Car hire in Caloundra, Australia

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Choose from 16 pick-up spots

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There are 16 car hire providers in Caloundra. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Caloundra

Hiring a car in Caloundra: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carEconomy, SUV
Average daily price£43
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Caloundra

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Caloundra car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Caloundra

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Caloundra for around £43 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making booking quick and easy.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Caloundra is £29.

  • Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the main attractions? £197 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Book early to snag the best price for a Caloundra car hire. Besides saving money, you'll be choosing from the full lineup, not what's left.

  • Europcar, Avis and Budget are some of the most reliable providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.

  • The coverage Europcar or another supplier includes with your Caloundra car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You get the best value with this company, with average prices at £52 a day.

  • Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around £52.

  • The third option also performs well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly £61 a day.

  • The Economy rental category is a solid choice if you're not sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Caloundra.

Compare car hire types in Caloundra

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Caloundra gives you the freedom to explore for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Great for longer journeys, this Caloundra car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Caloundra big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Caloundra car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.

  • Make driving easier when you rent a car in Caloundra by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your car hire in Australia.

  • Add a car seat to your Caloundra car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.

  • Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in Australia.

  • Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph (30mph) in urban areas and 95kph (60mph) or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • In Australia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.

  • Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) on your trip here. Along with your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Caloundra for drivers

  • Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying your stay at Motel Sunshine Coast. About 2 kms (1 mile) from central Caloundra, it comes with accessible parking, express check-out and a golf course.

  • Salt at Oceanside is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, plus express check-out and express check-in. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 6 kms (4 miles) from the city centre.

  • Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the full list of hotels in Caloundra. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Caloundra and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Bulcock Beach, Dicky Beach and Bokarina beach give you a real taste of the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Caloundra

  • Buckle up and make tracks to Brisbane. Around 72 kms (45 miles) south of central Caloundra, it's home to must-sees like Gallery of Modern Art and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

  • They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Point Hotel and Great Southern Hotel Brisbane, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Brisbane.

  • Sunnybank Star Motel and Springwood Motor Inn are comfy places to stay in Logan City if you're hanging out for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • Why slow down now? Take off to Bundaberg, around 225 kms (140 miles) north of Caloundra. From Mon Repos Turtle Centre to Noog'garr Walla (Whale Rock) Lookout, your journey will end on a high note.

  • Next up: catching some z's. Kalua Motel and Alexandra Park Motor Inn have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Bundaberg.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Caloundra will set you back around £43 per day or £240 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Caloundra is an economy estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Economy, SUV.
The cheapest car hire company in Caloundra is currently Thrifty, followed by Hertz.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Caloundra is currently January.
On average, around £240. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Caloundra is £196.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Caloundra for a whole month is £1,079. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Caloundra, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Caloundra that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Caloundra.
Most places – Caloundra included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is £29 per day. The average price per day is around £43.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Hertz, Avis and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Caloundra.