Car Rental in Canberra

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Canberra, Australia
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Downtown Car Rental
Compact
Kia Rio or similar
Kia Rio
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$33.90 / per day
Canberra Airport Car Rental
Economy
MG 3 or similar
MG 3
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Enterprise
$35.98 / per day
Canberra Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Suzuki Baleno or similar
Suzuki Baleno
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$37.67 / per day
Canberra Airport Car Rental
Standard SUV
MG HS or similar
MG HS
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Keddy
$45.15 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Canberra Airport Car Rental
Standard Elite
Polestar 2 or similar
Polestar 2
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$69.66 / per day
Canberra Airport Car Rental
Full-size
Toyota Camry or similar
Toyota Camry
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$88.92 / per day
Canberra Fyshwick Car Rental
Premium SUV
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or similar
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
  • 7
  • 4
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$85.37 / per day
Canberra Airport Car Rental
Full-size Elite SUV
Audi Q7 or similar
Audi Q7
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$106.36 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 18:15 on 2023-09-15. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Language
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+61
Average car rental price
$62.87 / per day
Average car rental length
5 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mph
Speed limit out of town
100 - 130 km/h
62 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.2
Average gasoline price
$1.38 per liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.59 per liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.14 per liter

Why rent a car in Canberra?

The capital of Australia, Canberra is usually thought of as a political center instead of a travel destination. But, despite its location in the country’s interior and lower tourist profile, the city has a surprising amount of things to see and do such as interesting museums, governmental buildings, and scenic views from the surrounding hills. Getting a rental car will also give you access to some of the nature preserves that are a relatively short drive from Canberra.

One-Way Car Rentals in Canberra

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Canberra and drop off in another city include:

  • From Canberra to Sydney - 8 offers from $65.98 per day

Top ways to enter Canberra

Canberra Airport. The main airport of the Australian Capital Territory and the eighth-busiest in the country, it handles more than three million travelers every year. In addition to flights to all of the other large Australian cities, there are also direct flights to and from Qatar, offering convenient connections with tens of destinations in the Middle East and Europe.

Top destinations and activities

  • Parliamentary Triangle. This is the area home to Australia’s Parliament House, High Court, and other important legislative and judicial institutions. While some of these buildings can only be viewed from outside, others offer tours — for example, the old parliament house has been turned into the Museum of Australian Democracy. This area of the city is also home to the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, Questacon science and technology center, and other attractions.
  • National Film & Sound Archive. One of the most interesting cultural institutions in the country, this museum hosts an impressive amount of TV, radio, cinema, gaming, and digital art recordings. While it’s impossible to get familiar with all of the stored material — that would literally take millennia — going on a self-guided tour is a fun experience. The archive also frequently hosts exhibitions and film screenings. 
  • Australian National Botanic Gardens. While Canberra is near a number of nature reserves and national parks, nature can also be enjoyed without leaving the capital city at the National Botanic Gardens. Home to the world’s largest collection of living Australian flora, the gardens are a great place to enjoy a day among the greenery or visit one of the events or concerts that take place there. Other interesting nature-related attractions in Canberra include the National Arboretum, National Zoo and Aquarium, and Canberra Reptile Zoo.

Traffic and parking

  • One of the largest road hazards in Australia is wildlife. Take extra caution when driving in bad weather or after dark as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife take place.
  • Mobile coverage is very rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so take extra caution when traveling in rural areas.
  • Another great risk when traveling outside of main highways is the heat. The temperatures can reach extremes very easily, especially during the summer months and in inland areas. Always stay properly hydrated and plan your route in advance to be able to supplement your water supplies.
  • Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
  • When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
  • The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000. 

