As you'd expect for a country the size of Australia, there are many options when it comes to renting a car down under. At Airport Rentals we make it easy to find a rental car by bringing leading rental brands together in one place. Use our search to compare rental deals, create a shortlist based on your preferences, and sort the options by cheapest price or recommended vehicles. It's all designed to make your life easier, so you can secure airport car hire in Australia at great value rental rates.
If at any point in the booking process you have any questions or need help, our friendly Airport Rentals team can talk you through it - we’re available via phone 24/7. So don't miss out on a great car hire deal in Australia and make a search today.
Your favourite car rental brands
Airport Rentals partners with a wide range of major international and local rental car suppliers, including:
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Alamo
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Avis
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Budget
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East Coast Rentals
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Enterprise
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Europcar
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Hertz
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National
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Sixt
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Thrifty
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And more
Whether you’re looking for a compact car, luxury SUV, sporty sedan, family-sized minivan, or cheap airport car rentals, you will have plenty of vehicles and deals to choose from with these trusted brands.
![People swimming at Bondi Beach.]()
Visit popular Australian cities in your hire car
From the largest cities to the smallest outposts, Airport Rentals has got you covered. Maybe you want to visit Cairns to explore the Great Barrier Reef? You'll find plenty of options from Cairns Airport, including electric an premium vehicles. What about a Brisbane car hire? Local rental car suppliers like East Coast Cars Rentals and Apex Car Rentals sit alongside international brands at Brisbane Airport, ready to get you on the road.
But let's not forget Australia's hidden gems, like Whyalla in South Australia. This coastal hideaway is approximately 4 and a half hours from Adelaide and could be your first taste of the outback. There's also Exmouth in Western Australia, between Perth and Broome. You really will feel like you're in another world when driving your hire car from this coastal town.
Wherever you visit in Australia, be it the Gold Coast or Bundaberg, you're sure to find plenty of great rental vehicle options with us.
Choose the right rental car
Adventures in Australia come in many different forms. Getting the vehicle that fits your plans is very important and can make or break any road trip - so read our tips for picking the perfect set of wheels and drive away into that red-tinged sunset.
Business travellers
if you’re travelling for work, there are plenty of late-model sedans, compact vehicles and even luxury models available from many different suppliers. If you're sticking to the city, consider a smaller vehicle for easy parking and maneuverability. For inter-state trips, an SUV will provide lots of comfort on the long journey.
Family travel
Families and large groups will have no problems finding the ideal people mover, van or SUV to fit in everyone and their luggage. Once you've search car rental options, simply use the handy filters to the left of the search results to specify the number of people, and you’ll be presented with a range of options.
Budget hire car options
Brands such as Bargain Car Rentals and Alpha Car Hire are good for those who wish to limit their spending, often offering slightly older vehicles at a much lower rate. Economy and Compact vehicles are also a good choice for bargain hunters - not only are they generally cheaper to rent, they also use less petrol which is ideal on long trips.
Intrepid adventures
You can pick up a 4WD vehicle from most airports around Australia, which may be helpful if you’re planning an adventurous road trip. However, these are often subject to the same rules regarding which roads you can drive on as other rentals, so be sure to check before you book.
![A view of the 12 apostles on the coast of Victoria.]()
Top tips for picking up your hire car from the Airport
If you're picking up you hire car from the Airport, car rental desks are usually located within the terminal, usually in the arrivals area. The car itself will be parked the terminal car park. Some companies will have a free shuttle service that takes you to the nearby depot, where you can collect your car from the car park and start your journey.
In terms of documents, you'll need to have a valid drivers license and in most cases a credit card. Some rental car brands may accept debit cards. If that is the case, this option will be shown to you during the booking process. Make sure to have these things handy, as well as you booking information when you get to the counter.
At busier locations, like Sydney Airport in New South Wales, there may be longer wait times, so take advantage of online check in if this option is available to you. It's also worth noting that airport car rental can be more expensive than renting a car within the city limits. This is because there are extra taxes for rental car companies located at the airport.
Book international car rental
Heading overseas? Make your trip easier with an affordable car rental from Airport Rentals. We have rental suppliers not just in Australia but in all corners of the globe, so you can fly to a new place and drive away to explore with no worries, mate!
Global car rental brands
It’s always nice to see a familiar face in a foreign place. You can pick up a car from recognisable international brands like Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, Avis, Dollar or AutoEurope to send you on your way. These trusted names can be found in most airports and cities around the world - and if they’re there, you’ll find them on our website!
National and regional rental suppliers around the globe are also an option, and often a good one. Keep an eye out for these in the search results, and you might just pick up a great deal with a company who really knows what’s what in their own corner of the globe.
Top destinations
You can find your rental in one of more than 100 countries around the world with Airport Rentals. These are a few of the favourite destinations for Aussies.
Handily located just across the ditch we call the Tasman Sea, New Zealand is a land of wonderful sights and the perfect spot for an unforgettable road trip. Whether you’re flying in to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or a smaller centre, you’ll find a road that takes you somewhere wonderful - and as an added bonus, they all drive on the correct side of the road! We knew Kiwis were good for something!
A little further afield is another popular destination for driving holidaymakers: the good old US of A. Many begin their American journey somewhere coastal like Los Angeles or New York, but there are myriad places you could pick up a rental and begin to explore. The huge variations in landscape and culture across this vast collection of states mean that there is always something new to see!
The sheer vastness of Canada’s open spaces is a delight to any keen road tripper. With mountains, rugged coastlines, prairies, forests and more, his northerly neighbour to the USA is known for its natural beauty, and it won’t disappoint! A car rental from one of Canada’s worldly and exciting cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Montreal is always the beginning of an epic - and scenic - adventure.
![The Toronto skyline.]()
Car hire Australia: Frequently asked questions
How much is car rental in Australia?
There are lots of factors to take into consideration when it comes to the cost of car hire in Australia. For example Brisbane car hire is dependent on the season, but there is also lots of competition, so you can usually expect to get a good deal. However smaller locations, like Uluru or Katherine will have fewer vehicles available and likely higher demand, which drives up prices. The type of vehicle you choose and the length of your rental will also impact prices.
Make a search now for update to date pricing in hundreds of locations around Australia. Some of the benefits of booking with Airport Rentals are that we make it easy to search cars, free cancellation is available on most vehicles and there are no booking fees!
When is the best time to travel in Australia?
Summer in Australia is between December and February and it can get very hot during this time, especially in Perth and Queensland. Therefore, we generally recommend travelling either side of these months, when it will be more comfortable and less busy. Northern Queensland generally has good weather all year around, so you can enjoy the beaches and outdoors anytime. However, there can be significant rain and storms, so be sure to check before travelling.
Who owns Sixt car rental Australia?
In Australia, Sixt car rental is owned by the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA). The NRMA became a franchisee of Sixt in 2021, after previously having been a shareholder in Thrifty.
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