Car Rentals in Canberra, AUS

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Canberra

Renting a car in Canberra offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, or anyone looking to enjoy a city-themed experience. With a rental car, managing your luggage becomes straightforward, allowing you to visit multiple attractions without the hassle of public transport schedules.

You can easily drive to key attractions like Lake Burley Griffin, where you can enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities. The National Gallery of Australia and Questacon are also within reach, making your cultural experiences accessible. Additionally, exploring neighbourhoods such as Canberra City Centre, Kingston, and Braddon is convenient, as they feature various attractions like Civic Square and contemporary art spaces. A rental car allows you to move between these destinations effortlessly, ensuring you make the most out of your trip to Canberra.

Most popular car hires in Canberra

• Midsize: This car type is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize vehicles are ideal for couples and families seeking comfort and space during their travels in and around Canberra. With ample room for passengers and luggage, they provide an excellent balance of efficiency and convenience for your journey.
• Fullsize SUV: If you’re travelling with a larger group, the fullsize SUV is a fantastic option, comfortably fitting up to 6 travellers with the capacity to carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This vehicle is particularly suited for families or groups, offering generous space and stability, making it a great choice for exploring the Canberra region.
• Compact: The compact car is an excellent option for those who prefer a smaller vehicle, accommodating up to 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, compact cars are designed for ease of handling and manoeuvrability, making them a smart choice for navigating the streets of Canberra while ensuring lower fuel costs.

Top rated car suppliers in Canberra

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travellers in Canberra, featuring 2 rental locations throughout the area. Known for its wide selection, the most booked vehicles with Hertz are the Compact and Fullsize cars, offering flexibility and comfort for exploring the capital. Customers appreciate the convenience of managing their luggage and adjusting their itineraries with ease. Hertz provides a reliable option for those looking to experience Canberra at their own pace.
• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location in Canberra, making it a convenient choice for visitors. The Midsize vehicles are the most popular among renters, offering ample space for travellers and their belongings. Budget is favoured for its competitive pricing and straightforward process, allowing tourists to quickly get on the road and start discovering the attractions in and around Canberra. With Budget, you can enjoy a hassle-free car hire experience.

Where to stay in Canberra

• Canberra City Centre: Located at the heart of the city, Canberra City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere for families, business travellers, and city explorers. Key attractions include the stunning Civic Square, which is perfect for enjoying outdoor events, and the National Gallery of Australia, ideal for culture enthusiasts. The picturesque Lake Burley Griffin is also nearby, perfect for scenic views and outdoor activities. The area boasts numerous dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a great choice for both relaxation and exploration.
• Braddon: A trendy suburb adjacent to Canberra, Braddon is well-known for its lively atmosphere and artistic vibe. Visitors can explore the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, which showcases local art, or take a leisurely stroll around Lake Burley Griffin for picturesque views. The area features a mix of shopping centres and dining options, including wineries and eateries that cater to a variety of tastes. Braddon is particularly appealing to families and business travellers looking for a city-themed experience.
• Queanbeyan: Just a short distance from Canberra, Queanbeyan offers a unique blend of suburban charm and city conveniences. It is popular among families, business travellers, and those seeking a city-themed experience. Notable attractions include the historic Old Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia, making it a great spot for culture lovers. With plenty of restaurants and wineries nearby, visitors can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin, which is perfect for outdoor leisure activities.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Canberra

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be justified for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Canberra

The best value period to rent a car in and around Canberra is December, when prices are moderately low and demand is high. August through September also offers slightly lower prices, although demand can peak in September. January and February generally see average prices and demand, making them decent options as well. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with both prices and demand remaining high during this time.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	69.3°F (20.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
March	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
April	55.6°F (13.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
May	47.8°F (8.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
July	42.1°F (5.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
September	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately Low
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately Low