Cheap Car Rental in Gold Coast $34+/day - FREE Cancellation

Travel Information

Language

English

Currency

AUD

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

+61

Average car rental price

$51.20 / per day

Average car rental length

6 days

Speed limit within town

50 km/h

31 mph

Speed limit out of town

100 - 130 km/h

62 - 81 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.8

Average gasoline price

$1.24 per liter

Highest gasoline price

$1.38 per liter

Lowest gasoline price

$1.11 per liter

Why rent a car in Gold Coast?

According to many travelers, the Gold Coast is the most fun place in all of Australia. Located in southeast Queensland and a short drive from the state capital, Brisbane, the city offers endless opportunities for surfing, diving, and partying as well as other ways to have a good time. Many other natural attractions, like the Scenic Rim, Glass House Mountains, and Moreton Island are also within reach if you have a rental car.

One-Way Car Rentals in Gold Coast

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Gold Coast and drop off in another city include:

From Gold Coast to Brisbane - 52 offers from $37.43 per day
From Gold Coast to Cairns - 42 offers from $44.37 per day
From Gold Coast to Sydney - 34 offers from $50.34 per day
From Gold Coast to Marcoola - 34 offers from $36.51 per day

Top ways to enter Gold Coast

Gold Coast Airport: The sixth-busiest airport in Australia, it handled nearly 6.5 million travelers in 2018. In addition to serving domestic routes, the Gold Coast Airport also has international flights to and from New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. Located 27 km (17 miles) south of the city center, the Gold Coast Airport can be reached in about 30 minutes.
Brisbane Airport: Serving the Queensland state capital and the third-largest city in Australia, Brisbane Airport handled more than 22 million travelers in 2018. Made up of two terminals, the airport hosts flights by more than 20 different airlines, with the largest number of flights provided by Qantas and Virgin Australia. Brisbane Airport is 87 km (54 miles) north of the Gold Coast and can be reached in about one hour.
Sunshine Coast Airport: Also known as Maroochydore Airport and Marcoola Airport, it provides flights to and from a number of Australian destinations as well as Auckland in New Zealand. Located 190 km (122 miles) north of the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast Airport can be reached in about two hours with a large portion of the road taking you right along the ocean.

City facts

The Gold Coast has a hot and humid subtropical climate with relatively little temperature changes between seasons. The average high temperature is 29°C (84°F) in January and February, the warmest months, and 21°C (70°F) in July, the coldest. Precipitation is quite high throughout the year with an especial increase every February.
Due to its picturesque location on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, many world-famous films have been shot on the Gold Coast (some of which are not even set in Australia). These include The Chronicles of Narnia in 2010, Pirates of the Caribbean in 2015, and Thor: Ragnarok in 2016.
Inhabited for centuries by the indigenous Yugambeh people, the Gold Coast was settled by British arrivals in the 1870s. For decades, the city was actually known as the South Coast, noting its location in reference to Brisbane. It was renamed the Gold Coast in 1958 and received city rights the following year. Nowadays, the Gold Coast is the largest city in Australia that is not a state capital.

Top destinations and activities

Surfers Paradise. The most famous area of the city, Surfers Paradise is, to many travelers, synonymous with the Gold Coast itself. Although the area has been heavily developed over the last decade - backpacker hostels and surfing schools now exist side by side with multi-story office buildings, nightclubs, and boutique shops - it still retains something of its original spirit and no visit to the Gold Coast is complete without spending some time here.
Broadbeach. Also known as Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach is just south of the city center. More tranquil and easygoing than its posh neighbor, it nonetheless features many of the same attractions, including restaurants, surf shops, and, of course, beautiful beaches.
Currumbin Beach. A bit farther south - 26 km (16 miles) from the Gold Coast and can be reached in 40 minutes - Currumbin is, according to many, the most enjoyable beach of the Gold Coast. Lacking the crowds of tourists and much more popular with locals, it has surfing opportunities for beginners and veterans alike and offers a great view of the Gold Coast skyline in the distance. Currumbin is also home to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful and traveler-friendly nature preserve.
Tamborine Mountain. Located only about a 40-minute drive inland from Gold Coast’s centre, Tamborine is one of the area’s most famous attractions for locals and tourists alike. A wide plateau that offers impressive views, the area is also home to the national park of the same name, the Witches Falls, and the scenic Tamborine Mountain Road.

