How to find a cheap car hire deal in Canberra (CBR)
Searching for a cheap Canberra rental car? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $178 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
Daily rental prices at Canberra start from just $66.
Staying a little longer in Canberra? Grab a weekly rental from $348 and organise some day trips or detours.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. One week in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a CBR car hire.
Europcar, Sixt and Alamo are some of the top providers at Canberra.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Canberra car hire policy, whether you book with Europcar or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in CBR by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Canberra that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging $206 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $164, this provider follows close behind.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $199 a day with this provider.
Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travellers at CBR.
Compare car hire types from Canberra (CBR)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Canberra rental car gets you moving without breaking the bank. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this CBR car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Canberra makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your CBR car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Canberra.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Australia. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Be sure to add the right one to your CBR car hire reservation.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're new to driving in Australia, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, and keep a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Drive smarter from the start
Go from zero to adventure once you've grabbed the keys to your CBR car hire. You've got the freedom to follow your own road, but if you're headed to central Canberra, it'll take you around 15 minutes to cover the 8 kilometres or so west.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Canberra to the centre to take up to 25 minutes.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
Don't need a set of wheels immediately? Think about collecting a car hire in Canberra instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Canberra (CBR)
Begin with some of the top attractions in Canberra, such as National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery. Whether you drive or find an alternative way there, you'll want to explore these highlights before you move on.
Goulburn should be on your to-do list if you'd like to see Riversdale Historic Homestead and Jerrawangala National Park. This city is around 80 kilometres northeast of CBR.
Add Yass to your travel plans. Roughly 56 kilometres northwest of the airport, head there in your Canberra car hire to see highlights such as Yass & District Museum and Cooma Cottage.
