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| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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| Terminal Rental Desks |
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| After-Hours Collection |
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| Resort Delivery |
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Rental Companies at AYQ: Only four rental companies work at Ayers Rock Airport: Avis, Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar. Their service desks are in the arrivals area of the small terminal building.
On average, car rentals at Uluru Airport (AYQ) cost around AUD $231 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $73 per day.
Think about starting in Alice Springs. Rentals at Uluru Airport can be a lot pricier. It's worth comparing the cost of a one-way rental from Alice Springs versus renting directly at Uluru. That 5-hour drive could save you a serious chunk of change.
Book ahead for peak season. Uluru is a special case with very limited cars. For popular times like school holidays or the cooler months (June-August), booking a few months early often gets you a car before they sell out and prices jump.
Travel when it's hot. If you don't mind the heat, rental rates are usually lowest during the off-season from November to March. You can often find better deals compared to the popular and crowded winter months.
Don't count on a free upgrade. The cheapest economy cars get booked out fast here. Book the car size you actually need, as free upgrades are unlikely. Also, remember to fill up the tank yourself before returning the car to avoid extra refuelling charges.
| Area | Options | Restrictions & Tips |
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| Ayers Rock Airport |
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| Airport to Resort Road |
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| Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park |
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| Yulara Resort Complex |
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Important Regulations:
Hire a car to drive to:
Yulara Resort – hotels, Town Square parking, campground, 6 km
Uluru – base walk carparks, sunset viewing areas, Cultural Centre, 26 km
Kata Tjuta – Valley of the Winds trailhead, Walpa Gorge carpark, 56 km
Kings Canyon – Lasseter Road, Luritja Road, 306 km

What happens if my flight arrives after the rental car counters close? You'll likely need to use the free resort shuttle service to reach your accommodation in Yulara. You can then return to the airport the following day when the rental counters are open to collect your vehicle. Some rental companies might offer an after-hours pickup service for an extra fee, but this must be arranged well in advance and is subject to availability.
Can I get a better deal by booking directly through the rental companies rather than through comparison sites? Due to the limited number of rental operators at Uluru Airport (only four companies), advertised rates are often similar across different booking channels. It's always worth comparing available options.
Is it possible to book a one-way rental from Uluru to Alice Springs? Yes, one-way rentals are possible between Uluru Airport (AYQ) and Alice Springs Airport (ASP). However, be prepared for substantial one-way drop-off fees, usually ranging from $500 to $1300. These fees reflect the logistical cost for the rental company to return the vehicle to its original location. Availability for one-way rentals is often limited, so booking well in advance is essential.
Are child seats available at Uluru Airport rentals? Yes, rental companies at Ayers Rock Airport offer child seats (infant capsules, child seats and booster seats). However, due to limited stock in this remote location, they must be reserved at the time of your vehicle booking. Daily charges for child seats generally range from about $7 to $15, depending on the rental company and the type of seat required.
What happens if I need to extend my rental while at Uluru? Rental extensions may be possible but are strictly subject to vehicle availability. You should contact your rental company as soon as you know you might need an extension. Given the limited fleet size at Uluru Airport, last-minute extensions cannot always be accommodated, especially during peak season.
Do I need a 4WD for visiting Uluru and Kata Tjuta? No, a 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) vehicle is not necessary for visiting the main attractions at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. All roads connecting Ayers Rock Airport to the Yulara resort area and all tourist drives in the National Park (to Uluru base walks, Kata Tjuta viewing areas, Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds carpark) are fully sealed tarmac roads suitable for any standard 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive) car, sedan or SUV. A 4WD would only be required if you plan to travel on specific remote unsealed tracks well outside the National Park boundaries, which is generally restricted by rental agreements anyway.