Can you rent a car from Sydney to Brisbane?
You can absolutely rent a car from Sydney to Brisbane and enjoy a scenic coastal road trip through some of Australia’s most picturesque routes!
Thanks to our flexible one-way rental option, there’s no need to stress about the return trip with Redspot. Simply add it to your rental plan through the online booking form and get red-y to roll!
For more info, feel free to contact our friendly team via phone or email to discuss further.
One-way rental Sydney to Brisbane
Steer your way with our convenient one-way rental program. You can pick up a reliable Redspot vehicle from any of our Sydney branches and drop it off in Brisbane with ease (or vice versa). Enjoy time, money and fuel savings — all in one go.
Just head to the extras section on your online booking form, check the ‘One Way Fee’ box, and you’re red-hot and ready to roll
Cover your fuel costs with your choice of Redspot refuel options. We’ll accommodate your fuel preferences, whether you prefer to pre-pay, post-pay, or fill up yourself. We also offer quality car rental accessories, from baby hire seats to Toll Pass Waivers to make your journey smoother.
Unlimited km for standard passenger and leisure Redspot vehicles around Australia also means you can keep the adventure going for longer – distance is no issue. However, if you’re hiring a van, truck or ute, km restrictions may apply depending on your plans. Please get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to confirm, so you can get going with ease.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless specified. After-hours pickup available upon request (subject to availability).
Pickup in Sydney:
- Mascot (Monday to Sunday, 6am – 11pm, After-hours drop off available.)
- Sydney Domestic Airport (Monday to Sunday 6am – 11pm, After-hours drop off unavailable)
- Sydney International Airport (Monday to Sunday 6am – 11pm, After-hours drop off available)
- Sydney City (Monday to Sunday, 8am – 4pm, After-hours drop off available)
- Lidcombe (Monday to Sunday, 8 am – 3 pm, After-hours drop off available)
Drop off in Brisbane:
- Brisbane City (Monday to Sunday, 8am – 3:45pm weekdays, 8am – 2pm weekends, After-hours drop off unavailable)
- Brisbane Domestic Airport (Monday to Sunday, 6am – 11pm weekdays, 7am – 11pm weekends, After-hours drop off available)
- Brisbane International Airport (Monday to Sunday, 6am – 11pm weekdays, 7am – 11pm weekends, After-hours drop off available)
One-Way Rentals Made Easy – A Small Relocation Fee for Huge Convenience
Go further, without the detour! With Redspot’s flexible one-way rentals, you can explore Australia your way, no need to circle back. You’ll save on time, fuel, and effort, making the most of every journey on the open Aussie road.
To help us keep our fleet moving, a small relocation fee may apply. But if your route helps us too, we may be able to waive it – simply contact our friendly team on 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find out.
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Brisbane?
For a non-stop trip, driving from Sydney to Brisbane will take you about 9.5 hours. It’s a long haul, so we always recommend spacing it out with regular stops. A few breaks can make all the difference in staying alert and enjoying the drive.
Is it better to drive or fly from Sydney to Brisbane?
Not sure whether to drive or fly from Sydney to Brisbane? It really comes down to what suits you best. Flying gets you there quicker, but driving gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, take in the sights, and explore charming towns along the way.
Plus, with no airport queues or baggage claims to worry about, hitting the road can be a lot less stressful. After 35 years in Aussie car rentals, we still reckon the journey is just as rewarding as the destination!
Redspot Driver Facts.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21 (mine-spec and commercial vehicles included).
Maximum Age is No Barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light for leisure, commercial and mine-spec vehicles – one of the few Aussie companies that do!
Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Overseas visitors welcome:
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Family-friendly car hire:
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Credit Card Condition:
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Fuel Flexibility:
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Maximum age is no barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Toll-road Tricks:
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Meet Our Fleet
With over 5 branches across Sydney, it’s a breeze to find the right vehicle for your Brisbane road trip from Redspot’s versatile fleet. From sleek sedans to roomy SUVs for your whole crew, our fleet has the solution to your road trip needs.
Small Car Hire
You know what they say about small packages! Enjoy your adventure to Queensland in a Redspot small car rental, offering fuel efficient rides and high performance, great for solo travellers, young families and small groups.
SUV Hire
From beach runs to bush escapes, our SUV fleet has the space and comfort to make it all easy. Whether you’re packing the kids, the esky, or the surfboards, choose from compact hybrids to spacious SUVs that’ll get you there without missing a beat.
