Brisbane Airport (BNE) has separate domestic and international terminals about 2 km apart. Rental companies operate from both, from nearby Airport Drive and from off-airport depots in Eagle Farm and Hendra. Check which terminal your booking is for before you fly.
At a glance
1Where to Collect Your Car
At the domestic terminal, Avis and Budget are on Level 1 of the P1 car park, reached by the Skywalk, and Redspot is on Stradbroke Way. Europcar and Sixt are listed at the terminal building, and Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar on Airport Drive. Off-airport companies including Alpha Car Hire, Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast Car Rentals and Everything Fleet have depots a short shuttle ride away.
If you booked an international terminal pick-up, confirm the desk location. Some suppliers serve international arrivals from the domestic precinct.
2Prices
In 2025 data, Brisbane airport pick-ups averaged about A$105 a day, city branches A$98 and off-airport depots A$64. July was the most expensive month and May the cheapest.
Also read: Airport vs city car rental: which is cheaper?
3Driving From the Airport
- To the city: Airport Link (tolled) is fastest; the free route via Kingsford Smith Drive is slower in traffic.
- To the Gold Coast: the Gateway Motorway (tolled) and M1, about an hour.
- To the Sunshine Coast: the Gateway and Bruce Highway north, about 1.5 hours.
- Tolls are electronic and billed by the rental company with an admin fee.
Also read: Sydney to Brisbane road trip
4Prices and Peak Times
Brisbane’s busiest rental months are the winter school holidays, when interstate visitors head north for the sunshine. In 2025 data, July averaged about A$113 a day, and May was cheapest at about A$85. Booking around 12 days ahead was reported to save over 20 per cent compared with last-minute bookings.
5Check the Final Price
Airport fees, insurance and upgrades can change the final total. Customer reports collected by VroomVroomVroom include a booking that rose significantly at the desk after insurance, an upgrade and airport location fees. Decide on excess cover and car size before you arrive, and read the confirmation carefully.
6Arrival Checklist
- Confirm the terminal and desk location in your voucher before you fly.
- For off-airport suppliers, check where the shuttle picks up and call when you land.
- Bring your licence, passport, credit card and voucher; add an IDP or translation if your licence is not in English.
- Ask how tolls are billed, as most fast routes from the airport use tolled roads.
- Inspect the car and photograph any damage, including wheels and windscreen.
Also read: Brisbane to Cairns road trip
7Day Trips From Brisbane
| Trip | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast beaches | About 80 km | 1 h |
| Tamborine Mountain | About 80 km | 1 h 15 min |
| Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba) | About 100 km | 1 h 15 min |
| Noosa | About 140 km | 1 h 45 min |
| Byron Bay | About 170 km | 2 h |
8Returning the Car
- Follow the signs for rental car returns at your terminal, or return to the off-airport depot and take the shuttle.
- Allow an hour for off-airport returns.
- Refuel before returning; there are service stations on Airport Drive and Kingsford Smith Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the rental car desks at Brisbane Airport?
At the domestic terminal, Avis and Budget are on Level 1 of the P1 car park; other companies are at the terminal building, on Airport Drive or off-airport.
How far is Brisbane Airport from the city?
About 15 km, roughly 20 minutes outside peak traffic.
Are there tolls from Brisbane Airport?
Airport Link and the Gateway Motorway are tolled; free routes take longer.
Is off-airport rental cheaper in Brisbane?
Yes on average: about A$64 a day against A$105 at the airport in 2025 data.
Summarize this blog with AI
Short on time? Open an AI assistant with this guide ready to summarize.
Australia Rent Car compares car hire from the top suppliers across Australia, with one-way trips, airport pick-ups and total prices side by side.
