Sydney car hire
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Sydney car hire information
| Pick-up location | Sydney |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury SUV, Passenger van, Premium SUV, SUV, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Hire locations | 116 |
| Airport locations | 40 |
| Popular agencies | Budget, Europcar, keddy by Europcar, Simba Car Hire, Avis |
Cheap car hire in Sydney
| Economy | $27/day |
| Compact | $34/day |
| Intermediate | $32/day |
| Standard | $48/day |
| SUV | $56/day |
| Full-size SUV | $49/day |
| Passenger van | $76/day |
| Premium SUV | $55/day |
| Supplier choice | $25/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $35/day |
| Luxury SUV | $36/day |
| Compact SUV | $37/day |
| Standard SUV | $38/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Sydney
- Excited to rent a car while you vacation in Sydney? If you are landing at Sydney Airport and are coming from abroad, then you will find the hire car desks in Terminal 1’s Arrival Hall. If you are arriving on a domestic flight, the hire car desks can be found in the Arrival Hall for Terminals 2 and 3.
- As a tourist in Sydney, there’s no reason to be stuck relying on public transportation, if you rent a car the whole region becomes your oyster. For instance, Manly Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, and Royal National Park are just some of the famed locales surrounding Sydney that are easily accessible by car.
- Travelers new to Australia should watch out for Transit Lanes. Transit Lanes, often designated as T2 or T3, are Australia’s equivalent to a carpool lane, meaning that you must have either 2 or 3 people in your car to use the lane. Transit Lanes are mostly seen on highways, and families should be sure to take advantage of them.
- Sydney’s morning rush hour normally ranges from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. while the evening rush hour can start as early as 2:30 p.m. and will often last all the way till 7:00 p.m. The extended evening rush hour is due in part to the fact that many of Sydney’s roads are running at capacity. Two roads to avoid in particular during rush hour include Military Road and Parramatta Road, as both can slow to a crawl when experiencing traffic.
- 25% of our users found a car hire in Sydney for $45 or less
- Book your car hire in Sydney at least 3 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport car hire locations in Sydney are around 43% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Premium car hire in Sydney are around -25% cheaper than other car types, on average
Sydney car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in Sydney
What type of car is recommended for driving in Sydney?
Sydney features mostly large streets that are suitable for a wide range of vehicle sizes. Drivers shouldn’t have any issues getting around, even if they choose a minivan or SUV. It is worth mentioning, though, that streetside parking is often necessary, and this will be done more easily in a small vehicle.
What’s the speed limit in Sydney?
For the main urban areas in Sydney, drivers will see speed limits ranging from 30 km/h (18 mph) in mixed-use urban areas, 40 km/h (25 mph) in the central downtown area and in areas with high levels of pedestrian traffic, and up to 50 km/h (31 mph) on urban roads.
Where are the best places to park in Sydney?
Parking in Sydney is not too difficult to find except in Sydney’s central business district. Sydney’s CBD has scarce streetside parking and, when it can be found, is quite expensive. The best option for parking in the CBD is to take advantage of one of the various parking garages and then to go out on foot and use public transport from there.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Sydney?
On average a car hire in Sydney costs $60 per day.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Sydney?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Budget ($25/day), Simba Car Hire ($27/day) and keddy by Europcar ($35/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Budget 653 Gardeners Rd 2017 (5 kilometres from the city centre).
What is the best car hire company in Sydney?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Sydney is Sixt (7.5, 51 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Sydney?
The average price of fuel in Sydney is $6.56 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between $79 and $105, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Sydney?
Premium (Kia Carnival or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Sydney.
Which car hire agencies are at Kingsford Smith airport (SYD)?
Car hire companies onsite at Kingsford Smith airport include Sixt, AeroDrive, Europcar, CarHood, Thrifty, Budget, East Coast Car Rentals, Simba Car Hire, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Dollar.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Kingsford Smith airport (SYD)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Kingsford Smith airport to off-airport locations include Sixt, AeroDrive, Europcar, CarHood, Thrifty, Budget, Avis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Dollar and Ace Rental Cars.