Traffic and parking

One of the largest road hazards in Australia is the wildlife. Take extra caution when driving in bad weather or after dark as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife take place.
Mobile coverage is very rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so take extra caution when traveling in rural areas.
Another great risk when traveling off of the main highways is the heat. Temperatures can reach extremes very easily, especially during the summer months and in inland areas. Always stay properly hydrated and plan your route in advance to be able to supplement your water supplies.
Laws concerning driving under the influence differ from territory to territory in Australia. In Queensland, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers with provisional licenses. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a driver’s license ban.
Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
The nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000.

Toll roads

There are a number of toll roads in Australia, mainly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

Most toll roads in Australia use an open toll system with mainline barrier toll points. All toll roads in Australia use a cashless payment system. You can purchase a prepaid pass for most toll roads. Some rental cars in Australia are equipped with electronic transponders, the price of which may or may not be included in the rental price. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance.

Different toll roads are operated by different companies, so there is no nation-wide system in place.

For more information about the toll roads in the state of Queensland, visit the state’s official toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

Scenic Rim. Made up of mountain ranges, nature reserves, and countless hiking paths, the Scenic Rim is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Australia. The area is easily accessible by car from the Gold Coast and there are many amazing road trips that you can take - learn more about them on the official Scenic Rim tourism website.
Lamington National Park. Part of the Scenic Rim but deserving special mention, Lamington National Park is home to cloud forests, high cliffs, impressive waterfalls, and the extinct Tweed Volcano. There are many hikes and treks you can take to explore the area as well as accommodation in guest houses and campsites. Lamington is home to many unique flora species, as well as wildlife like the Lamington crayfish, Coxen’s fig parrot, red-necked pademelon, and platypus. Located just 67 km (41 miles) southwest of the Gold Coast, the national park can be reached in 90 minutes.
Brisbane. The state capital and the third-largest city in Australia, Brisbane is a truly modern metropolis. From the Queensland Maritime Museum to Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, many botanic gardens, and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, there are plenty of attractions After dark, a great place to visit is the Mount Coot-Tha lookout where you can enjoy stunning views of the city below. Located 79 km (49 miles) north of the Gold Coast, Brisbane can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
North Stradbroke Island. A large island just off the coast of the mainland, North Stradbroke is best known for Point Lookout, a small settlement that is a great place for watching marine fauna like whales and dolphins. Equally interesting is Naree Budjong National Park which includes the famous Blue Lake, as well as opportunities for scuba diving with manta rays, bull rays, and leopard sharks. The trip from the Gold Coast takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and there are many accommodations available on the island. The island can only be accessed by ferry; some ferries permit taking a vehicle, while others don’t — so look this up in advance. Also, ask your rental car provider if they permit taking the rental on a ferry.
Nightcap National Park. Another scenic protected area, Nightcap National Park is home to critically endangered bird species such as red goshawks and black-breasted button quails. Other wildlife inhabiting this protected rainforest include the tiger quoll (a cat-like marsupial), giant barred frog, and Parma wallaby. The drive from Gold Coast takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in the Gold Coast is the Nissan Micra, although many travelers also go for the Kia Rio and the Hyundai Accent. The most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and full size.

Further destinations

Moreton Island. A large island just off Brisbane, Moreton is made up of impressive long beaches, freshwater lakes, cozy villages, water sports centers, and the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Plenty of unique animals and plants can be found on the island, and you can also go on a boat tour to watch humpback whales and other sea creatures from the island. There are a number of ferries going from the Port of Brisbane and Pinkenba in Brisbane and while you cannot bring a rental car, you can park at the port and pick it up again after coming up.
Sunshine Coast. Currumbin Beach near the Gold Coast might feel like a relaxed beach spot, but to enjoy real tranquility drive north past Brisbane until you reach the Sunshine Coast. Stretching for more than 60 km (37 miles), it has plenty of hauntingly beautiful beaches that you’ll often have to share with just a few other people. Located 190 km (118 miles) north of the Gold Coast, the city can be reached in about two hours.
The rest of Queensland. Most of the inhabitants of Queensland live in its southeastern corner where the big cities, including the Gold Coast and Brisbane, are located, but it takes up only a small portion of the state geographically. From the amazing Great Barrier Reef that you can access from many towns in the central portion of the state to tropical rainforests in the north and the Queensland outback away from the coast, there’s plenty more to Queensland. Visiting most of these destinations requires a lot of preparation and often the hiring of a tour guide, but getting to know the sparsely populated and wild part of Queensland can be truly rewarding.
Sydney. It is a mighty nine-hour drive from Gold Coast to Sydney, but if the destination is arguably one of the most interesting cities in the world, then the long trip might be worth the effort. Better yet, most of the route takes you right along the coast, and there are plenty of interesting stops on the way, not least the Northern Rivers region on the border between Queensland and New South Wales.

