Inter-City Driving Routes Map

For complete details including directions, open this Inter-City Driving Route map on Google Maps.

View Major Inter-City Routes in a larger map

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3. Sydney Airport-City Public Transport

1. Click on any of the cities’ badges to display the exact addresses of the petrol stations offering the low prices
2. Use Google Maps to navigate your way to your chosen station
3. And save!

Unleaded fuel price data below is manually collected and updated twice daily in the morning and afternoon on Mondays to Saturdays, and once daily on Sundays.

For specific suburb search and prices of other types of fuel, use MotorMouth’s Price Search.

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1. Best Comparison Site for the Major Car Hire Companies
2. Inter-City Driving Distances and Times

The toll roads are fully electronic meaning cash is not accepted. To pay for your usage if you don’t have an electronic tag fitted in your car, you’ll need to pay for your trips by credit card online with a go viavideo pass or over the phone by calling 1 3000 GO VIA (1 3000 46 842). Alternatively, cash payments can be made at customer service centres but will incur a further $1.07 fee.

go viavideo passes are valid for 30 days and can also be bought up to three days after using the toll road. They are only for the Queensland Motorway network. On top of the regular toll fee, you’ll be charged an additional $0.42 ‘video matching fee’ per toll point.

Toll prices are charged depending on which of the five toll points you pass through.

Queensland Motorways Map (0.2 Mb)

Related posts:

1. Sydney Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
2. Melbourne Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
3. Toll Roads in Australia

Toll roads are found in the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Everywhere there is a move towards electronic payment sensors with the acceptance of cash being phased out. This means it is possible to use the toll road without physically paying for it on the spot (your car registration plate will be photographed as you go through the toll and it’s your responsibility to make sure you have paid for it before or within a couple days of using it).

Any fines will be sent to your car hire company and not only will you be charged for it (in the vicinity of $140 each) but they will also add on a “processing fee” which commonly comes in at about $35-60 each.

With all the care taken to save on your car hire, the last thing you need is a fine for unpaid toll charges. So you don’t accidentally miss one, below you’ll find information for toll road locations, toll charges and purchasing passes, payment methods and meanings of toll road signs.

Toll Roads, Charges and Electronic Passes

• Sydney Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
• Melbourne Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
• Brisbane Toll Roads, Charges and Passes

Payment Methods

Cash Payments

If your toll road accept cash payments, that’s easy. You’ll just want to make sure you have some change. Some toll booths only accept the exact amount while others will give you change. Keep to the left lane as that’s where most cash booths are located and pay attention to the signs:

• Exact change lanes are labelled ‘exact toll’ or ‘auto’
• Booths marked ‘change’ will, you guessed it, give you change.

Cashless Electronic Toll Payments

As mentioned, not all toll roads have cash booths in which case payment must be made electronically with an E-Tag or pass, or over the phone by credit card after using the road.

• Over the Phone
 
Along the road you will see large signs with the relevant phone number so remember it and make the call to pay within 48 hours of passing the toll. A small fee will be charged for credit card payments. Online payments are also possible and incurs a lower fee than over the phone.
• The Electronic Pass
 
For interstate and foreign visitors, the electronic pass will likely be your best option. All you need is a credit card and they are usually valid for 30 days with minimum or no start-up fees. If you’re travelling to multiple places e.g. Sydney, Melbourne AND Brisbane, you’ll need to get the relevant passes for each city i.e. unlike the E-Tag, a pass bought in Sydney will NOT be usable in other cities.
• The E-Tag
 
The E-Tag is a little device you attach to your car’s windscreen which automatically deducts from your account each time pass a toll sensor. Naturally having an E-Tag in the car is the most efficient option and spares you having to worry about forgetting to pay.

However, it is designed for longer term or frequent usage, often requiring a security deposit and prepaid toll balance which may not be appropriate for a visitor. Most rental car companies do not equip their cars with an E-Tag but if you find one that does, great!

E-Tags from NSW, VIC or QLD are usable throughout Australia so if you have an existing one, you can use it with your rental car or consider borrowing a friend’s. Just notify your E-Tag provider of your hire car registration number (and remember to call them to remove it after finishing your rental unless you are feeling particularly charitable).

E-Tags are available from RTA, RoamExpress, and Roam (NSW providers), Breeze (VIC provider), go via (QLD provider). Each provider has a slightly different payment structure and you’ll need an Australian address.

If you are a visitor to Australia or infrequent traveller (one or two trips on a toll road), look instead at getting yourself an electronic pass for the city you require.