How can I find car hires near me in Sydney?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Premium car hire cost in Sydney?
A Premium car hire in Sydney costs $146 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Sydney?
An Intermediate car hire in Sydney costs $120 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Sydney?
A Standard car hire in Sydney costs $107 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Sydney?
In Sydney, cars are most frequently hired at Europcar Pullman Hotel / 26-36 College St (1 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Sydney?
On average a car hire in Sydney costs $421 per week ($60 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Sydney?
On average a car hire in Sydney costs $1,806 per month ($60 per day).
Sydney car rental reviews and directory
Budget
8.4
Very Good
38 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
7.7
5 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
June 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2020
Pros:
Staff was very helpful. Car handled well are served our needs. Drop off was extremely easy.8.0 Very Good
Jan 2020
Pros:
It was very straight forward and the staff was friendly and helpful7.2 Good
Apr 2019
Pros:
The staff was very kind and friendly.Cons:
I wanna return the car in the night.10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2019
Pros:
Pick up was quick, drop off was easier. The insurance through kayak is much more bang for buck, budget even told us this. Their rate was 50 a day and kayaks was 72 for the 9 days. Was a good piece of mind becasue with 1600 miles you never know what can happen10.0 Wonderful
July 2018
Pros:
Competitive rates.Cons:
NilFirefly
10.0
Wonderful
6 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
10.0
4 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
You pick up the car at Hertz.... though it is not obvious from any of the booking materials.Cons:
Tell us that the car is picked up at Hertz4.4 Mediocre
Nov 2018
Pros:
Aside from the car itself nothing! Terrible service, would NOT recommend!Cons:
The service is terrible. Don't bother booking with these people. Not worth my time giving this anymore energy.4.0 Mediocre
Aug 2018
Pros:
I like the car provided during this service.Cons:
Personnel attending is not friendly at all. Misleading information was given, 2 of them said i will have $100 back upon return, only to find out during return that there is No deposit to return as it wasn't place in the written contract.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2017
Pros:
Nice.Easy.Go! The car which i rented is clean,comfortable & Smooth. Good maintainance! I will definitely come back again to Firefly for a rent. Thank You!Fox
10.0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Sydney
Apex
9.6
Wonderful
4 reviewsCleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
9.2
2 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2021
8.0 Very Good
Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
Thrifty
7.8
Good
22 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.3
8 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Jan 2020
Pros:
The class of vehicle i booked was not available, yet I was charged the full amount BEFORE being informed that the full size SUV was not available. When I wanted to compare other options and cost, I was told to wait (with a 1 year old baby, after a 14 he flight) and ignored for an hour. Staff was short, rude and not interested in providing information. When I offered to return the nexr day to collect the class of vehicle I booked, that was also declined. I eventually got a smaller car, that forced me to change my family holiday plans, required the use of a second vehicle for 5 days.Cons:
I should've received the car I booked, or provided with alternatives. I use Thrifty aften (4 times a year, for about 3 months in total) but will reconsider my options in future10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Pros:
The staff member we dealt with at Sydney Airport could not have been better. She was helpful, knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Well done Thrifty for employing the nicest staff!!Cons:
The whole process was flawless, great service.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
Very helpful staff,2.0 Poor
Oct 2019
Pros:
Nothing !!! They could not provide the car that I booked and paid for in advance. They stated that a Mercedez and a Toyota are the same categorie ( which they are NOT) So they cancelled my 2 reservations and I had to find a different alternative. Very in professional I travel to many countries and I will NEVER use them again. Now I have to get my money refunded let see how that goes.10.0 Wonderful
Sept 2019
Pros:
