Car Rental in Darwin
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Darwin Airport
Compact
Suzuki Baleno
or similar
$17.26
per day
Downtown
Standard SUV
MG HS
or similar
$18.43
per day
Darwin Airport
Economy
Suzuki Swift
or similar
$20.27
per day
Downtown
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$24.03
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Downtown
Full-size SUV
Ford Everest
or similar
$32.19
per day
Darwin Airport
Premium Van
Kia Carnival
or similar
$50.78
per day
Downtown
Full-size Elite SUV
Toyota Kluger
or similar
$61.18
per day
Darwin Airport
Premium Elite SUV
Toyota Land Cruiser
or similar
$94.20
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 4:54 PM on 12/7/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Special offers
As a market leader, we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
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A combined rating of 4.5 with 175k+ 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.
Travel Information
Languages
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+61
Average car rental price
$40 per day
Average car rental length
8 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
$1.11 per liter or $4.20 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.08 per liter or $4.11 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.21 per liter or $4.59 per gallon
Why rent a car in Darwin?
The capital of the remote Northern Territory, Darwin offers a lot to those who go the extra mile to get there. Increasingly easy to reach, the city has turned into a hub of historic sites, quality museums, and vibrant cultural life. The main draw of Darwin, however, remains its access to the tropical forests of northern Australia. Travelers visiting the city experience the ultimate tropical lifestyle Darwin is known for. With a rental car, it is easy to combine this beautiful tropical city with stunning national parks such as Litchfield, Kakadu, and Nitmiluk.
One-Way Car Rentals in Darwin
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Darwin and drop off in another city include:
- From Darwin to Melbourne - 8 offers from $330.26 per day
- From Darwin to Alice Springs - 8 offers from $53.49 per day
- From Darwin to Perth - 8 offers from $187.60 per day
Top ways to enter Darwin
Darwin Airport: By far the busiest airport in the Northern Territory, it offers flights to both remote regional destinations and the largest Australian cities like Brisbane and Melbourne. An international airport, it also has flights to Singapore, China, Indonesia, and East Timor. Located about 12 km (7.4 miles) northeast of Darwin, the airport can be reached in about 15 minutes.
Top sights and activities
- Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory. Having a surprisingly diverse collection, Darwin’s main museum can more than hold its own against counterparts from larger Australian cities. The museum is especially rich in exhibitions of Aboriginal Australian, Oceanic, and Southeast Asian traditional art. On a more recent note, Sweetheart, the 5.4 m (18 feet) long crocodile who used to terrorize the area’s boats in the 1970s, is also on display here. At the museum, you will also see an exhibition of Cyclone Tracy, the most intense cyclone that has ever hit Darwin.
- Aviation Museum. Also known as the Aviation Heritage Center, this museum honors Darwin’s role in the early development of the aviation industry. Many of the pioneers of the field, including Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson, flew to and from Darwin during the first three decades of the 20th century. The museum has many of the original aircraft, as well as a Boeing B-52 bomber, on display. The museum is about 11 km (6.8 miles) northeast of the city center but can be easily reached by car.
- Charles Darwin National Park. Although not the largest national park in the Northern Territory, or even in the proximity of Darwin, it is one of the most famous and most visited. The park is home to prehistoric middens built by the original inhabitants of the area, World War Two bunkers, as well as bush trails and flora characteristic of the Darwin area. Located on a peninsula just east of Darwin’s center, the national park can be reached in just ten minutes by car.
- Darwin Waterfront. The Waterfront is the ideal place to cool down by taking a dip in the wave lagoon or at the beach. You can also have a delectible culinary experience at one of the several nice restaurants serving different world cuisines.
- Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. During Darwin's dry season, you can enjoy the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Walk past cozy stalls selling local products and taste the most delicious world dishes. On some nights, there are even fireworks and live music.
- Deckchair Cinema. As a movie lover, Darwin is also the place to be, as near Darwin Waterfront, you will find the Deckchair Cinema wher,e you can watch the best films outdoor.s Enjoy a movie under a beautiful starry sky!
