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Car rental in Gold Coast - Search, Compare, and Save

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No hidden fees

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4.67/5

Reviews from 1300+ people

Excellent

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Gold Coast

Gold Coast

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Gold Coast

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Gold Coast

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Gold Coast

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental 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 customize 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 license, and understand the rental company's policies.

Area

1,402 square kilometers (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 license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license 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 license, 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 centers.

  • 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.

  • Refueling Tips

    Plan your refueling stops, especially when traveling 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 license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license 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

This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Gold Coast as

4.7

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the 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.

Pretty chill, yeah.

SS

Sam Smith

Reviewed: 06.09.2024

Amazing spontaneous weekend! Gold Coast was gorgeous, exploring with our rental car made it perfect.

CM

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.

AG

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.

MJ

Mia Jones

Reviewed: 11.02.2025

Gold Coast was breathtaking; so easy getting around with a car.

ID

Isabelle Davis

Reviewed: 20.12.2024

Pretty good vibes.

LB

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.

BT

Benjamin Taylor

Reviewed: 06.06.2025

Pretty relaxed, really.

KW

Kai Wilson

Reviewed: 18.08.2025

Gold Coast was fantastic; freedom to explore!

EL

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.

OP

Oliver Peterson

Reviewed: 10.03.2025

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