Car Rental in Townsville
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Townsville Airport
Economy
MG 3
or similar
$38.87
/ per day
Downtown
Compact
MG 3
or similar
$38.88
/ per day
Townsville Airport
Standard
MG 5
or similar
$41.30
/ per day
Downtown
Intermediate
Suzuki Baleno
or similar
$42.70
/ per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Downtown
Full-size SUV
Mazda CX-9
or similar
$62.02
/ per day
Downtown
Premium SUV
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
or similar
$98.30
/ per day
Townsville Airport
Full-size Elite SUV
Toyota Kluger
or similar
$133.62
/ per day
Townsville Airport
Special Van
Toyota Hiace
or similar
$120.83
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 06:38 on 2024-04-15. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Languages
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+61
Average car rental price
$72 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
100 - 130 km/h or 62 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
$1.18 per liter or $4.46 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.10 per liter or $4.15 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$1.42 per liter or $5.37 / 1 gallon
Why rent a car in Townsville?
One of the main cities and regional centre of North Queensland, Townsville is best known for its nearby natural attractions. The cozy city of 180,000 souls offers access to the southern portions of one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the amazing Magnetic Island, the famous Outback and the northern Australian rainforest. There’s no need to be in a great rush to leave the city, though, as there’s also plenty of attractions inside its borders, such as heritage sites, beautiful public beaches, and lots of art and culture.
One-Way Car Rentals in Townsville
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Townsville and drop off in another city include:
- From Townsville to Cairns - 26 offers from $89.71 per day
- From Townsville to Sydney - 26 offers from $104.74 per day
Top ways to enter Townsville
- Townsville Airport. Serving about 1.6 million travelers every year, this cozy airport offers access to Australian metropolises like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, as well as more exotic and isolated destinations like Mackay, Toowoomba, and Palm Island. Located about 7 km (4.3 miles) west of the city center, the airport can be reached in ten minutes.
- Cairns Airport. The biggest airport of North Queensland, it serves plenty of domestic destinations, as well as flights to and from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and Papua New-Guinea. Located some 350 km (217 miles) north of Townsville, the trip between the two takes about four and a half hours, and most of the drive takes you near the coast, passing attractions like Mission Beach and Hinchinbrook Island along the way.
Top destinations and activities
- Museums. Despite its relatively small size, Townsville has a decent amount of interesting museums. The standout amongst them is the Museum of Tropical Queensland with its impressive collections of corals, other marine flora and fauna, and artifacts from the wreck of the famous HMS Pandora. Others include the Army Museum of North Queensland, the Maritime Museum (located in the Townsville Harbour area), and the Rolling Stone Park Museum and community markets.
- The Strand. One of the most famous city beaches in Australia, the Strand is characterized by its golden sands, surrounding gardens, impressive views, and relaxed atmosphere. The ocean is generally very calm here and safe to swim in at many places along it. Located in the suburb of North Ward, The Strand can be easily accessed from anywhere in the city.
- Reef HQ. While many trips and tours to the Great Barrier Reef depart from Townsville, the first impression of that unique ecosystem can be gained without leaving the city. An impressive aquarium, the Reef HQ has not only corals, but also other mesmerizing ocean dwellers like sea cucumbers, urchins, and stars. Other sections of the aquarium house the impressive blacktip reef and leopard sharks, as well as the Turtle Hospital dedicated to the recovery of injured marine animals. Visit the aquarium's official site to learn more about opening hours, tickets, and the conservation efforts of the center.
- Magnetic Island. A stunning tropical island located just a short 40-minute car ferry away from Townsville. “Maggie” as locals call it, is known for its crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and secluded bays. This is often recommended as a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Townsville. Find out more in this great guide to Magnetic Island.
Traffic and parking
- As a moderately sized Australian city, traffic congestion is generally not as severe as in larger cities like Sydney or Brisbane. The road network is also well maintained.
- There is free and paid parking available in the city. Generally, the free parking is found a few streets back from the Strand. There are plenty of spots usually available near the Ross River, within walking idstance of the main attract
- 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 outside of main highways is the heat. The 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 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 primary, 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. In New South Wales, there are nine currently active toll roads, which is more than in the rest of the country combined.
