How much does it cost to rent a car in Gold Coast - Southport?

On average, car rentals in **Gold Coast – Southport** cost around **AUD $83** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from **AUD $31** per day.

Rent a Car in Southport, Gold Coast - Compare Prices

Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees

Pick-upDrop-off

DriverAustralia · age 30

Driver's countryLicense issued inAge

Used for driver eligibility and pricing.

Dates

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals

No Booking Fees

No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars

Find Low Prices

Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals

Find low rental car prices in Southport with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, compact cars, people movers and make reservations with no booking fees. As the Gold Coast's business centre, Southport offers direct access to the main motorways. This lets you easily drive to theme parks or the hinterland while skipping some of the notorious beachfront traffic.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Enterprise · Everything · Keddy by Europcar · Sixt · Thrifty

Car Hire Locations and Options

Location	Pros	Cons
Southport CBD	Central to Gold Coast Hospital and business district Multiple rental agencies Close to light rail connections	Traffic jams during business hours Limited parking for pickup/return Higher prices than suburban locations
Ferry Road/Brickworks	Easy access and parking Several rental companies Close to major roads	Limited operating hours (usually 8 AM-5 PM) Far from public transport May need taxi/rideshare for pickup
Australia Fair Shopping Centre	Convenient if staying nearby Combined with shopping/dining Light rail connection	Mall parking can be confusing Higher prices than industrial areas Busy during shopping hours
Southport Industrial Areas	Lower prices More vehicle selection Plenty of parking	Limited hours on weekends Far from accommodations May need transport to reach

Local Agencies

Southport has both major rental brands (Hertz, Budget, Avis) and local companies (Gold Coast Rentals, Coastal Car Hire, Top One Car Rentals). Local agencies often offer better prices and personal service but may have fewer vehicles available.

Car Rental Prices

Average: AUD $83/day
From: AUD $31/day

How to save?

Compare depot locations. Picking up your car from a depot in one of Southport's industrial areas is often cheaper than from a spot right in the CBD. A short taxi or rideshare to the depot could save you a fair bit.
Check out the local guys. Don't just look at the big international brands. Smaller, local Gold Coast companies can have sharper prices and sometimes include a free additional driver.
Play the calendar game. If you can be flexible, renting a car mid-week is often cheaper than over the weekend in a business hub like Southport. Also, prices drop outside of school holidays and peak seasons.
Save on fuel and parking. Avoid filling up at the expensive service stations right near the motorway. And instead of paying for pricey parking in Surfers Paradise, consider parking in Southport and catching the light rail.

Car hire prices in Gold Coast - Southport 2025/2026

Local Parking and Driving

Location	Parking Options	Costs & Restrictions
Southport CBD	Street parking Australia Fair parking Council car parks	Metered street parking (time limits common) Free after 5 PM in many areas
Broadwater Parklands	Large public car park Street parking	Free but time limits apply Fills quickly on weekends/events Some unlimited areas
The Southport School/Hospital Area	Hospital car park Street parking	Hospital parking paid hourly Surrounding streets have strict time limits Heavy enforcement in school/hospital zones
Chinatown/Dining Precinct	Street parking Small public lots	Metered in business hours Free evenings and Sundays Limited availability during lunch hours
Light Rail Stations	Park and ride options Street parking	Limited spaces at stations Strict enforcement of limits Consider combining car and light rail for city visits

Traffic and Car Park Considerations

Southport experiences heavy traffic during business hours.
School zones around The Southport School and other schools (40 km/h during specific times).
Car park enforcement is active throughout Southport CBD.
One-way streets in parts of the CBD require careful navigation.

Why rent a car in Southport

Get a car so you can visit:

Main Beach/The Spit – Sea World
Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach – Pacific Fair
Theme parks – Movie World
Tamborine Mountain
Harbour Town Outlet Shopping

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Southport, Australia

FAQs

Is it worth renting a car in Southport if I'm also using the light rail?

Yes, a hybrid approach works well. Use your rental for reaching areas not served by light rail (theme parks, hinterland, northern beaches) and use the tram for high-congestion areas like Surfers Paradise.

Where is the best place to park for free in Southport?

The western edges of the CBD can have free, unrestricted or longer-duration street parking within a 10–15 minute walk of central Southport, but availability varies by block and day. Also check Owen Park and adjacent streets for unrestricted parking; always check current signage and event-day restrictions.

How difficult is parking at Gold Coast University Hospital?

The hospital has a large paid parking structure, but it fills quickly on weekdays. Arrive early or consider dropping off patients and parking further away.

Are there any local rental agencies in Southport that offer better rates than major companies?

Yes, companies like Top One Car Rentals, Coastal Car and Truck Hire and Richards Car Hire often offer lower rates than major international brands, along with more flexibility on terms for longer rentals.

Can I easily find overnight parking for a rental car in Southport?

Yes, most Southport accommodations offer parking (some free, some paid). Additionally, many street parking restrictions often end around 5 or 6 PM, opening up free overnight parking options in parts of the CBD.

Is there a pickup/delivery service for rentals in Southport?

Several local rental agencies offer free pickup from Southport accommodations or the light rail station. This service is usually available for rentals of 3+ days and must be arranged in advance.