KAYAK’s insights & trends for Gladstone car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Gladstone with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Gladstone?
You should book your rental car in Gladstone around 50 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the best rental car company in Gladstone?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Gladstone are Thrifty (10.0, 1 review), Avis (8.0), and Firefly (9.0).
Thrifty
Rated 10.0/10
Avis
Rated 8.0/10
Firefly
Rated 9.0/10
Budget
Rated 8.6/10
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Gladstone?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Gladstone is March at an average cost of C$ 91/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in Gladstone when prices are C$ 120/day on average, which tends to be 62% above the yearly average rental price for Gladstone.
What rental car company in Gladstone has the most locations?
Budget operates 3 locations in Gladstone, more than any other rental company.
Gladstone is a coastal town in central Queensland, and though it is predominantly an industrial town, it has the state’s largest natural harbour and is surrounded by areas of great natural beauty, like Auckland Point, Calliope Conservation Park, Mount Maurice State Forest and The Great Barrier Reef. With plenty of small road trips to these natural wonders and close-by beach towns like Agnes Waters and Seventeen Seventy, looking for cheap car hire in Gladstone is a fantastic idea.
Gladstone Airport (GDL) is a small airport situated in the suburbs, just a 10-15min drive from the centre of Gladstone. There’s just one airport building, and the single terminal is often referred to as "the main terminal". You’ll find kiosks for all the Gladstone car hire companies in the arrivals hall of the terminal building. Though you can book car hire in Gladstone on the spot, you’ll often find better deals if you book online through KAYAK. This will also help you ensure you get the type of vehicle you want.
Though the town proper features sealed roads, the Gladstone Region also incorporates approximately 1,448 km of unpaved roads. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take a look at the route for any road trips you’re planning, so you have an idea of what the conditions will be like. Coastal drives to places like Yeppoon and Agnes Waters will take you along sealed roads. However, if you venture into the hinterland to explore places like Calliope, you’ll find that once you leave Dawson Highway, roads like Morcom Street and Racecourse Road give way to unpaved surfaces.
In addition to being the gateway to the southern end of The Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone is an industrial town. Since the town itself is quite small, locals and travellers share the roads with large, heavy vehicles. A trip to explore Gladstone Marina or Port will take you along the same roads used by slow-moving, heavy vehicles, so it’s worth allocating extra travel time for each excursion. You’re also likely to encounter wildlife on the roads, particularly if you head out of town or are driving around sunrise or sunset. It’s worth being extra vigilant during these times.
In Gladstone and the surrounding areas, law enforcement officers conduct frequent random breath tests to ensure road safety. To avoid penalties and keep yourself and others safe, it's crucial to follow drunk driving laws. The legal blood alcohol limit in Australia is 0.05%, while for provisional licence holders and those on their learner's permit, it's 0.00%. Violating these laws can result in harsh penalties, including licence suspension, fines and imprisonment, so it’s best to simply avoid drinking if you know you’ll be using your hire car.
If you're travelling with children, it's important to comply with Australian car seat laws when using your hire car. For kids aged four to seven, a front-facing car seat or a booster seat that meets Australian standards is required. Kids over seven years old should continue to use a booster seat until they reach 145 cm in height. Infants up to six months old must be secured in a rear-facing car seat that meets Australian standard AS/NZS 1754 with the correct harness. If you prefer to travel light, you can leave your car seat at home and book one with your Gladstone hire car instead.
Whether you want a luxury vehicle or a smaller and more budget-friendly Gladstone hire car, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's licence. Note that some Gladstone car hire companies may charge an extra fee for drivers aged between 21 and 24. Before making a reservation, it's important to check the policy conditions of each car hire company, as the surcharge can vary significantly. If you're a younger driver looking for cheap car hire in Gladstone, you can compare the policies, surcharges and prices through KAYAK to find a good deal.
FAQs about renting a car in Gladstone
What type of car is recommended for driving in Gladstone?
A compact car is ideal for Gladstone as it will allow you to easily explore the town itself and then venture out on the many day trips available in the region. With beaches, islands, crystal-clear waters and The Great Barrier Reef to explore, a compact car will be your perfect companion, making parking at the beaches, lookouts and other popular attractions easier. If you’ll be travelling in a large group or bringing your own adventure gear, selecting an SUV for your car hire in Gladstone will give you the extra space you need.
What’s the speed limit in Gladstone?
The speed limit in Gladstone’s built-up areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise signed. This speed limit applies in suburban streets and most of those in the industrial areas. Areas of high pedestrian traffic and school zones may carry lower speed limits of 40 km/h, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs. Roads, like Phillip Street, that connect suburbs and other parts of the city tend to have a higher speed limit of 60 km/h. However, once again, it’s important to look out for speed signs.
Where are the best places to park in Gladstone?
You’ll find plenty of free parking in Gladstone, even around popular spots like the marina, Barneys Beach, Tondoon Botanic Gardens and Auckland Hill Lookout. These attractions tend to have dedicated parking areas, while the suburban parts of Gladstone feature on-street parking. Gladstone’s hotels and resorts also provide free parking.
Can I rent an automatic car in Gladstone?
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Gladstone. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Gladstone?
An Economy car rental in Gladstone costs C$ 86 per day, on average.
How can I hire a car in Gladstone with an international driver’s licence?
Gladstone car hire companies welcome international travellers with foreign driver's licences, but there are a few conditions to keep in mind. Your licence must be in English or accompanied by an International Driver's Permit (IDP) printed in English. Additionally, you will need to present your passport as identification.
Which eco-friendly vehicles are available to hire in Gladstone?
You’ll find a range of electric and hybrid cars available to hire in Gladstone, including compact models, standard-sized sedans and SUVs. If you’re hoping to book cheap car hire in Gladstone, you can compare the eco-friendly options through KAYAK to find the right model for your budget.
Search for discount car rentals in Gladstone with KAYAK and rent a car that suits you best. KAYAK searches hundreds of cheap car rental Gladstone sites to help you find and book the best rental car in Gladstone. Car Rental GLT: Flying into Gladstone? Find the cheapest Gladstone airport car rental now with KAYAK.
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