Campervan vs Car + Hotel: What’s the Cheapest Way to Travel?
You’re staring at the open road on your map, imagining sunsets on the coast, outback skies full of stars, and the ultimate Aussie adventure with your partner or family. But then comes the big question: what’s the cheaper way to do it—rent a campervan or go the old-school car + hotel route?
It’s a fair question—and one that more and more savvy travellers are asking. Whether you’re planning a family road trip with the kids or a romantic escape with your other half, the goal is the same: see more, spend less, and stress less.
Spoiler alert: while campervans may seem like the pricier option upfront, they often combine multiple costs into one tidy package—saving you heaps when it comes to accommodation, food, and even time. Especially when you go with GoCheap, which offers budget-friendly campervan rentals across Australia, built with real families and couples in mind.
Let’s break it down and look at the real numbers behind each option.
Image: GoCheap Derwent
1. The True Cost Breakdown: Campervan vs Car + Hotel
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Comparing a GoCheap campervan with a car + hotel combo isn’t just about the rental price—it’s about the total cost of the experience.
Vehicle Rental Costs
- GoCheap Campervans
GoCheap campervans start at around $120-$250 per day, depending on the size and season. That includes your accommodation, basic kitchen gear, and bedding.
→ GoCheap HiTop 2-berth = ~$125/day
→ GoCheap 4-berth Henty (family van) = ~$180–$250/day
- Car + Hotel Option
A compact rental car averages $70-$145 per day, but that’s just for the wheels. You’ll still need to book separate accommodation every night.
Accommodation Costs
- GoCheap Campervans
With a GoCheap campervan, your bed travels with you. You’ll pay for a campsite if you need power—typically around $25–$55/night for powered sites at holiday parks. Many national parks are even cheaper or free. You can use the CamperMate App to look for your next campsite (paid or free!).
- Car + Hotel Option
For a family of four or a couple, hotel costs can range between $100–$200 per night, depending on the location and time of year. Even budget motels average $120/night in regional areas.
✅ Campervan wins here by combining two costs into one. For longer trips, the savings stack up fast. A family road-tripping for a week could easily save $500–$800 just on accommodation by going with a campervan.
Image: Home is where you park it… Vehicle + Accommodation
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Costs
- GoCheap Campervans
Expectedly, campervans are heavier than cars, so they’ll use more fuel—expect around 11–14L/100km. For a 1,500 km trip, you’ll spend roughly $300–$400 on fuel, depending on current prices. Although you can sometimes be surprised by how efficient they are!
- Car + Hotel Option
A compact rental might use 6–8L/100km, so the same 1,500 km journey would cost closer to $150–$250 in fuel.
✅ Cars are more fuel-efficient, yes—but the difference often doesn’t outweigh the hotel savings with campervans.
Food and Cooking
- GoCheap Campervans
All GoCheap vans come with a built-in kitchen and all your cooking essentials! You can prepare your own meals, store groceries in the fridge, and make coffee whenever you want. Huge for families!
- Car + Hotel Option
You’ll likely rely more on restaurants, takeaway, or hotel dining—especially on the move. A family of four eating out twice a day could easily spend $80–$120 daily.
Image: Spacious and fully equipped kitchen in our GoCheap Derwent
Extras and Hidden Fees
- GoCheap Campervans
Most costs are upfront, though you’ll want to factor in optional insurance upgrades (from $39 to $55/day for peace of mind), campground fees, and a one-way rental fee ($165) if applicable. You’ll also have to pay a bond if you choose to go without our insurance (but most people take it…).
- Car + Hotel Option
Beyond hotel taxes and parking fees, you’ll likely pay for extra bedding, late check-outs, and maybe even room service or laundry. Not to mention the stress of unpacking every night.
🔍 GoCheap keeps things simple, and fewer moving parts usually means fewer surprise charges.
7-Day Trip Cost (Approximate Totals)
| Category | GoCheap Campervans | Car + Hotel |
| Vehicle Rental | $875 – $1,750 | $490 – $1,015 |
| Accommodation | $175 – $385 | $700 – $1,400 |
| Fuel | $300 – $400 | $150 – $250 |
| Food | $150 – $250 | $560 – $840 |
| Total (Couple) | $1,500 – $2,785 | $1,900 – $3,505 |
🔥 That’s up to $1,000 in savings just by choosing a campervan—and the difference is even bigger for families travelling together.
While a GoCheap campervan may seem like a bigger upfront cost, you’re combining vehicle, accommodation, and even a kitchen in one price! Once you factor in hotel stays, eating out, and all those sneaky extras with a car + hotel trip, the total often ends up being over $500–$1,000 cheaper with a campervan—especially on trips lasting a week or more.
Get 5% off your adventure when you book 125 days in advance!
Get 10% off your trip when you book for more than 21 days.
