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Finding a rental car in Townsville is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around Australia with no booking fees. We search deals at Townsville Airport and city depots, so you can find the right car for your North Queensland road trip.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Townsville Airport (TSV) |
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| Townsville City |
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| Off-Airport Providers |
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On average, car rentals in Townsville cost around AUD $167 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $57 per day.
Dodge the airport fees. Picking up your car in Townsville city or from an off-airport depot is usually cheaper than renting right at the terminal.
Time your trip right. For the best deals, consider visiting during the wet season (February-April). If you're coming for a big event like the Townsville 500, booking a few months ahead is your best bet.
Rent for longer. Grabbing a car for a week or more often slashes the daily price, saving you a good chunk of cash compared to a shorter rental.
Pick the right ride. Unless you need the space, a smaller economy car is your cheapest option and sips less fuel on those long coastal drives.
| Location | Parking Options | Cost & Time Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Townsville CBD | Metered street parking | Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, fees apply |
| The Strand | Car parks | Time limits vary (2-hour zones common) |
| City Fringe | All-day spaces | Leichhardt St and Eyre St areas |
| Shopping Centres | Car parks | 3-hour limits at most centres |
| Hotels | On-site spaces | Policies vary by property |
Local Driving Regulations:
Road Hazards:
Hire a car to drive to:
Castle Hill Lookout
Magnetic Island – ferry
Paluma Range National Park – Big Crystal Creek
Cairns via the Great Green Way – Cardwell, Mission Beach, Wallaman Falls
Airlie Beach / Whitsundays – island tours
Charters Towers – Overlander's Way
Do I need a 4WD to explore around Townsville? For most tourist spots around Townsville, a standard 2WD vehicle is enough. 4WDs are only needed for off-road tracks or remote area travel. Driving on unsealed or gravel roads is often restricted or banned by rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your specific contract terms carefully for restrictions.
Are there any toll roads in North Queensland? No, North Queensland has no toll roads. All roads around Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa are toll-free.
Can I take a rental car to Magnetic Island? Some rental companies allow their vehicles on the ferry to Magnetic Island, but you must pay the ferry cost. Check your rental agreement or consider renting directly on the island.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Townsville? You need a valid driver's licence (if not in English, an International Driving Permit or an official English translation is required), a credit card for the security deposit and identification.
Is it better to rent at the airport or in the city? Airport rentals offer convenience but include surcharges. City rentals are cheaper but require transport from the airport. Consider your arrival time and budget when deciding.
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