Although Southport has an accessible, reasonably comprehensive system of public transport, nothing can give you the freedom and flexibility of a car; if you want to get off the beaten track and explore the Gold Coast, there are good options available for car hire in Southport. A hire car gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want and increases your options for destinations that may be harder to reach without a car, such as Echo Beach. For Southport, car hire is a very sensible option.
Car hire in Southport is very straightforward. A large number of Southport car hire companies have offices at Gold Coast Coolangatta Airport (OOL). Take your pick from well-known names such as Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, Avis and many others, located right across from the arrivals area at the airport. If you are flying into Brisbane and plan to drive down to Southport, you will find a similar range of options on Level 1 of Brisbane Airport (BNE)’s Domestic Terminal, right by the Virgin and Qantas baggage claim areas, and right behind the Spoon Cafe on Level 1 of the International Terminal.
Make sure to obey the speed limit at all times while driving in Southport. In most areas, the limit is 50 km/h and many areas have automated signs warning motorists to slow down. Cycling is very popular in Southport and the Gold Coast in general, so watch out for cyclists on the road.
Luckily, Southport is a good city to drive in, and there will not be too many difficulties involved. Traffic will be heavier in the central business district than in the suburbs, but you shouldn’t have to deal with many traffic jams or heavy congestion. Rush hour is typically 07:00-08:00 in the morning and 17:00-18:00 in the evening, but people used to heavy city traffic should not find this too challenging and any delays are not typically very long.
When booking cheap car hire in Southport, it is important to know the requirements beforehand to avoid inconveniences. First, you must meet the age conditions, typically at least 21 for most Southport car hire companies. However, other providers limit the age to above 25, with additional requirements or extra costs for younger drivers. Also, you need to present a government-issued driving licence that remains valid throughout the car hire period or an international driving permit (IDP) if your licence isn't in English. Finally, you need to meet the accepted payment methods for your car hire provider. Most companies generally accept credit cards, but some providers may accept debit cards or cash with additional documentation and fees.
Hiring an electric car in Southport is recommended if you're an environment conservation enthusiast. Most car hire providers offer electric vehicles, but they may cost more than traditional fuel because of their limited availability and advanced technology. Before embarking on your journey with your electric car, ensure you know the vehicle's range, to plan your trip effectively. Fortunately, Southport has several charging points, with some car hire centres and hotels providing private charging infrastructure. Also, for a convenient experience, ensure you understand your hired car charging process – how to charge the car and how long it takes to charge the battery fully.
To effectively navigate through Southport and the neighbouring areas like a local, there are various major roads you should be familiar with before getting underway. One of the main roads in Southport is the Gold Coast Highway, which runs through the town and connects you with other suburbs on the Gold Coast, including Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads. To immerse yourself in the beautiful sceneries of Southport while driving, Marine Parade is the road for you! This scenic road runs along Southport's coastline, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and beaches, making it popular among visitors and locals. Lastly, you will undoubtedly come across Scarborough Street while driving here. It's the main street in downtown Southport, offering access to the town's dining, shopping and entertainment scenes.
Book your car hire in Southport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Compact hire cars in Southport are around 45% cheaper than other car types, on average
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FAQs about hiring a car in Southport
What type of car is recommended for driving in Southport?
Southport has nice broad streets and several types of car may suit you, depending on your needs. Smaller cars are good for parking in tight areas, but you will also not have many problems with a larger car. If you would like to get off the beaten track and take some trips into the countryside, a larger four-wheel-drive vehicle might be worth your while; otherwise, any standard suburban car will be more than adequate for getting you around the sights and to the Gold Coast’s legendary beaches. You can book according to your needs when considering car hire in Southport.
What’s the speed limit in Southport?
Southport is a largely residential city and the speed limit in urban and suburban areas is mostly set at 50 km/h. Outside the city, you should follow the signs as speed limits are clearly posted on Australian roads. The standard limit on highways is 100 km/h.
Where are the best places to park in Southport?
Most parking in the city is metered and timed, so you should be careful to plan how long you intend to park to avoid getting fined, as meter readers do check parking meters regularly. Most parking is hourly and many central locations require you to buy a block of time with a maximum of 2h. You may need to return to top up your meter, if you intend to stay longer than this. If you do want to park for longer, there are several car parks in the city that give you the option of leaving your car for less specific periods of time and paying when you leave. Secure Parking at 30 Lawson St., Carey Carpark on Marine Parade (open 24h), and Cloyne Road Carpark, at 11 Cloyne Rd., are all good options if you want to park in the city and get around on foot or by public transportation.
How much is the price of fuel in Southport?
The average price of fuel in Southport is €3.71 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between €44 and €59, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Southport?
Mini (MG 3 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Southport.
How can I find car hires near me in Southport?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Southport?
A Mini car hire in Southport costs €18 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Southport?
A Full Size car hire in Southport costs €39 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car hire cost in Southport?
A Luxury car hire in Southport costs €29 per day, on average.
How can I have an additional driver on my hire car agreement?
Most Southport car hire providers allow you to register an additional driver to your car hire agreement. This option is crucial if you intend to take long road trips from Southport or intend to enjoy your favourite alcoholic drink during the car hire period. However, the co-driver must meet all the car hire requirements, including age limits and driving licence demands.
How can I take my hired car out of Southport?
You can typically take your hired car out of Southport, but it's vital to confirm with the car hire provider beforehand. Some cheap car hire in Southport providers may impose additional restrictions or surcharges for driving your hired car out of town.
Some Southport car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Southport.
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a no-deductible option to your Southport car hire.
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