When planning a trip to Brisbane for business, leisure, or with family, transportation is one of the first choices to make. When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of renting a car versus using a taxi service, each option will influence your budget, possibilities, and travel experience.
Let’s take a closer look at the renting vs taxi options for transportation in Brisbane, focusing on cost, convenience, and flexibility, especially when traveling some distance or with multiple people.
1. Cost Comparison: Renting vs Taxi in Brisbane
Taxi Costs in Brisbane:
Taxi fares in Brisbane are inclusive of distance as well as time. As of 2025, average fares start from approximately AUD 4.00 as a base fee, plus AUD 2.25–2.70 (depending on the time of day) per kilometer traveled. Additional charges for waiting in traffic or delays will also increase the fare.
Let’s break it down with some examples:
- Brisbane Airport to CBD (approx. 15 km): AUD 45–55
- Brisbane CBD to Gold Coast (approx. 80 km): AUD 220–250
- Local city travel (10 km ride): Around AUD 25–30
If you plan to take multiple trips in a single day (such as airport transport, sightseeing, and dining), it’s very easy to spend between AUD 150 and 200 a day on taxis alone.
Car Rental Costs in Brisbane:
Car rentals can be arranged from one of the big names, including Viz Car Rentals. A compact or economy car will usually cost AUD 50–80 per day, or an SUV or minivan will cost AUD 90–130 per day.
Additional costs include:
- Fuel: Around AUD 2 per liter
- Parking: AUD 10–30 per day (depending on location)
- Optional insurance: AUD 10–20 per day
Therefore, for a 3-day trip, a small rental vehicle will probably cost between AUD 210–250, including fuel and insurance, much less than using taxis for several trips each day.
2. Convenience and Accessibility
Taxis:
In Brisbane, taxis are convenient to find near main transport hubs, hotels, and retail precincts. You can pre-book by app: either download 13CABS or Black & White Cabs, or simply hail a cab on the street.
Taxis are perfect for point-to-point transfers and are a great option for traveling to and from places when you don’t want to deal with parking or finding your way.
However, there can be delays during busy times and for large events such as Riverfire or the State of Origin. Also, taxis will charge a premium for airport pick-ups and during the night.
Rental Cars:
When you rent a car, you have the advantage of driving when you want to drive. You can simply collect your rental from Brisbane Airport or from the various outlets in Brisbane City.
For example, if you arrive in Brisbane in the morning, your rental car will be ready in under 15 minutes, and you can head off to visit places like Mount Coot-tha Lookout or Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and you will not have to pay surge pricing or wait for a taxi service to get you to those sites.
With Viz Car Rental, travelers can pick up their vehicle right from Brisbane Airport or the city center, making it quick and hassle-free to start their journey.
3. Flexibility and Freedom
Taxis:
With taxis, your movement depends on the driver’s availability, traffic conditions, and booking times. You can’t stop on a whim for a photo op or detours, and those stops add up quickly, cost-wise, if you make stops on your route.
Rental Cars:
This is where car rentals really excel. If you have your own vehicle, you’re free to plan your own itinerary, starting early, taking detours, and stopping anytime you want.
For example, let’s say you’re traveling from Brisbane for a day trip to the Glasshouse Mountains. With your own vehicle, you can stop at lookout points, coffee shops, and trailheads without worrying whether you will be able to get a taxi.
4. Cost Scenarios for Different Travelers
Scenario 1: Solo Business Traveler (2 Days in CBD)
- Taxi Cost: ~AUD 80/day = AUD 160 total
- Rental Car: ~AUD 70/day + parking = ~AUD 180 total
If most meetings are within the CBD, taxis are simpler and cheaper.
Scenario 2: Family of 4 (3 Days, Exploring Gold Coast & Hinterlands)
- Taxi Cost: Minimum AUD 600–700 total for round-trip and sightseeing
- Rental Car: ~AUD 100/day + fuel = ~AUD 330 total
Renting clearly makes more sense for flexibility, comfort, and savings.
Scenario 3: Couple on a Weeklong Vacation
- Taxi Cost: AUD 700–800 (daily rides + airport transfers)
- Rental Car: AUD 400–500 + fuel = ~AUD 600 total
Renting offers better mobility and lets you explore beaches, cafes, and mountain spots.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re traveling to Brisbane for sightseeing purposes, renting a vehicle can actually save you money, as well as allow more flexibility and convenience, especially for groups or for longer times. You can customize your trip, visit more unusual places, and go more quickly or slowly, depending on your rhythm.
Viz Car Rental is here to help. From a compact car to drive around the city, a spacious SUV for family outings, or a luxury car for business travel. We rent the vehicles, they are reasonably priced, and we have someone to help whenever you call us.
