The Northern Territory is a vast and unique region of Australia, with its capital at the very top end of the continent. Discover where Asian influences blend with Aboriginal culture amidst a modern cityscape, and prepare for a unique and adventurous experience. Make the most of your time in this tropical city by booking a Darwin Airport car hire.
Search and compare cheap car rentals from Darwin Airport
At Airport Rentals, we make it quick and easy to book the perfect car at a great price. Make a search, compare the available vehicles, filter the results based on your preferences, find the best car hire deal, then book. It only takes a few minutes to book your hire car, including choosing extras like child seats and unlimited kilometres. Search now for up-to-date pricing and availability.
Hiring a car from Darwin Airport: What you need to know
Darwin International Airport has a single terminal building with two floors. Both domestic and international passengers will pick up their luggage from the ground floor, which is also where the on-airport car rental desks are located.
Car hire companies at Darwin Airport
With Airport Rentals, you can hire a car from local and well known brands, including:
Alamo
Avis
Bargain Car Rentals
Budget
Dollar
East Coast Car Rentals
Enterprise
Europcar
Hertz
Keddy
National
Routes Car Rental
SIXT
Thrifty
Each of these companies offers a range of car types for hire, including Economy, Intermediate, Large, SUV and Vans/People Movers.
Picking up your hire car from Darwin Airport
You can find the car rental counters on the ground floor of the Darwin Airport terminal building, in the arrivals hall, opposite baggage collection. Make sure you have your booking information, driver's licence and payment method ready to ensure a smooth process. Once you have signed your rental agreement, you can collect the keys and staff with direct you to where the car is parked.
Most of the car hire companies listed above are located in the terminal, however there are some located off-airport. If you have hired a car from East Coast Car Rentals or Bargain Car Rentals, you will need to catch the free shuttle service between the airport and their depot. Both of these companies will provide information on how to arrange a shuttle pick up before you arrive at the airport. Generally, you will be given a phone number to contact after you have collected your luggage.
Darwin Airport map
Returning your hire car to the airport
The return process at Darwin Airport is straightforward. Once you arrive, signs will guide you to the rental car return car park, which will have dedicated bays based on the rental company. For East Coast and Bargain Car Rentals, return the rental vehicle to the depot you picked it up from and take the shuttle back to the airport. In both cases, make sure you check the vehicle for personal belongings before you return the keys to the counter.
After hours returns are only available with some car hire companies and need to be arranged in advance. The process requires you to return the car, lock it and then leave the vehicle keys in the drop box either at the airport or at the depot.
Need help?
If you need help with your car hire Darwin Airport booking, you can contact us and one of our award-winning support team will be here to help.
Quick tips for your car hire Darwin Airport
Darwin continues to grow both upward and outward. While traffic isn’t too heavy in the smallest populated capital city of Australia, construction is common and therefore it’s best to pay attention to all road signage while exploring Darwin in your car hire and keep the road rules in mind:
Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Slow down at roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.
Expect slower cruising along the Esplanade and areas of heavy foot traffic.
When raining, slow down on wet roads and always use the headlights.
Check weather updates especially during the wet season (October to April) for the rare but possible chance of a tropical cyclone.
Find both free and paid parking spaces for your Darwin car hire on most city streets.
If you’re heading out of the capital, be sure to plan your route beforehand to maximise safety.
Exploring downtown in your Darwin rental car
For city dwellers who love to wine and dine, highly-rated restaurants are everywhere you look in downtown Darwin.
Sit oceanfront with a glass of local shiraz while feasting on Asian delicacies. Authentic Southeast Asian eats are everywhere thanks to the city’s close proximity to Indonesia.
Stretch your legs on the oceanfront Esplanade where restaurants intertwine with shops, hotels, parks, and beaches. Check out numerous WWII military bunkers dotted around the area.
Get up close and personal with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove.
Hang out at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct where you can access a sandy beach and wave pool amongst bars and restaurants.
Each attraction is a short drive away in your Darwin car rental.
Exploring further afield in your Darwin car hire
For those looking to explore more, multiple historic national parks are within a few hours’ reach, as well as a number of water activities.
If you’re visiting during the dry season, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market cannot be missed. Spend the night sampling an array of different cuisines and shop incredible local crafts.
Explore Kakadu National Park, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit the lush Litchfield National Park where vine forests hide water holes and waterfalls.
Check out Charles Darwin National Park, only 10 minutes away in your car rental.
Those with sea legs can choose from a number of tours including fishing experiences, sailing trips, and even overnight options to the Tiwi Islands.
Hire car Darwin Airport: Booking the right vehicle
The streets of Darwin are similar to other major cities, but if you plan to explore outside of these areas you may want to book a 4WD rental car from Darwin Airport. Accessing certain areas of the national parks in the Northern Territories requires a 4WD, so consider this if it's part of your itinerary.
Detailed planning is a must for the Outback so on top of packing your car hire with extra supplies, have a detailed map and plan out petrol station stops with backup options. Always make sure to choose a vehicle that works for every driver—both automatic and manual cars are available at Darwin Airport.
Want a different kind of tour without staying at a hotel? Browse Motorhome Republic's campervan rental deals and experience 'home-on-wheels' while roaming around the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane in a campervan.
Car hire Darwin Airport: Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a car at Darwin Airport?
A cheap car hire from Darwin Airport can start around $30-$40 AUD per day for a compact vehicle like a Hyundai Accent. Prices fluctuate depending on demand, whether it is a short of long term car rental, and whether there is a car rental deal available. Compare prices now on our easy-to-use search engine and book in advance to get the best rate and save money.
What is the cheapest car hire agency at Darwin Airport?
Find budget-friendly car rentals at Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast Car Rentals Darwin Airport. Off-airport brands tend to be cheaper because of lower taxes. Use our search engine to compare value and features relevant to your Darwin car hire experience. Do note that a little extra can go a long way for added convenience or luxury.
What car rentals are at Darwin Airport?
Darwin Airport offers a large range of car rental brands both onsite at the airport or a short free shuttle bus ride away. Choose from a wide variety of vehicles, such as the Nissan Juke, Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Corolla, Mazda BT-50 Double Cab Ute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Prado and many more. With such a varied mix, it’s easy to find exactly what you are looking for in a Darwin Airport car rental.
Can I collect a car from Darwin Airport and return it somewhere else?
Yes, you can. Simply choose the Darwin Airport location for pickup and then untick the 'Return to same location' box on the search widget and then enter in your desired drop off location. When you search, you will see which companies have this option available.
Can I collect and return my vehicle after hours?
After-hours pick up and return may be available with your car rental Darwin, but it must be arranged with your chosen partner provider in advance. By selecting your desired pick up and drop-off time in the search bar, you will find car hire options available to you at the specified times. The specific terms for after-hours returns are available during booking.
What’s the speed limit in Darwin?
Throughout Darwin’s city centre, expect to find a speed limit of 50km/h. This may change due to construction, school zones, and suburban areas. The speed limit may reach 60km/h on main roads and/or highways, increasing to 110km/h outside the city limits. Check the Northern Territory web page for more information on speed limits.
How far is Darwin Airport from Darwin city centre?
Darwin Airport is located northwest of the city centre, a 20-minute drive in your airport car hire. During peak times, there may be additional congestion on Highway One and the time may increase to 30 minutes.
Are animals allowed?
Many of our partner providers allow pets in rental cars, but before you book, make sure to reach out to the desired brand to ensure it is allowed. Some depots will incur an extra charge.
Planning to see other areas near or around Darwin? Refer to the list below for other car hire locations:
