Cheap car hire in Emerald, Australia

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The most popular car rental companies in Emerald

Hiring a car in Emerald: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, Pickup
Average daily price198 €
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Emerald

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Emerald car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Emerald

  • Whether you need a small car for scooting around town or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Emerald. Pick from options averaging 198 € a day and hit the road for less.

  • 50 € is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Emerald.

  • Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from 307 € and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • Book early to secure the best price for a Emerald car hire. In addition to lower rates, you can actually get the car you wanted, not just what's left.

  • Check out the offers available from trusted providers like Thrifty and Avis.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Emerald car hire policy, whether you go with Thrifty or another supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Emerald.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average 79 € a day.

  • Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 92 €.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly 86 € a day with this supplier.

  • If you can't decide which ride is right for you, consider something from the Premium rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in Emerald.

Flying to Emerald? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're flying into Emerald, get on the road sooner by booking a car hire at Emerald Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Emerald

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Emerald puts you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Emerald car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Emerald that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Emerald car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Emerald.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your car hire in Australia.

  • If the kids are coming with you, check if you need to add a car seat to your Emerald car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.

  • You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.

  • Driving in Australia might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Be aware that traffic travels on the left side of the road.

  • Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Australia is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.

  • Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) here. As well as your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.

  • English is the language spoken in most parts of the country.

Best hotels in Emerald for drivers

  • Offering accessible parking, Abode37 Motel Emerald takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 0.64 kilometres from central Emerald and also comes with luggage storage and internet access.

  • Or make use of the parking at Maraboon Motor Inn. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features room service and internet access.

  • Browse the selection of hotels in Emerald for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.

  • Once you've found a car hire deal in Emerald and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Kick things off with major attractions such as Blackwood National Park, Botanic Gardens and Emerald Railway Bridge.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Emerald

  • Shift gears and make tracks to Blackwater. Around 72 kilometres east of central Emerald, you'll find must-see sights like Blackdown Tableland National Park and Rangeview Camp.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at Black Diamond Motel and Blackwater Motor Inn, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Blackwater.

  • Add Clermont to your travel plans. Pick up your cheap car hire in Emerald and drive around 97 kilometres northwest to discover main draws such as Clermont Historical Centre and Pioneer Park.

  • Smart Stayzzz Inns and Clermont Country Motor Inn are comfortable places to stay in Clermont if you're hanging around for a while. Go for one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.

  • Keep things moving and road-trip it to Yeppoon, around 274 kilometres east of Emerald. Make your first stop Capricorn Coast National Park, then follow it up with Yeppoon Main Beach.

  • Find a room at Coral Inn Boutique Resort or Sail Inn Motel. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Yeppoon has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Emerald will set you back around 198 € per day or 456 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Emerald is a compact SUV. The most popular is Premium/Luxury, Pickup.
The cheapest car hire company in Emerald is currently Budget, followed by Hertz.
On average, around 456 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Emerald is 307 €.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Emerald, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Emerald that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Emerald.
Most places – Emerald included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 56 € per day. The average price per day is around 116 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Hertz, Thrifty and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Emerald.