Pick up here, return there
You collect the car at one location and return it at a different one.
One-way car rental
Pick up in one city, drop off in another. Compare fees, routes and total prices.
- Free Cancellation
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Charges
What is a one-way car rental in Australia?
A one-way rental lets you start and finish in different places.
Same day or interstate
Drop-offs can be in the same city, another city or another state.
Extra fee
A one-way fee usually applies, shown in the total price before you book.
Popular One-way car rental trips in Australia
Popular routes with typical fees.
Sydney → Melbourne
880 km · about 10–11 h · min. 3 day(s)
A$150–250typical fee
Melbourne → Adelaide
730 km · about 8.5–9.5 h · min. 3 day(s)
A$120–220typical fee
Brisbane → Gold Coast
80 km · about 1 h · min. 1 day(s)
A$0–80typical fee
Sydney → Canberra
290 km · about 3 h · min. 1 day(s)
A$50–150typical fee
Brisbane → Cairns
1,700 km · about 18–20 h · min. 5 day(s)
A$300–450typical fee
Perth → Margaret River
270 km · about 3 h · min. 2 day(s)
A$80–180typical fee
Hobart → Launceston
200 km · about 2h30 · min. 1 day(s)
A$50–120typical fee
Adelaide → Mount Gambier
430 km · about 4h30 · min. 2 day(s)
A$100–200typical fee
All one-way route guides
Route breakdowns, stops, maps and fee estimates for every route we cover, grouped by pick-up city.
From Sydney5 routes
From Melbourne5 routes
From Brisbane4 routes
From Perth4 routes
From Adelaide6 routes
From Gold Coast4 routes
From Cairns4 routes
What do you need to book a one-way rental?
Driver licence
A full licence held for at least 12 months. An International Driving Permit may be needed if yours is not in English.
Minimum age
Usually 21, with a young-driver fee under 25. Some categories need 25 or over.
Credit card
In the main driver's name, for the deposit and excess hold.
Booking confirmation
Printed or on your phone, including the pick-up and drop-off locations.
Flexible timing
Both branches' opening hours and any after-hours return rules.
Route plan
Confirm the interstate and geographic limits in your agreement.
How much is a one-way car rental fee in Australia?
The fee covers moving the car back to where it is needed. It depends on the route, season and supplier, and sometimes disappears on popular relocation routes.
| Route | Typical fee | Min. hire |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney → Melbourne | A$150–250 | 3 day(s) |
| Melbourne → Adelaide | A$120–220 | 3 day(s) |
| Brisbane → Gold Coast | A$0–80 | 1 day(s) |
| Sydney → Canberra | A$50–150 | 1 day(s) |
| Brisbane → Cairns | A$300–450 | 5 day(s) |
| Perth → Margaret River | A$80–180 | 2 day(s) |
| Hobart → Launceston | A$50–120 | 1 day(s) |
| Adelaide → Mount Gambier | A$100–200 | 2 day(s) |
Indicative ranges only. The final fee is shown before you pay.
How to book a one-way car rental in Australia without overpaying
- Compare the total, not the daily rateA cheap daily rate with a high drop-off fee can cost more.
- Look for relocation dealsSuppliers sometimes offer cars on popular one-way routes for very low rates or A$1 a day.
- Be flexible with datesFees drop when you move on days with less demand.
- Choose a nearby drop-offA drop-off at an airport or a larger depot can cost less than a small branch.
- Check kilometre limitsMake sure long routes include unlimited kilometres.
- Book early, read the termsCheck excess, tolls, fuel policy and after-hours return before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.
Are one-way rentals more expensive?
Usually, because of a drop-off fee. Relocation deals can be much cheaper.
Can I drop off in another state?
Yes with most suppliers, though some limit it by category or route.
Is there a minimum rental period?
Often for long routes, such as three days for Sydney to Melbourne.
Can I change the drop-off location later?
Often yes before travel, but the fee may change. Contact your supplier.
Do after-hours drop-offs work?
Many depots have key drop boxes. Confirm for your location.