- Casuarina Square. The largest shopping center in the Northern Territory is located in Casuarina in the northern suburbs of Darwin.
Traffic and parking
- One of the largest road hazards in Australia is the wildlife. Take extra caution when driving in bad weather or after dark as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife take place. Animals like to lie on the road in the NT because of the warm road surface — so drive extra carefully in the evening.
- 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.
- Also, always make sure you have sunglasses in the car when you’re on a road trip in the NT. Australia is a country where it is often sunny, and especially in the Northern Territory, it can be dangerous if you are blinded by the sun while driving.
- 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.
Toll roads
While there are many toll roads in Australia, none of them are in the Northern Territory.
Ideas for day trips
- Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Located just north of Darwin itself, this nature reserve combines a long sandy shore with scenic sandstone cliffs. Several beaches in the area are patrolled and good for swimming - it’s a good idea to avoid the unmarked ones as there may be saltwater crocodiles. And it is not recommended to swim during the wet season because of dangerous stingers.
- Kakadu National Park. Situated near State Highway 21, or the Kakadu Highway, this national park is one of the most famous attractions of Northern Australia. In addition to savanna landscapes and waterways, the area is famous for its abundance of ancient Aboriginal art. During the rainy season (which lasts roughly from November to April) most of the park can only be seen from above on a helicopter tour. The drive from Darwin to Kakadu Highway takes about an hour and 40 minutes.
- East Point Reserve. This is one of the most beautiful natural areas near the city. Here, you can take a beautiful walk along the rugged coast and spot wallabies during a magic sunset.
- Litchfield National Park. One of the most beautiful parks in northern Australia is Litchfield National Park, an area full of beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, termite mounds, and natural pools. Places that we can recommend are Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Greenant Creek
- Nitmiluk National Park. This wonderful national park is located about 30 kilometers east of Katherine and is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Darwin. One of the highlights of the national park is Nitmiluk (previously Katherine) Gorge, 13 spectacular cliffs that glow and change color during sunrise or sunset.
Car rental prices in Darwin
- Station wagons - from $74 per day
- Large cars - from $18 per day
- Medium cars - from $17 per day
- Vans - from $40 per day
- Premium cars - from $75 per day
- Small cars - from $20 per day
- SUVs - from $18 per day
Top 20 cities near Darwin
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1,112.6 km / 691.3 miles away
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1,306.3 km / 811.7 miles away
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1,420 km / 882.3 miles away
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1,425.9 km / 886 miles away
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1,577.2 km / 980 miles away
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1,634.1 km / 1,015.4 miles away
-
1,675.3 km / 1,041 miles away
-
1,762 km / 1,094.9 miles away
-
1,831.7 km / 1,138.2 miles away
-
1,860.8 km / 1,156.2 miles away
-
2,085.5 km / 1,295.9 miles away
-
2,087.1 km / 1,296.9 miles away
-
2,115.1 km / 1,314.3 miles away
-
2,175.4 km / 1,351.7 miles away
-
2,206.8 km / 1,371.2 miles away
-
2,401.3 km / 1,492.1 miles away
-
2,432.1 km / 1,511.2 miles away
-
2,493.9 km / 1,549.6 miles away
-
2,518.6 km / 1,565 miles away
-
2,621.3 km / 1,628.8 miles away
Top 20 locations near Darwin
-
1,112.6 km / 691.3 miles away
-
1,306.3 km / 811.7 miles away
-
1,420 km / 882.3 miles away
-
1,577.2 km / 980 miles away
-
1,675.3 km / 1,041 miles away
-
1,762 km / 1,094.9 miles away
-
1,831.7 km / 1,138.2 miles away
-
1,860.8 km / 1,156.2 miles away
-
2,085.5 km / 1,295.9 miles away
-
2,087.1 km / 1,296.9 miles away
-
2,175.4 km / 1,351.7 miles away
-
2,206.8 km / 1,371.2 miles away
-
2,401.3 km / 1,492.1 miles away
-
2,493.9 km / 1,549.6 miles away
-
2,619.2 km / 1,627.5 miles away
-
2,621.3 km / 1,628.8 miles away
-
2,645.3 km / 1,643.7 miles away
-
2,646.1 km / 1,644.2 miles away
-
2,651.3 km / 1,647.4 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Darwin?
