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

Canberra Fyshwick
Compact
Toyota Yaris or similar
Toyota Yaris
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$30.86 / per day
Downtown
Intermediate
Suzuki Baleno or similar
Suzuki Baleno
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Routes Car Rental
$49.55 / per day
Downtown
Standard SUV
MG HS or similar
MG HS
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Keddy
$53.25 / per day
Canberra Airport
Economy
MG 3 or similar
MG 3
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$53.91 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Canberra Airport
Full-size
Toyota Camry or similar
Toyota Camry
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$66.68 / per day
Canberra Fyshwick
Premium SUV
BMW iX3 (Electric) or similar
BMW iX3 (Electric)
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$68.71 / per day
Downtown
Full-size Elite
Cupra Ateca or similar
Cupra Ateca
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$77.40 / per day
Canberra Fyshwick
Special
Mystery Car or similar
Mystery Car
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$71.83 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 21:13 on 2024-03-27. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+61
Average car rental price
$59 per day
Average car rental length
5 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
100 - 130 km/h or 62 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.2 / 10
Average gasoline price
$1.37 per liter or $5.18 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.11 per liter or $4.22 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$1.62 per liter or $6.14 / 1 gallon

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 $66.96 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 $77 per day
  • Large cars - from $33 per day
  • Medium cars - from $31 per day
  • Vans - from $56 per day
  • Premium cars - from $86 per day
  • Small cars - from $54 per day
  • SUVs - from $43 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. 99.7 km / 62.0 miles away
  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. 199.3 km / 123.8 miles away
  6. 219.0 km / 136.1 miles away
  7. 236.5 km / 147.0 miles away
  8. 258.7 km / 160.7 miles away
  9. 302.5 km / 188.0 miles away
  10. 308.8 km / 191.9 miles away
  11. 348.4 km / 216.5 miles away
  12. 355.0 km / 220.6 miles away
  13. 358.6 km / 222.8 miles away
  14. 370.3 km / 230.1 miles away
  15. 452.2 km / 281.0 miles away
  16. 459.1 km / 285.3 miles away
  17. 469.6 km / 291.8 miles away
  18. 470.3 km / 292.2 miles away
  19. 488.3 km / 303.4 miles away
  20. 494.1 km / 307.0 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Canberra

  1. 158.3 km / 98.4 miles away
  2. 177.8 km / 110.5 miles away
  3. 189.1 km / 117.5 miles away
  4. 202.7 km / 126.0 miles away
  5. 219.0 km / 136.1 miles away
  6. 219.9 km / 136.6 miles away
  7. 220.7 km / 137.1 miles away
  8. 225.2 km / 139.9 miles away
  9. 226.3 km / 140.6 miles away
  10. 227.4 km / 141.3 miles away
  11. 229.4 km / 142.5 miles away
  12. 232.2 km / 144.3 miles away
  13. 233.6 km / 145.2 miles away
  14. 236.5 km / 147.0 miles away
  15. 238.8 km / 148.4 miles away
  16. 240.8 km / 149.6 miles away
  17. 246.4 km / 153.1 miles away
  18. 246.9 km / 153.4 miles away
  19. 249.8 km / 155.2 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
$52.36
January
$48.13
February
$60.32
March
$54.41
April
$39.49
May
$60.76
June
$62.02
July
$58.48
August
$51.48
September
$46.88
October
$55.90
November
$62.03
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Canberra is May (when prices average $39.49 per day). This is 27% cheaper than the yearly average and 36% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $62.03).

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 January, 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
7
January
6
February
5
March
5
April
5
May
4
June
4
July
4
August
5
September
6
October
4
November
6
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 December, and the least popular is March.
Monthly searches in Canberra by pick-up date relative to the average
76%
January
33%
February
28%
March
94%
April
48%
May
68%
June
141%
July
143%
August
119%
September
113%
October
140%
November
199%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 4
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Thrifty, SIXT, Alamo, Europcar, National
Popular car categories SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars
Lowest price $31 per day
Cheapest supplier Avis

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Thrifty Suzuki Swift 4 2 Small cars
Thrifty Hyundai i30 5 2 Medium cars
Alamo Toyota Yaris 4 2 Medium cars
Alamo Hyundai i30 5 2 Large cars
SIXT Mitsubishi Outlander Aut. 5 3 SUVs
Alamo MG 3 4 1 Small cars
Thrifty Toyota Corolla 5 2 Medium cars
SIXT MG HS Aut. 5 3 SUVs
Alamo Skoda Kamiq 5 2 SUVs
SIXT Mitsubishi ASX 4 2 SUVs

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 Corolla
December 18, 2023
Visited family
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
October 26, 2023
all good. driving in canberra a bit of a nightmare - prefer paper maps
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
National
8.8 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Routes Car Rental
7.3 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
9
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$59.02
Lowest daily price
$30.86
Total cars available
140

Top 12 Suppliers in Canberra in 2024

SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8.8 / 46 reviews
3 locations
$55 - $235
National
National
Very good 8.8 / 10 reviews
1 location
$94 - $131
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.6 / 41 reviews
1 location
$54 - $66
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8.6 / 33 reviews
2 locations
$66 - $124
Europcar
Europcar
Very good 8.4 / 20 reviews
2 locations
$48 - $124
Budget
Budget
Very good 8.4
1 location
$67 - $84
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.3 / 1 review
1 location
$88 - $172
Avis
Avis
Very good 8.1
3 locations
$31 - $86
Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8 / 1 review
2 locations
$55 - $80
Keddy
Keddy
Good 7.8 / 1 review
2 locations
$52 - $316
Firefly
Firefly
Good 7.6
1 location
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Good 7.3
2 locations
$48 - $122
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