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Car hire in Darwin, Australia

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Darwin

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Darwin car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find the best car rental locations in Darwin

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The most popular car rental companies in Darwin

Hiring a car in Darwin: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBargain Car Rentals
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Darwin

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Darwin car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Darwin

Finding cheap car hire deals in Darwin is easy with Skyscanner. We offer over 10 pick-up locations so you can choose the most convenient spot for your needs. We highlight options with free cancellation, providing flexibility if your plans change. To save money, look for 'full to full' deals, ensuring you only pay for the petrol you use. For a smoother experience, we spotlight keyless pick-up options, allowing you to avoid queues and get on the road faster. Use our search feature to explore all available locations and find the best deal for your journey.

The best time to book a car in Darwin

Car hire in Darwin is best booked around three weeks before your trip to secure the ideal vehicle. June usually offers the cheapest rates, making it a good time to plan your trip. Keep in mind that events like the Darwin Festival can lead to increased demand. Consider booking further in advance if your visit coincides with such times to ensure you get the best deal and availability.

What you'll need when hiring a car in Darwin

In Australia, the minimum rental age varies between providers but starts at 18 in Darwin, though young driver surcharges may apply if you are under a certain age. The minimum driving age in the Northern Territory is 16.5 years. Ensure you have a valid driver's licence and possibly an international driving permit too. Different car hire companies may have varying requirements, so check these details before booking. Skyscanner makes it easy to compare and choose the best deal for your travel needs.

Car hire in Darwin: top tips for driving in Australia

Driving in Australia means getting used to traffic that navigates on the left side of the road. Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in the city and 100 km/h on expressways, highways, and country roads. Google Maps has comprehensive coverage here, making navigation straightforward. For those considering a road trip, Alice Springs is about 1,500 km away, roughly a 16-hour drive. Katherine is closer, around 320 km from Darwin, taking approximately 3.5 hours to reach. For more adventurous drivers, Broome in Western Australia is approximately 1,870 km away, translating to a 20-hour journey.

Frequently asked questions

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Darwin is currently July.
On average, around $435. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Darwin is $295.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Darwin for a whole month is $1,866. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Darwin, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Darwin that have free cancellation. 
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Darwin.
Most places – Darwin included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Bargain Car Rentals, alice car rental and Europcar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

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