How to find a cheap car hire deal in Darwin
Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Darwin. Choose from options averaging $80 a day and go where you want for less.
The cheapest daily rental price in Darwin is $50.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $299 and pack in more adventures.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book about four weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a Darwin car hire.
Bargain Car Rentals, Thrifty and Budget are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Darwin car hire policy, whether you book with Bargain Car Rentals or another supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Darwin.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $91 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $87, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly $113 a day.
If you're unsure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Darwin.
Flying to Darwin? Think about an airport pick-up
Kick off your Darwin trip quicker by picking up a car hire at Darwin International Airport. The city centre is about 13 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Darwin
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Darwin gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Darwin car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Darwin makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Darwin car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Darwin.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your rental in Australia.
Add a car seat to your Darwin car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest way to go.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in Australia.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
In Australia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, hand the keys to someone else or take another form of transport.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
English is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Darwin for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Capitanos. Offering parking as well as internet access and car hire options, this hotel is around 0.32 kilometres from central Darwin.
Or take advantage of the parking at Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features a fitness centre and a golf course.
Browse the range of hotels in Darwin for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Darwin and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Mindil Beach Park, Mindil Beach and Rapid Creek Beach give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Darwin
Around 18 kilometres east of central Darwin, Palmerston belongs on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Palmerston Shopping Centre and MVR Palmerston.
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort and Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park are reliable accommodation options with parking in Palmerston.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Darwin and travel roughly 31 kilometres southeast to Humpty Doo. Featuring Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and Howard Springs Nature Park, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Up for a bigger adventure? Jabiru is a top road trip destination that's around 225 kilometres east of Darwin. Consider making a few pit stops at Lake Jabiru and Mamukala Billabong.