Car rental prices in Darwin 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 Darwin
The cheapest month to rent a car in Darwin is January (when prices average $32.41 per day). This is 29% cheaper than the yearly average and 56% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $73.01).
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 Darwin?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in February, the average renter keeps their car for 17 days, and in September, they keep their car for 6 days.
Average number of rental days in Darwin
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Darwin?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Darwin is December, and the least popular is September.
Monthly searches in Darwin by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Car rental locations | 3 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Bargain Car Rentals, Thrifty, Alamo, Budget, Europcar |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars |
| Lowest price | $17 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | EastCoast Car Rentals |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | MG HS | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Kia Stonic | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Holden Acadia | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Bargain Car Rentals | MG 5 | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Suzuki Jimny | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Alamo | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Thrifty | Mazda CX-3 | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
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.
FB
United States of America (USA)
Hyundai Accent
9/19/24
Kakadu and Nitmiluk fantastic.
CD
Australia
Hyundai Accent
8/27/24
It was great. Ventured into Litchfield national park . The car handled the journey well
RS
Australia
MG HS
1/19/24
Touring around Darwin scenic places, staying in a variety of places as I had hired the car, great restaurants,
LS
Australia
Hyundai Accent
12/11/23
Visited family
LA
Australia
Suzuki Swift
12/3/23
Perfect. Hand fed fish at Aquasceen, held a crocodile at Crocosaurus cove. Walked the pier at Nightcliff, good country meal at Howard Springs Tavern. Attended the war tunnels in Darwin city, very hot & eerie
SK
Russian Federation
Nissan X-Trail
10/12/23
My and my wife trip was along Australian Nature Park what was our purpose. We complete all what we planned.
SA
Australia
Toyota Corolla
9/5/23
Great to catch up with Darwin after being away for 47 years,,.Litchfield Park was amazing. 
JL
Australia
Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan
9/3/23
I have a disability and it made my trip so much easier to enjoy catching up with friends and attending events especially the Darwin Festival events.
RB
Australia
Hyundai Accent
8/30/23
As a 194cm man the MG provided was too small , difficult to get into and out of and left little room to get comfortable once in. Tall people need to be made aware of these limitations
On the other hand the car was well maintained and performed faultlessly
I would us this provider again making sure I had chosen a more appropriate vehicle
CM
Australia
Hyundai i30
8/18/23
We visited the Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles, Berry Springs, Litchfield, and all the local tourist attractions. We had a great break and enjoyed all the experiences we were able to visit due to having a car.
PS
Australia
Hyundai Accent
8/16/23
Helicopter ride, cultural cruise on Adelaide river, jumping crocodile experience, war museum and wave pool.
DL
United States of America (USA)
Kia Stonic
7/31/23
Darwin in a lovely city with a great waterfront. It’s our stopping place before Kakadu. Eating at the wharf is fun, lovely outdoors and many food options, perfect for a family with different food likes!
JM
Australia
Ford Everest
7/29/23
Travelling to Kakadu, Litchfield & Katherine national parks amazing place to look around a must see and Darwin.
MM
Australia
MG HS
6/29/23
Berry springs and Litchfield national parks Darwin was the highlight
SB
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
6/9/23
Litchfield Park, Katherine Gorge, Lazy Lizard and Humpty Doo for lunch
RW
Australia
Hyundai Accent
5/31/23
Great! Cheap car (4cyl little buzz box- I drive a much bigger car normally), but new and well kept, and well worth it!
TT
New Zealand
Mitsubishi ASX
5/30/23
The croc bus tour was a major highlight of our trip as was the Mindel Beach sunset experience. We will be back
TC
Australia
Hyundai Accent
4/7/23
Spending time with grandkids and family
Visit to botanical gardens and museum
GG
Australia
Hyundai Accent
3/11/23
Time spent with family, heritage aircraft museum , local markets
JC
Spain
Hyundai Accent
12/10/22
Visiting the area with ease
CG
Australia
Hyundai Accent
12/7/22
I lived in the NT for 17 years, I was up there for a funeral, I so miss them today. 
