Lexi Webster
Australia is a country best explored by rental car. With some of the world's most unique landscapes, from the Red Centre to UNESCO World Heritage rainforests and coral reefs, there's plenty to see. Car rental in Australia can start from as little as $12 a day, with the average cost of a rental car being $45 per day. The cheapest time to rent a car in Australia is in June, when prices are 22% lower than the rest of the year. When renting a car in Australia, it's important to keep in mind that they drive on the left side of the road and that the metric system is used. Additionally, all passengers in the car must wear a seatbelt, and the blood alcohol limit is very low at 0.05%.
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What You'll Learn
Cheapest car rental companies in Australia
There are a variety of car rental companies in Australia, with prices starting from as little as $12 per day.
Rentalcars.com allows you to compare prices from hundreds of local and international car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Redspot, and Bargain. The website also makes it easy to narrow down your search by filtering for specific features, such as car size or fuel policy.
Momondo is another great option for finding cheap car rentals in Australia, with prices starting from $12 per day. The website offers a wide range of vehicle types, including small cars ($30 per day), medium cars ($36 per day), large cars ($64 per day), SUVs ($50 per day), vans ($72 per day), pickup trucks ($56 per day), luxury cars ($72 per day), and convertibles ($73 per day).
Other companies like EconomyBookings.com and Alpha Car Hire also offer competitive rates, with the latter providing complimentary shuttle services from major airport terminals to their nearby branches. Budget is another well-known car rental company in Australia, with locations across the country and a diverse range of vehicles available for hire.
It's important to note that prices can vary based on location, season, and vehicle availability. Additionally, some companies may charge extra for additional drivers, young driver fees, or one-way rentals.
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Cheapest car types to rent in Australia
When it comes to renting a car in Australia, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best deal. The type of car you choose will depend on your budget and the purpose of your trip.
Small cars
The average price of a small car rental in Australia is $38 per day, with the cheapest time to rent being in June, when prices can be as low as $30 per day. Small cars are typically the most fuel-efficient option and are perfect for city driving and navigating through busy streets.
Medium cars
If you're looking for a little more space, medium cars offer a good balance between size and cost. The average price for a medium car rental is $45 per day, and the cheapest month to rent is August, with prices dropping to around $36 per day.
Standard/Economy cars
Standard rental cars are a good option if you're looking for something simple and affordable. These cars are typically around 69% cheaper than other car types, with prices starting from as low as $13 per day. Economy cars are also a good option for budget-conscious travellers, with Budget Australia offering economy manual cars for renters under 25.
SUVs
For those venturing into the Outback or exploring rural areas, an SUV or four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. The average price of an SUV rental in Australia is $54 per day, with the cheapest month being March, where prices can drop to $50 per day.
Other factors to consider
When renting a car in Australia, keep in mind that the minimum age to rent is typically 21, with additional fees for younger drivers. Toll roads are common in populated regions, so be prepared for extra charges. The price of gas in Australia is relatively affordable, and unlimited mileage is an important consideration for long-distance trips to avoid unexpected costs.
Additionally, consider using platforms such as Rentalcars.com, momondo, and Alpha Car Hire to find the best deals and compare prices across different rental companies.
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Age requirements for renting a car in Australia
When renting a car in Australia, there are specific age requirements that you must meet. While the rules may vary slightly between rental providers, there are some general age restrictions to keep in mind. Most rental car companies in Australia require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held a valid, unrestricted driver's licence for at least one year. If you are between 21 and 24 years of age, you will likely be subject to an additional young driver surcharge, with the fee varying depending on the rental provider and the class of the vehicle.
Drivers under 25 should be prepared to pay a surcharge, and it is worth noting that this fee cannot be avoided by booking the rental in an older driver's name. All drivers must be registered, and any unregistered driver involved in an accident will not be covered by insurance. It is also important to note that rental car providers do not rent vehicles to learner drivers, and a provisional licence is not sufficient for renting a car in Tasmania.
While there is no maximum age limit for renting a car in Australia, drivers over 75 may be requested by some rental providers to provide a medical certificate indicating their fitness to drive. It is always a good idea to contact the rental depot ahead of time to confirm their specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
In addition to age requirements, it is essential to have a valid driver's licence and a credit or debit card when renting a car in Australia.
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Additional fees for car rentals in Australia
When renting a car in Australia, there are a number of additional fees that you may encounter. Here is a list of potential extra charges to be aware of:
Young Driver Surcharge
Drivers under 25 years of age may be required to pay a surcharge, with the fee depending on the class of car and engine size. This is a common requirement for rental car companies in Australia, and similar surcharges are applied in most countries.
Additional Driver Fees
If you plan to have multiple drivers for your rental car, you will likely need to pay an additional fee. This fee can vary depending on the rental company and the length of the rental. All additional drivers must be registered, and they may need to meet certain requirements, such as presenting a valid driver's license and proof of identity.
One-Way Fee
If you plan to drop off the rental car at a different location from where you picked it up, you will likely be charged a one-way fee. This fee will depend on the specific locations involved.
Fuel Charges
Some rental companies offer the option to pre-purchase fuel at the start of your rental. If you don't select this option, you may be charged per litre if you return the car without a full tank.
GPS and Child Seat Rentals
If you require a GPS or a child seat during your rental, you will likely be charged an additional daily fee for these items.
Toll Charges and Traffic Fines
When driving in Australia, you may encounter toll roads and bridges. If you use toll roads, you will be responsible for paying any associated charges. Additionally, if you incur any traffic fines during your rental period, these charges will be passed on to you, along with a potential administrative fee.
It's important to be aware of these potential additional fees when renting a car in Australia to avoid unexpected costs. By planning ahead and understanding the rental agreement, you can make informed decisions and ensure a more enjoyable travel experience.
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Best times to rent a car in Australia
The cheapest time to rent a car in Australia depends on the type of car and the duration of the rental. For instance, the cheapest time to rent a small car is June, while for medium-sized cars, it is August. You can rent a large car for cheaper in May, and an SUV in March. If you're after a pickup truck, March is the best month, and for a van, it's February. If you're looking for a luxury car, November is the cheapest month, and for convertibles, it's July.
The duration of your rental can also impact the rates. Longer rental periods usually result in lower daily rates, with some companies providing discounts for weekly or monthly rentals.
It is worth noting that rental rates can vary depending on the time of year, with higher rates during peak periods such as summer holidays, school breaks, weekends, and holidays. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your trip during off-peak times to secure lower rates.
Additionally, booking a rental car in advance can help secure better rates, allowing you to take advantage of early booking discounts and promotional offers. However, some sources suggest that last-minute bookings tend to be cheaper.
To get the best deal, you can try a strategy where you reserve your rental car as soon as possible and select the option that allows you to lock in your rate but pay at the counter. Then, periodically check your booked rental price, and if the price dips, cancel and rebook.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest car rental in Australia varies depending on the type of car, location, season, and vehicle availability. Car rental services like Kayak, Momondo, Rentalcars.com, EconomyBookings.com, Budget, and Alpha Car Hire offer a range of vehicles at different price points.
The cost of renting a car in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the type and size of the vehicle, supply and demand, booking timing, additional services or equipment, and applicable fees and charges.
Yes, there may be additional fees such as young driver fees for renters under 25, one-way fees for returning the car to a different location, and toll road charges, especially in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
To find the cheapest car rental options, consider using price comparison websites like Rentalcars.com, Momondo, or Kayak, which aggregate offers from multiple rental companies. Additionally, look for special offers, discounts, and flexible booking options on rental company websites, such as Budget and Alpha Car Hire, to secure the best rates.
