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Find competitive car rental prices in Hobart with Road Genius. Compare live rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. A hire car is your ticket to seeing Tassie beyond the city limits. Choose a convenient pickup from Hobart Airport or grab a cheaper deal from a city location.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hobart Airport (HBA) |
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| Hobart City Locations |
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| Off-Airport/Budget Providers |
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Airport to City Transport
If you pick up your car in the city, travel from the airport by SkyBus (about A$19, every 30 minutes) or taxi/Uber (A$45-50 for 20 minutes).
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Pick up your car in Hobart city, not the airport. A quick bus ride to the city centre can save you cash by helping you avoid airport location fees.
- Timing is everything. Visiting in winter (June-August) can slash your rental costs. Shoulder seasons like May or September also offer great deals with fewer crowds.
- Book ahead for summer holidays. Tasmania's car supply is limited, so if you're travelling between December and February, book a few months early to avoid scary-high prices.
- Be smart about fuel. Always return the car with a full tank. Use the free FuelCheck TAS app to find the cheapest petrol before you head back.
Car hire prices in Hobart 2025/2026
Parking Tips
Hobart City Parking:
| Parking Type | Cost | Time Limits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | Metered spaces available | Usually 1-2 hours | Free evenings (after 6pm), Sundays and public holidays in most areas |
| Salamanca Place/Waterfront | Hourly rates apply | Varies | Free after 6pm on weekdays. No spaces Saturday mornings (market). |
| Car Parks (Argyle St, Centrepoint) | Daily rates apply | All day | Overnight spaces available |
| Elizabeth St Mall area | Metered spaces available | Usually 2 hours | Limited availability during business hours |
Local Driving Rules
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Give way to the right at roundabouts and intersections
- Default speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas (40 km/h in some city centre zones), 100-110 km/h on highways
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (random breath tests)
- Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited (even holding/touching the phone)
- Seatbelts mandatory for everyone in the car and child seats are required for children under 7
Wildlife Caution
- Avoid driving on rural roads at dawn, dusk and night when possible (kangaroos and other animals are more active)
- Slow down in areas where you see wildlife warning signs
- Be especially careful on roads around Bruny Island, Freycinet and the west coast
- If you see an animal, brake safely but don't swerve
Road Conditions
- No toll roads in Tasmania
- Avoid unsealed or gravel roads. Rental contracts often prohibit them
- Many roads outside major highways are two-lane (one each direction) and can be winding
- Mountain areas may have ice in winter months (May-August)
- Check weather forecasts before driving to highland areas
Why rent a car in Hobart
Get a car so you can visit:
- Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula – Eaglehawk Neck, Tessellated Pavement
- Bruny Island – Kettering ferry, Adventure Bay
- Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay, Swansea, Bicheno
- Launceston (Midland Highway) – Oatlands, Ross
- Cradle Mountain – A10, national park shuttle
- Kunanyi/Mt Wellington – summit
FAQs
Is it hard to drive on the left side of the road in Tasmania?
Most visitors adjust quickly. Hobart has less traffic than major mainland cities, so it's easier to get used to. Start by doing a short drive around quieter areas before tackling longer routes.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Tasmania?
No, most attractions are accessible via sealed roads. A standard 2WD is sufficient unless planning remote adventures or winter highland travel.
What's the best way to get from the airport to my hotel without a rental car?
The SkyBus runs every 30 minutes from Hobart Airport to the city for around A$19 one way. Taxis and rideshares cost around A$45-50.
Are there any roads in Tasmania where rental cars are not permitted?
Most rental contracts prohibit off-road driving and some unsealed (gravel) roads. Always check your agreement carefully before driving to remote areas of Bruny Island or the Western Tarkine.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Hobart?
A valid driver's licence (an English translation or International Driving Permit if not in English), a credit card in the driver's name and ID/passport.
Can I take a rental car on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry?
Most rental contracts prohibit taking vehicles on the ferry to mainland Australia without specific permission. One-way rentals between Hobart and Devonport are available instead.
