Hire cars are a handy option when you’re travelling inter-state, whether you’re on a business trip or a well-deserved holiday, allowing you to go on adventures while leaving your own set of wheels at home. But when it comes to deciding which hire car company to go through to begin your adventures, it can quickly become a roadblock, with plenty of choices to navigate.
In this guide, Canstar Blue lists car hire companies in Brisbane, pick-up and drop-off locations, as well as what vehicles and services you can expect to find on your next trip, helping you to enjoy your time in the sunshine state.
Car Rental in Brisbane
With Brisbane a popular destination for both business and pleasure – and the sandy beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts a bit over an hour away – renting a hire car can prove a smart move. Here is a list of hire car companies that operate in Brisbane:
- Budget
- Thrifty
- Europcar
- Avis
- Hertz
- Redspot
- Enterprise
- Alpha Car Rental
- Sixt
- Firefly
- Apex Car Rentals
- National
- ABAA
- Bargain Car Rentals
- Alamo
- Got2Go
- East Coast Car Rentals
- Ace Rental Cars
- Jucy
- Dollar Car Rental
- Sunny Cars
Car Rental at Brisbane Airport
Chances are you’ll be landing at Brisbane airport and need to line-up a set of wheels to take you on the next stage of your journey. Here’s a list of hire car companies with a presence at Brisbane International and Domestic airport:
- Avis
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Budget
- Thrifty
- Enterprise (including National and Alamo)
Pick-up and drop-off locations in Brisbane
Choosing a hire car provider comes down to a few factors, with location one of the major points to consider. While some providers will have you sorted as soon as you land at the airport, others might only be available a bit further away, meaning you may have to make your own way before you can drive away in your rental.
Pick-up and drop-off locations are also an important factor when it comes to hiring a car, particularly if you’re only heading one way. Most providers will offer the option for you to choose where you can pick-up and drop-off your car, although it’s best to check this when booking, as some providers may require you to return your ride to where you picked up the keys.
Cheapest Car Rental in Brisbane
Along with location, price is also one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a car hire provider for your next trip. While the final dollars and cents should come down to what additional extras and cover you select, along with whether or not you return your car in the same condition, researching all available options may help you find a provider that’s more in your price range.
Prices will additionally be impacted by how far in advance you end up booking your ride, as booking a day before you pick up the keys will generally cost you more than when you’ve booked well in advance. However, you may be able to snag a deal or discount, with plenty of providers offering promotions to entice you behind the wheel, so be sure to keep an eye out for when you plan on hitting the road.
Luxury Car Hire in Brisbane
If you’re looking to arrive in style while in Brisbane, a luxury car rental may be just the ticket for your next trip. In addition to the traditional car hire providers, there are a number of specialist providers if you’re looking to get behind the wheel of a Bentley, Mercedes or Ferrari, for example. Here is a list of car rental companies with luxury cars for hire in Brisbane:
- Europcar
- Avis
- Hertz
- Thrifty
- Enterprise
- Alamo
- National
- Queensland Luxury Car Rentals
- Brisbane Luxury Rides
- First Class
- Go Aussie Car Rentals
- Exotic Car Travels
- Andy’s AutoRentals
About Hire Car Companies in Brisbane
Budget Car Rental Brisbane
Budget is available at over 200 locations across Australia, and offers a range of cars for you to choose from, including smaller models for when you’re travelling on your own, or SUVs for those who have a crew with them. Rates and prices are outlined as you book your car, with options broken down into each car type, such as ‘compact’ cars like the Suzuki Swift, as well as ‘full size’ for those looking for a Holden Commodore or something similar.
Additional extras such as GPS, child safety seats, and even snow cover can also be added to your order, with Budget also allowing users to prepay at a discounted rate for those who have their plans locked in early. For those who are frequently travelling, Budget offers Fastbreak, which allows you to pick up and drop off your ride a little quicker and easier. While only available at select locations – and you have to be a Fastbreak member – it may be a handy option for those in a rush.
Budget Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane CBD
- Fortitude Valley
- Hamilton
- Rocklea
- Brisbane Airport
- Boondall
- Capalaba
- Burpengary
- Logan
- Ipswich
Thrifty Car Rental Brisbane
With more than 200 locations throughout Australia, Thrifty lists the opening hours of all locations on its website. Similar to other providers, you can select from a range of vehicles, including small compact models, to larger SUVs and commercial vehicles. You can even hire a bus from Thrifty, making those school excursions or big group trips easier to manage.
