Frequently Asked Questions
Check Alpha Car Hire Terms & Conditions
Service, Location & Hours
Can I pick up or return my rental car outside of standard business hours?
Out-of-hours collections and returns for your Alpha Car Hire vehicle may be available at certain branch locations. This service offers flexibility, but it’s important to contact Alpha Car Hire directly: 1300 227 473 to confirm availability and make arrangements. Please be aware that additional fees or specific conditions may apply for services outside of standard operating hours. We recommend arranging this in advance to ensure a smooth process.
What happens if I return my vehicle late?
We understand that delays can occur. However, if you return your Alpha Car Hire vehicle more than one hour after your scheduled drop-off time, an additional full day’s rental fee will be charged. To avoid unexpected charges, we encourage you to contact us immediately if you anticipate being late. You may be able to extend your rental, subject to availability and additional costs.
Where are Alpha Car Hire's rental locations in Australia?
Alpha Car Hire has conveniently located branches across major Australian cities and regions. Our current rental locations include:
Brisbane, QLD: Eagle Farm (servicing Brisbane Airport – BNE)
Gold Coast, QLD: Tweed Heads (servicing Gold Coast Airport – OOL)
Melbourne, VIC: Tullamarine (servicing Melbourne Airport – MEL)
Sydney, NSW: Mascot (servicing Sydney Airport – SYD)
Logan, QLD: Slacks Creek (a local branch for Brisbane Southside car rentals)
Each branch is strategically placed to offer easy access to popular destinations and airports.
Do you offer a shuttle bus service from airports to your branches?
Yes, Alpha Car Hire provides a complimentary shuttle bus service from major Australian airports to our nearby rental branches. This service is available at all our airport-servicing locations: Brisbane (Eagle Farm), Gold Coast (Tweed Heads), Melbourne (Tullamarine), and Sydney (Mascot).
Important Shuttle Information:
Our Slacks Creek (Logan) branch does not offer a shuttle service.
Detailed instructions for your shuttle pick-up (including meeting points) will be sent to you via email after you confirm your booking.
For safety reasons, infants under 6 months of age cannot be transported on our shuttle buses, as we cannot guarantee the use of appropriate car seat restraints. Please make alternative transport arrangements for infants in this age group.
What are Alpha Car Hire's typical operating hours?
Alpha Car Hire branch operating hours vary by location. Generally, our airport-servicing branches (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney) operate extended hours to accommodate flight schedules. Our local branches, like Slacks Creek, may have slightly different hours. For precise opening and closing times for your specific pick-up or drop-off location, please refer to the details provided in your booking confirmation, visit the individual branch page on our website, or contact us directly.
Can I drop off my car at any Alpha Car Hire location?
Generally, you must return your vehicle to the same location where you picked it up, unless you have specifically arranged a one-way rental. One-way rentals are available between select Alpha Car Hire branches across Australia and must be pre-arranged with our Call Centre, as additional fees may apply. Always confirm your drop-off location on your rental agreement.
Is it possible to pick up my rental car after hours at Melbourne Airport (MEL)?
Yes, after-hours pick-up is available at our Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) branch. If your flight arrives outside our standard operating hours, please ensure you pre-arrange this service at the time of booking. Specific instructions for out-of-hours collection will be provided in your confirmation email, including details on shuttle service availability for late arrivals. Additional fees may apply for this service.
What are the shuttle bus pick-up points at Sydney Airport (SYD)?
For customers arriving at Sydney Airport (SYD), our complimentary shuttle bus service operates from designated pick-up zones outside the terminal. Detailed instructions, including the exact meeting point and how to signal for the shuttle, will be clearly outlined in your Alpha Car Hire booking confirmation email. We advise checking these instructions upon arrival to ensure a swift transfer to our Mascot branch.
Do you offer pick-up from the Gold Coast Airport (OOL) for Alpha Car Hire rentals?
Yes, we provide a convenient shuttle bus service from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to our nearby Tweed Heads branch. While we don’t have a counter inside the terminal, our shuttle will meet you at the designated pick-up zone at OOL, as specified in your booking confirmation, to transfer you directly to our branch for vehicle collection.
What are the shuttle bus pick-up points at Brisbane Airport (BNE)?
For customers arriving at Brisbane Airport (BNE), Alpha Car Hire offers a complimentary shuttle bus service to our Eagle Farm branch. Your booking confirmation email will provide precise instructions on where to meet our shuttle at Brisbane Airport. It’s always a good idea to review these details before your arrival to ensure a smooth and quick transfer to collect your rental car.