Car Rental Prices in Gold Coast

Large cars - from $42 per day
Medium cars - from $34 per day
Vans - from $86 per day
Small cars - from $37 per day
SUVs - from $35 per day

Money-saving tips

Follow these simple tips to get a great rental car in Queensland:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting the Gold Coast is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 43% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 60% cheaper than renting a car in November.

What travel writers say

You just can’t go to the Gold Coast without surfing! There are so many amazing spots for newbies and pros alike. One of the most popular spots is the Duranbah Beach (which is actually just north of the Gold Coast in New South Wales). For consistently flawless waves, Burleigh Heads is the place to be for the famous “Burleigh barrels” waves.

KR

Kiersten Rich

Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.

In my opinion, renting a car is by far going to be your best option to reach all of the spots on the Gold Coast. Driving a car on the Gold Coast is very safe and the road rules are very straight forward.

JM

Jonny Melon

I’m Jonny Melon – surfer, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia. For the past 5 years, I’ve been seeking out epic adventures, cultural experiences, and unique locations around the world.

The Gold Coast hinterland is not on the list of many travellers visiting the Gold Coast but, in my opinion, is the best part of the whole region. While swimming, surfing, walking, biking along the coastline are fantastic ways of exploring the Gold Coast, the hinterland’s varied landscape is indeed the best way to connect with nature and break from the hassle bustle of the city of Gold Coast.

MF

Michela Fantinel

Hi, I’m Michela is the solo traveller, editor in chief and publisher of Rocky Travel, the leading travel site for the Solo Traveller to Australia, and Italy, my home country.

Top 20 Cities near Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise Car Rentals from $69.93 per day

19.3 km / 12.0 miles away
Ballina Car Rentals from $50.92 per day

74.7 km / 46.4 miles away
Ipswich Car Rentals from $34.42 per day

94.0 km / 58.4 miles away
Brisbane Car Rentals from $32.82 per day

94.8 km / 58.9 miles away
North Lakes Car Rentals from $81.13 per day

113.9 km / 70.8 miles away
Toowoomba Car Rentals from $35.67 per day

166.9 km / 103.7 miles away
Marcoola Car Rentals from $24.40 per day

178.3 km / 110.8 miles away
Noosa Heads Car Rentals from $28.16 per day

200.5 km / 124.6 miles away
Coffs Harbour Car Rentals from $50.92 per day

242.7 km / 150.8 miles away
Armidale Car Rentals from $34.42 per day

320.2 km / 199.0 miles away
Hervey Bay Car Rentals from $51.62 per day

322.4 km / 200.3 miles away
Port Macquarie Car Rentals from $40.11 per day

369.0 km / 229.3 miles away
Bundaberg Car Rentals from $73.40 per day

381.3 km / 236.9 miles away
Moree Car Rentals from $35.67 per day

385.5 km / 239.5 miles away
Tamworth Car Rentals from $32.26 per day

413.9 km / 257.2 miles away
Taree Car Rentals from $67.64 per day

425.3 km / 264.3 miles away
Gladstone Car Rentals from $105.66 per day

529.2 km / 328.8 miles away
Newcastle Car Rentals from $38.14 per day

539.2 km / 335.0 miles away
Tuggerah Car Rentals from $55.04 per day

604.9 km / 375.9 miles away
Rockhampton Car Rentals from $67.71 per day

612.3 km / 380.5 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Gold Coast

Gold Coast Airport Car Rentals from $34.46 per day
Ballina Airport Car Rentals from $50.92 per day

74.7 km / 46.4 miles away
Brisbane Archerfield Car Rentals from $85.54 per day

81.8 km / 50.8 miles away
Brisbane Rocklea Car Rentals from $34.42 per day

83.7 km / 52.0 miles away
Brisbane Tingalpa Car Rentals from $32.97 per day

86.4 km / 53.7 miles away
Downtown Car Rentals from $35.25 per day

90.9 km / 56.5 miles away
Brisbane Ascot Car Rentals from $93.12 per day

92.1 km / 57.2 miles away
Brisbane Airport Car Rentals from $32.82 per day

94.8 km / 58.9 miles away
Brisbane Brendale Car Rentals from $85.54 per day

107.4 km / 66.7 miles away
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Car Rentals from $55.82 per day