Pick-up and drop-off locations can be selected when booking, making it easy to organise your hire car around your trip, and not the other way around. You can even add strollers, booster seats and GPS to your bookings, helping to make everyone on the trip more comfortable. And if it’s your first time in Brisbane, Thrifty even throws in a travel blog to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Thrifty Locations in Brisbane
- Ascot
- Brisbane Airport
- Brendale
- Brisbane City
- Rocklea
- Tingalpa
- Morayfield
- Kippa-Ring
- Ipswich
- Logan
Europcar Car Rental Brisbane
Available in over 140 countries around the globe, Europcar is well-known in the hire car scene, with more than 100 locations in Australia. Bookings can be made online or through the Europcar app, making it easy if you’ve left it to the last minute. With a fleet that consists of small cars, sedans, as well as 4WDs and vans for all your transport needs, Europcar offers a number of extras to help make your time behind the wheel more enjoyable, including GPS and child seats.
Opening hours for each location are provided on the Europcar website, and you can check to see if you can drop your rental off at a different location online, with quotes available for those looking to budget their next trip. Loyalty programs and rewards are also available for those who are constantly traveling, making it handy for those who spend plenty of time on the road. Looking for a cheap deal? Europcar’s subsidiary, keddy, is also available at select Europcar locations, so be sure to keep an eye out if you’re looking for a bargain.
Europcar Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Brendale
- Cannon Hill
- Brisbane City
- Ipswich
- Loganholme
- Redcliffe
- Rocklea
Avis Car Rental Brisbane
With more than 100 locations around Australia, global-brand Avis provides an extensive range of cars, including small cars, sedans and SUVs. Avis also offers trucks to help you move, or for when you’ve got a big job ahead of you. For those who are going to multiple locations, you can select where you would like to pick up and drop off your rental, making it easier to work around your schedule instead of worrying about where you should drop the keys off to.
Costs are outlined after you’ve entered in your travel dates and locations, with optional extras available as you progress through the booking process. Avis allows for drivers to pre-pay their booking, with Rapid Return also available for those who don’t want to wait around while dropping off their rental.
Avis Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane CBD
- Fortitude Valley
- Hamilton
- Brisbane Airport
- Rocklea
- Boondall
Hertz Car Rental Brisbane
With more than 200 locations around Australia, Hertz is a popular option for those looking for a hire car or truck, with plenty of vehicle types available, including small cars, family vehicles and commercial vans. Hertz offers online check-in to speed up the process, allowing you to partly fill-in your details before you’ve arrived at your designated pick-up area, meaning you can get your journey underway sooner. You can also use the Pre-pay option to save at the checkout, although this is only available at select locations. You can additionally organise to drop your rental car off at a different location, making it easy for those on a one-way trip, or those whose plans change.
Prices for Hertz car hire can be found once you’ve entered in your trip details and locations, making it easy to budget for your trip, with additional extras such as sat navs also available through the booking and checkout process.
Hertz Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Brisbane CBD
- Hendra
- Kallangur
Other Hire Car Companies in Brisbane
Redspot Car Rental Brisbane
A smaller operator in comparison to its competitors, Redspot has been in operation since 1989, and offers a number of vehicles for drivers to choose from, including the smaller Kia Rio all the way to the Holden Colorado ute, as well as other commercial vehicles such as vans and trucks. Redspot offers a number of pricing tiers to choose from, including Bare Bones, Middle of the Road and Top Dog, each with different included extras and cover, helping you to personalise your journey and preferences.
Redspot Locations in Brisbane
- Rocklea
- Brisbane Airport
- Brisbane CBD
Enterprise Car Rental Brisbane
Enterprise looks to focus more on short-term car rentals, making it a handy option for those who are just looking to get around town for the day. Offering a number of vehicles for your driving preferences, Enterprise’s fleet includes small cars, such as the Hyundai i20, with larger models, such as the Toyota Camry, also available. Users can choose where to pick-up and drop-off their rentals, with rates and fees shown during the booking process to ensure that you aren’t left with a surprise when you drop the keys off.
