Car Rental Sydney
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 10:52 on 2020-02-23. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
AUD
Country code
61
Average car rental length
6 days
Economy car rental price
$42.53 / per day
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Sydney?
Sydney is a great place to experience by car. You’ll have the freedom to see this huge and sprawling city in all its diversity, traveling from inland neighborhoods to coastal parts, as well as to see the rest of the huge and hugely interesting New South Wales.
Top ways to enter Sydney
- Sydney Airport: The busiest in Australia, Sydney Airport hosts flights to and from all of the other continents of the world.
- Newcastle Airport: This small airports only hosts domestic flights, but as it is only two hours drive north, flying to Newcastle can be another good way to reach Sydney if you’re already in Australia.
- Canberra Airport (236 km / 147 mi): The capital city’s airport hosts a number of domestic flights, as well as routes to and from such large international hugs as Qatar and Singapore. It is about three hours drive southwest of Sydney.
Useful city facts
- Sydney has a humid subtropical climate with very warm summers and mild winters. Inland city districts are generally much warmer than the ones that are by the ocean and can experience extreme heat during the summer months.
- Although not the capital, Sydney is the largest city in Australia. More than 5 million people, or roughly every fifth Australian, live here.
Top destinations and activities
- Sydney Harbour. Once the location of the first European settlement in the area, Sydney Harbour’s Circular Quay is now perhaps the most picturesque and the best known part of town. It is home of the world-famous as Sydney Opera, as well as to a number of other landmarks and attractions.
- SS Ayrfield. Once an old coal and oil ship and then a written-off wreck, SS Ayrfield has impossibly turned into a floating forest of mangroves. The unique sight can be observed from the nearby shore of the Homebush Bay area where you can also find four other shipwrecks, as well as nature areas like Bicentennial Park, a system of parklands and mangrove wetlands.
- The Sydney Tower Eye. The highest point in Sydney and thus offering the best 360 views from its top, the Tower Eye offers a great impression of both how immense is Sydney and how sparsely populated the rest of the state is to this day.
Traffic and parking tips
- One of the largest road hazards in Australia are 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.
- Mobile coverage is very rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so take extra caution when traveling in nature 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 set out your route in advance to be able to supplement your water supplies.
- Driving under influence laws differ from territory to territory in Australia. In New South Wales, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers with provisional licences. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a driver licence ban.
- The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000. The New South Wales Poisons Information Centre number is 131 126.
Toll roads
There are a number of toll roads in Australia, mainly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. In New South Wales, there are nine currently active toll roads, which is more than in the rest of the country combined.
Most toll roads in Australia use an “open roll system” with mainline barrier toll points. All toll roads in Australia use cashless payment system. You can purchase a prepaid pass for most toll roads. Some rental cars in Australia are equipped with an electronic toll responder the price of which is usually included in the rental price. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance.
Different toll roads are operated by different companies, so there is no nation-wide fee system in place.
For more information about the toll roads in the state of New South Wales, visit the website of the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) of South Australia.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Garigal. A protected national park located in the North Shore region that is technically still part of the city, Garigal is a great place to see the local flora and fauna, as well as to learn about the local aboriginal culture through the ancient cave paintings and rock engravings that you can find throughout the site.
- Manly Beach. The most beloved beach area of local Sydneysiders that’s located just a short ride from the harbour area, Manly Beach is famous for its beaches, watersport opportunities, and relaxed way of life. For many travelers, this is perhaps the most Australian part in the whole of Australia.
- Blue Mountains. Located just west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains region is a unique and relaxing place not only because of its majestic scenery, but also for fun towns like Katoomba and Blackheath, two national parks, and the stunning Jenolan caves. Even if you won’t get to see a wild kangaroo or swamp wallaby, you’ll still come back happy and relaxed. Keep in mind that despite their higher elevation, the Blue Mountains can still experience extreme heat during Australian summer, so it’s good to set out your travel routes in advance and to always stay properly hydrated.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car type in Australia is economy, followed by standard and compact. The most popular rental cars are the Hyundai i20, the Kia Rio, and the Toyota Corolla.
Further destinations
- Hunter Valley. About three hours drive north of Sydney, Hunter Valley offers the impossible combination of being a paradise for both foodies and hikers. Its cheeses, oils, and restaurants that serve produce grown in the valley are famous far and wide, but they’ll taste even better after a full day of walking through eucalyptus fields and learning about local kangaroo and other wildlife populations.
- Canberra. Although not located on the ocean and perhaps less spectacular than the huge cities of Australia, the capital can still be a fun place to visit thanks to its historical heritage, interesting museums, and vast outdoor areas.
