How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sydney
Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Sydney. Pick from options averaging $192 a day and get going for less.
Daily rental prices in Sydney start from just $18.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $124 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Sydney car hire. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.
simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and Sixt are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you go with simba car hire or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Sydney car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Sydney.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of $80 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $72, this provider comes in next.
The third option also performs well on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly $143 a day.
The Large rental category is a reliable option if you're unsure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Sydney.
Flying to Sydney? Think about an airport pick-up
Start your Sydney trip sooner by picking up a car hire at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport. The city centre is about 8 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Sydney
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Sydney is all about getting you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Sydney car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Sydney big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Sydney car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so always compare your options.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Sydney by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
Age requirements vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Sydney car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in Australia.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
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.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
English is the language spoken by most people in this country.
Best hotels in Sydney for drivers
Offering parking, The Russell Boutique Hotel takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Sydney and also comes with internet access and luggage storage.
Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo Sydney makes travel simpler with parking and features such as a nightclub and a restaurant. It's roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in Sydney for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Sydney and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to head to first. Get things started with leading attractions like Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Sydney
Navigate your way to Wollongong. Around 64 kilometres southwest of central Sydney, you'll find must-sees like Wollongong Beach and Pulpit Rock.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Wollongong include Sage Hotel Wollongong and Solomon Inn Motel Figtree.
Blacktown has some great accommodation options such as Ibis Budget Wentworthville and Peppers the Hills Lodge. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Maitland, around 129 kilometres north of Sydney. First, swing past Maitland Gaol, then head to Golden Whistler Park.
Browse the room options at Hunter Gateway Motel or Old Maitland Inn - Rutherford. They make it a breeze to discover everything Maitland has to offer. They also have parking available.