Toll Road Signs

E-tags are accepted in these lanes

Electronic Passes are accepted in these lanes

An E-tag ONLY lane

A lane where you can use an E-tag or pay with the EXACT amount of cash

A lane where you can use an E-tag or pay with ANY amount of cash and change will be given

A lane where you can use an E-tag or an Electronic Pass

A lane where cash is accepted and change is given

Related posts:

1. Brisbane Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
2. Melbourne Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
3. Sydney Toll Roads, Charges and Passes

2010
Friday 1 January – New Year’s Day
Tuesday 26 January – Australia Day
Friday 2 April – Good Friday
Saturday 3 April – Easter Saturday
Monday 5 April – Easter Monday
Monday 26 April – Anzac Day (replacement for 25 April)
Monday 3 May – Labour Day
Monday 14 June – Queen’s Birthday
Wednesday 11 August – Royal Queensland Show Day (Brisbane metro)
Monday 27 December – Christmas Day (replacement for 25 December)
Tuesday 28 December – Boxing Day (replacement for 26 December)

2011
Monday 3 January – New Year’s Day (replacement for 1 January)
Wednesday 26 January – Australia Day
Friday 22 April – Good Friday
Saturday 23 April – Easter Saturday
Monday 25 April – Easter Monday, Anzac Day
Tuesday 26 April – Replacement for Easter Monday and Anzac Day falling on the same day
Monday 2 May – Labour Day
Monday 13 June – Queen’s Birthday
Wednesday 17 August – Royal Queensland Show Day (Brisbane metro)
Monday 26 December – Christmas Day (replacement for 25 December)
Tuesday 27 December – Boxing Day (replacement for 26 December)

QLD School Holidays

2009 / 2010
Summer: 12 December 2009 – 27 January 2010
Autumn: 2 April – 11 April
Winter: 26 June – 11 July
Spring: 18 September – 3 October

2010 / 2011
Summer: 11 December 2010 – 23 January 2011
Autumn: 16 April – 25 April
Winter: 25 June – 11 July
Spring: 17 September – 2 October
Summer: 10 December 2011 – 22 January 2012

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1. SA Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011
2. VIC Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011
3. WA Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011

• A taxi ride to/from the airport will set you back ~A$35. When catching a cab from the city to the airport on Fridays between 3pm-5pm, you can use a designated airport taxi rank on Creek St between Elizabeth St and Queen St, opposite Central Plaza One. This allows you to share a ride with strangers to save extra money. You can pre-book a cab with Black & White Cabs or Yellow Cab
• The Airtrain’s Brisbane CBD Transfer services the airport to/from 5 locations in central Brisbane and takes about 20 minutes, costing A$14.50/adult one-way, A$27 return (save 10% when you book online)
• Coachtrans operates a shuttle bus between the airport and major hotels and locations, coinciding to meet all flights. A$14/adult one-way, A$28 return. Pre-booking is recommended

For more information, see the Brisbane Airport official site or for all Queensland public transport information and route planning, see Translink.

Brisbane Airport-City CBD Map

View Larger Map

Related posts:

1. Brisbane City – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
2. Brisbane Airport – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
3. Inter-City Driving Distances and Times

Related posts:

1. Brisbane City – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
2. Brisbane Airport – Best Independent Car Hire Companies

Similar to renting from Brisbane Airport, there are savings to be made with going with the independent companies within Brisbane City. These reliable companies are our top picks that consistently deliver great value with lower prices than the Big Boys.

East Coast Car Rentals Go To Site

Value to be found with Unlimited km’s

With unlimited km’s included, East Coast Car Rentals can offer some of the most competitive prices from the Economy hatchbacks to the 12-seater Vans, particularly for rentals 3 days and longer. Their cars are mainly between brand new and 2-years old. While your credit card information is required to place the booking, you will not be charged until you arrive at the office for the pickup. ECCR charges A$13.20/day, or less depending on your rental duration, to lower your default collision damage liability from A$3000 to A$200 (this is for cars, more for AWDs and Vans).

Note that their rental cars’ area of use only extends as far north as Bundaberg (QLD), south as Coffs Harbour (NSW) and west as Dalby (QLD).

Brisbane Rent a Car Go To Site

Best for Compact hatchbacks (manual and auto) and Standard sedans. 200km/day or unlimited for rentals over 5 days

This small independent company has a sole depot that is located in Hendra, slightly closer to Brisbane airport, about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown. If that’s not an issue for you, they have probably the lowest prices you’ll find for Compact Toyota Echo’s and Standard Toyota Camry’s. Wagons are available too if required. In addition, let them know in advance and it is possible to arrange free transfers to hotels and other locations. There is a standard liability of A$2500 that can be brought down to A$250 for A$15/day. No extra charge for additional drivers. No age surcharge for those aged between 21-24 which is a rare find. Overall, great prices and value that are hard to beat.

Note that their rental cars’ area of use only extends as far north as Bundaberg (QLD), south as Coffs Harbour (NSW) and west as Dalby (QLD).

Bargain Wheels Go To Site

Independent companies comparison site. New and used cars. Cheap prices

Bargain Wheels displays prices from about seven different independent car hire companies in Brisbane, allowing you to find deals on newer cars, and even more so if you are happy to hire an older/used car. We found the two companies with the best rates are Alpha Car Hire (with 500km/day) and East Coast Car Rentals (with unlimited km’s). From Economy manual hatchbacks to SUVs and Vans, they often work out cheaper than the Big Boys of Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty.

Pay attention to the Rental Information and details about the Supplier as provided on the site so you know the number of kilometres and insurance excess included. Take note that although you might search specifically for Brisbane City rentals, some of the listed companies’ depots are situated closer to the airport than the city. We recommend you call the company you are interested in to find the exact location of the pickup.

