Ahh you touch down off that new Delta flight from LAX to Brisbane. Now you need to make your way to the Brisbane Airport car rental area and get going. So what should you know?

Head to the car rental area in the International Terminal, which is to the right after you exit customs and collect your luggage. Look for the sign that says “Car Rental.” The good news is that all the car rental counters (Sixt, Hertz, Thrifty, etc.) are located right next to each other.

After you complete your paperwork, you’ll need to take the elevators to Level 1 where it says “Car Park.” Scroll down to find detailed directions on navigating the car rental areas at Brisbane Airport.

Why Choose National at Brisbane Airport?

Simple. It was cheaper.

I normally choose Hertz when I travel since I get additional benefits and status upgrades through Delta Air Lines and with the American Express Platinum. 

Note: Alamo, Enterprise, and National are all part of the same company, Enterprise Holdings.

I normally choose Hertz when I travel since I receive additional benefits and status upgrades through Delta Air Lines and my American Express Platinum card. However, in this case, National offered a lower total cost (before including tolls). Another benefit? If you have status with Hertz (provided by American Express Platinum or Delta), National will match that status. 

The other benefit is that I like driving the odd car that I can’t get in the States. In this case I was able to get a tiny vehicle, which meant it would also be great on gas. 

While I have Hertz linked to earn rewards back to Delta Air Lines, I actually have National set to earn rewards with Japan’s ANA Airlines (a wonderful airline I used to fly in and out of Haneda).

Gear Used

 Pick-Up Map & Step-by-Step

Pickup is straightforward. Simply go to the counter and fill out your paperwork. 

After hours: National will send you a confirmation email with details about a 24-hour Enterprise kiosk near the car park lifts (key safe + phone support).

I was the only one at the National car rental desk (the person in the photo is a worker). Yet, Hertz and others had long lines with people waiting. I would have to say I definitely appreciated the efficiency.. 

Terminal	Route to Counter	Typical Time
International (T1)	Baggage claim → clear customs → turn right → Level 2 car-rental hall (all desks in one row)	45 mins+
Domestic (T2)	Bags → up Skywalk → bridge to multi-storey car park → desks on Level 1	10 min

Fast Facts for U.S. Driver’s License Holders

• Make sure you have a valid U.S. driver’s license and passport
• Minimum driver age 21; AU$30/day young-driver surcharge
• The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle
• You cannot turn right on red lights
• You must keep left at roundabouts
• Carry cash in case your U.S. credit cards don’t work at gas pumps. You can also pay inside gas stations directly with your U.S. credit card (I used Amex Gold/Platinum successfully throughout the rental period)
• Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%

Vehicle Choice & Weekly Cost Example

My booking: Economy “MG 3 Core” automatic (7-day hire).

I chose an MG since, as I mentioned, I enjoy driving cars unavailable in the States. I felt this was a quirky car, similar to the Renault Twingo I rented in Africa.

Total out-the-door cost (including toll roads): AU$848.02 | $544.79 USD

What does this mean for me? This means that the call in cost was on average $78/day for a fully-insured compact vehicle, which is cheaper than many airport weekly rentals.

Insurance & Excess Hacks

National’s Super CDW eliminates the excess but doubles the daily rate. Compare with:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Covers up to $75k, but excludes Australia for liability
• American Express Platinum: Premium Insurance for a flat rate of $29.95 (also excludes Australia)
• Windscreen/tire coverage is separate; worth AU$6/day on rural routes

Brisbane Toll Roads Explained

• AirportlinkM7, Gateway & Logan Motorways are cashless—the e-tag is already installed in the car.
• Enterprise charges AU$3.30 admin fee per toll plus the actual toll cost. You can register for a 3-day Visitor’s Pass at Linkt to avoid the admin markup.
• Example: My AU$6.03 toll to Murarrie South appeared on the invoice (≈$3.87 USD).

Money-Saving Tips

• Choose a small vehicle instead of larger gas-guzzling options (see my experience below)
• Buy an e-toll visitor pass to save ~AU$15 on admin fees for a Gold Coast weekend
• Only pre-pay fuel if your flight departs before 6:00 AM (no BP stations open early)

Picking Up Your Car

To collect your vehicle, head to Level 1:

1. Look for the elevators and follow the sign that says “Car Park”
2. Press “1”
3. Continue walking and follow the “Car Park” signs
4. You’ll eventually make your way outside
5. Look for signs that say “Alamo,” “Enterprise,” and “National,” then locate your vehicle
6. Attendants are usually on-site to assist if needed

Important: Before entering your vehicle, take photos of all areas before signing ANY paperwork. I suggest taking photos and videos in 4K to capture everything exactly as you received it. This includes photographing the fuel level and odometer. Don’t just drive off without documenting the car’s condition.

