How to find a cheap car hire deal in Australia
Start your adventure off right with a cheap rental car in Australia. With prices starting from P1,355 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you find your kind of ride at your kind of price.
P3,128 is the lowest available rate for a weekly rental if your trip is more than just a quick visit.
Browse the car rentals in Melbourne and free up more of your budget. It's the most affordable place in Australia to book a set of wheels.
Melbourne is the most popular city to rent a car.
Browse the offers from simba car hire when narrowing down your options. It's chosen by more people than any other provider in Australia.
Step off the plane and into the driver's seat by picking up a ride at the airport. Sydney Airport, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and Brisbane Airport all provide access to car rentals.
You can easily rent a set of wheels in top cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
A one-way rental could work in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Australia, choose 'Return car to a different location' to unlock those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It might be cheaper to book a full month, so try different date combinations to find out what works best.
Skip the extra costs by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car full and return it full, so you pay only for the fuel you've used.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of tracking the odometer. Check for this feature under the 'Policies' filter and cover more ground without added fees.
Best time to book a car hire in Australia
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a car hire in Australia. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
The most affordable month to rent a car is May, with rates averaging P2,665 a day.
If you want to steer clear of the most expensive time of year, avoid booking in February.
Compare car hire types in Australia
Economy: Living up to its name, this option is built with savings in mind. It pairs some of the cheapest rates around with low fuel consumption to help keep the total spend down. When you'd rather save than splurge, this is the clear winner.
Small: This category includes mini and economy cars designed to get you from A to B. Compact dimensions, fuel-efficient engines and good manoeuvrability make it a practical choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Australia.
Medium: Need a step up in space without the big step up in size? Medium rentals (which include compact and intermediate models) strike the perfect balance. They feel right at home in city traffic, on the highway and almost everywhere in between.
Large: No squeezing in. No bags piled at your feet. Also known as full-size, large cars offer plenty of passenger space and the luggage capacity to match. Choose this level when you're covering serious ground or bringing the whole crew.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your itinerary throws at you. Their stability across a range of terrain makes them a reliable pick for road trip plans that unfold as you go. A higher seating position enhances your view ahead, helping you stay confident behind the wheel.
Van: This type of car for rent in Australia includes commercial vans and trucks. With plenty of load capacity and practical interior layouts, they're built to transport bulky items, equipment or larger groups in one go.
Luxury: Want to step into something next level? From striking good looks to advanced features and strong performance, luxury vehicles kick the entire driving experience into high gear. This is what to book when only the best will do.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Australia by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Driving in Australia: What you need to know
Age requirements can vary by provider and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your car hire reservation in Australia if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
Driving in Australia can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) here. Along with your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
English is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
