Cheap Car Hire Sunshine Coast Airport
Big savings on car Rental at Sunshine Coast Airport
Compare the best Sunshine Coast Airport car rental deals from more than 15 rental brands. Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, National, East Coast, Alamo and more. (Sunshine Coast Airport was previously called Maroochydore Airport).
* Some rental car suppliers may charge a credit card fee for amounts payable on arrival.
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Car Hire Options at Sunshine Coast Airport
Taking a taxi from the Sunshine Coast Airport into Mooloolaba, one of the closest townships, is only a 15-minute drive but can cost you over $50 (depending on traffic). And that’s just one-way. If you’re travelling further (and most places are much further from the airport) then the cost will be even higher. So why not book a rental vehicle instead? Hiring a car gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace and can save you money.
There are more than 17 rental car brands operating from Sunshine Coast Airport (which locals may still call Maroochydore Airport). If you’re looking for the best deal, that’s a lot of websites to check out...
To make things easy, our car rental comparison search engine hunts down the very best offers available from all car rental suppliers and lists them side-by-side for you. This lets you instantly compare and find the best deals.
Avis, Alamo, Bargain, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Keddy, National, Europcar, Enterprise and Thrifty Car Rentals all have desks located in the Arrivals area of the airport terminal near the baggage claim area. Their vehicles are parked close to the front entrance, next to the drop off zone.
Other car rental operators — Alpha, Apex, SIXT, and East Coast Car Rentals — are located close to the airport and will transfer you between the terminal and their depot. Although this isn’t as convenient, it is often the cheaper way to rent a car from the airport.
Book now and save! Just enter your travel details into the quote box at the top of the page to instantly compare a wide range of vehicles at the best price. This means you don't have to waste time trawling the Internet looking for options. Or have to pay exorbitant walk-up prices at the airport rental counter.
Let us do all the hard work so you can enjoy your holiday on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
On-Airport Rental Brands
“On-airport” means these rental companies have check-in desks within the terminal at Sunshine Coast Airport.
The big advantage of this for you is convenience and speed. Once you’ve checked in you can jump in your car and get going. No waiting around for transfer vans.
But it does come at a cost. The fees are higher than off-airport rental companies to offset the costs of being at Sunshine Coast Airport.
You’ll find “on-airport” rental car company desks located in the Arrivals area of the airport terminal near the baggage claim area.
Use our price comparison search tool to find the best prices for these on-airport car hire brands at Sunshine Coast Airport:
Off-Airport Rental Brands
“Off-airport” companies don't have check-in desks within the airport. This means you’ll need to make your way to their car hire depot to check in and collect your car.
Most provide free shuttle services and will collect you from the terminals. This gets arranged when you make your booking and you’ll need to let them know when you’ve arrived.
Some depots are within the grounds of Sunshine Coast Airport and so only a few minutes drive. Others are off the airport grounds and so take longer to get to.
Off-airport car hire companies aren’t as fast or convenient as using on-airport car rentals. But the big advantage is they are usually much cheaper.
Use our price comparison search tool to find the best prices for these off-airport car hire brands at Sunshine Coast Airport:
Maximum Choice. Best Deals.
Sunshine Coast Airport Car Hire Tips
Ways to save money on Sunshine Coast Airport car hire
Compare prices of on-airport and off-airport brands. If you’re not in a big rush, hiring a vehicle from off-airport car hire depots can result in big savings.
But you will have to take extra time with the shuttle transfer. Transfers are usually free, but limited to opening hours, so check when you book.
Don’t hire a bigger rental car than you require and consider if you really need all the extras you’ll be offered, such as a GPS. Google Maps on your phone will normally do the trick, provided phone data charges aren’t an issue.
With lengthy distances and long travel times between major cities, petrol stops are likely to be frequent. Fuel prices can vary widely from place to the next, so if you want to spend less at the pump use a mobile app like MotorMouth to find the best prices.
Driving the Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Airport (previously known as Maroochydore Airport) is the gateway to an area of surf and sun that includes the coastal towns of Mooloolaba, Noosa, Maroochydore, Marcoola, Coolum, Sunshine Beach, Rainbow Beach, and Caloundra. But it’s not all sunlit beaches and surfing — the hinterland includes the Blackall Ranges, Kondalilla National Park, and Glass House Mountains National Park, along with charming country towns like Gympie, Eumundi, Yandina, Nambour, Mapleton, Montville, and Melany.
This is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia but you’ll find driving is easy. There are toll roads as you get close to Brisbane, however, so you should check to make sure your hire car is fitted with an electronic tag (e-Tag) to facilitate easy toll payment. With an e-Tag, the tolls are normally added to your car hire charge but rental companies can manage these payments differently.
In Australia, you’ll need to drive on the left-hand side — if you’re not already used to it, you might find it difficult to adjust. Unless otherwise signposted, the speed limit in urban and suburban areas is 50km/h, and on highways the default limit is 100km/h. When driving your hire car, all occupants must wear seatbelts or an approved child restraint (a child safety seat or booster seat depending on the child’s size).
Return with a full tank
When you bring back your car to the airport it’s always a good idea to ensure you return your rental car with a full tank of petrol. This will avoid you being charged the high price rental companies charge to top up fuel tanks.
