Brisbane → Cairns one-way car rental

1,700 km, 18–20 h. Compare fees, routes and total price.

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One-way car rental from Brisbane → Cairns

The full length of the Queensland coast on the Bruce Highway: sugar cane, reef towns and the Whitsundays. Allow four days or more.

Distance

About 1,700 km via the Bruce Highway.

Driving time

18–20 h without long breaks.

Minimum hire

Often 4 days or more.

Typical one-way fee

A$300–450, depending on supplier and season.

Indicative figures only. The final fee is shown before you pay.

Brisbane → Cairns route planner

Every stop with its distance from Brisbane, driving time, the leg that follows and a day plan.

Best for the most direct drive

Fastest / Bruce Highway

The Bruce Highway the whole way.

DistanceAbout 1,700 km
Driving timeAbout 18–20 h
Stops6 on the way
  1. A

    Brisbane Pick-up

    Head north on the Bruce Highway.

    0 kmStart
    Next: Gympie · 170 km · about 2 h
  2. 1

    Gympie Fuel & coffee

    Fuel and coffee.

    170 kmAbout 2 h
    Next: Bundaberg · 200 km · about 2 h 30 min
  3. 2

    Bundaberg Overnight option

    Southern Great Barrier Reef and the rum distillery.

    370 kmAbout 4 h 30 min
    Next: Rockhampton · 270 km · about 3 h
  4. 3

    Rockhampton Overnight option

    Tropic of Capricorn. Overnight option.

    640 kmAbout 7 h 30 min
    Next: Mackay · 330 km · about 3 h 30 min
  5. 4

    Mackay Meal stop

    Eungella rainforest and platypus spotting.

    970 kmAbout 11 h
    Next: Airlie Beach · 150 km · about 1 h 45 min
  6. 5

    Airlie Beach Overnight option

    Base for Whitsunday Islands tours.

    1,120 kmAbout 12 h 45 min
    Next: Townsville · 240 km · about 2 h 45 min
  7. 6

    Townsville Overnight option

    Magnetic Island and The Strand.

    1,360 kmAbout 15 h 30 min
    Next: Cairns · 340 km · about 3 h 30 min
  8. B

    Cairns Drop-off

    Return at the airport or city depot.

    1,700 kmAbout 19 h

Approximate distances and times without long breaks. Driving times vary with traffic, roadworks and weather.

How Much Does a One-Way Car Rental Cost?

Your total is the rental price plus the one-way fee and any optional extras you choose. The exact amounts appear in your quote for your dates, car and locations.

Rental priceBased on your dates and car type
One-way feeShown before you payCharged for dropping the car in a different city
Optional extrasOptionalOnly what you choose to add
Typical one-way fee on this route A$300–450 indicativeFees vary by supplier, vehicle, locations and travel dates.
What affects the one-way fee?
  • The rental supplier
  • The vehicle category
  • Your pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Availability on your dates

How much is a one-way car rental fee in Australia?

A one-way fee is added when you drop the car in a different city. For Brisbane to Cairns it is usually higher than for short regional routes, and it changes by supplier and season.

CategoryDaily rate fromTypical one-way fee
EconomyA$39A$300–420
CompactA$46A$300–430
SUVA$68A$330–450
VanA$95A$370–500

Estimate your total

Indicative only. The final fee is shown before you pay. Relocation deals can reduce or remove it.

Brisbane → Cairns Driving Essentials

Four things worth knowing before you set off.

Keep Left

Australia drives on the left, including at roundabouts and when you pull back onto the road after a stop.

Watch Your Speed

Follow posted limits and changing road conditions. Speed limits vary by state, road type and area, so always follow the signs.

Plan Fuel Stops

Don't rely on finding fuel exactly when your tank is low. Fill up in larger towns, and check the fuel policy in your rental agreement.

Take Breaks

Long-distance driving requires regular rest. Share the driving if you can, and stop when you feel tired.

Important: Speed limits are determined by road signage and conditions; always follow the current posted limit.

Smart Tips for a Brisbane → Cairns Road Trip

Practical checks travellers often make too late.

Check the return location

Drop-off locations in Cairns may have different operating arrangements. Pick the one that suits your arrival.

Confirm the one-way fee

Don't compare only the daily rental rate. Compare the total price with the one-way fee included.

Check after-hours return

Particularly important if your arrival time is late. Confirm how and where to return the car and the keys.

Check kilometre limits

A 1,700 km trip can use a lot of your allowance once you add side trips. Check what your rental includes.

Allow extra time for stops

The direct drive is about 18–20 h. Stops, meals and fuel breaks add up, so plan your days to match.

Check vehicle restrictions

Some vehicle categories may have different one-way rules. Check before you confirm a category.

Photograph the vehicle at pickup

Record existing damage before leaving, and make sure it is noted on your paperwork.

Keep the rental agreement accessible

Keep a copy on your phone and the paper copy in the car, in case you are asked for it.

Traveller questions

Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.

When is the best time to drive Brisbane to Cairns?

May to October is dry and cooler. The wet season (December to April) can flood and close sections of the Bruce Highway.

One-way Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

How long does the drive from Brisbane to Cairns take?

About 18–20 h on the Bruce Highway, without long breaks.

Driving Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can I drop the car at Cairns?

Often yes, at an airport or city depot in Cairns. Confirm the drop-off hours and any surcharge.

One-way Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Are there tolls between Brisbane and Cairns?

No tolls north of Brisbane.

Costs & fees Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can I save money on the Brisbane to Cairns one-way fee?

Compare suppliers, flexible dates, both directions and relocation deals.

Costs & fees Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can I rent a car one-way from Brisbane to Cairns?

Yes. Many suppliers allow different pickup and drop-off locations, and a one-way charge may apply.

One-way Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

How much does a one-way rental cost from Brisbane to Cairns?

It varies by supplier, route, vehicle and dates. Any one-way charge is shown before you book.

Costs & fees Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Are tolls included on a Brisbane to Cairns one-way trip?

Usually not. Tolls are typically charged separately.

Costs & fees Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can I drive on unsealed roads on a Brisbane to Cairns one-way trip?

Many agreements restrict or exclude them. Check your conditions before you go.

Driving Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can I take a rental car on a ferry on a Brisbane to Cairns one-way trip?

Often restricted. Check terms, including for Tasmania ferries.

Driving Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

What is the excess on a Brisbane to Cairns one-way trip?

The maximum you may pay for damage unless you reduce it. It varies by supplier and vehicle.

Costs & fees Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can I add another driver on a Brisbane to Cairns one-way trip?

Usually, if they meet age and licence rules. A fee may apply.

Booking Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can I return the car after hours on a Brisbane to Cairns one-way trip?

Some locations allow it with a key drop. Confirm before you book.

Booking Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Can international visitors rent a car from Brisbane to Cairns?

Generally yes with a valid licence. An English translation or permit may be needed.

Booking Applies to: Brisbane → Cairns

Other one-way trips

All one-way routes and fees