Car Rental in Darwin

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Darwin, 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

Darwin Airport Car Rental
Economy
MG 3 or similar
MG 3
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$38.41 per day
Darwin Airport Car Rental
Compact
Hyundai Accent or similar
Hyundai Accent
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Bargain Car Rentals
$38.51 per day
Darwin Airport Car Rental
Intermediate
Hyundai i30 or similar
Hyundai i30
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Enterprise
$40.66 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Standard SUV
MG HS or similar
MG HS
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Keddy
$45.62 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Downtown Car Rental
Full-size SUV
Toyota Fortuner or similar
Toyota Fortuner
  • 5
  • 4
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$49.94 / per day
Darwin Airport Car Rental
Premium SUV
Toyota Prado or similar
Toyota Prado
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$159.04 / per day
Darwin Airport Car Rental
Premium Elite SUV
Toyota Land Cruiser or similar
Toyota Land Cruiser
  • 8
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$226.37 / per day
Downtown Car Rental
Full-size Elite SUV
Isuzu MU-X or similar
Isuzu MU-X
  • 5
  • 4
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$52.54 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 16:06 on 2023-06-09. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Language
English
Currency
AUD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+61
Average car rental price
$81.39 / per day
Average car rental length
6 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
$1.30 per liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.33 per liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.15 per liter

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 $339.37 per day
  • From Darwin to Alice Springs - 8 offers from $54.97 per day
  • From Darwin to Perth - 8 offers from $192.77 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 destinations 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

  • Large cars - from $40 per day
  • Medium cars - from $39 per day
  • Vans - from $149 per day
  • Premium cars - from $171 per day
  • Small cars - from $38 per day
  • SUVs - from $42 per day
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by:
Jesper van der Pol
This article was reviewed and updated by Jesper, the founder of Liefde voor Reizen, one of the longest-running travel blogs in the Netherlands and Belgium. He is a blogger, webdesigner, photographer and video editor.

What travel writers say

Charles Darwin National Park is a great spot for enjoying the Northern Territory’s unique nature, Aboriginal heritage and World War Two history. There are mountain bike trails spanning the park, with lookouts over Darwin’s skyline. Other popular locations within the park are the World War Two bunkers, which detail the war history of Darwin; in particular, describing the explosives that were used in the area.
CV
Cory Varga
You Could Travel was founded by Cory and G, two explorers with an inner drive to push themselves outside their conformity of everyday life.
As a vibrant, multicultural, and unique destination, Darwin offers a gateway to many of the top natural and cultural icons of the Top End, including the Tiwi Islands, Litchfield, and Kakadu National Parks, Adelaide River, Mary River, Arnhem Land, and the Katherine Region. For nature lovers, it’s 100% worth visiting Darwin because of its convenient location near these natural gems. As well as this, Darwin literally is a HOT destination. While Aussies in southern parts of Australia are all rugged up on the couch under a blanket in our winter woolies, those in Darwin are basking in the warmth of the sun all year round.
CACM
Caroline and Craig Makepeace
G’day, we’re Caroline and Craig Makepeace. Traveling since 1997 -> 13 years with our two daughters.
Top of the list for things to do in Darwin would have to be checking out crocodiles. So whilst in Darwin you must check out Crocosaurus Cove in the CBD. Here you can view some of Australia’s largest salt water crocodiles from 3 levels, including the ability to watch the crocodiles from beneath, which is a unique experience. If you’re really brave you can take part in the Cage of Death which involves getting into a glass cylinder that is a lowered into the crocodile enclosure for 15 minutes.
J
Jessica
My name is Jessica and I'm a 30-something living in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband Noah and new puppy Kona.

Top 20 Cities near Darwin

  1. Kununurra Car Rentals from $73.39 per day
    441.4 km / 274.3 miles away
  2. Broome Car Rentals from $53.40 per day
    1112.6 km / 691.3 miles away
  3. Mount Isa Car Rentals from $39.33 per day
    1297.5 km / 806.2 miles away
  4. Alice Springs Car Rentals from $96.37 per day
    1306.3 km / 811.7 miles away
  5. Yulara Car Rentals from $137.13 per day
    1420.0 km / 882.3 miles away
  6. Ayers Rock Car Rentals from $161.22 per day
    1425.9 km / 886.0 miles away
  7. Port Hedland Car Rentals from $28.13 per day
    1577.2 km / 980.0 miles away
  8. Port Douglas Car Rentals from $56.69 per day
    1634.1 km / 1015.4 miles away
  9. Cairns Car Rentals from $49.59 per day
    1675.3 km / 1041.0 miles away
  10. Karratha Car Rentals from $25.91 per day
    1762.0 km / 1094.9 miles away
  11. Townsville Car Rentals from $36.43 per day
    1860.8 km / 1156.2 miles away
  12. Proserpine Car Rentals from $27.39 per day
    2085.5 km / 1295.9 miles away
  13. Exmouth Car Rentals from $70.94 per day
    2087.1 km / 1296.9 miles away
  14. Mackay Car Rentals from $39.95 per day
    2175.4 km / 1351.7 miles away
  15. Emerald Car Rentals from $38.18 per day
    2206.8 km / 1371.2 miles away
  16. Kalgoorlie Car Rentals from $61.17 per day
    2260.5 km / 1404.6 miles away
  17. Rockhampton Car Rentals from $60.76 per day
    2401.3 km / 1492.1 miles away
  18. Broken Hill Car Rentals from $29.00 per day
    2432.1 km / 1511.2 miles away
  19. Geraldton Car Rentals from $40.48 per day
    2473.9 km / 1537.2 miles away
  20. Gladstone Car Rentals from $47.61 per day
    2493.9 km / 1549.6 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Darwin

