Tips for renting a car inexpensively in Brisbane
Looking for a cheap car rental in Brisbane? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal across the city. Whether you're exploring major neighborhoods or venturing into nearby rural areas, a quick comparison can save you time and money.
- Compare pickup locations – Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including off-airport savings.
- Slightly adjust pickup times and dates – Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
- Choose economy or compact cars – These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
- Book early – Especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays), advance booking helps secure lower prices and better availability.
Tips for Brisbane car rental
- Brisbane’s CBD and inner suburbs are well-serviced by buses, trains, and ferries — a rental car is essential once you leave the city.
- Expect moderate to severe congestion on the Pacific Motorway (M1) and the Gateway Motorway during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM).
- Pick up and drop off your hire car at Brisbane Airport for the best highway connections.
- Refuel before returning your car — the Shell on Nudgee Road is cheaper than the petrol stations by the terminal.
- Only 4WDs are permitted on Fraser Island (K’gari), and your Brisbane car rental company might not allow their vehicles on the barge — check your rental agreement.
Driving tips in Brisbane
- Drive in the left lane, overtake in the right.
- Give way to your right side at roundabouts.
- Avoid flashing headlights to let someone pass — a friendly wave is the appropriate signal.
- Use your horn rarely and only in case of emergency.
- Stay in the left lane on motorways — use the right lane to overtake.
- Download the Parkopedia or Secure Parking apps for cheaper parking in the CBD.
- Keep an eye out for speed and red-light cameras to avoid harsh penalties.
- Brisbane’s primary roads include the M1, M2, Bruce Highway, and Logan Motorway.
- Best petrol stations: Shell, BP, Ampol, Coles Express.
- Carry your driver’s licence (IDP if not in English), rental contract, and insurance documents.
Speed limits
In Brisbane, default speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 40 km/h in school zones, and 100–110 km/h on motorways. Speed limits can change in an instant, so keep your eyes peeled for road signs. Mobile speed cameras are common, so always obey the traffic rules.
Road signs
Brisbane road signs abide by Australian standards: speeds in kilometres per hour, and clear “No Stopping” and “Clearway” signs in urban areas. Animal crossing signs are common on country roads — watch out for crossing koalas and kangaroos, especially near bushland. Signs are in English or use international symbols.
Tolls and restricted zones
Brisbane’s main toll roads are the M2, Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7), AirportlinkM7, and Legacy Way Tunnel. All tolls are cashless and charged via an e-tag, which may or may not be supplied by your rental company.
If your Brisbane car rental company doesn’t supply you with an e-tag, make sure you apply for a visitor pass. Brisbane also has clearways, bus lanes, and transit lanes, which have specific hours and rules, so watch road signs closely.
Discover Brisbane by car
After exploring Brisbane’s compact centre, hop in your hire car and head for some of Queensland’s best beaches, mountains, and bushland. In a single hour of driving, you can discover surf beaches, rainforests, and the hinterland.
Brisbane is also a hotspot for beach lovers, being surrounded by various sandy islands, including Fraser (K’gari), Bribie (Yarun), North Stradbroke (Minjerribah), and Moreton (Mulgumpin) — just ensure your Brisbane car rental company allows ferry travel.
When to visit
Having a subtropical climate, Brisbane is blessed with warm and sunny weather for most of the year. Summer (Dec.–Feb.) is humid and stormy, so plans need to be adapted to shifting weather conditions. However, the winter months (Jun.–Aug.) offer milder weather, perfect for road trips but still warm enough for days at the beach.
Languages & communication
English is the most common language in Australia. Indigenous place names are becoming more common, especially on the islands. In areas with an Indigenous population, you may hear local Indigenous dialects. All road signs are in English, and it’s unlikely for an English speaker to face a language barrier.
Currency & payments
Brisbane uses the Australian Dollar ($). Contactless payments are widely accepted, especially for petrol, parking meters, and tolls. Stand-alone ATMs are available throughout the city and urban areas. Look for local banks or petrol stations to find ATMs in regional towns.
Top driving routes from Brisbane
- Sunshine Coast — Hinterland villages, rainforest walks, and beaches like Mooloolaba, Noosa, and Coolum.
- Gold Coast — World-famous surf beaches, nightlife, and theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World.
- North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) — Wildlife, remote beaches, and Australia’s best whale watching.
- Mount Tamborine — Wineries, craft breweries, waterfalls, and glowworm caves.
- Fraser Island (K’gari) — The world’s largest sand island, beach driving, and 4WD adventures.
- Scenic Rim — Lamington National Park, rainforest retreats, wineries, and country pubs.
