Returning your rental car at the end of your trip shouldn’t be a source of stress—and with Alpha Car Hire at Brisbane Airport, the process is straightforward and efficient. By operating from a nearby off-airport depot, Alpha provides a seamless experience away from the terminal chaos, ensuring a quick and easy return. Whether you’re heading back from a coastal adventure on the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast, or a peaceful weekend in the Scenic Rim, this step-by-step guide will help you return your Alpha car with confidence.
Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth final leg of your journey.
📍 Where to Return Your Alpha Car Hire in Brisbane
Unlike some on-site car hire companies that are located within the busy airport terminal precinct, Alpha Car Hire operates from a purpose-built depot just a stone’s throw away. This dedicated off-airport location allows for a faster and more focused service, all while still providing a free shuttle straight to your terminal.
🚘 Depot Address: 985 Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm QLD 4009
This location is easily accessible from major arterial roads leading to the airport, making it a convenient final stop for your road trip. It serves both the domestic and international terminals, with a complimentary shuttle bus available to get you to your flight after you return your vehicle.
🕒 Return Hours
- Standard Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, 7 days a week. You’ll be met by an Alpha team member to complete the return process.
- After-Hours Return: Available with prior arrangement. If you’re returning your vehicle outside of these hours, you’ll be instructed to park the car in the designated area and place the keys in a secure drop box near the office entrance. You can find more information on their contact us page.
✅ Tip: Always allow yourself a generous buffer of 30–45 minutes before your flight’s check-in time to complete the vehicle inspection and take the shuttle transfer to the airport terminal. During peak periods, it’s wise to add even more time.
🧭 Step-by-Step Return Guide
Following these simple steps will ensure a quick and hassle-free return:
1. Refuel Your Car (If Required)
Unless you have made other arrangements, your rental agreement typically requires you to return the car with a full tank of petrol (known as a “full-to-full” policy).
- Refuel: The easiest way to avoid fees is to refuel at a nearby petrol station just before arriving at the depot.
- Closest Option: The BP Eagle Farm at 818 Kingsford Smith Drive is just a two-minute drive from the depot, making it a perfect final stop.
- Cost: Not refuelling will result in a fee, which can be significantly more expensive per litre than filling it up yourself. You can review their full fuel policy in their FAQs.
2. Drive to Alpha’s Depot
Use a navigation app like Google Maps or your car’s GPS to direct you to: 📍 985 Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm QLD 4009
Look for the prominent Alpha Car Hire signage and proceed into the designated returns bay. Once you arrive, a team member will be ready to assist you.
3. Conduct a Quick Inspection
An Alpha team member will briefly inspect the vehicle with you. This process is usually very fast. They will confirm:
- Fuel Level: That the tank is full, as per your agreement.
- Vehicle Condition: A quick check for any new damage beyond fair wear and tear.
- Odometer Reading: To ensure you haven’t exceeded any kilometre limits (unlimited kilometres are standard on many passenger car bookings, but it’s always good to check your agreement).
📸 Tip: For your own records and peace of mind, it’s a great practice to quickly take a few photos of the vehicle when you return it—just as you did when picking it up.
4. Remove Your Belongings
Before you hand over the keys and head for the shuttle, do a thorough check of the entire vehicle.
- Double-check: Look in the boot, glove box, all door compartments, centre console, and under the seats.
- Commonly forgotten items: Sunglasses, phone chargers, reusable shopping bags, travel mugs, and children’s toys are easily left behind.
5. Drop the Keys & Get a Shuttle to the Airport
Once the inspection is complete and you have your belongings, the final step is simple.
- During business hours: Hand your keys to the Alpha team member who will sign off on your return and guide you to the next shuttle bus. The shuttle runs frequently, typically every 15–30 minutes, to ensure you don’t have a long wait.
- After-hours: Place your keys in the secure drop box located near the office entrance.
The complimentary shuttle bus to the Brisbane Airport terminals takes approximately 5–7 minutes. For a stress-free experience, the shuttle driver will assist you with your luggage. You can find more information on their shuttle bus services here.
✈️ Important Tips & Final Details
- Running Late? Call the Brisbane depot directly on +61 7 3062 7439 as soon as you can to let them know. Returning your vehicle more than an hour late may result in an additional full day’s fee.
- After-Hours Returns: This must be pre-arranged to ensure a smooth and secure return process.
- Tolls & Fines? Alpha Car Hire vehicles are equipped with electronic tags. Any tolls or fines incurred during your rental period will be processed after the car is returned and charged to the credit card on file, along with an administrative fee. You can find detailed information on tolls and fines in their FAQs.
- Check Your Agreement: Before you go, quickly re-read your rental agreement for any specific details on fuel, kilometre limits, or return times that may apply to your booking.
🧾 What to Expect in Your Final Charges
After the vehicle has been returned and inspected, Alpha Car Hire will:
- Finalise your bill and process any final charges (e.g., tolls, fuel fees).
- Release your security bond (pre-authorisation) once all checks are complete. The exact timeframe for the bond to be available in your account depends on your individual bank’s processing times, but it can take up to 28 days. More details are available on their bond policy page.
- Send you a final receipt by email for your records.
🧳 Flying Out of Brisbane?
- Domestic Terminal: The shuttle journey is typically 5–7 minutes.
- International Terminal: Allow a few extra minutes for the shuttle transfer, as it takes around 7–10 minutes.
Always allow extra time during peak hours or if you’re travelling with children and a lot of luggage.
📞 Contact Alpha Brisbane Airport
- Depot Phone: +61 7 3062 7439
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 9 PM daily
- Address: 985 Kingsford Smith Dr, Eagle Farm QLD 4009
- Website: alphacarhire.com.au