GO
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
11/29/22
Kakadu Litchfield and nitmuluk a must when visiting the NT Top end. Highly recommend the RFDS centre on stokes Hill wharf when in Darwin
BM
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
11/3/22
Sef drive around the Litchfield Park experiences was much better than a bus tour
RC
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
10/22/22
Seeing Uluru was a magical experience. Driving 1100km from Katherine to Alice Springs was also a memorable experience
RE
Australia
Kia Picanto
10/20/22
Seeing Family
CS
Australia
Toyota Corolla
10/16/22
Over all, lots to see and do. Scenic flights were excellent. River cruises were very informative and enjoyable.
RW
Australia
Toyota Corolla
10/4/22
Visited Kakadu and Darwin
RH
Australia
Toyota Corolla
10/2/22
Visited Katherine and did the gorge tour and spent 2 days at Kakadu where among other things we did the Yellow River Dawn Cruise. Lots to see & do around Darwin as well.
JL
Australia
Toyota Corolla
9/18/22
We had pre booked our car and picking up the car was easy. The man behind the desk explained everything and was very friendly. Would use them.again
CH
Australia
Hyundai Kona
9/14/22
We were so very pleasantly surprised with the Northern Territory and would highly recommend people go there especially lovers of nature and the outdoors.
TR
Australia
Hyundai Kona
8/25/22
Litchfield National park was amazing
SZ
Australia
Hyundai Kona
8/14/22
But not a MG. I thought I rented a Hyundai
FS
Australia
Toyota Hiace
7/27/22
Travelled to Kakadu and Litchfield park. Van was reliable and easy to drive.
AH
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
7/6/22
Loved the NT
TT
Singapore
Nissan X-Trail
6/23/22
Litchfield and Kakadu are 2 underrated place. We had such a wonderful experience swimming in the waterfalls and enjoying the sunsets.
ME
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
6/17/22
We rec'd a Nissan Xtrail 4x4 & was suitable for everything we required. Comfortable car.
BP
Australia
Toyota Hiace
6/13/22
Good price great customer service with a smile👍👍👍👍👍
GW
Australia
Toyota Corolla
4/8/22
Family reunion and a return trip to Kakadu but the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel was very disappointing
GH
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
3/30/22
4 adults. Tourists around Darwin
LB
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
10/25/21
Great value for money.
ST
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
8/22/21
Northern Territory is a great holiday destination
SL
Australia
Toyota Corolla
8/4/21
Strongly recommend this company. Very helpful and friendly great service
HS
Australia
Hyundai Kona
7/19/21
Catherine gorge etc ,should have more cars with unlimited klm,s & easier to read pricing per klm,s & clear costs
KR
Australia
Hyundai Kona
6/17/21
Darwin is such an easy city to navigate. So clean and has amazing atmosphere.
SW
Australia
Hyundai Accent
6/15/21
Great driving around the top end in a great reliable car
WW
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
6/14/21
Good price and good service ,excellent!
Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
Alamo
9.1 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Routes Car Rental
7.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
47
Total rental companies
16
Average daily price
$39.79
Lowest daily price
$17.26
Total cars available
275
Top 16 suppliers in Darwin in 2024
Alamo
1 location
$23 - $87
Thrifty
3 locations
$20 - $228
Budget
2 locations
$21 - $58
Dollar
2 locations
$53 - $104
Europcar
2 locations
$24 - $53
Bargain Car Rentals
2 locations
$18 - $25
Hertz
1 location
$67 - $105
National
1 location
$53 - $94
Ace Rent a car
1 location
$53 - $94
GreenMotion
1 location
$53 - $94
SIXT
2 locations
$53 - $78
Enterprise
2 locations
$64 - $129
Keddy
1 location
$27 - $51
EastCoast Car Rentals
1 location
$17 - $42
Firefly
2 locations
$17 - $42
Routes Car Rental
2 locations
$25 - $85
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Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
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