Car Rental in Canberra
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Canberra Fyshwick
Compact
Toyota Yaris
or similar
$31.98
per day
Canberra Airport
Economy
MG 3
or similar
$42.61
per day
Canberra Airport
Intermediate
Hyundai i30
or similar
$44.52
per day
Canberra Fyshwick
Special
Mystery Car
or similar
$48.01
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Canberra Airport
Full-size Elite
Cupra Leon
or similar
$56.30
per day
Downtown
Full-size
Toyota Camry
or similar
$65.87
per day
Canberra Airport
Standard SUV
MG HS
or similar
$86.73
per day
Canberra Airport
Standard Elite
Polestar 2
or similar
$109.00
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 06:09 on 2024-07-13. 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
$61 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%
Average gas price
$1.37 per liter or $5.20 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.12 per liter or $4.23 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.63 per liter or $6.16 per 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 $67.38 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 sights 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 $152 per day
- Large cars - from $34 per day
- Medium cars - from $32 per day
- Vans - from $58 per day
- Premium cars - from $166 per day
- Small cars - from $43 per day
- SUVs - from $45 per day
Top 20 cities near Canberra
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99.7 km / 62 miles away
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158.3 km / 98.4 miles away
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184 km / 114.3 miles away
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189.1 km / 117.5 miles away
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199.3 km / 123.8 miles away
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219 km / 136.1 miles away
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231.3 km / 143.7 miles away
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236.5 km / 147 miles away
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258.7 km / 160.7 miles away
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302.5 km / 188 miles away
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308.8 km / 191.9 miles away
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348.4 km / 216.5 miles away
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355 km / 220.6 miles away
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370.3 km / 230.1 miles away
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452.2 km / 281 miles away
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459.1 km / 285.3 miles away
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469.6 km / 291.8 miles away
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470.3 km / 292.2 miles away
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494.1 km / 307 miles away
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519.4 km / 322.7 miles away
Top 20 locations near Canberra
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158.3 km / 98.4 miles away
-
177.8 km / 110.5 miles away
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189.1 km / 117.5 miles away
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202.7 km / 126 miles away
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219 km / 136.1 miles away
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219.9 km / 136.6 miles away
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220.7 km / 137.1 miles away
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225.2 km / 139.9 miles away
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226.3 km / 140.6 miles away
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227.4 km / 141.3 miles away
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229.4 km / 142.5 miles away
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232.2 km / 144.3 miles away
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233.6 km / 145.2 miles away
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236.5 km / 147 miles away
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238.8 km / 148.4 miles away
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240.8 km / 149.6 miles away
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246.4 km / 153.1 miles away
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246.9 km / 153.4 miles away
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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
The cheapest month to rent a car in Canberra is May (when prices average $45.85 per day). This is 19% cheaper than the yearly average and 40% cheaper than renting in June (when prices average $76.93).
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.
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 June, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in March, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of rental days in Canberra
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 June.
Monthly searches in Canberra by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Car rental locations | 5 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Alamo, Thrifty, SIXT, Europcar, Avis |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Small cars, Large cars |
| Lowest price | $32 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 |
| Alamo | MG 3 | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Alamo | Mazda CX-8 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Alamo | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Alamo | Skoda Kamiq | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| SIXT | Mitsubishi ASX | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| SIXT | MG HS Aut. | 5 | 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 the 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.
JS
Australia
Toyota Corolla
December 18, 2023
Visited family
DA
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
October 26, 2023
all good. driving in canberra a bit of a nightmare - prefer paper maps
AS
Australia
Toyota Camry Hybrid
August 19, 2023
Long trip but no problem at all.
PQ
New Zealand
Mitsubishi Outlander Aut.
April 10, 2023
Snowy mountains area new to us good relaxing walking tracks in autumn
BL
Australia
Hyundai i30
February 24, 2023
Catching up with friends I hadn’t seen for years because of covid
UJ
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.
BM
Australia
Toyota Corolla
July 15, 2021
Easy to deal with, clean car
JK
Poland
Mitsubishi Outlander
August 14, 2020
Nice place, wide roads, easy to drive, plenty of wild livestock to see around.
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Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
SIXT
8.8 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Routes Car Rental
7.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
9
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$60.62
Lowest daily price
$31.98
Total cars available
193
Top 12 suppliers in Canberra in 2024
SIXT
2 locations
$48 - $190
National
1 location
$58 - $143
Thrifty
4 locations
$48 - $189
Alamo
1 location
$43 - $69
Budget
2 locations
$65 - $169
Europcar
2 locations
$56 - $206
Hertz
1 location
$124 - $211
Avis
3 locations
$32 - $192
Enterprise
2 locations
$43 - $170
Keddy
2 locations
$88 - $208
Firefly
1 location
Routes Car Rental
2 locations
$83 - $149
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (4 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 150k+ total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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