Australia is vast, diverse, and best explored by road. Whether you’re cruising the Great Ocean Road, heading up the east coast from Sydney to Brisbane, or tackling an outback adventure from Adelaide to Darwin, hiring a car often offers the freedom and flexibility that buses and flights simply can’t match.
But there’s a catch: one-way car rentals in Australia can be expensive. Unlike round trips, where you return the car to its original location, one-way hires typically involve hefty fees because the rental company needs to move the car back to where it started.
The good news? With some smart planning and insider know-how, you can save money on one-way car rentals without compromising your trip. In this guide, we’ll explore strategies to cut costs, compare rental options, and highlight why companies like Trend Rentals are ideal for affordable and flexible travel solutions.
Why Choose a One-Way Car Rental in Australia?
Before diving into savings, let’s look at why travellers often choose one-way rentals.
- Flexibility: You can start in one city and finish in another without doubling back.
- Time-saving: Perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or flying out of a different airport.
- Adventure-ready: Great for long road trips like Cairns to Brisbane or Melbourne to Sydney.
- Practicality: Relocating for work, moving house, or delivering goods is easier with one-way rentals.
For example, if you’re moving from Adelaide to Brisbane, hiring a van rental one-way could be cheaper and more convenient than using removalists.
The Main Costs of One-Way Rentals
Understanding why one-way rentals cost more helps explain where you can save.
- Drop-off fees: Charged by the rental company for vehicle relocation.
- Limited availability: Popular routes may cost more due to high demand.
- Seasonal pricing: Prices can surge during school holidays and peak seasons.
- Extra mileage: If your route exceeds the rental’s kilometre allowance.
- Insurance add-ons: Costs vary depending on destination risks (outback vs city driving).
Companies like Trend Rentals often offer transparent pricing with fewer hidden charges, which already puts you ahead in the savings game.
10 Ways to Save Money on One-Way Car Rentals in Australia
Here’s the big list of strategies you can use to keep your trip affordable.
1. Compare Prices Across Locations
Prices often differ depending on pick-up and drop-off points. For example, picking up in Brisbane and dropping in Sydney may cost less than the reverse.
Always check:
- Different suburbs versus airports (airport rentals often include surcharges).
- Smaller depots versus major hubs.
With Trend Rentals, you can often find better deals by comparing their different branches.
2. Use Relocation Deals
Many rental companies, including Trend Rentals, occasionally offer relocation specials where you pay little to nothing if you help return a vehicle to its base.
Pros:
- Extremely cheap daily rates.
- Sometimes include fuel or mileage allowance.
Cons:
- Limited availability.
- Strict timelines.
If your travel plans are flexible, this can be a huge money-saver.
3. Travel Off-Peak
Peak holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter, school holidays) drive up prices. If possible:
- Travel mid-week instead of weekends.
- Plan road trips outside major holiday periods.
Trend Rentals offers long-term rental options that may be cheaper than short peak-season bookings.
4. Choose the Right Vehicle
Bigger isn’t always better. Ask yourself:
- Do you need a 4WD rental for off-road adventures, or will a sedan do?
- Could a van hire be more cost-effective than two smaller cars for group travel?
- Will a fuel-efficient hatchback save you more on long-distance trips?
Selecting the right vehicle reduces both rental and fuel costs.
5. Book Early
Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive. By reserving early, you can:
- Lock in lower rates.
- Secure your preferred vehicle.
- Avoid extra charges for limited availability.
For trips starting in cities like Brisbane, Trend Rentals allows you to compare options and book ahead easily.
6. Limit Extras & Add-Ons
Rental companies often upsell:
- GPS units (use your phone instead).
- Child seats (bring your own if possible).
- Premium insurance (compare coverage before accepting).
By saying no to unnecessary extras, you’ll avoid inflated costs.
7. Check Insurance Options
Excess reduction can be pricey. Instead:
- Compare third-party travel insurance that covers rental cars.
- Check if your credit card provides rental insurance.
- With companies like Trend Rentals, confirm what’s included upfront.
8. Watch Mileage Allowances
Some rentals include unlimited kilometres, while others don’t. Going over limits can add up quickly.
For example:
- A Sydney to Cairns road trip is over 2,400km.
- If your plan only includes 100km per day, excess charges can be brutal.
Trend Rentals often offers unlimited kilometre deals on certain vehicles—perfect for long one-way trips.
9. Share Costs with Friends
Travelling with friends or colleagues? Split the rental, fuel, and tolls.
- Four people in a van rental can be cheaper than everyone buying flights.
- Group trips also allow multiple drivers (check terms with Trend Rentals).
10. Plan Your Route Efficiently
More kilometres = more fuel = more cost. Plan to:
- Avoid unnecessary detours.
- Use toll roads selectively.
- Download offline maps to prevent getting lost.
By combining route planning with a fuel-efficient vehicle, you’ll stretch your budget further.
Best One-Way Routes in Australia
One-way rentals are most popular for long-distance trips. Here are some classic routes where saving strategies are especially useful.
1. Sydney to Brisbane
- Distance: ~900 km
- Highlights: Byron Bay, Gold Coast beaches.
- Tip: Consider a van rental for group road trips.
2. Melbourne to Adelaide
- Distance: ~730 km
- Highlights: Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park.
- Tip: Booking outside peak holiday periods keeps costs lower.
3. Perth to Broome
- Distance: ~2,200 km
- Highlights: Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef.
- Tip: A 4WD rental may be essential for rougher tracks.
4. Darwin to Alice Springs
- Distance: ~1,500 km
- Highlights: Kakadu National Park, Uluru.
- Tip: Stock up on supplies before heading into the outback.
5. Adelaide to Brisbane
- Distance: ~2,000 km
- Highlights: Outback towns, Murray River, Sunshine Coast.
- Tip: Consider long-term rentals for better daily rates.
How Businesses Save on One-Way Rentals
One-way rentals aren’t just for tourists—they’re also popular for businesses.
- Corporate relocations: Staff moving interstate can use a one-way hire.
- Fleet flexibility: Companies can rent extra vehicles only where needed.
- Trade work: Contractors benefit from mine spec vehicles available for one-way hires.
By using a rental partner like Trend Rentals, businesses can streamline costs and avoid expensive logistics.
When Does a One-Way Rental Make the Most Sense?
It’s not always about money—sometimes the value comes from convenience. Choose one-way rentals when:
- You’re flying into one city and leaving from another.
- Your work requires interstate relocation.
- You’re exploring Australia’s long coastlines or outback trails.
- Backtracking would waste both time and fuel.
Final Thoughts
One-way car rentals in Australia can feel expensive at first glance, but with the right approach, they can actually be cost-effective and incredibly convenient. By booking early, choosing the right vehicle, using relocation specials, and partnering with transparent providers like Trend Rentals, you’ll keep your costs under control and your journey stress-free.
Whether it’s a cross-country adventure, a corporate move, or a family holiday, planning ahead and applying these strategies ensures you’ll enjoy the freedom of Australia’s roads—without breaking the bank.