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Find lower rental car prices at Exmouth Airport with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and reserve with no booking fees. A hire car is pretty much essential here, as the airport is a 36 km drive from Exmouth town with no public transport available. Picking up a car on arrival gives you the freedom to visit the beaches of Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park at your own pace.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 342082
Location 👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Exmouth Airport Terminal
  • Get your car right after your flight lands
  • Four major companies available (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar)
  • No shuttle bus needed to start your trip
  • Higher prices (extra airport fees)
  • Fewer cars available during busy times
  • Service desks only open when flights arrive
Exmouth Town Pickup
  • May cost less money
  • Good option if staying in town first
  • Open for more hours each day
  • Need airport shuttle (about $40-50 per person)
  • 30-40 minute bus ride
  • Difficult with heavy bags

Car Rental Prices

How to pay less?
  • Compare airport vs. town pickup. Grabbing your car in Exmouth town can be cheaper. Just remember you'll need to pay for a shuttle to get there, so do the maths to see what saves you more.

  • Book way ahead for peak season. If you're visiting for the whale sharks (March to July), locking in a car 4-6 months early can seriously cut your costs. For other times, you have more flexibility.

  • A simple 2WD car is all you need. All the main roads to the best spots are sealed. A smaller car saves on the rental price and on fuel, which is expensive in Exmouth.

  • Check for weekly discounts. Renting for a full 7 days can sometimes unlock a better daily rate than renting for just 5 or 6 days.

Parking Tips

Location Parking Options Regulations
Exmouth Airport
  • Short-term parking
  • Long-term parking
Free for pickup/drop-off. Modest fees for extended parking.
Exmouth Town
  • Street parking
  • Shopping centre lots
Free and unrestricted throughout town. Ample spaces available.
Cape Range National Park Designated parking areas at beaches and trails Free once you pay park entry. Limited spaces at popular beaches.
Boat Harbour Large parking area with trailer bays Free parking. Additional space for vehicles and boat trailers.

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 110 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on Cape Range road, 50 km/h in town
  • Wildlife is abundant. Reduce speed at dawn and dusk
  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • Handheld mobile phone use while driving is prohibited
  • Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%
  • All occupants must wear seatbelts

Seasonal Road Conditions: The road from airport to town and through Cape Range National Park is fully sealed and well-maintained year-round. During the wet season (November-April), occasional heavy rainfall may cause temporary flooding at creek crossings. Always check conditions during these periods before travelling to remote areas.

Car Rental Driving Distances from Exmouth EXM Airport, Australia

FAQs

Can I take my rental car on beach access tracks in Cape Range National Park? Driving on unsealed roads, even well-maintained ones, is often restricted or banned by standard rental agreements. Driving on beaches or through water crossings is usually banned. Always check your specific rental contract terms carefully for any permissions or bans regarding road types and driving areas, and clarify any planned routes during pickup.

Do I need a 4WD to visit the main attractions around Exmouth? No, all major attractions including Turquoise Bay, Lakeside, Osprey Bay and the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse are accessible via sealed roads suitable for standard 2WD vehicles. A 4WD would only be necessary for specialised remote beach camping or station tracks.

Can I pick up at Exmouth Airport and drop off in Perth? One-way rentals are possible but usually incur a significant relocation fee, usually around $500-$1000. Some companies offer seasonal promotions featuring reduced one-way fees, particularly at the end of peak season when they need to relocate vehicles back to Perth.

What documents do I need to rent a car at Exmouth Airport? You'll need a valid driver's licence (held for at least 12 months), credit card in the driver's name and international driving permit if your licence is not in English.

Is there a shuttle service between Exmouth Airport and town if I decide not to rent? Yes, the Exmouth Shuttle service meets all flights and costs approximately $40-50 per person one-way. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, but it's more economical for groups to rent a car given the distance.