Compare car hire across Australia
Compare up to twelve car rental brands at 1,700+ pick-up locations across Australia, from airports to the city. We've helped people hire cars since 2003.
Need help with your Rental Car?
What you can book with DriveNow
What does car hire cost?
| Vehicle type | The middle across citiescheapest car | Cheapestcity and pickup date | Across citiescheapest to dearest city |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small car | $44/dayMost cities $36 to $50 | $35/daySydney, pickup 14 Nov 2026 | $35 to $83 a day |
| Mid-size | $46/dayMost cities $40 to $53 | $36/daySydney, pickup 14 Nov 2026 | $36 to $78 a day |
| SUV | $46/dayMost cities $40 to $57 | $38/daySydney, pickup 14 Nov 2026 | $38 to $85 a day |
| Family or full-size | $65/dayMost cities $46 to $75 | $38/daySydney, pickup 14 Nov 2026 | $38 to $96 a day |
| People mover | $112/dayMost cities $86 to $154 | $56/dayGold Coast, pickup 9 Dec 2026 | $56 to $274 a day |
| 4WD | $61/dayMost cities $56 to $73 | $49/dayMelbourne, pickup 9 Dec 2026 | $49 to $141 a day |
| Luxury | $146/dayMost cities $126 to $177 | $102/dayMelbourne, pickup 15 Nov 2026 | $102 to $255 a day |
Indicative daily prices for a 7-day hire, from our searches. Your dates change the price.
How we got these prices
Prices are for a 30-year-old Australian resident. Your price can change with driver age and country of residence.
"Most cities" is the middle half of the cities' cheapest prices: a quarter of the cities were cheaper and a quarter dearer. A city with no car of that type available isn't counted.
Our worked price example shows the city prices and how we calculate the middle and range.
Based on our searches for a 7-day hire picked up between 11 Nov 2026 and 12 Dec 2026, in 12 cities (Adelaide, Avalon, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sunshine Coast and Sydney), checked between 26 Oct 2026 and 9 Nov 2026. Each city's price is its cheapest at the airport or in the city. Prices change, so you can search your dates for a current price.
Each airport and city page shows its current prices: see car hire by airport and city.
Car hire by airport and city
Most of our car hires start at an airport, so we've written up what to expect when you land. A city branch can suit a few days in town and may be closer to where you're staying. Returning the car somewhere else may add a one-way fee, so check it in your quote.
Popular airport pick-ups
Avalon Airport
Closer than Melbourne Airport if you're heading to Geelong or the Bellarine Peninsula.
Cairns Airport
Heading past Cape Tribulation? Check where the car can go.
The car hire brands we compare
What to compare beyond the daily rate
Prices for the same size of car can differ quite a bit between brands on the same day. These are worth checking in each quote:
- Pick-up.
Airport counter or shuttle, and the branch's opening hours.
- Kilometres.
Unlimited, or a daily allowance with a charge per extra kilometre.
- Fuel.
Usually return it full; refuelling charges at the counter are high.
- Age.
Drivers under 25 often pay a surcharge, and some cars are 25+ only.
- Bond.
Held or charged on your card at pick-up and released after you return the car.
- Excess.
The amount you pay for covered damage under the rental agreement, and what it costs to reduce it. Excluded damage can cost more than the excess.
Other ways to travel with DriveNow
We also offer campervan hire, relocations, truck hire and car leasing in Europe.
Campervan and motorhome hire
Compare campervans and motorhomes from Apollo, Britz, JUCY, Maui and more, picked up in cities around Australia.
Popular pickup cities
Popular pickup cities
Guides
Guides
Relocations from $1 a day
If your dates are flexible, you can move a campervan one way for the rental company, from $1 a day.
Guides
Guides
Ute, van and truck hire
Utes, vans and moving trucks from Avis, Budget, Europcar and Thrifty; what's available depends on the location and your dates.
Popular locations
Popular locations
Car leasing in Europe
A brand-new car with comprehensive insurance for a longer trip to Europe. These programmes are generally for people whose main residence is outside the EU. Eligibility, lease lengths and conditions depend on the programme.
Guides
Guides
Why book your car hire with DriveNow
What we do
- We're independent, and we've compared car hire since 2003.
- One search compares the brands side by side, from small cars and SUVs to 4WDs, people movers and 12-seaters.
- You book with the rental company, through us. There are no DriveNow booking fees.
- Payment timing and card requirements depend on the rental company and rate. Check the payment conditions before you book.
- Our reservations team is in Melbourne and can help before and after you book.
Book or ask us
With your dates, our search shows each brand's cars side by side with the total price. You'll also see the age rules and the bond, a security deposit. The quote shows the excess too, the amount you're responsible for paying for covered damage under the rental agreement. Excluded damage can cost more than the excess.
First time hiring a car in Australia? The car hire handbook covers booking, pick-up and return.
Need help choosing? Call 1300 547 214, chat with us, or contact our team.
