Great Barrier Reef car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Great Barrier Reef
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pickup Truck |
Top tips for renting a car in Great Barrier Reef
- If you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Queensland, the best airport to fly to is Cairns Airport (CNS) in Cairns. Multiple car rental agencies have a counter at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise, Redspot, Sixt, and Thrifty. The car rental desks are conveniently located in the Arrivals section at the northern end of Terminal 2 (Domestic) and the Arrivals Hall at Terminal 1 (International).
- Road conditions in the Great Barrier Reef are generally good. The stretch from Cairns through other major towns along the reef has well-maintained roads with stunning coastal views. Road conditions may vary in remote areas. You’ll come across unpaved sections or roads with potholes. Major towns along the coastline have narrow streets. Observe caution when driving through those sections. The region has several winding roads, so slow down as you approach those sections.
- The type of car to rent in the Great Barrier Reef depends on your needs. A convertible is the best option to enjoy scenic views of the beautiful coastline. We recommend an economy rental if you’re on a solo trip and have less luggage. A passenger van is ideal for larger groups with more luggage that require more space. Consider renting an SUV rental if you plan to venture off-road.
- The Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination, so you’ll likely encounter heavy traffic during peak tourist season. Most tourists flock to the region from June through October. Major roads along the coastal area are usually busy during this time. Traffic in major towns along the Great Barrier Reef can also get busy during morning and evening rush hour, mostly from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Towns with the heaviest traffic during peak rush hour include Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, and Townsville.
- Book your rental car in Great Barrier Reef at least 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Compact rental cars in Great Barrier Reef are around 3% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Great Barrier Reef
What is the most popular rental car in Great Barrier Reef?
Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Great Barrier Reef.
How can I find car rentals near me in Great Barrier Reef?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
Should I rent a car in the Great Barrier Reef?
Renting a car in the Great Barrier Reef offers a convenient option for exploring the region. You can drive to popular attractions in the Great Barrier Reef at your own pace. It’s also the most reliable option since there is limited public transportation. Great Barrier Reef car rentals allow you to explore the region comfortably, especially if you have a lot of luggage. They are more affordable when you look at the cumulative costs of hiring a taxi to various destinations in the Great Barrier Reef.
What is it like driving in the Great Barrier Reef?
Driving in the Great Barrier Reef is generally easy. The good road network in the region grants you a smooth driving experience. Expect a scenic drive along the coastline. Major towns along the Great Barrier Reef are heavily populated, so be prepared to slow down when driving through those areas. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. The general speed limit on major roads along the Great Barrier Reef is 30 mph (50 km/h) in urban areas and 68 mph (110 km/h) outside built-up areas. School zones have a speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h). There are speed cameras and police patrols everywhere, so drive within the posted speed limits to avoid hefty fines.
How old should I be to rent a car in the Great Barrier Reef?
The minimum age to rent a car in the Great Barrier Reef is 21. Some car rental agencies have a minimum rental age limit of 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur an additional surcharge. You must also provide the necessary documents, including a valid driver's license in your name, an internationally recognized credit card or debit card for payment, and additional identification documents (a passport or photo ID). An International Driving Permit (IDP) isn’t a major requirement since English is the primary language in the region.
Car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
Car rental directory
Sunnycars car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
6 Locations
Dollar car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
4 Locations
Firefly car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
4 Locations
Ace Rental Cars car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
3 Locations
Budget car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
3 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
3 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
3 Locations
National car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
3 Locations
Sixt car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
3 Locations
Thrifty car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
3 Locations
Alamo car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
2 Locations
Atlas Car & Truck Rental car rental locations in Great Barrier Reef
2 Locations
Good to know
Most popular car type | Compact |
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