The front desk was very helpful in making sure our group got the best SUV for our needs. The staff at return was incredibly quick and friendly.Cons:
Instructions on which terminal is best for returning cars would have been helpful. We had to take the bus 4km because we dropped off the car at the domestic, instead of the international terminal.8.8 Very Good
Nov 2018
Pros:
Great pick up and drop off options. Clean car. Great Staff. Very friendly.Cons:
I did not like the fact that Kayak did not send reservation confirmation to Thrifty, they still honored it but they had to hustle getting me a car at the pick up location. I also did not like the website info for Drop off. I had to find out on drop off date that Thrifty had a Domestic and International Drop off location with COMPLETELY different procedures.Hertz
7.7
Good
22 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
7.3
5 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2022
8.0 Very Good
Oct 2022
5.6 Fair
Dec 2019
Pros:
Great car except for seat belt problem and fact that Hertz forgot to install car seat that we requested in writing and verballyCons:
So we had to return to pick-up location for car seat. Then when we removed car seat to adjust straps for our four year old we could not get he seat belt to ratchet and lock properly to secure car seat, so we had to return to pick-up location a second time(!) for a service person to help with their tricks for getting this seatbelt to work! Basically it cost us two full hours before leaving on a busy holiday weekend.3.6 Poor
Jan 2018
Cons:
Waiting time at pickup was incredibly long - have never seen that before. 2 hour wait to pick up!8.4 Very Good
Aug 2017
Pros:
The pickup/dropoff went well, especially the help when we returned the car. Car was very comfortable, clean, drove well, and we had no problems.Cons:
When we picked up the car, I asked for a map - especially of how to get to the motorway in Sydney. Was told they didn't have any maps. We used our cell gps, but when you go through tunnels service gets dropped (duh) making it a bit stressful about what turn might be next. I was surprised (frustrated) that even a city map was not available in paper form (come on, Hertz!). Next problem was discovered when we got home and I was paying my credit card bills. When my reservation was made, Hertz charged my credit card one day rental costs. But the system never reflected this when renting or returning the car, so I was charged the full amount when dropped off. This is NOT the fault of the return agent, but the Hertz system. I have since sent an email to Hertz and 2 days later still no reply. If this gets resolved, then my rating might go up - but if it takes more work on my part to get resolved, then rating may actually go down. Also, I thought the charge to drop off at a different city was a bit steep - especially since it seemed like more than twice the actual rental cost.7.6 Good
July 2017
Pros:
valueCons:
the return place is not easy to find, i spend nearly 1 hour for finding the place to return my car and also the traffic thereSixt
7.7
Good
26 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.9
4 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Sept 2022
10.0 Wonderful
June 2022
2.0 Poor
June 2022
2.0 Poor
July 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
When we arrived, there was no car available!Ace Rental Cars
7.6
Good
10 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.6
2 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Aug 2022
10.0 Wonderful
July 2022
East Coast Car Rentals
7.6
Good
11 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.8
2 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Apr 2023
8.0 Very Good
Mar 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2022
8.0 Very Good
Mar 2019
Cons:
Good10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2019
Pros:
Staff was helpful and friendly.2.0 Poor
May 2022
Avis
7.5
Good
8 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
7.2
5 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
4.4 Mediocre
Feb 2019
Cons:
Vehicle provided was not the vehicle reserved. We reserved a Ford Transit but what we got was a Kia Carnival which although was “similar” it did not provide the same amount of baggage space. 6 adults with 6 full size bags we were packed in like sardines. Interior was stained, brakes need attention4.0 Mediocre
Nov 2018
Cons:
The Avis staff didn‘t know about the Alianz insurance kayak offered and weren‘t helpful in regard to comparing theirs to the one I already had.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2023
Europcar
6.1
Okay
15 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
5.6
6 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
3.6 Poor
Mar 2019
Cons:
The hours on the website was wrong, was not specified that both a licence and a passport would be required. Hideen fees.10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2018
