How to find a cheap car hire deal in Canberra
Searching for a cheap rental car in Canberra? With prices averaging 89 € a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're wanting a go-anywhere compact, a road trip-ready SUV, or something else entirely, we round up all the best offers to land you a bargain.
Daily rental prices in Canberra start from just 26 €.
Planning a longer trip and want to go further than the usual stops? 180 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Canberra car hire. Try booking around one week before you go.
Browse the offers available with Avis, Europcar and Hertz. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Canberra car hire policy, whether you book with Avis or another supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with prices averaging 73 € a day.
Coming in next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 61 €.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly 82 € a day.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Canberra.
Flying to Canberra? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Canberra trip by booking a car hire at Canberra Airport. The city centre is about 8 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Canberra
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Canberra puts you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Canberra car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Canberra that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Canberra car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Canberra.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in Australia. Rules can differ, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Canberra car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest option.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in Australia, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph through urban areas and around 95kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) on your trip here. In addition to your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Canberra for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Deco Hotel gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Canberra and also comes with internet access and express check-in.
Alternatively, make use of the accessible parking at East Hotel and Apartments. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this option, which also features bicycle rentals and internet access.
Browse the selection of hotels in Canberra for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Canberra and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Canberra
Around 80 kilometres northeast of central Canberra, Goulburn deserves a spot on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Riversdale Historic Homestead and Jerrawangala National Park.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Goulburn include Willows Motel and Alpine Heritage Motel.
Add Yass to your list of stops. Grab your cheap car hire in Canberra and drive around 56 kilometres north to take in hot spots like Yass & District Museum and Cooma Cottage.
Relax after a big day out in Yass at Swaggers Motor Inn or Thunderbird Motel Yass. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Next up: catching some z's. Blacktown Tavern and Toongabbie Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Blacktown.
