Canberra Airport Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Canberra Airport

Renting a car at Canberra Airport offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. Whether you're visiting for business, planning a family trip, or looking for cultural experiences, having a rental car makes travel convenient and stress-free. You can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans to suit your itinerary.

With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as Lake Burley Griffin, a beautiful lake located just 4 km away, perfect for outdoor and romantic experiences. The National Gallery of Australia, situated 5 km from the airport, allows you to immerse yourself in culture, while Questacon, 6 km away, is ideal for family-friendly fun. Additionally, exploring the surrounding areas like the Canberra City Centre, 6 km away, and the Duntroon neighbourhood, only 2 km from the airport, becomes effortless with your own vehicle. Renting a car allows you to make the most of your visit to Canberra Airport and its surroundings, ensuring you can see everything this vibrant area has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Canberra Airport

• Midsize: The Midsize car option is a popular choice for travellers at Canberra Airport. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal selection for couples and families. With its balance of space and manoeuvrability, this vehicle is well-suited for exploring the area while providing ample room for luggage and passengers alike.
• Standard: Similar to the Midsize option, the Standard car also accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. This choice is perfect for couples and families looking for a reliable vehicle that offers comfortable seating and sufficient storage space. The Standard car provides flexibility for your travel plans while ensuring a pleasant driving experience around Canberra Airport.
• Compact: The Compact car is an excellent option for solo travellers, couples, or small families. With the ability to accommodate up to 5 travellers and store up to 3 medium suitcases, this car type is practical for those who prefer a smaller vehicle. Its size makes it easy to navigate through city streets and find parking, while still offering enough space for essential luggage. The Compact car is a great choice for those prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Top rated car suppliers in Canberra Airport

• Europcar: With a rental location conveniently situated in the Canberra Airport area, Europcar is a popular choice among travellers. They provide a diverse selection of vehicles, with Standard and Midsize cars being the most frequently booked options. This flexibility allows you to navigate the surrounding attractions at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Budget: Also located in the Canberra Airport vicinity, Budget is well-known for offering excellent value for money. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize and Fullsize SUVs, making them a great option for those needing extra space for luggage or passengers. Renting from Budget ensures you can explore Canberra and its surroundings comfortably.
• Sixt: Sixt operates a rental location in the Canberra Airport area, providing a friendly and efficient service. Travellers often choose Midsize SUVs and Economy cars from their fleet, ensuring a comfortable driving experience. With Sixt, you can enjoy the convenience of picking up your vehicle right at the airport, making your journey through the Australian Capital Territory seamless and enjoyable.

Where to stay around Canberra Airport

• Kowen: Located 8 km from Canberra Airport, Kowen is a charming suburb ideal for romantic and family-themed experiences. This area features access to beautiful national parks and nature reserves, perfect for outdoor activities. Popular attractions like Lake Burley Griffin and the National Gallery of Australia are nearby, offering opportunities for scenic relaxation and cultural exploration. Kowen also boasts several dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a delightful place to unwind after a day of adventure.
• Canberra City Centre: Situated 6 km from Canberra Airport, Canberra City Centre is the heart of the metropolis, perfect for family and business-themed stays. The area is rich in shopping centres and educational facilities. Key attractions, including Civic Square and the National Gallery of Australia, are easily accessible. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin, a great spot for outdoor activities. With numerous dining options, including wineries and restaurants, the City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere for travellers.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Canberra Airport

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Canberra Airport

The best value period to rent a car around Canberra Airport is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is high. May and June also offer quieter times, with both months seeing lower demand and slightly low prices. Conversely, September is typically the most expensive month, marked by slightly high prices and average demand. January remains busy and costly, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	69.3°F (20.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
February	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
March	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
April	55.6°F (13.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	47.8°F (8.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
June	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	42.1°F (5.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
August	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High