Sedan Hire
Pick up a reliable sedan rental with plenty of legroom for a comfortable journey from any of our Sydney branches. Redspot’s sedans all come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can jam out to your own tunes on the road and navigate hands-free.
Baby seats and other accessories
Travelling with little ones between Sydney and Brisbane? Redspot has you covered with our child seat hire, perfect for keeping your kids safe and comfy on the road. We offer baby seats for infants under 1 year (up to 9 kg), and child seats for kids between 9–18 kg.
While baby capsules aren’t available through Australian rental companies, our reversible child seats are a great alternative. Just ask our friendly team when picking up your vehicle – we’ll be happy to show you how to install the seat so you’re road-trip ready in no time.
Plus, our rental car add-ons, like our Toll Road Waiver and refuel options give you more time to focus on your adventure and less time to worry about the little details!
From Old Place to New, Moving House is Easy with One-Way Rentals
Heading to Queensland’s biggest city to start a new chapter? We’ve got you covered! Skip the stress of looping back to Sydney with Redspot’s one-way car hire, so you can get straight to unpacking.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Whether you need a roomy SUV or a reliable sedan, your personal belongings are covered for the big move. Pick up from one of our 5 Sydney branches, pack up your life, and cruise north to your new chapter in Brisbane. Once you arrive at one of our Brisbane Airport branches, CBD or Moorooka locations, our friendly team will be ready to take the keys, so you can dive into unpacking and getting settled.
One-Way Trucks and Moving Accessories
Comfy couch you can’t live without? Sorted. Dream fridge you finally saved up for? Packed and ready.
With a range of trucks, utes, and handy moving accessories, you can flex those muscles and do the big move your way. No dramas and no backtracking, thanks to our one-way truck hire.
Our trucks come with a daily kilometre allowance of 100 km, with a small fee for extra distance depending on the vehicle. Ideal if you’re sticking to a local move or want to save on removalists.
Please get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to confirm, so you can get going with ease.
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on.
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 40 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
For over 35 years, Redspot has provided smooth rides for our local and international customers with top-notch leisure and commercial vehicles. Buckle up and explore their road-worthy experiences here:
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Super Package
More cover, less cost. Redspot’s Super Package gives you reduced damage liability and extra perks—perfect if you want more peace of mind without going all-out. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $1,950 to $2,750 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
6 Popular Stops from Sydney to Brisbane
Jump into your Redspot rental and get ready to cruise across the Pacific Highway in style. From Coffs Harbour to Dreamworld, some of the most iconic destinations in Australia are right on your driving route, be sure to stop and explore whenever you can!
Whether you’re taking a moment on a business trip or cruising with your whole family, we have the perfect ride to get you where you’re going in one piece!
Port Stephens
Only 2 hours away from Sydney, Port Stephens features over 26 gorgeous white sand beaches right along the Pacific Coast, as well as great seafood and locally farmed oysters. For more active adventurers, the Tomaree National Park is close by, with plenty of incredible hiking tracks. If you have a day or two to spare, try snorkelling in Gentle Bay or scuba dive with grey nurse sharks.
Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest wine-growing area offers a great opportunity to visit world-class restaurants and experience legendary wine tours. The Hunter Valley is particularly famous for its Semillion and Shiraz varieties. If wine isn’t quite your thing, you can still find high-quality spas, tranquil mountains, beautiful nature walks and wildlife tours throughout the area.
Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is an unforgettable destination right along the drive to Brisbane! Featuring truly unique attractions like the quaint Clog Barn Caravan Park and the Big Banana Fun Park, you won’t regret stopping in Coffs Harbour. The area is also great for beginner-friendly walking paths, incredible nature reserves and a wildlife sanctuary.
Byron Bay
One of the crown jewels of New South Wales, Byron Bay is a beautiful region featuring beaches so stunning and clean, they literally squeak when you walk on their sands. Enjoy a fantastic destination for quality surfing, with plenty of outdoor adventures and kayaking opportunities. You can also visit the Crystal Castle in the Hinterlands to experience a unique retreat with a focus on rainforest gardens and sound healing rituals.
Bellingen
Bellingen offers a fascinating culture famous for its distinct festivals, such as the Taranta Festival and the annual Readers and Writers Festival, focused exclusively on Australian writers. The area also features pristine swimming spots at the Promised Land Retreat. Be sure to take a stroll on the Wonga Walk before you leave to experience rich birdlife and breathtaking natural waterfalls.
