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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Darwin
Darwin
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Darwin
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Darwin
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Darwin
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 Darwin?
Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, offers a unique blend of tropical landscapes and rich cultural experiences. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems beyond the city centre.
Freedom to Explore: A rental car allows you to venture beyond Darwin and discover the stunning natural beauty of the Northern Territory, including national parks, waterfalls, and gorges.
Convenience and Flexibility: With a rental car, you can easily visit multiple attractions in a single day, without being constrained by public transport schedules or tour group itineraries.
Access to Remote Locations: Many of the Northern Territory's most spectacular destinations are located in remote areas that are difficult or impossible to reach without your own vehicle.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Darwin
Before renting a car in Darwin, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. Here are some essential points to consider:
Area
112.6 square kilometres (43.5 square miles)
Population
Approximately 148,564 residents
Time Zone
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), UTC+9:30
Ideal for
Exploring the Northern Territory
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Darwin require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver's License and DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance and DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage and Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so check whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Darwin – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £41 / $52 / €49 per day
Electric:
from £23 / $29 / €27 per day
Classic:
from £14 / $18 / €16 per day
Executive:
from £34 / $43 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £38 / $48 / €45 per day
Automatic:
from £23 / $29 / €27 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): 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 Darwin?
Follow these steps to book a car in Darwin:
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site 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 outback.
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 license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Darwin
Darwin is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse culture. It's the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the Northern Territory.
As the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is a gateway to adventure. However, driving within Darwin requires awareness of local traffic laws and conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kakadu National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning landscapes, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and diverse wildlife.
Litchfield National Park
Home to beautiful waterfalls, swimming holes, and monsoon forests.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
A popular market with food stalls, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking is available at various locations throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available in many areas, but can be limited during peak times.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid congestion in the city centre.
Gas Stations in Darwin
Availability
Fuel stations are readily available throughout Darwin and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Look for brands like BP, Shell, and Caltex.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Darwin
Be Prepared for the Heat
Darwin has a tropical climate, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Watch Out for Wildlife
Be aware of crocodiles and other wildlife when swimming or hiking.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Allow extra time for travel during rush hour.
Respect Local Culture
Be mindful of Aboriginal culture and traditions.
Key Transportation Hubs in Darwin
Major Bus Stations
Darwin Bus Exchange
The main hub for local bus services in Darwin.
Railway Stations
Darwin Railway Station
The terminus for The Ghan, a long-distance passenger train that travels between Darwin and Adelaide.
Airports
Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Located approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) north of Darwin city centre, serving both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Darwin?
Renting a car in Darwin requires a few key documents and qualifications:
A full, valid driver's license is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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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 Darwin 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.
Fantastic family trip to Darwin! Having a car made exploring so easy; Litchfield National Park was breathtaking.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 08.06.2025
Summer in Darwin was perfect! Getting around with a car was so convenient, and the wildlife was incredible.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 21.09.2024
Such a fun weekend in Darwin! Having a car made everything so easy, and the weather was perfect.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 03.10.2024
Heard great things, and Darwin lived up to the hype! Exploring with our rental car was effortless, such a beautiful city.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 14.06.2025
Darwin exceeded expectations; exploring was effortless with a car.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 31.12.2024
Pretty laid-back, yeah.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Darwin was amazing! Exploring the coastline was a highlight, though the Mindil Beach sunset was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 17.01.2025