What is the most popular car hire provider in Australia?

With an average price of $41/day, Bargain Car Rentals is the most popular car hire provider in Australia, booking 461% more hire cars than any other provider.

What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in Australia?

At $41/day, it is 45% cheaper on average to rent a car in Newcastle than any other city in Australia. The cheapest price found in Australia was for $28/day in Newcastle.

What side of the road do you drive on in Australia?

In Australia, drivers are expected to drive on the left side of the road.

What are the car hire prices for popular cities in Australia?

Out of all the popular cities in Australia, Melbourne is the cheapest city to rent a car in at just $25/day. Renting a car in Melbourne is 62% cheaper than renting one in Cairns where the per day rate is around $66. Other fairly inexpensive cities in Australia to get a rental car in are: Sydney ($26/day), Coolangatta ($27/day), and Adelaide ($27/day). While these cities typically have cheaper prices than the rest of the country, travelers looking to rent a car in Brisbane should expect to spend around $28/day on their transportation. The most popular city to rent a car in Australia is Brisbane.

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Australia car rentals in 2025

Most popular company	Bargain Car Rentals
Most common car type	Standard
Average price per day	$53
Cheapest price per day	$21

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Popular car types in Australia

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There are, in total, 3,286 car hire locations in Australia that are operated by 104 companies. In the past week, small car is the cheapest car type users can hire (cheapest price last found: $21/day). Explore 6 car types currently offered from Australia hire providers:

Economy

$21+

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Compact

$25+

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Intermediate

$25+

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Standard

$60+

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Full-size

$72+

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SUV

$50+

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People mover

$71+

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Full-size SUV

$54+

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Compare car rental deals in Australia by type

Here are the best Australia small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Australia medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Australia large car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Australia SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Australia van hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Australia pickup truck hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Toyota Yaris$21/day

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Nissan Versa$21/day

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Toyota Yaris$23/day

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Best car rental deals found in Australia

These are some of the most attractive deals we've found on rental cars within the Australia region, including options close to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Come back soon if you don't find what you're looking for as deals are updated often.

Toyota Yaris$21/day

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Nissan Versa$21/day

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Toyota Yaris$23/day

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Cheapflights insights for Australia car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you hire a car in Australia, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I hire a car in Australia?

Book your rental car in Australia 8 days before your pickup date to maximise your savings. Car rental prices are around $73/day on average when booked 8 days ahead, which saves you 55% off the average price.

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What is the cheapest car hire company in Australia?

Looking to hire a car in Australia? Bargain Car Rentals had the lowest prices in the past two weeks, starting at only $15.65/day. Simba Car Hire also offers competitive rates, with deals beginning at $17.11/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Australia?

Planning to hire a car in Australia? February is the cheapest month, costing about $70 per day. In contrast, December is the most expensive, with an average daily rate of $90. Monthly average car hire prices are listed below. Remember, prices can change based on when you book, the type of car, and availability.

January

$74

February

$70

March

$71

April

$85

May

$72

June

$73

July

$86

August

$81

September

$80

October

$85

November

$74

December

$90

What car do most people hire in Australia?

SUV cars (Kia Sportage or similar) are the most popular option for those visiting Australia. Compact cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are also a popular choice, followed by Intermediate cars (Kia Sportage or similar).

Which car hire company has the most locations in Australia?

Thrifty has 347 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Firefly has the second-highest number of locations in Australia at 290.

What are the car rental prices for popular cities in Australia?

Among the most popular cities in Australia, Melbourne offers the lowest average rental price at just $25/day. Other affordable options include Sydney ($26/day), Coolangatta ($27/day), and Adelaide ($27/day).

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Top rental agencies in Australia

Browse through some of the top rental car agencies in Australia, including pickup locations serving Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Make sure to read through user feedback, confirm pickup locations, and check the fine print before choosing.

Budget

8.5

Very Good

124 reviews•167 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Mar 2025

Had to queue for almost 1hr to pick up car. The staff at the desk were rude to other clients and there was poor communication about where to find the actual car.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2025

It was a very pleasant experience. It is easy to book, good communication, easy pick up and drop off

4.0

Mediocre|Jan 2025

Cigarette smell in car

8.0

Very Good|Mar 2024

Quick, easy, convenient service. Fairly reasonable price. Car air-conditioning wasn’t working. Vehicle received (MG3) was smaller than the i30 (or similar) that we booked, tiny boot that only fit one of our suitcases.

8.0

Very Good|Aug 2023

My experience was fine the only issue was that due to my husbands age he was unable to drive the car and he feels that he is discriminated against due to his age and he feels that older people has more experience and more patience when driving. The order stated that the car would fit 2 suitcases and 5 people and we were only able to get 2 suitcases and 2 adults in the car.

