Car Rental at Sydney Airport

Airport travel guide

Home to perhaps the most famous opera house in the world and countless other attractions, Sydney is Australia’s most visited city for a reason. While there’s plenty to see and do in this diverse metropolis, Sydney is also surrounded by plenty of fascinating attractions that you can easily explore if you rent a car. These are five of the most places to visit in and around Sydney:

• The Art Gallery of New South Wales. One of the most important museums in all of Australia, this is a must-visit place for any art lover. In addition to works by European masters like Van Gogh and Picasso, the museum also features art by many famous Australians, as well as fascinating examples of various types of Aboriginal art.
• The Royal Botanic Gardens. Visiting this place, which is also known simply as The Gardens, is one of the best ways to enjoy some greenery without leaving the city limits. Having recently celebrated its 200th birthday, the mighty gardens are divided into several sections that let visitors explore native Australian, as well as exotic flora.
• The Rocks. Sydney’s historic district lies in the heart of Sydney and features some of Sydney's oldest and most historic buildings, including restored 19th-century sandstone buildings, cobbled laneways, and heritage-listed sites. Visitors can take a walking tour of the area, exploring the winding streets and alleys and learning about the district's fascinating history.
• Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is a vibrant entertainment and tourist precinct in the heart of Sydney. The neighborhood offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, from world-class museums and aquariums to waterfront restaurants and bars. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, admiring the stunning harbor and city skyline views. One of the main attractions in Darling Harbour is the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world of Australia's marine life. Visitors can see a range of exotic species, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, and learn about their habitats and behaviors. Another popular attraction is the Australian National Maritime Museum, which celebrates Australia's rich maritime history through various interactive exhibits and displays. Visitors can explore a range of ships, including a replica of Captain Cook's HMB Endeavour, and learn about Australia's naval and maritime history. Darling Harbour is also home to various restaurants and bars, offering a diverse range of dining options, from casual cafes and fast food outlets to fine dining establishments and waterfront bars.
• The beaches of Sydney. Sydney is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed coastal vibe. Bondi Beach is the most famous, attracting visitors worldwide with its golden sands and rolling surf. Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports and activities, including surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, while the beachfront cafes and restaurants offer a range of delicious food and drink options. Manly Beach is another popular destination, offering a more laid-back vibe and a range of family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll along the beachfront promenade, browsing the boutiques and shops or enjoying a range of water sports and activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Coogee Beach is another favorite among locals and visitors alike, with its stunning ocean views and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic coastal promenade, stopping to dip in the ocean or sample some delicious food and drink at the beachfront cafés and restaurants. Other popular beaches include Balmoral Beach and Palm Beach.
• Blue Mountains National Park. One of the most famous and most-visited nature areas in Australia, Blue Mountains National Park is a great place to get familiar with the wildlife of the southeastern part of the country. Made up of an extensive network of walking trails, the area is home to powerful streams and rapid brooks, impressive waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and a variety of flora and fauna. The closest entrance to the national park is just some 63 km (40 miles) west of Sydney and can be reached in about one hour. About ten other national parks are also located within a two-hour drive from the city. Katoomba is a charming mountain town in the heart of the Blue Mountains, just a few hours west of Sydney. Known for its stunning natural beauty and lovely heritage architecture, Katoomba is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. One of the main attractions of Katoomba is the Three Sisters, a trio of towering rock formations that are said to represent three sisters from an Aboriginal legend. Visitors can take a scenic walk along the cliff tops, enjoying breathtaking views of the Three Sisters and the surrounding valleys. Another popular attraction in Katoomba is Scenic World, a theme park offering thrilling rides and attractions. Visitors can take a cable car or a railway down the valley, enjoying stunning views of the mountains and rainforest. Just a short drive from Katoomba is the town of Blackheath, home to the spectacular Pulpit Rock lookout. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Grose Valley, including the iconic Seven Sisters rock formations.
• Wollongong. Much smaller and more easygoing than Sydney, the third-largest city of New South Wales has its fair share of attractions. These include a large number of beautiful beaches and opportunities for water sports like surfing, but also the Science Space and Planetarium, Wollongong Botanical Gardens, and even the city’s own rainforest (located inside the nearby Budderoo National Park). Located about 90 km (56 miles) south of Sydney, Wollongong takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach.
• Gosford. Located just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, Gosford is one of the most scenic coastal towns in New South Wales. The area is home to many beaches, including Forrester’s Beach which many locals consider to be among the most beautiful in the country. One of the most popular destinations on the Central Coast is Terrigal Beach. The long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy a range of water sports and activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. In addition to the beach, Terrigal is home to a range of high-end restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing day out. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, stopping to sample some of the delicious seafood and wine the region is famous for. Other attractions include the Australian Rainforest Sanctuary, the Australian Reptile Park, and Brisbane Water National Park. Gosford can also serve as a gateway to the Central Coast region famous for its coastline and lagoons.
  
• Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is located approximately 275 kilometers southwest of Sydney Airport. Despite being a relatively small city, Canberra has various cultural attractions, historic landmarks, and natural beauty. One of the most popular attractions in Canberra is the Australian War Memorial, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of Australia's involvement in major wars and conflicts worldwide. Visitors can explore the galleries, exhibitions, and interactive displays and pay their respects at the memorial's commemorative areas. Another popular attraction is the National Gallery of Australia, which houses an extensive Australian and international art collection, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Visitors can also stroll around the stunning sculpture garden, which features a range of unique and thought-provoking artworks. Canberra is also home to a range of natural beauty, including Lake Burley Griffin. This artificial lake sits in the city's heart and offers a range of recreational activities such as sailing, kayaking, and cycling. Additionally, visitors can take a short drive to explore the beautiful Namadgi National Park, which offers a range of scenic walks, hikes, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Top international routes

• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Adelaide
• Auckland
• Perth
• Canberra
• Singapore
• Hobart
• Cairns

Main airlines

Qantas, Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, Regional Express Airlines, and Emirates

Terminals

The three active passenger terminals are T1 or International Terminal, T2, and T3. You can walk from one to the other, take a free shuttle T-Bus that runs daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:50 p.m., or, if you are flying with Qantas, use the Qantas Seamless Transfer Service.

Location

Sydney airport is about 8 km (5 mi) from the city center. Airport Drive, Qantas Drive, Joyce Drive, General Holmes Drive, and M1 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• SUVs - from $14 per day
• Medium cars - from $14 per day
• Small cars - from $19 per day
• Large cars - from $19 per day
• Premium cars - from $41 per day
• Vans - from $63 per day
• Station wagons - from $91 per day

Car rental desks

Most are located in the arrivals area of T1 and next to the 4th and 5th baggage carousels in T2.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many bars, cafeterias, and restaurants, some specializing in local Australian cuisine. There are about 150 shops, with duty-free outlets located in the International Terminal. You’ll also find many lounges, two on-site hotels, ATMs, baby care rooms, children’s play areas, an airport medical center, three pharmacies, two lost and found offices, showers, an observation deck, and two prayer rooms. There are two luggage storage services—one is on the arrivals level of T1 and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; the other is on the arrivals level of T2 near carousel 6 and is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The airport facilities are equipped for travelers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Budget Petrol, located at 1004 Botany Road, can be reached in about six minutes and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. There are many other gas stations nearby.

Popular one-way rentals

• Wollongong (83 km / 52 miles)
• Canberra (275 km / 171 miles)
• Newcastle (180 km / 111 miles)
• Melbourne (867 km / 539 miles)