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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Canberra
Canberra
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Canberra
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Canberra
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Canberra
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Canberra?
Canberra, the capital of Australia, boasts impressive architecture, national museums, and serene natural landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the Australian Capital Territory at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. Canberra’s attractions extend beyond the city centre. A rental car allows you to easily visit places like Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or the Murrumbidgee River.
Visit National Attractions with Ease. The Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and the National Gallery of Australia are easily accessible with your own vehicle.
Convenience for Families and Groups. A rental car provides comfort and space, especially if you're travelling with family or a group, making day trips much easier.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Canberra
Before booking a rental car in Canberra, be aware of the rental terms. This includes the minimum age, required licences, insurance options, deposit policies, mileage allowances, and fuel guidelines. Understanding these conditions ensures a smooth and trouble-free rental experience.
Area
814.2 square kilometres (314.4 square miles)
Population
Approximately 460,000 residents
Time Zone
AEST (GMT+10)
Ideal for
Longer trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Canberra require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English. A passport is usually required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available. A security deposit is usually held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Canberra – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $32 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £28 / $35 / €34 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to January): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (June to August): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Canberra?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Canberra
Canberra is a planned city with wide avenues and numerous roundabouts. Known for its museums and gardens, it's best explored with an understanding of local traffic rules, parking, and fuel availability.
Canberra, the capital of Australia, is a city designed with meticulous planning. Its blend of political significance, cultural attractions, and natural beauty makes it an intriguing destination. While Canberra has public transport, a car provides better access to surrounding regions, provided you understand local driving conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Parliament House
Australia’s iconic symbol of democracy.
Australian War Memorial
A moving tribute to Australian servicemen and women.
National Gallery of Australia
Showcases Australian and international art.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in the city centre for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but may be time-limited.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride facilities for easy access to the city centre.
Gas Stations in Canberra
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and Caltex stations throughout Canberra.
Convenient Locations
Most gas stations are located on major roads and in shopping centres.
Use Navigation Apps
Google Maps or other apps can help locate nearby fuel stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Canberra
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted for transport and parking.
Watch for Cyclists
Canberra has a strong cycling culture; be aware of cyclists on the roads.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:00–9:00 / 16:00–18:00) when roads are often congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Canberra
Major Bus Stations
Canberra City Bus Station
Serves as the primary terminus for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Canberra Railway Station
Connects Canberra to Sydney.
Airports
Canberra Airport (CBR)
Located approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) east of the city centre, serving domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Canberra?
Renting a car in Australia is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Australia, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for a limited period, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Canberra as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Summer in Canberra was fantastic! Having a car made getting around the city and its beautiful surrounds so easy. Highly recommend a visit.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Quick weekend trip, but Canberra charmed me! Getting around with a car was so easy. Highly recommend.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 28.02.2025
Canberra's beauty surprised me! So glad I had a car; exploring was effortless. Highly recommend.
Ava Miller
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Family vacation in Canberra was wonderful! Having a car made visiting all the sights so convenient. Highly recommend.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
It was great to revisit Canberra after all these years! Having a car made exploring the city and its stunning surrounds so much easier. Highly recommend a road trip.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Canberra was a fantastic family getaway! Having a car made everything so easy, allowing us to explore all the amazing sights at our own pace. Highly recommend!
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Canberra was delightful; easy car rental made exploring a breeze.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Hannah Lee
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Canberra was lovely; seeing friends and exploring the city was effortless with a car. Highly recommend!
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Canberra exceeded expectations! Heard so much about it, and exploring with a car was perfect. Beautiful city, loved it.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 26.06.2025