6.0

Okay|Aug 2023

We didn't use it in the end

1 out of 42

Sixt

8.4

Very Good

178 reviews•170 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2025

No complaints 👌

6.0

Okay|May 2024

Customer Service lady was under the pump due to understaffing. She was friendly and courteous and promptly dealt with the four customers that all arrived together a half hour before closing time. Car had serious damage at the rear but wasn't indicated on the outgoing paperwork at pick up. Photos of the car all around the car should be emailed to the customer at pick-up too.

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2024

Perfect vehicle, brilliant staff, and not a single negative

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2024

Good service

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2024

Excellent service in Launceston!!!! There was No Attendant at the Hobart Airport when returning The vehicle ...?? Overall great & will definitely be Flying into Launceston & utilising car from there!!!

4.0

Mediocre|Sept 2023

Not what I expected. Car had no power

1 out of 60

Sixt Locations in Australia

Europcar

7.7

Good

106 reviews•152 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Feb 2025

very heavy expense and not clear bill

10.0

Wonderful|Nov 2024

The car was in good condition with good pick up and drop off service. Just the back seat door a bit hard to close.

4.0

Mediocre|May 2024

Staff were great but when I hired the vehicle the add said Melbourne Airport and it turned out the pick up was 5km away My wife has stage 4 cancer so the extra time walking and pick up location was unacceptable

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2024

The car was great in every respect, but I thought the cost to minimise the insurance excess was a bit expensive. The staff were excellent to deal with.

2.0

Poor|Jun 2023

Lots of hidden charges, they advertise 46/day, but we ended up with $157. Admin fees, pick up fees, surcharges, premium location fees. Too much. Not happy with that.

10.0

Wonderful|Jun 2023

Staff was great.

1 out of 36

Avis

8.3

Very Good

60 reviews•179 locations

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Overview

Thrifty

8.2

Very Good

66 reviews•347 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jan 2025

Communication was very bad between offices we were told to pick up at one place then sent to another only to be told we were ment to pick up at the last depot😬 no shuttle bus to airport even though it was close by and couldn’t see my contract after I signed it. Probably wouldn’t use this company again

8.0

Very Good|Apr 2024

If one could find the BP service station at the airport as I drive over there much I believe I now I have been fined as I was looking around for sign where to go and lights change I asked the police where the BP service station was and then I still couldn't find it, I think it's wrong what you do to your customers about the fuel $5.40 a litre . I was getting upset and and confused as I went up into the carpark the one that as a bridge I had ten minutes to get out before I had to pay I went around in circles to find the service station.

8.0

Very Good|Mar 2024

Friendly staff

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

Friendly service, easy to deal with, no fuss…👍🏼

6.0

Okay|Mar 2023

I got quote of around 280 AD but had to pay more than 500 AD without insurance. I got no explanation of this overcharge at airport reception.

4.0

Mediocre|Jul 2022

Price sir.! they rip me off $128.00 from bond, i do not comprehend. i rent a car from yours and will be de last.

1 out of 22

Hertz

7.6

Good

91 reviews•276 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Sept 2024

Terrible. Daily charges equaling over $160! On top o Of the hire car charges! $130 of those daily charges were ‘location fees’ I mean location fees!! Pathetic - will be contesting…

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2024

Nothing , when we picked up car , engine had a squeak or ticking noise , ? The receptionist was extremely professional and swapped the vehicle out immediately, very good customer relations. Excellent

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2024

Easy to hire great customer service when we picked the vehicle up. Explained everything we needed to know even with drop off

8.0

Very Good|Feb 2024

Service was good. Nice staffs.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

It would have been so much better had I hired a car from Hertz but I hired one from Apex. Who were superb

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

Great time

1 out of 31

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.5

Good

27 reviews•63 locations

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Overview

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in Australia

Dollar

6.8

Okay

12 reviews•133 locations

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Overview

Car rental FAQs

What is the most popular car hire provider in Australia?
With an average price of $41/day, Bargain Car Rentals is the most popular car hire provider in Australia, booking 461% more hire cars than any other provider.
What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in Australia?
At $41/day, it is 45% cheaper on average to rent a car in Newcastle than any other city in Australia. The cheapest price found in Australia was for $28/day in Newcastle.
What side of the road do you drive on in Australia?
In Australia, drivers are expected to drive on the left side of the road.

Car rentals by fuel type in Australia

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Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in Australia. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Petrol/Diesel being the cheapest ($18+).

Electric

$22+

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Hybrid

$23+

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Petrol/Diesel

$18+

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