.
Pick up your car in the city. You can sometimes avoid airport fees by collecting your rental from a depot in Townsville itself. Just weigh up the cost of a taxi or rideshare to get there.
Don't book more car than you need. A smaller car is almost always cheaper to rent and uses less fuel. Mid-size sedans in Townsville often hit the sweet spot for value.
Fill 'er up before you return. Always choose the 'full-to-full' fuel policy and top up the tank yourself. Letting the rental company do it will cost you way more per litre.
Stick to one driver if possible. Adding an extra driver usually costs a daily fee, though some companies offer a free spouse. Check the policy details before you book.
Get a car to visit:
Townsville CBD – Flinders Street
The Strand – Ross River Road
Castle Hill Lookout – Flinders Street
Magnetic Island ferry terminal – Breakwater Terminal