- Melbourne. Sydney’s friendly rival is about nine hours drive south, but it’s still well worth doing the distance to experience another spectacular big city with its unique history, culture, and atmosphere. If the distance between these two still feels too big, take a break at the Kosciuszcko National Park or the Alpine National Park that’ll be on your way.
Car Rental Prices in Sydney
- Large cars - from $57 per day
- Medium cars - from $47 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $98 per day
- Premium cars - from $68 per day
- Small cars - from $43 per day
- SUVs - from $88 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
These are the things you can do to get a great rental car deal in Sydney:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Sydney is the cheapest in October when renting a car is about 59% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 20 Cities near Sydney
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Melbourne Car Rentals from $19.65 per day705.7 km / 438.5 miles away
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Brisbane Car Rentals from $42.46 per day752.2 km / 467.4 miles away
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Avalon Car Rentals from $48.10 per day755.8 km / 469.6 miles away
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Gold Coast Car Rentals from $57.78 per day679.4 km / 422.2 miles away
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Launceston Car Rentals from $148.27 per day914.3 km / 568.1 miles away
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Canberra Car Rentals from $30.24 per day236.5 km / 147.0 miles away
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Marcoola Car Rentals from $30.20 per day836.2 km / 519.6 miles away
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Ballina Car Rentals from $33.88 per day611.3 km / 379.8 miles away
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Newcastle Car Rentals from $25.67 per day141.3 km / 87.8 miles away
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Coffs Harbour Car Rentals from $33.88 per day442.0 km / 274.6 miles away
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Devonport Car Rentals from $160.83 per day905.8 km / 562.9 miles away
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Mildura Car Rentals from $48.87 per day837.4 km / 520.4 miles away
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Port Macquarie Car Rentals from $29.29 per day320.1 km / 198.9 miles away
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Hervey Bay Car Rentals from $43.94 per day972.6 km / 604.4 miles away
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Albury Car Rentals from $50.94 per day451.1 km / 280.3 miles away
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Lismore Car Rentals from $33.88 per day601.6 km / 373.8 miles away
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Toowoomba Car Rentals from $86.71 per day714.8 km / 444.2 miles away
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Wagga Wagga Car Rentals from $50.94 per day366.1 km / 227.5 miles away
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Dubbo Car Rentals from $49.14 per day308.9 km / 191.9 miles away
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Roma Car Rentals from $33.88 per day853.8 km / 530.5 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Sydney
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Sydney, Downtown Car Rentals from $28.76 per day
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Sydney Airport Car Rentals from $21.27 per day
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Newcastle Airport Car Rentals from $25.67 per day141.3 km / 87.8 miles away
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Bathurst Airport Car Rentals from $49.14 per day152.8 km / 95.0 miles away
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Canberra Airport Car Rentals from $30.24 per day236.5 km / 147.0 miles away
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Taree Airport Car Rentals from $33.88 per day259.7 km / 161.4 miles away
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Parkes Airport Car Rentals from $49.14 per day286.6 km / 178.1 miles away
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Dubbo Airport Car Rentals from $49.14 per day308.9 km / 191.9 miles away
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Tamworth Airport Car Rentals from $30.79 per day319.0 km / 198.2 miles away
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Port Macquarie Airport Car Rentals from $29.29 per day320.1 km / 198.9 miles away
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Merimbula Airport Car Rentals from $50.17 per day349.7 km / 217.3 miles away
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Wagga Wagga Airport Car Rentals from $50.94 per day366.1 km / 227.5 miles away
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Armidale Airport Car Rentals from $48.87 per day381.7 km / 237.2 miles away
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Narrabri Airport Car Rentals from $63.56 per day422.2 km / 262.3 miles away
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Coffs Harbour Airport Car Rentals from $33.88 per day442.0 km / 274.6 miles away
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Albury Airport Car Rentals from $50.94 per day451.1 km / 280.3 miles away
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Griffith Airport Car Rentals from $48.87 per day471.6 km / 293.0 miles away
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Grafton Airport Car Rentals from $33.88 per day496.7 km / 308.7 miles away
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Moree Airport Car Rentals from $63.56 per day509.9 km / 316.8 miles away
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Lismore Airport Car Rentals from $33.88 per day601.6 km / 373.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Sydney?
Car rental prices in Sydney vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Sydney
The best month to rent a car in Sydney is October (when prices for an Economy class start from $14.95). This is 63% cheaper than the yearly average and 80% cheaper than renting in April (when rental prices start at $73.69 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Sydney?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in January, travelers rent a car for an average of 12 days in April, the average rental period is 6 days.
Average Rental Length in Sydney
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Sydney?
While travelers visit Sydney year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is February, and the least popular is October.
