Canberra – Road Genius

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Compare rental cars from top suppliers in Canberra with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices. You can pick up from the airport, but you can often find cheaper deals at depots in the city centre.

Map of campervan rental depots near 657124

Car Rental Locations and Options

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Canberra Airport (CBR)	- Get your car right after you land - All major brands available (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) - Open 7:00 AM–10:30 PM	- Airport fee (about 11.5% extra) - More expensive than city locations - Long waits during busy flight times
City/Civic Locations	- Cheaper prices (no airport fees) - Easy if staying in city center - Basic cars from about $28/day vs $37/day at airport	- Open only business hours (usually 8 AM–5 PM) - Limited weekend hours - Must take bus or taxi from airport
Off-Airport Providers	- Good prices - Free shuttle bus	- Takes 10-15 minutes extra for shuttle - Must call when you arrive - Limited late-night service

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Canberra?

On average, car rentals in Canberra cost around AUD $85.26 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $26.15 per day.

Local Parking and Driving

City Centre (Civic): Paid street spaces apply weekdays 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, free evenings and weekends
Shopping Centres: First 2-3 hours usually free or low-cost
Tourist Attractions: Many offer on-site car spaces
Weekend Bonus: Most public areas including Parliamentary Zone are free on weekends
Drive on the left side of the road
Default urban speed limit: 50 km/h in built-up areas
School zones: 40 km/h during designated hours (8 AM to 4 PM on school days)
Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC
Mobile phones: Hands-free only, no holding or texting (even at traffic lights)
Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles already in the roundabout (to your right)
No toll roads in Canberra or ACT (toll roads begin near Sydney if heading north)
Fixed and mobile speed cameras throughout the city
Point-to-point average speed cameras on some parkways
Double demerit points during holiday periods (penalties doubled)
Red light cameras at major intersections

Local Rental Locations

Canberra

FAQs

What's needed to rent a car in Canberra?
Valid driver's licence (international licence not required if your licence is in English), credit card for security deposit, minimum age 21 (surcharges apply under 25).

Are there unlimited kilometre rentals?
Yes, most standard rentals in Canberra include unlimited kilometres for travel within mainland Australia.

Can I take a rental car to the snow?
Yes, but check your rental agreement. Many companies require a "snow cover" fee and chains for 2WD vehicles during snow season (June-October).

Is it worth paying for collision damage waiver insurance?
Collision Damage Waiver insurance relates to the standard excess (deductible), which is usually $4,000 or more without reduction. Coverage options may also be available through personal credit cards or travel insurance policies.

What's the best car type for Canberra?
For city driving, a compact or economy car works well. For road trips or mountain driving, consider a mid-size sedan or SUV for comfort and stability.

Can I drive from Canberra to Sydney or Melbourne in one day?
Sydney is manageable as a day trip (3-3.5 hours each way). Melbourne is a full day's drive (7-8 hours), consider breaking the journey overnight.

Car Hire Canberra