Enterprise Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Rocklea
- Brisbane CBD
Alpha Car Rental Brisbane
Another small provider operating in major cities, Alpha Car Rental offers a vehicle range that includes small cars such as Hyundai i20 as well as vans, utes and even a three-tonne truck for those who are looking to take a few things with them. Extras are available for purchase through the online booking process, including GPS units, child seats as well tyre and windscreen protection in case you encounter some wild weather. With opening hours available on their website, Alpha Car Rental also offers a quick guide to Brisbane if it’s your first time visiting.
Alpha Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Moorooka
Sixt Car Rental Brisbane
The first car rental service in Germany, Sixt has been operating for over 100 years, and has expanded to cater for a global audience. In Australia, Sixt offers a number of models for your rental needs, whether you need a small Hyundai i20 or a large Toyota Commuter to ferry the crew around. Prices and extras are outlined during the booking process, meaning you can budget for your trip, as well as ensure you have a few comforts while on the road.
Sixt Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Fortitude Valley
Firefly Rental Brisbane
Firefly is available around major and capital cities of Australia. Owned by Hertz, Firefly has been in operation since 2013, and has a number of cars available for hire, including the Suzuki Swift for those after a small model, or the Toyota Kluger and Kia Carnival for those who need something a little bigger. Extras such as GPS units and child seats are also available through the reservation process, allowing you to find out how much you’re spending before you pick up the keys.
Firefly Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Downtown Brisbane
Apex Car Rentals Brisbane
Operating in major cities around Australia and New Zealand, Apex Car Rentals provides a number of models for drivers to choose from, including the Hyundai Accent to the Hyundai iMax for those looking to drive around the whole family. Prices are outlined during checkout, both as a total cost, as well as a day-by-day cost, with extras such as roadside cover and booster seats also available through the booking process. Furthermore, Apex offers no additional fees for under 25-year-old drivers or additional drivers, potentially making it a handy option for younger travelers.
Apex Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Brisbane City
National Car Rental Brisbane
Operating under the Enterprise brand, National allows you to reserve a hire car for either yourself or a friend, helping to make the organising phase of your trip easier. With a wide range of vehicles available to hire, including smaller models such as the Kia Rio and larger models such as the Subaru Forester or Mitsubishi Outlander, you can load up on extras and policies during the checkout to ensure you get the most out of your trip. You can also sign up to the Emerald Club for bonuses and discounts.
National Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
ABAA Car Rentals in Brisbane
A family-owned business operating in south-east Queensland, ABAA offers a range of vehicles to help with your adventures, including smaller models such as the Nissan Micra, with larger SUVs such as the Mitsubishi ASX and vans additionally available if you’ve got a few friends and family tagging along.
If it’s your first time visiting Brisbane or south-east Queensland, ABAA also offers a number of blog posts to help travelers find the best spots to pull over and stretch the legs. ABAA also provides an online quote to help with budgeting your trip, with extras such as GPS units and baby seats also available via the online booking.
ABAA Car Rental Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
Bargain Car Rentals in Brisbane
With a range of vehicles available to book, regardless if you’re going by yourself or with a few friends, Bargain Car Rentals also has commercial utes and trucks for those looking to take a bit of gear with them. If you’re going away for the weekend, Bargain Car Rentals may be worth looking into, with a range of campervans also for hire.
Offering no booking fees and no surcharge for drivers aged between 21 and 25, Bargain Car Rentals may live up to its name for those looking for a cheaper alternative, but it’s best to always keep an eye on the final bill when booking to ensure you don’t find any surprises when your return the keys.
Bargain Car Rental Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
Alamo Car Rental Brisbane
Originating in America, Alamo has expanded on a global scale, and currently operates under Enterprise Holdings along with Enterprise and National car rentals. Offering small models for the solo traveler or large SUVs and people-movers for when you’re taking the whole crew, Alamo has plenty of options available for your hire car needs, with extras on offer through the booking process.
Alamo Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
Got2Go Car Rentals in Brisbane
Established in 2003, Got2Go currently operates under the ABAA brand, with locations in Queensland, as well as in New Zealand. With a fleet that consists of smaller vehicles such as the Hyundai Getz, as well as people movers and SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Carnival, Got2Go offers plenty to choose from, whether you’re going solo or driving with friends and family. If you’re looking to get to the airport, Got2Go additionally offers a shuttle bus, helping to take the stress out of making your flight.