Sydney Car Rental Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Atlas Car & Truck Rental | Hyundai i20 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 2 | 4 | Medium cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Mitsubishi Outlander | 3 | 5 | SUVs |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Kia Carnival | 5 | 4 | People Carriers/Vans |
| Atlas Car & Truck Rental | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Kia Rio | 2 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Atlas Car & Truck Rental | Kia Rio | 4 | 3 | Medium cars |
FAQ
Should I rent a car in Sydney?
A majority of the ratings and reviews left by Discover Cars’ customers recommend renting a car (10.0 from 1 reviews).
What do you need to rent a car in Sydney?
In most cases, you need a driver’s license, passport or ID card, and a credit card (in the name of the main driver), and the booking voucher to rent a car. Some companies may have additional requirements (be sure to check the rental conditions).
On what side of the road do they drive in Australia?
Drivers must drive on the left side of the road.
Can I rent a car at 18 in Australia?
Yes, you can rent a car at the age of 18.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Sydney?
You must be between 18 and 99 years old.
Can you rent automatic cars in Sydney?
Yes, automatic cars are available from Europcar, EastCoast Car Rentals, Enterprise, Alamo, Thrifty, Abaa Car Rentals, Keddy and National in Sydney.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Though most companies require a credit card to leave a deposit, some accept debit cards. Check the rental conditions for more information.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card to pick up the car. Some may accept debit cards or cash. Check the rental conditions for more information.
What car classes can I rent?
Small cars, Medium cars, Large cars, SUVs, People Carriers/Vans and Premium cars vehicle types are available in Sydney.
Can I rent a car in Sydney with my home country’s driver's license (for example, U.S., U.K., or Australia)?
In most cases, a driver’s license from your home country is acceptable if it uses the Latin alphabet. In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Sydney.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Sydney?
In most cases, if your driver’s license uses the Latin alphabet, you can rent a car in in Sydney without an International Driving Permit (IDP). In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Sydney.
How much does an additional driver cost? Is there an option for a free additional driver?
No rental company in Sydney offers a free additional driver.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Sydney?
A rental car costs $69 per day, on average. The lowest daily price found in the past 48 hours was $21 at Europcar.
How much is car rental for a week?
The average price for a weekly rental in Sydney is $480. In the past 48 hours, the lowest price for a weekly rental in Sydney was $149.
What car rental companies are located in Sydney?
Europcar, EastCoast Car Rentals, Enterprise, Alamo, Thrifty, Abaa Car Rentals, Keddy and National can be found in Sydney.
What is the best car rental company in Sydney?
Ratings and reviews left by our users indicate that the best providers are Alamo (8.7, 6 reviews), EastCoast Car Rentals (8.6, 44 reviews) and SIXT (8.4, 4 reviews).
Our Customers Reviews
KM
New Zealand
Hyundai i20
September 18, 2019
Allow plenty of time to pick it up
NL
Singapore
Nissan X-Trail
July 7, 2019
Sydney is a good location to travel to, from the nice cafes to the slightly longer drives out to Hunter valley n blue mountains the trip was defo worth it.
SZ
Australia
Suzuki Swift
June 27, 2019
Sydney is a very unique place to drive especially the city.
Male sure you check sings when parking and be sure as there are so many sings
CC
New Zealand
Hyundai Accent
May 23, 2019
In Sydney, best is to avoid toll . Use your GPS and set it to avoid tolls . Time difference between travelling under tunnels with tolls and roads without toll isn’t much.
HL
Singapore
Toyota Corolla Sedan
May 15, 2019
Sydney is easy to get around and have fairly good traffic conditions. It’s easier to get to tourist locations by car.
TC
Australia
Kia Rio
May 8, 2019
I am a local here and love this city!
TY
Australia
Suzuki Swift
April 18, 2019
cheaper and more convenient to hire a car than use public transport!
JW
United Kingdom
Hyundai i20
December 24, 2018
Drove south out of the city, so can't comment on driving in the city. found it easy to navigate the roads
WL
United States of America (USA)
Holden SV6
October 26, 2018
Fantastic time especially on the South Coast, Highlands, and Hunter Valley. The city is wonderful and a bit challenging to drive.
Top 9 Suppliers for Sydney in 2020
National
+61283032282
1626 Airport Dr, Mascot NSW 2020, Australia
Enterprise
+61293568333
203 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011
EastCoast Car Rentals
+611800327826
Suite 5, 191-201 William Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010
SIXT
+61755558908
5/191 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Europcar
+610282559050
70 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000
Keddy
+610292079400
Terminal Buildings Sydney Airport, Sydney NSW 2020
Alamo
293568333
203 VICTORIA ST POTTS POINT
GreenMotion
+611347336 / +61134733
Corner of O'Riordan Street &, Bourke Rd, Mascot NSW 2020
Ace Rent a car
61283381055 / 0296935381
4/221-223 O'Riordan St
Highly recommended by our customers
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