Finally, do not take the daily rates initially displayed in the search results at face value as they are often not inclusive of various administrative fees and taxes. Click through a few different companies to obtain the final price so you know you got the best car hire deal.

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1. Brisbane Airport – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
2. Brisbane Airport-City Public Transport
3. Inter-City Driving Distances and Times

Brisbane airport’s Premium Location Fee is a fixed 14%. Therefore, opting to go with one of the independent companies who are located just off-site will increase your chances of finding a bargain. These are the best value companies we uncovered. Bargain Wheels comparison site is a great starting place for both new and used cars. Brisbane Rent a Car in general offers the best prices on small to standard-sized cars.

Bargain Wheels Go To Site

Independent companies comparison site. New and used cars. Great prices

Bargain Wheels aggregates prices across about seven off-site Brisbane Airport independent car hire companies for you to compare. The rates you’ll find here are very competitive across the whole range of cars from Compact hatchbacks up to Standard sedans, SUVs and Vans. In our research, we found that Alpha Car Hire (and sometimes East Coast Car Rentals) have the best prices. Rentals from Alpha come with 500km/day whilst those from ECCR come with unlimited km’s. You can also find used cars which, if you are comfortable to accept, will be noticeably cheaper.

Do always read the Rental and Supplier information provided to ensure you know the exact terms and conditions of the rental, including the standard mileage and insurance excess. As the cars can be from any of a number of companies, we recommend you call Bargain Wheels for exact pickup instructions and location. Note that in the preliminary search results, the daily rates listed are often subject to further fees and you will have to click through in order to obtain the final price.

If you intend to hire your car from East Coast Car Rentals (see ECCR below), booking with them via Bargain Wheels can sometimes be cheaper.

Brisbane Rent a Car Go To Site

Best for Compact (manual and auto) and Standard cars. 200km/day or unlimited for rentals over 5 days

Brisbane Rent a Car is a small family-owned independent company that only has operations in Brisbane. Our findings revealed they offered the best prices for Compact hatchbacks and Standard cars. Being located a few minutes off-site, they offer free transfers to and from the Brisbane Airport (a small fee may be incurred if shuttle service is required outside normal office hours).

There is a standard liability of A$2500 that can be brought down to A$250 for A$15/day. Definitely worth checking.

East Coast Car Rentals Go To Site

Great value with unlimited km’s

Considering the included unlimited km’s, East Coast Car Rentals presents good value value across most car models including the Economy Hyundai Getz manual hatch, Intermediate Toyota Corolla sedan and Toyota Tarago Van. Their cars come with A$3000 damage liability that can be reduced to A$200 for A$13.20/day or less. Located off-site, they offer a courtesy shuttle service to take you to their depot from the airport. Your credit card details are required to make the booking but will not be charged until you pick up the car.

If you intend to hire with ECCR, you might want to check Bargain Wheels to see if booking via them can save you a little extra. See more information on Bargain Wheels above.

Airport Rent-A-Car Go To Site

Cheap from Economy up to Mid-sized Cars. Look out for special discounts. 500km/day

Particularly in the months where 10% discounts are offered, Airport Rent-a-Car is another value alternative company for Brisbane Airport rentals with 500km/day included. At the time of writing the 10% discount is available for rentals in June and July 2011. Standard A$3300 collision damage liability is included which A$23/day reduces to A$330. If you require additional excess reduction, you’ll save by getting independent insurance for car hire. Courtesy transfers to/from Brisbane Airport are provided to their off-site depot.

Related posts:

1. Brisbane City – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
2. Brisbane Airport-City Public Transport
3. Brisbane Toll Roads, Charges and Passes

The smaller independent companies can be cheaper (especially for airport car rentals) but either way, you should get the best price offered by Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty to use as a benchmark.

After finding the lowest prices here, remember to check all the car hire coupons we’ve compiled to see if you can bag yourself further bonuses and discounts. Then after booking, be sure to apply our tips for saving $100s on car hire insurance by bypassing the car hire companies.

Update: To make life easier for you, we’ve now incorporated our top picks’ search engines directly onto this page.

Read more on VroomVroomVroom

• Clean, easy-to-use site
• Easy price comparison at a glance
• Most complete listing
• Modify or cancel your booking online
• Prices given for GPS, baby seats, excess reduction
• Summary terms and conditions displayed
• Price matching promise + $10 further discount within 3 days of booking

• No Rewards or Preferred Program membership input
• No Discount Codes input
• Call needed to reserve child seats

Read more on Oodles

• Presentable site design
• Rewards (Qantas, Velocity) and Preferred Program (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty) membership input
• Discount Codes input
• Able to book child seats
• Vehicle details (e.g. luggage space, engine) shown with search results
• Modify or cancel booking online
• ‘Best Rate Guarantee’ matches lower price + further 10% discount within 8 hours of booking

• Tabbed comparison table looks good but not intuitive for first-time user and requires clicking around
• No ‘Green’ Hybrid cars or Station Wagons
• Prices for Europcar are 4-5% higher than VroomVroomVroom

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