Got2Go Car Rental Locations in Brisbane
- Hendra
East Coast Car Rental Brisbane
East Coast Car Rentals may not be as well-known as other providers when it comes to picking up a rental, but still offers a number of vehicles for your needs. Prices are shown on a per day basis, with extras such as baby seats, portable DVD players and GPS also available, meaning it still offers plenty to consider when your next trip to Brisbane comes around.
East Coast Car Rental Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
- Fortitude Valley
Ace Rental Cars Brisbane
A New Zealand company, Ace Rental Cars expanded into Australia in 2003, and currently operates under Hertz. Vehicles include compact models such as the Toyota Corolla, plus SUVs such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, with the Super Saver option coming with a ‘Mystery Vehicle’ if you’re looking to be a bit adventurous. Ace Rental Cars also offers a free shuttle bus from drop-off points for those who need to get to the airport, making it very convenient when you need to catch a flight.
Ace Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
Jucy Car Rentals Brisbane
While it may be more well-known for its bright green and purple campervans, Jucy additionally offers cars for all your rental needs. The New Zealand company is available in major Australian cities, with locations and opening hours on the Jucy website. Small, medium and large cars are for hire, along with extras such as GPS and baby seats. Jucy also provides a ‘relocation’ deal for those heading one-way for their travels.
Jucy Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane Airport
Dollar Car Rental Brisbane
Another American brand, Dollar Car Rental currently operates under Hertz, with the brand operating across 70 countries globally. Cars on offer include models such as the Hyundai Getz for those looking for something small to zip around in, while Mitsubishi Outlanders are also available for those looking for a bit more room to play with. Rates and fees are shown when you book, plus a breakdown of the fees so you know what you’re paying for.
Dollar Locations in Brisbane
- Fortitude Valley
- Ascot
- Tingalpa
- Rocklea
- Brisbane Airport
Sunny Cars Rental Brisbane
Founded in Germany, Sunny Cars operates on a global scale, and is available in major and capital cities around Australia. A variety of vehicles and packages can be purchased to suit your style and budget, with Sunny Cars accepting payments through PayPal as well as major credit cards to help make it easier for those budgeting their trip. You can filter your car results to suit what you need, but be careful when booking online, as prices first appear in euros – so be sure you don’t get caught when converting to Aussie dollars!
Sunny Cars Locations in Brisbane
- Brisbane CBD
- Brisbane Airport
Other car hire options
If you’re still not sure about which car rental provider to go with, there are other options that may suit your journey and budget.
Providers such as Discover (formerly known as Atlas Choice), NÜ Car Rentals, Payless Travel and AutoEurope are available for drivers to book through, acting as a middleman between drivers and providers. They work by renting a car from an established provider before leasing it out to you, which means they don’t have the overheads of looking after a car fleet, which may mean it’s a cheaper option for you to consider.
If you’re looking for something completely different, you may also want to consider Carhood and Car Next Door, which allow you to rent someone’s car, or lease your own car out for someone else. It works by pairing those looking to rent a car with someone who is leaving their car at the airport for a few days, providing a cheaper alternative to those looking to explore Brisbane, while giving those travelling outside of Brisbane a chance to make some money.
Which hire car provider should I use?
With plenty of car hire providers in the wider Brisbane area, it can prove tough to narrow down which one will best suit your needs, especially if they all offer similar services for the solo traveller or the fun family vacation. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your needs and preferences, as one provider may have more convenient pick-up/drop-off locations for you, while others may offer more extras to help keep you entertained on those long road trips.
Price and location will be the biggest things to consider when finalising your decision, so it’s important to look into just how close your car hire provider is to where you need to go, as well as ensure that it’s not costing you an arm and a leg. While the final price tag will come down to where you’re heading and who’s behind the wheel, looking into all of your options, including the smaller providers, may help you find a better option for your trip, as well as your wallet.
If you’re not sure which provider may be the best option for you, check out our Hire Cars Ratings to see which brand came out on top.
Picture credit: Dima Sidelnikov/shutterstock.com, 4 PM production/shutterstock.com, RossHelen/shutterstock.com, Solovivoa Liudmyla/shutterstock.com
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