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Map of campervan rental depots near 657384

Car Rental Locations and Options

Location 👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Sydney Airport (SYD)
  • Get your car right after your flight
  • All major rental companies available
  • Fast access to main highways
  • Extra fees of 20-25%
  • Long waiting lines during busy times
  • Some rental desks close at 11PM
City Centre
  • No extra airport fees
  • Many rental companies to choose from
  • Good if staying in city center first
  • Difficult driving for visitors
  • Limited hours (usually 7:30AM-5:30PM)
  • Heavy traffic and confusing streets
Parramatta (Western Sydney)
  • Good location for western areas
  • Easy highway access to Blue Mountains
  • Cheaper than airport/city center
  • Limited weekend hours
  • Need transport from airport
  • Fewer luxury cars available
Northern Beaches/North Shore
  • Perfect for northern areas
  • Avoid bridge traffic jams
  • Good for trips north
  • Limited weekend hours
  • Need train/ferry to get there
  • Fewer car types available

Other Areas: Locations in Blacktown, Liverpool, Hornsby and Campbelltown may cost less and have shorter waiting times than airport rentals. This works well if you are staying in these areas or traveling in specific directions (example: Campbelltown for trips south).

One-Way Rentals: You can pick up your car in one city and return it in another. Popular routes include from Canberra to Sydney, from Sydney to Melbourne, from Sydney to Adelaide, and from Brisbane to Sydney.

Car Rental Prices

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

On average, car rentals in Sydney cost around AUD $96.92 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $20.64 per day.

Parking and Local Driving

Area Street Spaces Car Parks Tips
Sydney CBD
  • Hourly fees apply
  • 1-2 hour limits
  • Limited availability
  • Early bird rates often available
  • Regular daily rates apply
  • Reduced rates often available nights/weekends
  • Arrive before 9AM for early bird rates
  • Consider using public transport into CBD
Beaches (Bondi, Manly)
  • Metered (Hourly fees apply)
  • 1-2 hour limits
  • Higher rates for non-residents
  • Limited garage options
  • Beach car parks (Hourly fees apply)
  • Arrive early on summer days
  • Consider public transport to popular beaches
Parramatta & Suburbs
  • Often time-limited (1-2 hours)
  • Some free evening/weekend spaces
  • Shopping centres
  • Daily rates apply
  • Check signs carefully for restrictions
  • Shopping centres good for shorter stays
Tourist Areas (Blue Mountains)
  • Limited free spaces
  • Metered spots may apply at main attractions
  • Paid lots at major sites like Echo Point
  • Arrive early at popular spots
  • Some free spots slightly further from attractions
  • Road Signs:

    • "P" shows maximum time you can park (2P = 2 hours)
    • "No Stopping" means no stopping at all (even for a moment)
    • "No Parking" allows max 2-minute stop if driver stays present
    • "Clearway" zones during peak hours result in immediate towing
  • Local Driving Rules:

    • Drive on the left side of the road
    • Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 40 km/h in school zones (8-9:30AM, 2:30-4PM)
    • Yield to vehicles already in roundabouts
    • No turning left on red unless sign permits
    • Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%
  • Toll Roads:

    • Sydney has numerous cashless toll roads (no booths)
    • Major toll roads: Harbour Bridge/Tunnel, M2, M5, M7, Eastern Distributor, Cross City Tunnel.
    • Rental cars usually include electronic toll systems. Generally, after your rental you will be charged any tolls plus an admin fee
    • Alternate routes available to avoid tolls (often slower but free).

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Sydney? Valid driver's licence, credit card in the main driver's name and passport for international visitors. If your licence is not in English, you must carry your original licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation.

Are there any age restrictions for renting cars in Sydney? Most companies rent to drivers 21 and over and charge extra fees for drivers under 25. Some companies rent to 18-20 year olds but charge higher fees and limit vehicle choices.

How do I handle toll roads using a rental car? Most companies have automatic toll billing and charge a daily admin fee. You can also register for a temporary visitor e-pass within 3 days of using a toll road.

What side of the road do they drive on in Australia? Left side, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle.

Are there any areas I should avoid driving to using a rental car? Most rental contracts don't allow driving on unsealed (unpaved) roads and beaches. Always check your rental agreement before heading onto gravel roads or remote areas.

What happens if I get a traffic fine in a rental car? The rental company usually charges an administrative fee and nominates you as the driver. The fine is then sent to you directly by the authority to pay. In some cases (e.g., certain parking fines), the company may pay the fine and charge you back plus an admin fee. Speed and red-light cameras are very common in Sydney.