Ideas for day trips

  • Namadgi National Park. One of the several national parks surrounding the Australian capital, Namadgi is known for its impressive peaks, eucalyptus growths, and highland meadows and fens. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife like several species of kangaroos and wombats, as well as various birds. Unfortunately, during the last few years, the area has experienced several wildfires, so make sure to look up a forecast if you’re visiting during the warmer months of the year (roughly from December to March). The drive from the center of Canberra to Namagdi takes about an hour.
  • Snowy Mountains. Home to the highest peaks of mainland Australia, the Snowies are the best place in the country to get on skis or a snowboard and enjoy a wild ride down the slope. The Australian winter lasts roughly from June to October; in warmer weather, the area is a prime hiking destination. The drive from Canberra takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, so while it is possible to visit the area on a day trip, set aside two or three days if you can.
  • Batemans Bay. Unlike most other large Australian cities, Canberra is not on the coast, but its inland location doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ocean during your visit. The closest beach town is Batemans Bay, a small and cozy place known for its scenic beaches, many water sports opportunities, and access to the neighboring Clyde River, Deua, and Monga National parks. The drive from Canberra takes about two hours.

Car Rental Prices in Canberra

  • Station wagons - from $168 per day
  • Large cars - from $38 per day
  • Medium cars - from $34 per day
  • Vans - from $129 per day
  • Small cars - from $34 per day
  • SUVs - from $36 per day
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Top 20 Cities near Canberra

  1. Batemans Bay Car Rentals from $52.87 per day
    99.7 km / 62.0 miles away
  2. Wagga Wagga Car Rentals from $54.62 per day
    158.3 km / 98.4 miles away
  3. Wollongong Car Rentals from $41.58 per day
    177.8 km / 110.5 miles away
  4. Merimbula Car Rentals from $29.98 per day
    189.1 km / 117.5 miles away
  5. Narellan Car Rentals from $55.50 per day
    199.3 km / 123.8 miles away
  6. Bathurst Car Rentals from $29.01 per day
    212.9 km / 132.3 miles away
  7. Albury Car Rentals from $41.18 per day
    219.0 km / 136.1 miles away
  8. Sydney Car Rentals from $27.43 per day
    236.5 km / 147.0 miles away
  9. Parkes Car Rentals from $37.38 per day
    258.7 km / 160.7 miles away
  10. Tuggerah Car Rentals from $55.50 per day
    302.5 km / 188.0 miles away
  11. Griffith Car Rentals from $53.31 per day
    308.8 km / 191.9 miles away
  12. Dubbo Car Rentals from $48.37 per day
    348.4 km / 216.5 miles away
  13. Singleton Car Rentals from $33.90 per day
    355.0 km / 220.6 miles away
  14. Newcastle Car Rentals from $34.28 per day
    370.3 km / 230.1 miles away
  15. 450.0 km / 279.6 miles away
  16. Pakenham Car Rentals from $36.19 per day
    452.2 km / 281.0 miles away
  17. Melbourne Car Rentals from $26.06 per day
    469.6 km / 291.8 miles away
  18. Bendigo Car Rentals from $43.21 per day
    470.3 km / 292.2 miles away
  19. Taree Car Rentals from $51.26 per day
    488.3 km / 303.4 miles away
  20. Tamworth Car Rentals from $34.33 per day
    494.1 km / 307.0 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Canberra

  1. Canberra Airport Car Rentals from $35.65 per day
  2. 158.3 km / 98.4 miles away
  3. 177.8 km / 110.5 miles away
  4. 189.1 km / 117.5 miles away
  5. 202.7 km / 126.0 miles away
  6. Albury Airport Car Rentals from $51.80 per day
    219.0 km / 136.1 miles away
  7. Sydney Liverpool Car Rentals from $54.79 per day
    219.9 km / 136.6 miles away
  8. Sydney Penrith Car Rentals from $54.11 per day
    220.7 km / 137.1 miles away
  9. Sydney Revesby Car Rentals from $55.50 per day
    225.2 km / 139.9 miles away
  10. 227.4 km / 141.3 miles away
  11. Sydney Carlton Car Rentals from $54.79 per day
    229.4 km / 142.5 miles away
  12. 233.6 km / 145.2 miles away
  13. Sydney Airport Car Rentals from $34.55 per day
    236.5 km / 147.0 miles away
  14. 238.8 km / 148.4 miles away
  15. 240.8 km / 149.6 miles away
  16. Sydney East Car Rentals from $77.75 per day
    246.4 km / 153.1 miles away
  17. Sydney Artarmon Car Rentals from $49.80 per day
    246.9 km / 153.4 miles away
  18. Sydney Hornsby Car Rentals from $66.97 per day
    249.8 km / 155.2 miles away
  19. Griffith Airport Car Rentals from $53.31 per day
    308.8 km / 191.9 miles away
  20. 346.1 km / 215.1 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Canberra?

