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?
You can absolutely arrange to grab or return your keys outside our regular business hours at select branch locations if you need a bit more flexibility. Just give our team a quick ring on 1300 227 473 so we can check availability and sort out the details for your specific trip. Keep in mind that an out-of-hours service might come with a few extra fees or specific conditions depending on the branch.
We highly recommend organising this well in advance so everything runs smoothly and you can just focus on enjoying the drive.
What happens if I return my vehicle late?
We totally understand that unexpected delays can sometimes happen while you are out exploring. Just keep in mind that if you bring the keys back more than an hour past your scheduled drop-off time, we do have to charge an additional full day’s rental fee. To avoid any surprise charges, give our team a quick ring the moment you realise you might be running late. We can usually help you extend your rental subject to vehicle availability and standard daily rates so you can finish your trip without the stress.
Do you offer a shuttle bus service from airports to your branches?
We absolutely offer a complimentary shuttle bus service to whisk you from the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney airports straight to our nearby branches. Just keep in mind that our Slacks Creek branch in Logan does not run a shuttle, so you will need to make your own way to that specific location.
Once you lock in your booking, we will shoot you an email with all the pick-up instructions and meeting points so you know exactly where to find the bus.
As a quick heads-up for young families, we cannot transport infants under six months old on the shuttle due to strict car seat rules, so please arrange alternative transport to the desk if you are travelling with a newborn.
What are Alpha Car Hire's typical operating hours?
Our branch operating hours vary a bit depending on exactly which location you are visiting. Generally, our branches servicing the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney airports stay open longer to match up with busy flight schedules.
Local spots like our Slacks Creek branch run on slightly different daily hours. To check the exact opening and closing times for your specific trip, just take a peek at your booking confirmation, check out the branch page on our website or give our team a quick ring at 1300 227 473
Can I drop off my car at any Alpha Car Hire location?
You generally need to bring your vehicle back to the exact same spot you picked it up from unless you have already organised a one-way rental. We do offer one-way trips between select branches across Australia but you will need to sort this out ahead of time with our team as a few extra fees might apply. Just remember to double-check the designated drop-off location listed on your rental agreement so handing back the keys is an absolute breeze.
Is it possible to pick up my rental car after hours at Melbourne Airport (MEL)?
You can absolutely pick up your rental car outside of standard operating hours at our Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) branch if your flight gets in late. Keep in mind that this out-of-hours service is only available upon pre-arrangement, so you will need to contact the branch first to lock it in when making your booking. Once everything is sorted, you will receive specific collection instructions in your confirmation email outlining late-arrival shuttle availability and any extra fees that might apply.
What are the shuttle bus pick-up points at Sydney Airport (SYD)?
If you are landing at Sydney Airport, our complimentary shuttle bus service will grab you from the designated pick-up zones just outside the terminal.
You will find all the detailed instructions, including the exact meeting point and how to signal for the bus, clearly laid out in your booking confirmation email. We definitely recommend giving those instructions a quick read once you touch down to ensure a swift and easy transfer straight to our Mascot branch.
Do you offer pick-up from the Gold Coast Airport (OOL) for Alpha Car Hire rentals?
We absolutely provide a convenient complimentary shuttle bus service to whisk you from the Gold Coast Airport straight to our nearby Tweed Heads branch. While we do not have a rental desk directly inside the terminal, our shuttle will be ready and waiting to meet you at the designated pick-up zone. Just follow the specific instructions laid out in your booking confirmation to find the bus and we will have you collecting your keys in no time.
What are the shuttle bus pick-up points at Brisbane Airport (BNE)?
If you are landing at Brisbane Airport, we offer a complimentary purple shuttle bus to whisk you straight to our nearby Eagle Farm branch. For domestic arrivals, simply head over the Skywalk bridge and take the second set of escalators on the right down to the B1/B2 ground-level bus zone, while international travellers should exit the terminal to the left, head down the ramp and wait at the furthest bays on the left. You will find all these precise instructions clearly laid out in your booking confirmation email, so we highly recommend giving them a quick read before you arrive. Once you hop on, we will have you at the desk and ready to collect your keys in no time.