Cons:
The fuel charge4.0 Mediocre
July 2017
Cons:
After my extra effort to email and chat with your customer service and was assured that I would get the car I booked, I still received something not suitable and different to what I booked. My subsequent complaint fell on deaf ears as well.5.2 Fair
June 2017
Cons:
At the Sydney drop off they tried to charge me for previous damage. They wouldn't resolve it, so I cancelled the second rental in Cairns with them. I took video when I picked up and dropped off the car , and I told them I had the video. So far they haven't tried billing me for the damage. I recommend you us a more reputable company.6.0 Okay
Jan 2017
Pros:
Convenient pickup location near arrivals Friendly and helpful staff Dropoff was quick and easy once we had descended into the depths of the underground car park (Pullman Hotel in central Sydney) Car was clean and mobile - although small even after our upgradeCons:
Very slow pickup - took over half an hour to complete paperwork although there was no queue. For us, it was a big comparison with Launceston (Tasmania) Europcar where we had rented the week before and where pickup was almost instantaneous (to be fair, Launceston is a much smaller airport). Price increased more than expected over original booking - 30% (of total car price) extra charge was applied for picking up at Sydney airport.8.0 Very Good
Jan 2017
Pros:
The Mitsubishi AX was good for accommodating 5 passengers in comfort. Though it struggles with fair luggage for 5.Cons:
No satnav/gps. And it was a little underpowered.Alamo
6.1
Okay
8 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.3
2 locations in Sydney
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2019
Cons:
We paid additional for an suv which was not available. Instead they gave us an old small sedan with dings and scratches all over it. Would have gone with the cheaper rate had I known I would be getting such a poor vehicle.5.6 Fair
Jan 2018
Pros:
Prompt serviceCons:
We paid for an SUV, and when we got to pick-up there were none left. We were given a golden Astra saloon car, which is not what I wanted and not what I paid for. The service assistant told me that as we had already paid, there was nothing he can do - which is unreasonable. He then said we could bring the car back half full, as compensation - when we dropped the car off there was no record of this and we were told we would be charged for the lack of fuel. I am unsatisfied with the whole experience of your company.5.6 Fair
Nov 2017
Pros:
Fuel economy CleanlinessCons:
Did not get the vehicle I ordered and had to put up with my husband complaining the whole trip about the car. What I paid was more than the hatch that I received but no refund. Quite a bit of damage on the vehicle.6 locations in Sydney
from $44/dayLocations in Sydney
1053 Bourke Street
+61 283 742 950
320 Harris St, Inside Secure Car Park,entry Off Allen St On Lg Level
+61 282 559 050
Mercure Hotel / 818-820 George St
+61 282 559 050
Pullman Hotel
+61 2 8255 9050
Terminal 1 building - Airport Drive, Mascot
61 2 92079400
Filters
No reviews available
4 locations in Sydney
from $50/dayLocations in Sydney
203 Victoria St
+61 2 9356 8333
Ground Level Car Park
+61 2 8303 2282
In Terminal Building
+61 2 8303 2282
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Mar 2019
Pros:
Very convenient, I booked for a medium sized SUV, they ran out so I got upgraded to a large one. The agency is inside the holiday inn, easy to find.3 locations in Sydney
from $41/dayLocations in Sydney
219 Botany Rd, Waterloo NSW , Australia
+61 2 8005 6696
Sydney Airport , Australia
+61 2 8005 6696
Sydney Airport - Shuttle Service
+61 2 8005 6696
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
8.0 Very Good
Aug 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug 2022
2 locations in Sydney
Locations in Sydney
72A Parramatta Rd, Granville NSW
+61 411 816 810
Shop 1/36/42 Levey St, Wolli Creek NSW , Australia
+61 1300 853 150
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Dec 2022
4 locations in Sydney
from $49/dayLocations in Sydney
Sydney airport
+61 1800 150 850
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Sydney
from $43/dayLocations in Sydney
180 William St
+61 293 603 622
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Sydney
from $57/dayLocations in Sydney
Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour
+61 134733
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Sydney
Locations in Sydney
Ground Level Car Park
+61 2 8303 2282
Terminal Building
+61 2 8303 2282
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Sydney
from $40/dayLocations in Sydney
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Sydney
Locations in Sydney