Left-Side-Driving Survival Kit

In Australia—like in the UK—you drive on the left side of the road. This can be confusing for American drivers and was definitely challenging for me when I previously drove around New Zealand.

As someone who enjoys driving manual transmission, I’m glad I didn’t try to learn shifting with my left hand while adjusting to driving on the opposite side of the road.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Practice laps: Drive two practice loops around the car rental/airport area. Once you leave the car park, there’s plenty of open road space
2. Keep headlights on Auto: The controls are flipped. When you’re used to turning on windshield wipers, you’re now activating the turn signal (sometimes back in the States, I still mix them up)
3. Roundabouts: Give way to traffic from the right, signal left when exiting. Roundabouts can be tricky—give yourself time to adjust
4. Speed cameras: Pay attention to mobile speed cameras. In Australia, there are vehicles that look abandoned but contain speed cameras inside

Renting a Car in Australia (Brisbane)

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• National Car Rental offers competitive rates and shorter lines – Often cheaper than Hertz with less wait time, and they’ll match your Hertz status if you have it through Amex Platinum or Delta.
• Pick-up process is straightforward but requires navigation – After clearing customs, turn right to Level 2 car rental hall, complete paperwork, then take elevators to Level 1 car park to collect your vehicle.
• Budget around $78/day for a compact car with full insurance – Total cost example was AU$848 ($545 USD) for 7 days including tolls, which beats many U.S. airport rentals.
• Left-side driving requires adjustment and preparation – Practice loops around the airport, keep headlights on auto (controls are flipped), give way to the right at roundabouts, and watch for mobile speed cameras in parked vehicles.
• Essential FYI for U.S. travelers – Your U.S. license works for short visits, minimum age is 21 with AU$30/day surcharge, you cannot turn right on red lights, blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and carry cash for gas pumps since some U.S. cards may not work (though you can pay inside stations with Amex/other cards).
• Bonus tip: Brisbane toll roads are cashless with e-tags pre-installed, but consider getting a 3-day Visitor’s Pass at Linkt to avoid AU$3.30 admin fees per toll that Enterprise charges.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love

The Car Experience

I picked up a tiny MG3 with a small 1.5-liter engine. Honestly, the vehicle was a no-frills experience. I didn’t have the same thrilling experience I had driving a Renault Clio through the mountains of Réunion, but this little car did its job.

The downside is that while MG was once a well-known brand, it had numerous mechanical issues. Now, it’s been purchased by an external company and cheapened. And now, some of that cheapness carried over to this vehicle. It was more of an econobox than a fun car like a Renault Clio or Mini Cooper. 

In fact, I could feel the steering column against my knee during sharp turns, and if I turned the steering wheel too much, the engine RPMs would drop. In one case, the engine stalled completely. Fun times!

However, the benefit to renting these different fun cars is fuel efficiency. I spent AU$55.90 | $35.95 USD driving from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, down to Coolangatta, Byron Bay, and back to Brisbane Airport. That’s incredible value. Just think $36 USD? That cost wouldn’t even cover a one-way Uber from the airport to the city!

Does it have a strong safety rating? I doubt it. But if you want to save money, consider a smaller econobox compared to larger, fancier vehicles.

Fuel & Return Process

If you need to fill up, there’s a Shell Gas station at 3 Great Barrier Road (just under 4 km before returning the car).

If you have a Citibank credit card, there are usually deals or cashback offers with Shell gas stations.

Returns: Follow “Car Rental Return” signs to multi-storey Level 1; after-hours drop box is at the Enterprise desk. You’ll see a sign that says “Rental Cars Only.”

Allow a 20-minute buffer (or more) for incoming flights and traffic. There will be many vehicles slowly navigating the roundabout to pick up passengers, which you’ll need to navigate through to return your vehicle.

FAQs Americans Ask

Do I really need an International Driving Permit?
A valid U.S. driver’s license is sufficient for short-term visits, but an IDP is recommended for longer stays or if you encounter any issues.

Can I drive to Byron Bay and drop the car off in Sydney?
One-way rentals are possible but expensive. Check with National for specific pricing and availability.

How much is a speeding ticket in Queensland?
Fines start around AU$287 for low-level speeding and increase significantly with speed and location.

What child-seat rules apply?
Children aged 0-7 years must be restrained in appropriate car seats. Rental companies provide these for an additional fee.

How long from wheels-down to clearing the car park?
Approximately 45-60 minutes with customs clearance and pickup on a typical arrival, potentially longer on busy days.

Enjoy your Australian adventure, and welcome to driving on the left side of the road! I was definitely excited for this new Delta LAX-Brisbane route to open up. It definitely makes this journey so much more convenient for West Coast travelers—and the Gold Coast has always been on my list. Box checked!