  1. Darwin Airport Car Rentals from $38.41 per day
  2. Kununurra Airport Car Rentals from $73.39 per day
    441.4 km / 274.3 miles away
  3. Broome Airport Car Rentals from $53.40 per day
    1112.6 km / 691.3 miles away
  4. Alice Springs Airport Car Rentals from $96.37 per day
    1306.3 km / 811.7 miles away
  5. Ayers Rock Airport Car Rentals from $137.13 per day
    1420.0 km / 882.3 miles away
  6. Port Hedland International Airport Car Rentals from $39.16 per day
    1577.2 km / 980.0 miles away
  7. Cairns Airport Car Rentals from $49.59 per day
    1675.3 km / 1041.0 miles away
  8. Downtown Car Rentals from $95.31 per day
    1678.6 km / 1043.0 miles away
  9. Karratha Airport Car Rentals from $25.91 per day
    1762.0 km / 1094.9 miles away
  10. Townsville Airport Car Rentals from $83.80 per day
    1860.8 km / 1156.2 miles away
  11. Whitsunday Coast Airport Car Rentals from $27.39 per day
    2085.5 km / 1295.9 miles away
  12. Exmouth Airport Car Rentals from $90.67 per day
    2087.1 km / 1296.9 miles away
  13. Mackay Airport Car Rentals from $91.23 per day
    2175.4 km / 1351.7 miles away
  14. Emerald Airport Car Rentals from $38.18 per day
    2206.8 km / 1371.2 miles away
  15. Kalgoorlie Boulder Airport Car Rentals from $61.17 per day
    2260.5 km / 1404.6 miles away
  16. Rockhampton Airport Car Rentals from $60.76 per day
    2401.3 km / 1492.1 miles away
  17. Geraldton Airport Car Rentals from $40.48 per day
    2473.9 km / 1537.2 miles away
  18. Gladstone Airport Car Rentals from $47.61 per day
    2493.9 km / 1549.6 miles away
  19. Adelaide North Car Rentals from $23.85 per day
    2619.2 km / 1627.5 miles away
  20. Adelaide Airport Car Rentals from $23.51 per day
    2621.3 km / 1628.8 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
$42.21
January
$44.60
February
$48.27
March
$81.48
April
$73.10
May
$92.62
June
$104.82
July
$104.17
August
$94.55
September
$70.03
October
$50.35
November
$60.04
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Darwin is January (when prices average $42.21 per day). This is 42% cheaper than the yearly average and 60% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $104.82).

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 7 days, and in January, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average rental length in Darwin
5
January
7
February
6
March
6
April
5
May
7
June
7
July
7
August
7
September
7
October
6
November
7
December

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 July, and the least popular is December.
Monthly searches in Darwin by pick-up date relative to the average
50%
January
57%
February
78%
March
111%
April
105%
May
142%
June
155%
July
118%
August
126%
September
138%
October
70%
November
48%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 2
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Bargain Car Rentals, Alamo, Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty
Popular car categories SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars
Lowest price $38 per day
Cheapest supplier Alamo