170.6 km / 106.0 miles away
Sunshine Coast Airport Car Rentals from $24.40 per day

178.3 km / 110.8 miles away
Coffs Harbour Airport Car Rentals from $50.92 per day

242.7 km / 150.8 miles away
Armidale Airport Car Rentals from $37.69 per day

320.2 km / 199.0 miles away
Hervey Bay Airport Car Rentals from $64.43 per day

322.4 km / 200.3 miles away
Hervey Bay Downtown Car Rentals from $51.62 per day

328.5 km / 204.1 miles away
Port Macquarie Airport Car Rentals from $40.44 per day

369.0 km / 229.3 miles away
Bundaberg Airport Car Rentals from $80.74 per day

381.3 km / 236.9 miles away
Bundaberg Downtown Car Rentals from $73.40 per day

384.4 km / 238.9 miles away
Moree Airport Car Rentals from $35.67 per day

385.5 km / 239.5 miles away
Tamworth Airport Car Rentals from $34.19 per day

413.9 km / 257.2 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Gold Coast?

Car rental prices in Gold Coast vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Gold Coast

$58.09

January

$38.95

February

$42.97

March

$54.97

April

$41.13

May

$63.23

June

$67.71

July

$60.04

August

$74.48

September

$64.97

October

$60.60

November

$73.13

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Gold Coast is February (when prices average $38.95 per day). This is 33% cheaper than the yearly average and 48% cheaper than renting in September (when prices average $74.48).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Gold Coast?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in February, the average renter keeps their car for 7 days, and in January, they keep their car for 6 days.

Average rental length in Gold Coast

6

January

7

February

7

March

6

April

6

May

7

June

7

July

7

August

6

September

6

October

6

November

7

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Gold Coast?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Gold Coast is January, and the least popular is February.

Monthly searches in Gold Coast by pick-up date relative to the average

121%

January

81%

February

91%

March

114%

April

104%

May

92%

June

104%

July

85%

August

96%

September

116%

October

91%

November

104%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	3
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	Bargain Car Rentals, SIXT, Abaa Car Rentals, EastCoast Car Rentals, Jucy
Popular car categories	SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars
Lowest price	$34 per day
Cheapest supplier	Jucy

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Bargain Car Rentals	Hyundai Accent	4	2	Medium cars
Jucy	Toyota Corolla	5	3	Medium cars
Bargain Car Rentals	Toyota Corolla	4	2	Large cars
Bargain Car Rentals	Kia Stonic	4	2	SUVs
SIXT	Kia Carnival	5	3	Vans
SIXT	MG HS Aut.	5	3	SUVs
Abaa Car Rentals	Kia Rio	4	1	Small cars
Abaa Car Rentals	Hyundai i20	3	1	Small cars
EastCoast Car Rentals	Hyundai Kona	5	2	SUVs
Bargain Car Rentals	MG HS	4	2	SUVs

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

DL

New Zealand

Toyota Camry

April 13, 2023

Nice Walks and great beach parking everywhere lovely eating places .

CF

New Zealand

Hyundai Accent

April 11, 2023

Blues festival was great

MF

Australia

Hyundai Kona

March 2, 2023

Great places to visit on the Gold Coast.

TM

Australia

Kia Carnival

January 19, 2023

Family trip

EF

Australia

Mitsubishi Lancer

January 11, 2023

just hired to car as we needed to get around for a conference, was easy to hire, faster than an uber and cost effective

JA

Netherlands

Toyota Corolla

December 20, 2022

I had a car in Melbourne first which was quiet new but the car l had in Queensland was much older. The service is at either locations was perfect but l was disapointed in the car l was given in Queensland.

SE

Australia

Mitsubishi Outlander Aut.

December 15, 2022

The Gold Coast is a wonderful place for a holiday. Plenty of choices, from beaches to Hinterland rainforest, and everything in between! Bustling tourist hubs to serene locations. Something for everyone.

DR

Australia

Hyundai Accent

October 10, 2022

The Hinterland tours and Tree top walk is fantastic. We also enjoyed Warner Bro Movie World, just avoid school holidays.