Reviews from our car hire customers
Used for a winery tour and then a day at the races.
Great way to compare prices and available vehicles.
Did a last minute booking on my phone, so easy. Your prices are really good.
How we collect reviews
We collect reviews from our customers in a number of different ways:
- We ask them to rate individual pages on our website and suggest improvements.
- We use the independent third party Trustpilot, an internationally recognised publisher of website reviews.
- We survey our customers after they have travelled.
- We present a selection of these reviews here.
Before you pick up the car
- Check the car.
Have every dent and scratch marked on the rental form, and take photos.
- Add your flight number.
Call the rental company as soon as you know you'll be late. Ask about collection after closing and any fees or no-show rules.
- Fill up before you return it.
Ask the branch where the nearest petrol station is if you're catching a flight.
- Check where you can drive.
Check the rental company's unsealed-road and ferry rules before booking, including for Bruny Island. Permission to travel and damage cover are separate questions. Towing and pets also depend on the rental company. For example, Hertz requires prior permission before taking a car on a ferry.
PDF documentTerms & Conditions of RentalWhere to lookPage 18 · Travelling via FerryHertz example only. Check the rental agreement for your own booking.Open PDF (opens in a new tab) - Tolls.
Most toll roads are in Sydney, Melbourne and South East Queensland, and they're electronic only. Ask how the rental company charges them.
- Child seats.
Add child seats when you book. The right restraint depends on your child's age and size. Laws are set by each state and territory, so check the rules for where you'll drive before choosing a seat.
- The bond.
The bond amount and card requirements depend on your booking. Check them before you book and have enough available funds on your card at pick-up.
- Your licence.
Most rental companies require every driver to hold a full licence, often for at least 12 months; some accept a provisional (P-plate) licence, usually after 12 months. Requirements differ, so check the licence conditions on your quote before booking.
From booking to returning the car
Start with the stage you're at. Each guide explains what to check and what to expect.
Before you book
Driver ages, licences, vehicle types and planning your hire.
Booking your car
Compare quotes, excess options and extras.
Managing your booking
Payments, changes, cancellations and your confirmation.
Picking up your car
Documents, counter charges, the bond and vehicle inspection.
During your trip
Road rules, fuel, tolls and help if something goes wrong.
Returning your car
Drop-off times, fuel requirements and additional charges.
The full car hire handbook has every guide.
Common questions about hiring a car in Australia
Still not sure? Call 1300 547 214 or chat with a real person.
Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
No. We don't charge booking or service fees.
How old do I need to be to rent a car in Australia?
How old do I need to be to rent a car in Australia?
Usually 21. Drivers under 25 often pay a young driver surcharge, and some car classes are 25+ only. Check the age rules in your quote.
What type of licence do I need to hire a car in Australia?
What type of licence do I need to hire a car in Australia?
Most rental companies require a full licence, often held for at least 12 months, shown in person at pick-up; some accept a provisional (P-plate) licence, usually after 12 months. Requirements differ, so check the licence conditions on your quote before booking. If it isn't in English, bring an international driving permit or a certified English translation as well.
What does ‘or similar’ mean when making a car hire booking?
What does ‘or similar’ mean when making a car hire booking?
You're booking a car class, not a model. You'll get that model or one like it, with similar seats and luggage space. What “or similar” means
Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Yes. The excess applies to covered damage under the rental agreement. Excluded damage can cost more than the excess, even if you buy excess reduction.
Check what your travel insurance or credit card policy covers first. You pay the rental company first, then make a claim. Reimbursement is limited to what the policy covers and is subject to its terms.
Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Yes. The rental company holds or charges a bond on your card at pick-up. The amount, accepted cards and release conditions depend on your booking. Check these before you book. Security bonds
Do I need to book in advance?
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes for long weekends, Easter, school holidays and Christmas. It's also worth booking ahead for people movers, 12-seaters and 4WDs, which sell out first. Booking early gives you more choice.
Who are DriveNow and what do they do?
Who are DriveNow and what do they do?
We're a comparison and booking site, Australian owned and based in Melbourne, comparing car hire since 2003. We also compare campervans and motorhomes, relocations, utes, vans and trucks and car leasing in Europe. About us
Visiting from overseas?
- Bring your original licence.
If it isn't in English, bring an international driving permit or a certified English translation too. A permit doesn't replace your licence.
- We drive on the left.
Give yourself time to adjust before you hit the motorway.
- Check your travel insurance.
It may cover the rental excess, so check the policy before buying extra cover at the counter. You pay the rental company first, then make a claim. Reimbursement is limited to what your policy covers and is subject to its terms.
PDF documentTerms & Conditions of RentalWhere to lookPage 18 · Purchase of insurance from third partyHertz states that payment remains due regardless of reimbursement by a third-party insurer. Your insurance policy sets the reimbursement terms.Open PDF (opens in a new tab) - Search with your country of residence.
Prices and conditions can depend on where you live.
Car hire in other countries
We're happy to help with any questions.