How to find a cheap car hire deal in Townsville
Grab a cheap rental car in Townsville and be on your way for around RM246 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
RM208 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Townsville.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from RM956 and pack in more adventures.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Townsville car hire. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.
Browse the offers available with Bargain Car Rentals, Europcar and Alamo. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
Whether you choose Bargain Car Rentals or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Townsville car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of RM650 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around RM621.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly RM668 a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in Townsville.
Flying to Townsville? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Townsville trip by booking a car hire at Townsville Airport. The city centre is about 8 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Townsville
Small: These cheap rental cars in Townsville may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Townsville car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Townsville big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Townsville car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Townsville.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your car hire in Australia.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat regulations vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Townsville car hire reservation.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you haven't driven before in Australia, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In Australia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
English is the language you'll hear most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Townsville for drivers
Offering parking, Cascade Motel in Townsville takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Townsville and also comes with a barbeque and express check-in.
Beach House Motel makes things simpler with parking and features such as an airport shuttle and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in Townsville for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Townsville and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Reef HQ and Botanic Gardens are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Townsville
Shift gears and head toward Ayr. Around 72 kilometres southeast of central Townsville, you'll find must-sees like Plantation Park and Beach Road Park.
Ayr Traveller's Motel and Parkside Motel Ayr are popular accommodation options with parking in Ayr.
Add Ingham to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Townsville and drive roughly 97 kilometres northwest to explore highlights such as TYTO Wetlands and Mungalla Station.
Relax after a big day out in Ingham at Tropixx Motel or Motel Ingham. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Up for a bigger adventure? Mareeba is a top road trip destination that's around 290 kilometres northwest of Townsville. Plan to make a few pit stops at Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve and Jaques Coffee Plantation.
