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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Townsville
Townsville
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Townsville
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Townsville
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Townsville
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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 Townsville?
Townsville is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore Magnetic Island with Ease. A short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island offers pristine beaches, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. With a rental car, you can easily navigate the island and discover its many attractions.
Discover the Outback. Townsville is a gateway to the Australian outback. A rental car allows you to embark on unforgettable road trips and experience the vast landscapes and unique culture of the region.
Convenient Access to Local Beaches. Townsville boasts beautiful beaches such as The Strand and Rowes Bay. With a rental car, you can easily pack your beach gear and enjoy a day of sun, sand, and surf.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Townsville
Before renting a car in Townsville, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions. Here's what you need to know.
Area
140.1 square kilometers (54.1 square miles)
Population
Approximately 180,000 residents
Time Zone
AEST (UTC+10)
Ideal for
Exploring the region and day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Townsville require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
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 & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so check the rental agreement.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Townsville – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to January): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to September): 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 Townsville?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the outback.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Townsville
Townsville is a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, offering a mix of urban and natural attractions. A rental car enhances your ability to explore the region, but it's helpful to know about traffic and parking.
As the unofficial capital of North Queensland, Townsville offers access to the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, and outback landscapes. While the city has public transport, a car offers the flexibility to visit attractions outside the city center. Be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations for a smooth driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Strand
A popular beachfront promenade with parks, playgrounds, and swimming areas.
Castle Hill
A prominent landmark offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.
Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium
The world's largest living coral reef aquarium.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking is available in several parking garages throughout the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but time limits and fees may apply.
Park & Ride
Park-and-ride options are limited but can be found on the outskirts of the city, with bus connections to the center.
Gas Stations in Townsville
Major Brands
Look for Shell, BP, Caltex, and other major fuel chains throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Refueling Tips
Ensure you refuel before embarking on long trips outside the city, as stations may be infrequent in remote areas.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Townsville
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of wildlife, especially when driving on roads outside the city.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra travel time during peak hours, particularly on weekdays.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during hot weather.
Use Sunscreen
Protect yourself from the strong Australian sun.
Key Transportation Hubs in Townsville
Major Bus Stations
Townsville Bus Station
Located in the city center, it serves as a central hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Townsville Railway Station
Provides rail services to destinations along the Queensland coast.
Airports
Townsville Airport (TSV)
Serves domestic and international flights, located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city center.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Townsville?
Renting a car in Australia is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Australia, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for a limited period, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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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.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Townsville as
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.
Exploring Townsville was fantastic; the Strand was beautiful, though the Magnetic Island ferry was a bit pricey.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 21.06.2025
Townsville was even better than I remembered! So much to see, and having a car made getting around a breeze.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Townsville exceeded my expectations! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, allowing me to easily explore the stunning coastline and relax on the beautiful beaches. Highly recommend!
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 06.08.2025
Quick business trip, but Townsville charmed me! Getting around was effortless, and I saw so much.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Townsville's beauty surprised me! Exploring with my rental car was effortless; highly recommend.
Mia Thompson
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Loved Townsville! Having a car made it so easy to get around and explore all the hidden gems. The beaches were stunning.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 10.06.2025
Such a pleasant stop on our road trip! Having a car made exploring Townsville effortless.
Grace Collins
Reviewed: 14.02.2025
Okay, but kinda hot
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Isabelle Brown
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Townsville was gorgeous, easy to explore by car.
Katherine Johnson
Reviewed: 14.07.2025
Townsville in summer was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 18.03.2025