Car Hire at Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.

Renting a car at Brisbane Airport is one of the most convenient ways to explore Brisbane and the wider Queensland region. The airport hosts numerous international and local car rental companies offering a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to large SUVs and family vans. Rental desks are located inside both the Domestic and International Terminals, while the car pickup areas are located in nearby parking facilities or depots connected by shuttle buses. Many travelers choose to rent a car directly at the airport because it provides flexibility to explore destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or national parks around Brisbane.

Car rental prices at Brisbane Airport vary depending on the season, vehicle category, and booking time, but typically range between AUD $45 and $150 per day. Economy cars can sometimes be found for lower prices if booked well in advance.

Booking your rental car online at least a few weeks before your trip often results in significantly cheaper prices.

Rental Car Price Comparison

Company	Average Price / Day	Vehicle Types	Customer Rating
Avis	AUD $60 – $140	Economy, SUVs, Premium	4.4 / 5
Budget	AUD $55 – $130	Economy, Compact, SUVs	4.3 / 5
Hertz	AUD $65 – $150	Compact, SUVs, Luxury	4.4 / 5
Europcar	AUD $55 – $135	Sedans, SUVs, Vans	4.2 / 5
East Coast Rentals	AUD $40 – $95	Economy, SUVs	4.7 / 5

Estimated Waiting Time at Rental Counters

Company	Average Wait Time	Online Check-in	Pickup Location
Avis	10 – 15 min	Yes	Terminal rental desks
Budget	10 – 20 min	Yes	Terminal rental desks
Hertz	10 – 15 min	Yes	Terminal parking facility
Europcar	15 – 20 min	Yes	Terminal rental desks
East Coast Rentals	15 – 25 min	Yes	Shuttle depot

Most Popular Rental Car Types

Car Type	Best For	Average Price	Popularity
Economy / Compact	City driving	AUD $45 – $70	Very High
Mid-size Sedan	Business travel	AUD $60 – $90	High
SUV	Families and road trips	AUD $80 – $140	Very High
Minivan	Large groups	AUD $100 – $150	Medium

Popular Destinations from Brisbane Airport by Car

Brisbane City Centre: 20 minutes
Gold Coast: 1 hour
Sunshine Coast: 1 hour 30 minutes
Byron Bay: 2 hours
Glass House Mountains: 1 hour

When driving in Australia remember that vehicles drive on the left side of the road.

Car Rental Insurance Explained

When renting a car at Brisbane Airport, rental companies usually offer several insurance options. These policies provide additional protection during your trip.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle.
Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
Theft Protection: Covers vehicle theft.
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical costs for passengers.

Some credit cards and travel insurance policies already provide rental car coverage, so it is advisable to check before purchasing additional insurance.

Always inspect the vehicle carefully before leaving the rental lot and take photos of any existing damage.

Car rental companies

In Brisbane Airport you can find the following car rental companies:

Alpha Car Hire

Contact: +61 7 3868 2600

Website: www.alphacarhire.com.au

Location: Out of the airport

Atlas Car & Truck Rental

Contact: +61 1800 808 122

Website: www.atlasrent.com.au

Location: Out of the airport

Avis

Contact: +61 136333

Website: www.avis.com.au

Location: Domestic

Bargain

Contact: +61 7 3077 6807

Website: www.bargaincarrentals.com.au

Location: Out of the airport

Budget

Contact: +61 1300 362 848

Website: www.budget.com.au

Location: Domestic

EastCoast

Contact: +61 1800 028 881

Website: www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au

Location: Out of the airport

Enterprise

Contact: +61 7 3187 4450

Website: www.enterpriserentacar.com.au

Location: International

Europcar

Contact: +61 7 3874 8150

Website: www.europcar.com.au

Location: Domestic and International

Hertz

Contact: +61 7 3860 4522

Website: www.hertz.com.au

Location: Out of the airport

Redspot Car Rentals

Contact: +61 7 3187 4450

Website: www.redspot.com.au

Location: Out of the airport

Thrifty

Contact: +61 7 3000 8600

Website: thrifty.com.au

Location: International

Driving Times from Brisbane Airport to Popular Destinations

Destination	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Why Visit
Brisbane CBD	17 km	20 minutes	Business district, restaurants, museums
Gold Coast	90 km	1 hour	Beaches, theme parks, nightlife
Sunshine Coast	105 km	1 hour 30 minutes	Relaxed beaches and national parks
Byron Bay	165 km	2 hours	Surfing, nature and coastal scenery
Glass House Mountains	70 km	1 hour	Hiking and scenic viewpoints