Dreamworld
Shake off the long drive with a ride on a roller coaster! Dreamworld is Australia’s biggest theme park, featuring over 40 rides and attractions. Enjoy fast and pulse-pounding thrills on iconic rides like the Steel Taipan or The Giant Drop, one of the biggest drop towers in the world. For a more relaxed time, stop by the night market to enjoy live shows, music trucks and other family activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Sydney and return to Brisbane?
You absolutely can! Redspot offers one-way car hires from many branches across our 45+ locations in Australia (subject to availability). Wherever you want to end your journey, simply contact our friendly team by phone or email to discuss your plans, and get started on your Aussie adventure.
How much would it cost to drive from Sydney to Brisbane?
The cost of the drive from Sydney to Brisbane varies depending on the route you are taking, traffic conditions, the cost of fuel and the fuel efficiency of the car you are using.
Looking to save on fuel costs? Try renting one of our electric and hybrid vehicles to contribute to a greener environment and cut down on petrol spending at the same time.
Can you drive from Sydney to Brisbane in one day?
Planning to power through from Sydney to Brisbane in one go? It’s doable, but with around 9 hours behind the wheel, we strongly recommend taking at least four rest stops to recharge and take in the scenery along the way. Your eyes – and your passengers – will thank you!
What is halfway between Brisbane and Sydney?
Port Macquarie lies halfway between Brisbane and Sydney. This fascinating town is famous for its natural beauty, gorgeous beaches and the iconic, two-tonne ‘Big Lawn Ball’ at the entrance to the Club Lake Cathie. Great for a road trip pit stop on your way from QLD to NSW, or the other way around.
How many kilometres can I drive in a day in a Redspot car hire?
You can drive away with unlimited kilometres a day with a standard car hire, including compact cars, hybrids, sedans and SUVs. Perfect for a one-way road trip!
There are some instances in which we do impose a km limit to keep our fleet running smoothly. As Australia is so great in size (and beauty), we need to keep track of the following:
- Vans, trucks and utes have a 100 km p/day limit to help us sustain the fleet.
- Remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin, have a 200 km p/day limit to ensure our vehicles remain well-maintained and ready for the unique demands of outback travel.
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
Is Coffs Harbour closer to Sydney or Brisbane?
By car, Coffs Harbour is closer to Brisbane at just over 4 hours drive. Comparatively, it would take 5 hours and 45 minutes minimum to drive to Coffs Harbour from Sydney.
Can you have 2 drivers on a hire car?
Yes, more than one person can drive a Redspot hire car with Redspot (including mine-spec vehicles). Just make sure any drivers present their valid driver’s licence at vehicle pick-up, and you’ll be ready to hit the road on any work trip! Usual T&Cs apply.
What are the rules for renting a car in Australia?
Renting a car in Australia requires that you:
- Be over 21 years old.
- Present a valid credit card OR debit card* OR purchase order/prepaid voucher** in the renter’s name.
- Present a valid, physical driver’s licence in the renter’s name. Note: Digital licences, photos or copies are generally not accepted.
- Present valid driver’s licence/s for any additional drivers, who must be present at the time of vehicle pick-up.
If you are an international visitor, you must also present your physical passport and valid full driver’s licence at vehicle pick-up.
*Debit cards: Must have the customer’s name displayed, and the ability to make online payments e.g. Visa or Mastercard debit cards.
**Purchase order or prepaid vouchers: Customers must also supply a valid credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card for any incidental expenses (extensions, fuel charges, etc.). For more information, see our complete guide to renting a vehicle with an overseas licence.
What are the road conditions between Sydney and Brisbane?
The road conditions between Sydney and Brisbane are typically well-maintained and easy to drive, with a mix of freeways and highways along your path. However, extreme weather conditions, especially rain, may cause road damage.
Be sure to check NSW and Queensland’s official live traffic sites to check your route for roadworks, accidents or other incidents, so you can plan ahead and stay safe while on the road.
What is the maximum age to drive a rental car in Australia?
None! At Redspot, we say that age is just a number. That’s why we welcome senior drivers to rent with us. For those young at heart, jump behind the wheel and get ready to explore all the beauty Australia has to offer.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Sydney to Brisbane car rental.