Car rental prices in Canberra vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Canberra
$65.44
January
$50.65
February
$66.01
March
$53.42
April
$38.77
May
$59.65
June
$60.90
July
$57.42
August
$58.72
September
$83.92
October
$80.49
November
$78.87
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Canberra is May (when prices average $38.77 per day). This is 38% cheaper than the yearly average and 54% cheaper than renting in October (when prices average $83.92).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Canberra?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in December, the average renter keeps their car for 7 days, and in June, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of rental days in Canberra
5
January
6
February
5
March
5
April
5
May
4
June
4
July
4
August
5
September
6
October
5
November
7
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Canberra?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Canberra is August, and the least popular is October.
Monthly searches in Canberra by pick-up date relative to the average
122%
January
103%
February
86%
March
106%
April
54%
May
78%
June
161%
July
162%
August
100%
September
51%
October
59%
November
118%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 4
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers SIXT, Alamo, Thrifty, Europcar, National
Popular car categories SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars
Lowest price $34 per day
Cheapest supplier SIXT

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
SIXT Mitsubishi Outlander Aut. 5 3 SUVs
SIXT MG HS Aut. 5 3 SUVs
Alamo Skoda Kamiq 5 2 SUVs
Alamo Toyota Yaris 4 2 Medium cars
Alamo Hyundai i30 5 2 Large cars
Thrifty Hyundai i30 5 2 Medium cars
Thrifty Suzuki Swift 4 2 Small cars
SIXT Toyota Yaris 5 Small cars
Alamo Mitsubishi Outlander 4 3 SUVs
Thrifty Toyota Corolla 5 2 Medium cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Australia
Toyota Camry Hybrid
August 19, 2023
Long trip but no problem at all.
New Zealand
Mitsubishi Outlander Aut.
April 10, 2023
Snowy mountains area new to us good relaxing walking tracks in autumn
Australia
Hyundai i30
February 24, 2023
Catching up with friends I hadn’t seen for years because of covid
Australia
Kia Picanto
January 10, 2023
Tidbinbilla Nature reserve, the National Arboretum, the National Gallery with Campbell exhibition, drive up Mt Ainslie at Sunset, dinner at the Wild Duck restaurant, all beautiful experiences with our son.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
July 15, 2021
Easy to deal with, clean car
Poland
Mitsubishi Outlander
August 14, 2020
Nice place, wide roads, easy to drive, plenty of wild livestock to see around.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
SIXT
9.3 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Firefly
8.4 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
6
Total rental companies
10
Average daily price
$62.87
Lowest daily price
$33.90
Total cars available
101

Top 10 Suppliers in Canberra in 2023

SIXT
SIXT
Exceptional 9.3 / 35 reviews
3 locations
$34 - $74
National
National
Exceptional 9.2 / 10 reviews
1 location
$86 - $107
Alamo
Alamo
Exceptional 9.1 / 29 reviews
1 location
$36 - $58
Europcar
Europcar
Exceptional 9 / 15 reviews
2 locations
$38 - $168
Thrifty
Thrifty
Excellent 8.9 / 19 reviews
3 locations
Hertz
Hertz
Excellent 8.9 / 1 reviews
1 location
$65 - $133
Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.7 / 1 reviews
2 locations
$36 - $76
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.7
1 location
Keddy
Keddy
Excellent 8.5 / 1 reviews
2 locations
$36 - $152
Firefly
Firefly
Excellent 8.4
1 location
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