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Find lower rental car prices at Alice Springs Airport with Road Genius. Compare live rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Grab your keys from one of the desks inside the terminal and get a head start on your road trip to Uluru and the Red Centre.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Terminal |
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| Near-Airport |
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Airport Rental Companies: Alice Springs Airport has nine rental companies: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Enterprise/Alamo, Europcar, Sixt, Apollo and Britz. Rental desks are inside the terminal, across from the baggage area. During busy season (Jun-Aug), you may wait 10-20 minutes in line when multiple flights arrive at the same time.
Compare airport vs. town prices. Picking up your car in Alice Springs town can sometimes be cheaper than at the airport. You'll have to get a ride into town, so do the quick maths to see if the savings are worth it for you.
Whatever you do, book your car online in advance. Just showing up at the counter is the fastest way to pay way more than you have to. A little planning saves a lot of cash.
If you want the cheapest ride, book a small car early for trips during the peak winter season (June-August). The little cars are popular and get snapped up fast, leaving only the bigger, pricier vehicles.
Double-check that your rental includes unlimited kilometres. Most do, but you don't want a surprise bill after your epic road trip. The distances in the Red Centre are no joke.
| Area | Parking Availability | Restrictions & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Terminal | Short-term and long-term lots | Locations directly in front of terminal. |
| Rental Return Area | Dedicated rental return bays | Follow signs to rental car return area. Each company has marked spaces. |
| Airport Roads | No roadside spots allowed | 40km/h speed limit throughout airport precinct. |
Rental Car Return Process: The rental return area is well-signposted as you approach the terminal. Follow signs for "Rental Car Return" to the dedicated area. During operating hours, staff will inspect your vehicle on site. For after-hours returns, park in your rental company's designated area, complete the return form and deposit keys in the secure drop box.
Fuel Before Return: The last fuel station before the airport is on the Stuart Highway in Alice Springs (Shell/Coles Express or Mobil). There is no fuel station at the airport itself. All rentals require a full tank upon return unless other arrangements have been made.
How long does the pickup process take at Alice Springs Airport? During quiet periods, 10-15 minutes from counter to driving away. During peak times when multiple flights arrive, allow 20-30 minutes for counter service and vehicle preparation.
Can I pick up at the airport and return to a town location? Yes, most major companies allow this. A different-location/one-way fee may apply; within the same city it's often low or waived, but it varies by company and date. Arrange this at the time of booking as a one-way rental.
What happens if my flight is delayed? Rental companies monitor flight arrivals. For significant delays, contact your rental provider to ensure they'll wait or make alternative arrangements.
Is there a fee for additional drivers when renting from the airport? Most companies charge about $5-10 per day for additional drivers beyond the primary renter. Some waive this fee for spouses/partners.
Can I access the airport rental desks 24 hours a day? No, rental desks operate according to flight schedules, usually 8am-7pm. After-hours pickups require prior arrangement and may incur extra fees.
Are child seats available for rental at the airport? Yes, child and booster seats can be rented for approximately $5-15 per day. These must be reserved in advance to ensure availability.
Do airport rentals have unlimited kilometres? Most standard rentals from major companies include unlimited kilometres. Budget operators sometimes impose daily limits (100-200km) so always check your contract. Note that 4WDs and speciality vehicles in the NT frequently have per-kilometre limits or caps.
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