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 Kia Stonic 4 2 SUVs
Bargain Car Rentals Toyota Corolla 4 2 Large cars
Bargain Car Rentals Nissan X-Trail 4 2 SUVs
Alamo Skoda Kamiq 5 2 SUVs
Bargain Car Rentals Holden Commodore 4 2 Large cars
Hertz Toyota Corolla 4 2 Medium cars
Alamo Hyundai i30 5 2 Large cars
Alamo Mitsubishi Outlander 4 3 SUVs
Alamo Kia Picanto 4 1 Small 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
Hyundai Accent
May 31, 2023
Great! Cheap car (4cyl little buzz box- I drive a much bigger car normally), but new and well kept, and well worth it!
New Zealand
Mitsubishi ASX
May 30, 2023
The croc bus tour was a major highlight of our trip as was the Mindel Beach sunset experience. We will be back
Australia
Hyundai Accent
April 7, 2023
Spending time with grandkids and family Visit to botanical gardens and museum
Australia
Hyundai Accent
March 11, 2023
Time spent with family, heritage aircraft museum , local markets
Spain
Hyundai Accent
December 10, 2022
Visiting the area with ease
Australia
Hyundai Accent
December 7, 2022
I lived in the NT for 17 years, I was up there for a funeral, I so miss them today.
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
November 29, 2022
Kakadu Litchfield and nitmuluk a must when visiting the NT Top end. Highly recommend the RFDS centre on stokes Hill wharf when in Darwin
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
November 3, 2022
Sef drive around the Litchfield Park experiences was much better than a bus tour
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
October 22, 2022
Seeing Uluru was a magical experience. Driving 1100km from Katherine to Alice Springs was also a memorable experience
Australia
Kia Picanto
October 20, 2022
Seeing Family
Australia
Toyota Corolla
October 16, 2022
Over all, lots to see and do. Scenic flights were excellent. River cruises were very informative and enjoyable.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
October 4, 2022
Visited Kakadu and Darwin
Australia
Toyota Corolla
October 2, 2022
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.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
September 18, 2022
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
Australia
Hyundai Kona
September 14, 2022
We were so very pleasantly surprised with the Northern Territory and would highly recommend people go there especially lovers of nature and the outdoors.
Australia
Hyundai Kona
August 25, 2022
Litchfield National park was amazing
Australia
Hyundai Kona
August 14, 2022
But not a MG. I thought I rented a Hyundai
Australia
Toyota Hiace
July 27, 2022
Travelled to Kakadu and Litchfield park. Van was reliable and easy to drive.
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
July 6, 2022
Loved the NT
Singapore
Nissan X-Trail
June 23, 2022
Litchfield and Kakadu are 2 underrated place. We had such a wonderful experience swimming in the waterfalls and enjoying the sunsets.
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
June 17, 2022
We rec'd a Nissan Xtrail 4x4 & was suitable for everything we required. Comfortable car.
Australia
Toyota Hiace
June 13, 2022
Good price great customer service with a smile👍👍👍👍👍
Australia
Toyota Corolla
April 8, 2022
Family reunion and a return trip to Kakadu but the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel was very disappointing
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
March 30, 2022
4 adults. Tourists around Darwin
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
October 25, 2021
Great value for money.
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
August 22, 2021
Northern Territory is a great holiday destination
Australia
Toyota Corolla
August 4, 2021
Strongly recommend this company. Very helpful and friendly great service
Australia
Hyundai Kona
July 19, 2021
Catherine gorge etc ,should have more cars with unlimited klm,s & easier to read pricing per klm,s & clear costs
Australia
Hyundai Kona
June 17, 2021
Darwin is such an easy city to navigate. So clean and has amazing atmosphere.
Australia
Hyundai Accent
June 15, 2021
Great driving around the top end in a great reliable car
Australia
Nissan X-Trail
June 14, 2021
Good price and good service ,excellent!
Show more

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Alamo
9.4 / 10
Lowest rated company
Firefly
8.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
27
Total rental companies
14
Average daily price
$81.39
Lowest daily price
$32.69
Total cars available
134

Top 14 Suppliers in Darwin in 2023

Alamo
Alamo
Exceptional 9.4 / 59 reviews
1 location
$38 - $95
Bargain Car Rentals
Bargain Car Rentals
Exceptional 9.3 / 278 reviews
2 locations
$39 - $115
Budget
Budget
Exceptional 9.1 / 12 reviews
1 location
$118 - $184
Thrifty
Thrifty
Exceptional 9.1 / 21 reviews
2 locations
$128 - $181
Hertz
Hertz
Exceptional 9.1 / 17 reviews
1 location
$96 - $226
Europcar
Europcar
Exceptional 9.1 / 16 reviews
2 locations
$42 - $200
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.9 / 6 reviews
1 location
$86 - $173
National
National
Excellent 8.9 / 2 reviews
1 location
$96 - $126
SIXT
SIXT
Excellent 8.9 / 2 reviews
1 location
$95 - $159
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Excellent 8.9
1 location
Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.7 / 2 reviews
2 locations
$39 - $161
Keddy
Keddy
Excellent 8.7 / 6 reviews
2 locations
$46 - $172
Dollar
Dollar
Excellent 8.5 / 2 reviews
2 locations
$146 - $336
Firefly
Firefly
Excellent 8.4
1 location

Highly recommended by our customers

Trustpilot

Darwin

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