Great Barrier Reef car hire
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Cheap car hire in Great Barrier Reef
| Economy | R556/day |
| Compact | R495/day |
| Intermediate | R794/day |
| SUV | R1 051/day |
| People carrier | R1 450/day |
| Full-size SUV | R1 146/day |
| Supplier choice | R694/day |
| Intermediate SUV | R769/day |
| Compact SUV | R836/day |
| Standard SUV | R1 117/day |
Top tips for hiring 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 car hire in Great Barrier Reef at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef are around 4% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Standard car hire in Great Barrier Reef are around -73% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Great Barrier Reef
How much does it cost to hire a car in Great Barrier Reef?
On average a car hire in Great Barrier Reef costs R951 per day.
What is the most popular car hire in Great Barrier Reef?
Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Great Barrier Reef.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Great Barrier Reef?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at JUCY (R495/day), Bargain Car Rentals (R556/day) and Budget (R694/day).
What is the best car hire company in Great Barrier Reef?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Great Barrier Reef is Alamo (8,9, 50 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in Great Barrier Reef?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals 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 hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
Car hire directory
Sunnycars car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
11 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
11 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
9 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
8 Locations
Budget car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
7 Locations
Firefly car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
7 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
6 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
5 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
5 Locations
Avis car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
4 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
4 Locations
National car hire locations in Great Barrier Reef
4 Locations
Good to know
Most popular car type | Standard |
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