Guess what? You can combine those two discounts for an amazing 15% off! 🤩
Image: GoCheap Tamar, parked with a view
2. Comfort, Convenience & Flexibility
When you’re on the road with kids or trying to pull off a stress-free couple’s getaway, the last thing you want is constant packing, unpacking, and strict check-in times. This is where GoCheap really shine.
Pack Once, Relax More
With a GoCheap campervan, your bed, kitchen, and bags travel with you. No nightly check-ins, no unpacking in a new hotel every day. Just drive, park, and chill. Families love that the kids’ stuff—snacks, games, clothes—are always within reach. It’s like having a mini apartment on wheels. You set it up once and hit the road worry-free.
Freedom to Roam
Change your plans on the fly—stay longer at that dreamy beach or skip the crowded tourist spots. No rigid hotel bookings to lock you in… Want to stay longer in a spot you love or take a scenic detour? Easy. Just park and sleep. Campervan life lets you go where the wind (or weather) takes you.
Meals Made Easy
Hungry kids or late-night cravings? Your campervan kitchen’s got you covered. Save money and cook on your schedule. For families, it means fewer “are we there yet” snack stops, and for couples, you can even cook up a romantic meal with a view.
Bathroom On Board
Most of GoCheap’s campervans come with onboard toilets and showers, giving you even more freedom to roam without relying on public facilities. A total game-changer when travelling with little ones!
Less Stress, More Joy
Ever tried finding a last-minute motel after a long day on the road—with tired kids or a hangry partner? Not fun. Campervan life = smooth, simple, and surprisingly comfy.
Image: Feel just like at home with our Campervans…
3. Why Choose GoCheap Campervans?
Let’s be honest—when you’re planning a road trip, the dream is to see more and spend less. That’s exactly where GoCheap glows. Here’s why more and more families and couples are choosing GoCheap campervans to hit the open road:
Budget-Friendly Daily Rates
GoCheap offers some of the most affordable campervan rentals in Australia, with options starting as low as $125 per day for your vehicle, your accommodation and your kitchen… Whether you’re booking a short getaway or an extended adventure, there’s a van to match your budget.
Options for Every Traveller
- Couples – GoCheap’s HiTop and 2-berth models are compact, cosy, and perfect for two. Great for romantic getaways and spontaneous weekend escapes.
- Families – Larger 4- or 6-berth vans offer plenty of space for parents and kids, with extra bedding, dining space, and even optional baby seat fittings.
Built-In Essentials = Less Packing
All vans come equipped with the essentials you actually need:
✔️ Bedding & Towels
✔️ Kitchenette with gas cooker
✔️ Fridge & Freezer
✔️ Cutlery and cookware
✔️ Storage space
✔️ Water tanks
✔️ In some models, toilet and shower too!
Just bring your clothes and food—you’re good to go!
Nationwide Pickup & Drop-off Locations
Want to drive one way? No problem. GoCheap has depot locations across major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Perth and Hobart—making one-way journeys easy and cost-effective.
Image: Lovely couple enjoying time together in our GoCheap Derwent
4. Quick Money-Saving Tips for Your Campervan Trip
Already great value? Yep. But with a little planning and a few clever tricks, your campervan road trip can get even cheaper. Here’s how couples and families can stretch their dollars even further:
- Travel Off-Peak: Travel mid-year and avoid school holidays and peak summer months—rates are lower and campsites are less crowded.
- Book Early: Lock in the cheapest rates and best campervan models by booking ahead. Take advantage of Early Bird and Long Hire Discounts!
- Camp Smart: Use free or low-cost campsites—check apps like WikiCamps or CamperMate.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Use the van’s kitchenette to save on food—especially with kids.
- Go One-Way (Strategically): Save time and fuel by planning smart one-way trips between major cities.
- Pack Smart: Bring your own toiletries, chargers, and basics to avoid buying stuff on the road.
Image: GoCheap Derwent, sleeps up to 6 persons
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a campervan really cheaper than a car and hotel?
A: Yes—especially for trips longer than 3–4 days. With GoCheap, you’re combining your vehicle, accommodation, and kitchen into one price. For couples or families, the savings often hit $500–$1,000+ over a week.
Q: What’s the best GoCheap campervan for families?
A: The 4-berth GoCheap Henty or 6-berth Derwent is ideal for families. It’s roomy, easy to drive, and some models even have a toilet and shower on board—super helpful with little ones!
Q: Are campsites really cheaper than motels?
A: Absolutely. Powered sites at campgrounds cost around $25–$55/night, while motels average $100–$200/night. Even better, Australia has loads of free and low-cost camping options—especially for self-contained vans.
Time To Plan Your Campervan Holiday!
GoCheap isn’t just a budget option—it’s a smart option. It gives you the tools to travel better, cheaper, and with way more flexibility than the typical car + hotel setup.
Some other blogs we think you might like:
A First-Timer’s Guide To Hiring A Campervan
Rent Your First Campervan in Australia
Ready to hit the road? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