SC

New Zealand

Kia Cerato

October 7, 2022

Was family holiday plus special celebration, fantastic accommodation and great time had by all. Whale watch and Australia zoo where the highlights......... plus shopping :(

SH

New Zealand

Hyundai Accent

October 1, 2022

We were mainly visiting family

LS

New Zealand

Nissan X-Trail

September 9, 2022

Eco tour at Noosa was great. Whale watching tour from Sea world was great. Weather was amazing. Australia zoo was a good day out

PL

Australia

Toyota Corolla

September 4, 2022

Stayed in coolangatta. Visited Curtis falls and natural bridge. Both about an hours drive. Accommodation had beautiful views and walking distance to shops

SM

New Zealand

Toyota Corolla

June 11, 2022

Gold coast, Surfers Paradise, lovely place to visit

JC

Australia

Toyota Corolla

May 14, 2022

We visited Harbour Town, Australia Fair, Pacific fair. Dreamworld, Movie World. To and from our resort to the heart of surfers. Good to have the convenience of a reliable car.

VM

Australia

Hyundai Accent

March 11, 2022

If at Surfers. Try the barefoot Fish Spa What an experience

DN

Australia

MG HS Aut.

March 2, 2022

Gold Coast changed quite a bit since we were there last time but due to the covid the crowd numbers are lower and there doesn't seem to be the same happy vibes like it was before covid came. Hopefully it will bounce back. Movie World closed a number of major rides on the day we went so you should check with them before deciding to go. They still charge you the same entry price. Bit rich.

KM

Australia

Toyota Corolla

February 1, 2022

Staying at Big4 Gold Coast in Helensvale, meant that a small car would make it easier to get around. It meant we could really pop to the shops, we're at the theme park in minutes, and also we're able to sightsee further away, like Main Beach and Tamborine Mountain.

MH

Australia

Mitsubishi Outlander

January 21, 2022

Discover were very difficult to deal with, my flight was cancelled and I had to leave on a later flight, I called discover to let them know I would be collecting the cars 3 hours later in which they told me they would cancel my booking and I would have to rehire new cars as they would let other people have the cars so the new price was more than doubled. So I told them not to change the bookings and I called ace car rentals which they advised me this is fine and I can pick up the cars from hertz desk. Hertz and ace were great . Discover terrible.

PP

Australia

Toyota Corolla

January 14, 2022

A small car was so easy to manoeuvre around car parks abs tourist places

JC

Australia

Toyota Corolla

January 6, 2022

We stayed In Burleigh Heads & spent time w family in Broadbeach & found having the car was great to get there & back

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company

SIXT

9.5 / 10

Lowest rated company

NUCarrentals

8.3 / 10

Total number of reviews

59

Total rental companies

18

Average daily price

$51.20

Lowest daily price

$28.23

Total cars available

116

Top 18 Suppliers in Gold Coast in 2023

SIXT

Exceptional 9.5 / 137 reviews

1 location

$68 - $102

EastCoast Car Rentals

Exceptional 9.3 / 151 reviews

1 location

$38 - $50

Ace Rental Cars

Exceptional 9.3 / 21 reviews

1 location

$37 - $75

Bargain Car Rentals

Exceptional 9.2 / 333 reviews

1 location

$35 - $157

Europcar

Exceptional 9.2 / 47 reviews

3 locations

$61 - $137

Alamo

Exceptional 9.1 / 17 reviews

1 location

$51 - $86

Hertz

Exceptional 9.1 / 10 reviews

1 location

$89 - $117

Jucy

Exceptional 9 / 122 reviews

1 location

$34 - $50

National

Excellent 8.9 / 2 reviews

1 location

$93 - $118

Abaa Car Rentals

Excellent 8.8 / 162 reviews

2 locations

$42 - $49

Budget

Excellent 8.8

1 location

$59 - $108

Avis

Excellent 8.7 / 3 reviews

1 location

$71 - $141

Thrifty

Excellent 8.7 / 31 reviews

2 locations

$109 - $142

Enterprise

Excellent 8.7

1 location

$58 - $104

Keddy

Excellent 8.5 / 2 reviews

1 location

$60 - $75

Firefly

Excellent 8.5

1 location

Dollar

Excellent 8.5

1 location

$89 - $122

NUCarrentals

Excellent 8.3 / 1 reviews

1 location

Car Rental in Gold Coast

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in Gold Coast?

One-Way Car Rentals in Gold Coast

Top ways to enter Gold Coast

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in Gold Coast

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 20 Cities near Gold Coast

Top 20 Locations near Gold Coast

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Gold Coast?

What’s the usual rental length in Gold Coast?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Gold Coast?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 18 Suppliers in Gold Coast in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers