Canberra car hire, snow-season ready for Perisher and Thredbo
Great value rental cars from Canberra’s most trusted car hire providers
Cheapest rate today, by vehicle class in Canberra
The capital of Australia, Canberra offers far more than Parliament House when it comes to considering a visit. Home to world-class museums and galleries, plenty of parklands, and a relaxed small-city feel, Canberra has more than enough to enthrall first-time visitors. If you’re planning a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne, Canberra is an ideal destination to work into your plans.
The city also forms a great base for exploratory road trips — it is the closest capital city to the Australian Alps and is also within easy driving distance of a particularly beautiful stretch of the southern New South Wales coast.
Economy Car
View offerTravel 30 Aug - 02 Sep 2026
from AUD $44/day
Compact SUV
View offerTravel 31 Aug - 07 Sep 2026
from AUD $45/day
Special
View offerTravel 29 Aug - 01 Sep 2026
from AUD $48/day
Compact Car
View offerTravel 29 Aug - 01 Sep 2026
from AUD $49/day
Intermediate Car
View offerTravel 29 Aug - 01 Sep 2026
from AUD $51/day
Intermediate SUV
View offerTravel 30 Aug - 02 Sep 2026
from AUD $56/day
Intermediate Ute (single/extended cab)
View offerTravel 31 Aug - 07 Sep 2026
from AUD $58/day
Economy SUV
View offerTravel 31 Aug - 07 Sep 2026
from AUD $62/day
Compact Commercial Van/Truck
View offerTravel 31 Aug - 07 Sep 2026
from AUD $65/day
Showing 9 of 26 offers
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on August 28, 2026 by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, for the specified travel dates, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates. Rates include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 28 August, 2026
Booking tips for renting a car in Canberra
Best time to book a hire car in Canberra
According to our Canberra rental car pricing data, the cheapest time of the year is December and January when Parliament rises for its summer recess and the public service empties out over the holidays. The most expensive times meanwhile are May, July and October, with the latter in part due to Floriade, Canberra’s spring flower festival in Commonwealth Park. While according to our nationwide data, booking two weeks in advance is typically the best time to book, this is especially the case if you’re visiting Canberra at this time of year.
How to find cheaper car hire in Canberra
1. Use a Canberra CBD depot
Picking up your hire car at Canberra Airport (CBR) may well be convenient, but you do pay for this convenience with rental car prices that can be almost 25 per cent more expensive than from a Canberra CBD rental car provider. Canberra Airport doesn’t have off-airport providers, so there are only two choices — at the airport or in the city.
2. Choose a smaller car
You’ll often find more affordable rental rates for economy or compact cars (like a Suzuki Swift or Toyota CH-R). These are better suited to inner city driving and are typically cheaper to run, be they petrol-fuelled or EVs. Of course, if you need a bigger car, then by all means hire one, but if you don’t, downsizing your car can upsize your savings.
One-way car hire from Canberra
If you’re considering a one-way hire, for example to drive from Canberra to Sydney or Canberra to Melbourne, don’t forget you can pick up a car hire in Canberra and drop it off in another location. All you need to do when searching for a one-way hire car is to untick “Return to the same location” in the search form above, select your drop-off point, and compare rates. A one-way fee may apply, but this varies by provider and the distance involved.
Average car hire rates in Canberra
Price range over the past 12 months for a compact car
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$44
$131
29 Aug
$49
$110
30 Aug
$44
$99
31 Aug
$45
$208
01 Sep
$71
$139
02 Sep
$62
$205
03 Sep
$62
$79
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$51
$134
29 Aug
$51
$111
30 Aug
$73
$73
31 Aug
$73
$204
01 Sep
$73
$150
02 Sep
$73
$198
03 Sep
$73
$78
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$73
$173
29 Aug
$73
$124
30 Aug
$73
$119
31 Aug
$86
$232
01 Sep
$91
$232
02 Sep
$90
$232
03 Sep
$82
$137
Price range over the past 12 months for an intermediate SUV
Price range over the past 12 months for a compact SUV
Price range over the past 12 months for a fullsize SUV
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$54
$288
29 Aug
$54
$352
30 Aug
$57
$304
31 Aug
$45
$364
01 Sep
$73
$364
02 Sep
$48
$364
03 Sep
$68
$331
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$54
$319
29 Aug
$58
$390
30 Aug
$56
$337
31 Aug
$82
$403
01 Sep
$99
$403
02 Sep
$88
$403
03 Sep
$99
$366
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$94
$200
29 Aug
$93
$190
30 Aug
$100
$167
31 Aug
$96
$338
01 Sep
$123
$331
02 Sep
$103
$337
03 Sep
$123
$234
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$86
$147
29 Aug
$86
$126
30 Aug
$118
$169
31 Aug
$107
$271
01 Sep
$118
$271
02 Sep
$107
$271
03 Sep
$118
$169
Price range over the past 12 months for a fullsize passenger van
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$130
$282
29 Aug
$166
$253
30 Aug
$144
$203
31 Aug
$130
$330
01 Sep
$144
$330
02 Sep
$130
$330
03 Sep
$144
$203
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
29 Aug
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
30 Aug
$159
$164
31 Aug
$141
$164
01 Sep
$159
$164
02 Sep
$146
$164
03 Sep
$159
$164
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$87
$121
29 Aug
$108
$108
30 Aug
$104
$104
31 Aug
$90
$220
01 Sep
$147
$147
02 Sep
$175
$218
03 Sep
$78
$78
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$58
$99
29 Aug
$97
$99
30 Aug
$67
$152
31 Aug
$58
$152
01 Sep
$67
$152
02 Sep
$61
$152
03 Sep
$67
$152
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$122
$177
29 Aug
$172
$177
30 Aug
$155
$159
31 Aug
$122
$159
01 Sep
$155
$169
02 Sep
$130
$169
03 Sep
$155
$169
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
28 Aug
$98
$134
29 Aug
$104
$140
30 Aug
$104
$149
31 Aug
$132
$287
01 Sep
$149
$283
02 Sep
$137
$284
03 Sep
$149
$246
Historical daily rate pricing information is data from actual bookings made using our search engine in the previous 12 months.
Next 7 days rates are obtained from searches in our reservation system for a 3 day rental duration, by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am on the indicated pick up date. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice.
Prices are in AUD and include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
While we make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and reliable data, the data is provided ‘as is’ and errors or other defects may occur. For more information, click here: Terms and Conditions.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 28 August, 2026
Which type of hire car in Canberra is right for you?
Selecting the right Canberra hire car depends on your trip, the number of passengers you’re carrying, and how much luggage you all have. Longer drives out of Canberra will reward more space for both passengers and luggage, so the following scenarios give some suggestions on which type of vehicle might fit, with options from all the major car hire providers.
| Best for | Vehicle type | Typical models | Why choose this vehicle type |
| Political / civic weekend visitor | Compact or intermediate car | Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-30, Kia Sportage | A compact or intermediate car is ideal for a weekend exploring Canberra’s major attractions, including Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. Easy to park and economical, there’s little need for anything larger. |
| Snowy Mountains day-tripper | Intermediate SUV | Subaru Crosstrek, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Mazda CX-5 | Using Canberra as a base for a day trip to the Snowy Mountains? An intermediate SUV offers extra space, comfort and confidence on mountain roads. During winter, check road conditions before leaving, as snow chains may be required. |
| Sydney–Canberra corridor traveller | Compact or intermediate car | Kia Stonic, Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato | A compact or intermediate car works well for a one-way rental between Sydney and Canberra. While you can drive this in around three hours, why not turn it into a multi-day road trip via Katoomba, Bathurst and Yass? |
| Government / business traveller | Standard or full-size car | Kia K4, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Kluger | Canberra’s government and public-service economy generates plenty of short business trips, often beginning at the airport or a convenient CBD depot. A standard or full-size car provides extra comfort for meetings, client visits and travel between government precincts. |
Canberra Airport car hire
Are you flying into Canberra?
Consider collecting your vehicle from the airport. We work with a range of car hire providers at Canberra Airport (CBR).
Regional airports near Canberra
Car rental depots in Canberra
Car hire providers in Canberra are concentrated in three suburbs: Braddon/city, Fyshwick, and Mitchell — each of which is home to more than one depot. Find a provider whose location suits you on the map below, browse customer ratings, and choose the rental car that fits your accommodation and budget.