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 fee system in place.
The main freeway bypassing Townsville is called the Townsville Ring Road, which forms the new A1 motorway connecting the southern Queensland cities to Cairns. This is a toll-free road, and tolls in general are not found in the Townsville region.
For more information about the toll roads in the state of Queensland, visit the state’s toll road website.
Car Rental Prices in Townsville
- Large cars - from $41 per day
- Medium cars - from $39 per day
- Vans - from $82 per day
- Premium cars - from $120 per day
- Small cars - from $39 per day
- SUVs - from $41 per day
Top 20 Cities near Townsville
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231.6 km / 143.9 miles
-
284.3 km / 176.7 miles
-
329.9 km / 205 miles
-
337.4 km / 209.7 miles
-
598.3 km / 371.8 miles
-
689.6 km / 428.5 miles
-
776.4 km / 482.4 miles
-
849.3 km / 527.7 miles
-
921.8 km / 572.8 miles
-
1,024.8 km / 636.8 miles
-
1,042.2 km / 647.6 miles
-
1,063.4 km / 660.8 miles
-
1,112 km / 691 miles
-
1,113.5 km / 691.9 miles
-
1,185.6 km / 736.7 miles
-
1,204.4 km / 748.4 miles
-
1,253.9 km / 779.1 miles
-
1,268.4 km / 788.1 miles
-
1,345.2 km / 835.9 miles
-
1,369.3 km / 850.8 miles
Top 20 Locations near Townsville
-
231.6 km / 143.9 miles
-
284.3 km / 176.7 miles
-
329.9 km / 205 miles
-
598.3 km / 371.8 miles
-
689.6 km / 428.5 miles
-
848.4 km / 527.2 miles
-
849.3 km / 527.7 miles
-
911.2 km / 566.2 miles
-
921.8 km / 572.8 miles
-
1,042.2 km / 647.6 miles
-
1,060.6 km / 659 miles
-
1,097.9 km / 682.2 miles
-
1,112 km / 691 miles
-
1,113.4 km / 691.8 miles
-
1,113.7 km / 692 miles
-
1,113.8 km / 692.1 miles
-
1,118.4 km / 694.9 miles
-
1,120.7 km / 696.4 miles
-
1,122.6 km / 697.6 miles
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Townsville?
Car rental prices in Townsville 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 Townsville
The cheapest month to rent a car in Townsville is January (when prices average $40.09 per day). This is 40% cheaper than the yearly average and 67% cheaper than renting in August (when prices average $121.59).
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.
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 Townsville?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in July, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in May, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of rental days in Townsville
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Townsville?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Townsville is December, and the least popular is August.
Monthly searches in Townsville by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Car rental locations | 2 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Bargain Car Rentals, Alamo, Thrifty, Europcar, SIXT |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars |
| Lowest price | $39 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Alamo |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Kia Stonic | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Alamo | MG 3 | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Thrifty | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Alamo | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Alamo | Skoda Kamiq | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Europcar | Ford Puma | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Europcar | MG 3 | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Holden Acadia | 5 | 3 | 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.
DR
Australia
Kia Picanto
October 2, 2021
Went all over the area it was so good to have the freedom to drive where and when we wanted
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Alamo
8.9 / 10
Lowest rated company
Routes Car Rental
7.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
2
Total rental companies
14
Average daily price
$72.07
Lowest daily price
$38.87
Total cars available
202
Top 14 Suppliers in Townsville in 2024
Alamo
1 location
$39 - $49
Thrifty
2 locations
$54 - $182
Bargain Car Rentals
1 location
$40 - $126
SIXT
2 locations
$48 - $168
Budget
1 location
$77 - $118
National
1 location
$179 - $215
Hertz
1 location
$78 - $160
Europcar
2 locations
$39 - $139
Avis
1 location
$80 - $152
Dollar
2 locations
$48 - $192
Enterprise
2 locations
$44 - $60
Keddy
1 location
$54 - $142
Firefly
1 location
Routes Car Rental
2 locations
$39 - $131
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 150k+ total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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