Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Gold Coast - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Gold Coast
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Gold Coast
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Gold Coast
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Gold Coast?
Gold Coast is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and stunning hinterland. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore all that this region has to offer at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the Beaches. Gold Coast's attractions extend far beyond the shoreline. A rental car allows you to easily access the hinterland, including rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts.
Visit Theme Parks with Ease. Having your own car makes it convenient to travel between the various theme parks, such as Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Sea World, without relying on shuttle services or taxis.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. Whether you're traveling with family or a group, a rental car offers the flexibility to customise your itinerary and travel on your own schedule.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Gold Coast
Before booking a rental car in Gold Coast, ensure you meet the age requirements, possess a valid driver's licence, and understand the rental company's policies.
Area
1,402 square kilometres (541 square miles)
Population
Approximately 680,000 residents
Time Zone
AEST (GMT+10)
Ideal for
Family trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Gold Coast require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options are available, such as collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required, usually held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Gold Coast – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £8.50 / $10.75 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to January): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to June): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Gold Coast?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early ensures better rates, especially in peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle type.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the hinterland.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements before booking.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your rental car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Gold Coast
Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination offering beaches, theme parks, and natural attractions. Understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations will enhance your driving experience.
Gold Coast is known for its sunny weather and beautiful coastline. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the region's diverse offerings, from the beaches to the hinterland. Traffic conditions can vary, so it's essential to be aware of local driving regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Surfers Paradise Beach
Iconic beach known for its high-rise buildings and vibrant atmosphere.
Theme Parks
Home to world-class theme parks like Dreamworld, Movie World, and Sea World.
Gold Coast Hinterland
Explore lush rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking options available in major tourist areas and shopping centres.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking available in designated areas, but can be limited.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to access popular destinations and reduce parking costs.
Gas Stations in Gold Coast
Major Fuel Chains
Find major fuel brands like BP, Shell, and Caltex throughout the region.
Refuelling Tips
Plan your refuelling stops, especially when travelling to remote areas.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Gold Coast
Use Electronic Toll Payment
Consider using an electronic toll payment system for toll roads.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in tourist areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Allow extra travel time during peak hours and school holidays.
Key Transportation Hubs in Gold Coast
Major Bus Stations
Surfers Paradise Transit Centre
Central hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Varsity Lakes Station
Main railway station on the Gold Coast line, connecting to Brisbane.
Nerang Station
Another key station providing connections to Brisbane and other destinations.
Airports
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
Located in Coolangatta, serving domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Gold Coast?
Renting a car in Gold Coast is relatively straightforward. You'll need a few essential items to get started.
A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Gold Coast as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Amazing spontaneous weekend! Gold Coast was gorgeous, exploring with our rental car made it perfect.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Loved exploring the Gold Coast! Having a car was so convenient, letting us easily reach all the beaches and hidden gems. Such a fun trip.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
First time on the Gold Coast, and exploring independently was great. Having a car made it easy to see everything, though the beaches were a bit more crowded than I expected.
Mia Jones
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Gold Coast was breathtaking; so easy getting around with a car.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Pretty good vibes.
Liam Brown
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
So glad I returned to the Gold Coast after all these years! Having a car was fantastic for exploring; so much easier than relying on public transport. The beaches were stunning.
Benjamin Taylor
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Kai Wilson
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Gold Coast was fantastic; freedom to explore!
Ethan Lee
Reviewed: 06.07.2025
Such a fun trip! Exploring the Gold Coast with our own car was amazing; we saw so much more than expected.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Pretty chill, yeah.
Sam Smith
Reviewed: 06.09.2024