How to find a cheap car hire deal in Darwin International Airport (DRW)
In search of a cheap Darwin International Airport rental car? With prices averaging $108 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a large SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the top deals to help you book smart.
Lock in your ride in March and accelerate your savings. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in DRW, with average daily rates of $35.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap DRW rental car. Book around four weeks before you travel to land the best price.
Bargain Car Rentals, Thrifty and East Coast are some popular providers at Darwin International Airport.
Whether you book with Bargain Car Rentals or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Darwin International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in DRW.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire at Darwin International Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Explore without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
Get into the fast lane once you've collected the keys to your DRW car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're headed to central Darwin, it'll take you about 15 minutes to travel the 13 kilometres or so north.
Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Consider grabbing a car hire in Darwin instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Compare car hire types from Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Darwin International Airport rental car gives you the freedom to explore for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives fly by in this DRW car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Darwin International Airport 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 large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different DRW car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Darwin International Airport.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals vary by company (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Kids coming with you? Child car seat laws vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Find out if you need to add one to your DRW car hire booking.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Before you move on, get in some sightseeing around Darwin first. Major highlights like Mindil Beach and Skytour Air Safaris set the tone for your whole journey.
Keep travelling to Palmerston. Around 16 kilometres south-east of DRW, you'll find popular sights like Palmerston Shopping Centre and MVR Palmerston.
Alternatively, hop in your Darwin International Airport car hire and head roughly 31 kilometres south-east to Humpty Doo. Featuring Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and Howard Springs Nature Park, its highlights live up to the hype.
Looking to cover more ground? Jabiru is another fun destination that's around 209 kilometres east of DRW. Lake Jabiru and Mamukala Billabong are ideal pit stops.
