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Find competitive car rental prices at Newcastle Airport with Road Genius. Check rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. All the major rental desks are conveniently located inside the terminal, making it easy to pick up your car and drive to Newcastle or the Hunter Valley wine region.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 345372
Location 👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Airport Terminal Rentals
  • Get your car right away when you arrive
  • Six major car rental companies available
  • Open long hours to match flight times (7AM-10PM)
  • No shuttle bus needed
  • More expensive due to airport fees
  • May have long waiting lines when many flights arrive
  • Must give your flight details in case of delays
Off-Airport Companies
  • Cheaper prices (no airport fees)
  • Usually include free shuttle bus service
  • May have more car types available
  • Extra 15-20 minute wait for shuttle bus
  • Must call them when you arrive
  • Few options for late night pickup
Newcastle City
  • Cheaper than airport rentals
  • Several companies in Hamilton/North Newcastle area
  • Need 30-minute taxi ride from airport
  • Limited hours on weekends
  • Not convenient when you first arrive

Car Rental Companies at Newcastle Airport:

  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
  • Enterprise (Redspot)
  • SIXT

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.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Newcastle Airport (NTL)?

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.

How to pay less?
  • 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.

Car hire prices at Newcastle Airport (NTL) 2025/2026

Local Parking and Driving

  • Pick-up/Drop-off Zone: Free for a short period
  • Short-Term Parking: Hourly and daily rates apply.
  • Long-Term Parking: Daily rates apply and discounted options are often available for weekly stays.
  • Rental Return: Designated car return area near the terminal featuring clear signage

  • Speed Limits:

    • 60 km/h on Nelson Bay Road near the airport
    • 80-90 km/h on surrounding highways
    • 110 km/h on the M1 Pacific Motorway and Hunter Expressway
    • 40 km/h in school zones (8-9:30AM and 2:30-4PM on school days)
  • 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.

Why rent a car in Newcastle Airport

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

Car Rental Driving Distances from Newcastle NTL Airport, Australia

FAQs

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.