Do Brisbane car rentals include unlimited kilometres?
Australians accounted for an estimated 28.5 million rental vehicle days in 2025, underscoring how frequently rental cars are part of everyday travel. But the time spent with a rental does not always indicate how far it will be driven.
A two-day hire, for example, could involve a few trips around Brisbane or hundreds of kilometres across South East Queensland. When the distance can vary so much, the number of kilometres included in the booking becomes an important factor when comparing Brisbane car rentals.
So, do Brisbane car rentals include unlimited kilometres? Yes, some do. Others set a daily, weekly or total kilometre limit, with additional charges potentially applying once that limit is exceeded. What applies will depend on the provider, vehicle and rental period.
In this blog, we explain how unlimited kilometres work, why some rentals still have distance limits, and how kilometre allowances can change between short-term and long-term car hire.
How Do Unlimited Kilometres Work with Car Rentals?
At first, unlimited kilometres can sound like a poor deal for the rental company. If a customer can drive as far as they want for the same rental rate, why would the company not charge for every kilometre?
In practice, unlimited-kilometre rentals still operate within the conditions of the rental agreement. Many budget car rentals in Brisbane can offer them because the rental price is based on the vehicle and hire period. At the same time, most customers will only travel a reasonable distance during that time.
A few things make the model work:
- The rental period is still fixed: Unlimited kilometres removes the distance cap, not the daily or weekly hire charge. Keeping the vehicle longer still means paying for additional rental days.
- Average use balances out: Some customers travel further than others, while many use the vehicle primarily for ordinary local or holiday driving.
- Fuel remains the renter’s expense: Unlimited kilometres generally do not mean unlimited fuel. The customer still pays for the fuel used while covering those extra kilometres.
- Rental conditions still apply: Restrictions on where and how the vehicle can be driven remain in place, even when the kilometres themselves are unlimited.
- Some rentals remain capped: Companies may apply kilometre allowances to particular vehicles or to longer-term rentals, where higher mileage could have a greater effect on servicing, tyres, and vehicle depreciation.
For renters, the main benefit is therefore not “free driving”, but knowing that travelling further than expected will not automatically result in an excess-kilometre charge when unlimited kilometres are included.
Rental periods themselves can also vary. Short-term car rentals generally cover a few days or weeks, while long-term car rentals are intended for people who need a vehicle for several weeks or months. How kilometre limits apply across these two types of rentals is where things can differ.
Do Short Term and Long Term Car Rentals Have the Same Kilometre Limits?
Not necessarily. The kilometre allowance can change depending on how long you hire the vehicle, which is particularly important when comparing short-term and long-term rental prices.
- Short-term rentals: Unlimited kilometres are more commonly available for passenger vehicles hired for a few days or weeks. These rentals are often suited to shorter travel needs, such as a Brisbane’s car rental airport booking where the vehicle is needed from arrival through to the end of a trip.
- Long-term rentals: Rentals lasting several weeks or months may include a weekly or monthly kilometre allowance. Extended access to the vehicle creates more opportunity for mileage to accumulate, so providers may set limits to account for servicing, tyre wear, and depreciation.
- Excess kilometres: If a long-term rental has an allowance, travelling beyond it may attract a per-kilometre charge. The excess rate should be checked before booking, particularly if regular commuting or longer journeys are planned.
- Some rentals remain capped: Kilometre allowances can still apply to particular vehicles or booking types. When considering a larger vehicle, such as an 8-seater car rental in Brisbane, check the specific kilometre allowance rather than assuming unlimited kilometres are included.
For the above reasons, finding the cheapest long-term car rental in Brisbane involves more than comparing weekly or monthly rates. A slightly lower rental price can become less competitive if the included kilometre allowance does not cover the amount of driving you expect to do.
Get the Best Rates for Car Rentals with Viz Car Rentals
Unlimited kilometres can make a rental easier to budget for when you are unsure exactly how far you will travel. But the kilometre allowance should still be considered alongside the vehicle, rental period, inclusions and overall rate when deciding which option suits your plans.
If you are looking for the best car rental in Brisbane for your needs, Viz Car Rentals offers a range of vehicles for short- and long-term hire across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Our short-term passenger vehicle rentals include unlimited kilometres, with 24/7 roadside assistance available throughout your rental.
Whether you are looking for cheap car rentals at Brisbane Airport or comparing the best rates for car rentals for a longer stay, check the conditions attached to the individual vehicle and rental period before booking.
Explore our available vehicles and rental rates to find an option that suits your travel plans.
FAQs
How early should I book my Brisbane car rental?
Book your car rentals at least one to two weeks ahead during normal periods. For school holidays, public holidays, or peak travel periods, booking three to four weeks in advance can offer more vehicle options.
Can I drive a rental car from Brisbane to the Gold Coast?
Yes, usually. Brisbane to Gold Coast travel is commonly allowed, provided the route falls within the permitted travel area stated in your rental agreement.
Do I have to pay for fuel with an unlimited kilometre rental?
Yes. Unlimited kilometres normally remove distance-based charges only. You are still responsible for the fuel used and any refuelling requirements stated in the rental agreement.
Can someone else drive my rental car?
Yes, if they are added as an approved driver and meet the provider’s licence and age requirements. An additional driver fee may also apply.
Can I extend my car rental use after the booking has started?
Yes, subject to vehicle availability. Contact the provider before the scheduled return time to extend the stay, as additional days may change the rate and other booking conditions.