There are petrol stations close to Sunshine Coast Airport, including the 7-Eleven Marcoola which is just three minutes from the airport at 946-948 David Low Way, and the BP station at 694-696 David Low Way. Click here to find petrol stations close to Sunshine Coast Airport.
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Sunshine Coast Attractions
A rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to make the most of your time exploring the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas. Enjoy the long sandy beaches, beautiful rainforests, cool lakes and spectacular Australian wildlife. As one of Australia's top tourist destinations, the Sunshine Coast has it all. Below are some of our favourite attractions that we know you will love. For more ideas, check out the Sunshine Coast website.
Australia Zoo
A blue-winged Kookaburra at Australia Zoo / CC 2.0
Australia Zoo is one of the most popular attractions on the Sunshine Coast. The zoo, which includes a wide array of mammals, birds and reptiles, was established back in 1970 by Steve Irwin, who you will remember as television’s “The Crocodile Hunter”.
The team at the zoo takes great pride in supporting various national and international conservation projects which assist in protecting all manner of animals, from cassowaries to crocodiles, and more besides.
While you are at the zoo, you can get up-close and personal with your favourite animals. From kissing a dingo, to hand-feeding a giant tortoise, or getting your photo taken with a snake or a koala, you will be spoiled for choice. The wildlife shows are also a sight to behold — with crocodile viewings, where you can watch the crocodiles being fed by the keepers, or the chance to learn about Australia’s birds of prey or the zoo’s otters.
Just over 30 minutes from the airport in your rental car, the journey to Australia Zoo is a picturesque drive. Travel down the Sunshine Motorway, then follow State Route Six on your way to Beerwah. Make sure you bring some good walking shoes, comfortable clothes and a camera to take plenty of shots of the animals. The zoo’s opening hours are from 9am to 5pm every day, with only one closure throughout the year, on Christmas day.
Noosa National Park
Noosa Heads National Park
Have you ever wanted to see a koala hanging out in its natural habitat? Do you love going on nature trails? Noosa National Park might just be the place for you!
Just a 32-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, Noosa National Park is outlined by a picturesque coastline, with plenty of photo-taking opportunities. The 4,000 hectare park is home to a variety of Australian animals including the glossy black-cockatoo, red goshawk, wallum froglet and endangered flora such as the swamp orchid and christmas bells.
There are a variety of walking tracks which are colour-coded depending on the length of the track and the fitness level that is needed to complete it — the levels range from easy to moderate. If you’re travelling to Noosa Park in the Spring season, look out for wildflowers which make for a truly beautiful sight amongst the trees. The tracks trail through the woodlands and along the coast. If you are travelling through the area from July to November, you may even be lucky enough to spot whales and dolphins frolicking in the sea. You might even see a few turtles.
Bring comfortable clothing for long walks, walking shoes, sunscreen and a camera. Lock your vehicle and be aware that phone reception is not always reliable at the park.
Eumundi Markets
Eumundi Markets / Bert Knot CC-SA 2.0
After lazing about in the sun for hours and enjoying the local wildlife, it’s time to take a well-earned shopping break at the Eumundi Markets.
Founded in 1979, the markets are the biggest arts and craft market in the country, thanks to the town’s eclectic collection of artisans, craftspeople and entertainers. From palm-reading to cutting edge fashion, jewellery and original artworks, local produce, and souvenirs, there’s something for everyone.
If you find yourself in the Sunshine Coast over the Christmas holidays, don’t miss out on the night markets which take place from 5pm-9pm on every Friday of December. Enjoy the sparkling lights throughout the village and some spectacular light shows which brighten up the festivities.
Situated in the historic, hinterland township of Eumundi, just 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Noosa Heads and 26 minutes by rental car from the Sunshine Coast Airport, the original Eumundi Markets are open rain or shine every Saturday from 7am-2pm and Wednesday from 8:30am-1pm.
Aussie World
Go on — take The Plunge at Aussie World / Jesse Smith CC-SA 4.0
If you love Australia, you will love Aussie world! This family theme park, located only 20 minutes drive from the Sunshine Coast Airport, takes you on a fun-filled journey through the history of the “Ettamogah Pub”, featured in a 1960s cartoon series in the Australasian Post. Thirty years later, a real-life version of the cartoon pub was built, complete with a Chevy ’27 Sedan sitting on the roof.
Alongside the famous Ettamogah pub, your family and friends will enjoy over 30 different white-knuckle rides and entertainment options. These include the Redback, which seats 24 thrill-seekers and throws them about at wild abandon to a height of 16 metres, all the while spinning at dizzying speeds. The dodgems, ferris wheel and Bug Run rollercoaster are also great fun for children and adults alike.
If fun-rides aren’t your idea of a good time, take a meander through the Aussie World village which includes a Fudge Cottage and the popular Ole Lollie Shop, where you will find sweets and treats that will bring back memories from your childhood. While you enjoy the sights and sounds of Aussie World, make use of their free wi-fi services. Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes and perhaps some spare pair clothing in case you find yourself underneath the Leak n’ logs or drenched by The Plunge log-ride.
Aussie World can be located on 73 Frizzo Road, one kilometre (0.62 miles) north of the Caloundra exit on the Bruce Highway.
