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| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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| Airport Terminal Rentals |
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| Off-Airport Companies |
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| Newcastle City |
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Car Rental Companies at Newcastle Airport:
Terminal Location: All rental desks are located at the arrivals end of the terminal. After collecting baggage, walk to the northern end of the terminal where rental desks are arranged in a row.
On average, car rentals at Newcastle Airport (NTL) cost around AUD $110 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $33 per day.
Think outside the terminal. Picking up your car off-airport or in Newcastle city can be cheaper since they don't have airport surcharges. It might take a short shuttle or taxi ride, but the savings can be real.
Play with your rental dates. If you need a car for 5 or 6 days, always check the price for a full 7-day week. You'd be surprised, but a weekly rate can sometimes be cheaper.
Avoid high refuelling fees. Top up the tank yourself just before you return the car. There's a convenient petrol station on Nelson Bay Road, a couple of minutes from the airport.
Don't leave it to the last minute. Compare options online 1-3 weeks before your trip to find better deals, especially for popular times like school holidays or long weekends in the Hunter Valley.
Rental Return: Designated car return area near the terminal featuring clear signage
Speed Limits:
RAAF Base Proximity: The airport shares facilities alongside an active military base. Follow all signage and do not enter restricted areas.
Wildlife Awareness: The airport is surrounded by bushland. Watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Roundabouts: Multiple roundabouts on routes leaving the airport require giving way to vehicles already in the circle.
Get a rental so you can get to:
Newcastle City – 27 km, 30 minutes
Hunter Valley (Pokolbin) – 70 km, 60 minutes
Port Stephens (Nelson Bay) – 35 km, 30 minutes
Worimi Conservation Lands – 10 km, 10 minutes
Lake Macquarie – 50 km, 45 minutes
Maitland – 35 km, 30 minutes

How early should I arrive at the airport for returning my rental car? Allow at least an extra 30 minutes on top of your usual airport arrival time to complete the return process, refuel if needed and get to the terminal.
Can I pick up a car at Newcastle Airport and return it in Sydney? Yes, one-way rentals are possible but usually incur a one-way fee ranging from $50-200 depending on the provider and vehicle type.
Are there fuel stations near the airport for refilling before return? Yes, there's a service station on Nelson Bay Road approximately 2km before the airport entrance, making it convenient for top-ups before returning your vehicle.
What if my flight arrives after the rental counters close? If you've provided your flight bookings when booking, most companies will accommodate delayed flights. For scheduled late arrivals, arrange in advance for after-hours pickup procedures.
Is there a difference between rental fleets at the airport versus city locations? Airport fleets are usually larger and have more vehicle options, and cars are generally newer (average 1-2 years old). Airport locations also offer more speciality vehicles like SUVs and people movers.