Avis Canberra Downtown
View details4.8 (3)Mon–Fri 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Sat 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sun ClosedShop 5-51/53 Mort St, Australian Capital Territory
Avis Fyshwick
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat–Sun 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM125 Newcastle St, Australian Capital Territory
Budget Canberra Downtown
View details4.8 (13)Mon–Fri 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Sat 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sun ClosedShop 5-51/53 Mort St, Australian Capital Territory
Europcar Canberra City Mitchell
View details3.6 (1)Mon–Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Sun Closed5/26 Essington Street, Australian Capital Territory
Hertz Fyshwick Downtown
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM4 Yallourn St, New South Wales
Hertz Mitchell Downtown
View details4.9 (2)Mon–Sun 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM8 Kemble Court, New South Wales
Sixt Fyshwick
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Sun Closed10 Goolwa Place, Australian Capital Territory
Thrifty Fyshwick Downtown
View details3.7 (4)Mon–Sun 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM4 Yallourn St, New South Wales
Thrifty Mitchell
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM8 Kemble Court, Australian Capital Territory
Car hire near Canberra
Aside from the above-mentioned car hire providers in the Canberra CBD, you can also find depots in Kingston and Pialligo, and of course at Canberra Airport.
Local expert tips for hiring a car in Canberra
Watch your speed
The speed limit in Canberra is 50 km/hr, unless signposted otherwise, and is enforced by speed cameras.
Roundabouts
Canberra has a far higher density of roundabouts than other Australian capitals, and these can catch visitors used to signal-controlled junctions off guard.
Parking
Canberra’s CBD and Parliamentary Triangle have both free and metered parking, with much of the latter capped to a daily maximum of $20/day.
Frosty mornings
Winter mornings in Canberra can bring fog and near-freezing temperatures on routes towards Lake George or the Snowy Mountains, so dress accordingly and don’t forget that de-icing for better visibility when driving.
Simplify hiring a car
Canberra has no tollways, so there’s no need to fret about toll charges, but if you’re planning to drive from Canberra to Sydney, there are tollways at the Sydney end of the trip, so be sure to check your Terms and Conditions.
Save on fuel cost
It’s important to return your hire car with a full tank of fuel to avoid extra fees, but with so many petrol stations in Canberra, it can be hard to know where to find the best deal. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our fuel price comparison app.
Frequently asked questions
On hiring a car in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
How much does it cost to hire a car in Canberra?
For a rental period from 4 September to 11 September 2026, prices range from AUD $42 per day for a Compact Car to AUD $145 per day for a Premium SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in Canberra.
What is the cheapest car rental in Canberra?
The cheapest car rental in Canberra for the rental period from 4 September to 11 September 2026 is a Mystery Car - Petrol/Diesel/EV or similar from Europcar costing AUD $40 per day. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
What is the best way to rent a cheap car in Canberra?
Based on our data from over 41,300 rental car bookings in Canberra over the last 12 months, booking your hire car 12 days beforehand can save you over 13 per cent.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Canberra for a week?
A one-week car hire in Canberra currently starts from AUD $280, equivalent to around AUD $40 per day, based on a 7-day rental from 4 September to 11 September 2026. Europcar’s Mystery Car - Petrol/Diesel/EV or similar is our cheapest option — enter your travel dates to compare live car hire rates in Canberra.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in Canberra?
The price of a minivan hired in Canberra from 4 September to 11 September 2026 ranges from AUD $89 to AUD $248 per day before any added extras. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in Canberra.
How much does it cost to hire an Electric Car in Canberra?
An electric rental car hired in Canberra from 4 September to 11 September 2026 costs AUD $60 per day before any added extras. As rates can vary depending on the depot location, please enter your travel dates in the search form to compare live rates, rental car provider options, and depot location.
What is the highest-rated hire car in Canberra?
The highest-rated rental car in Canberra is Toyota Camry or similar, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.
What is the best car rental company in Canberra?
Hertz is our highest-rated car hire provider in Canberra, scoring an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Canberra?
Budget is the cheapest car rental company in Canberra, with rates from AUD $48 per day based on our rolling weekly search data. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental in Canberra?
It can be cheaper to book a rental car in Canberra for a week or more, as the per-day rates of some rental cars may fall if you book for a longer period. Prices often change around daily, three-day, five-day and seven-day periods.
Is it easy to navigate around Canberra in a hire car?
Being a smaller city it’s relatively easy to find your way around Canberra in a rental car, however, there are plenty of roundabouts. Be sure you’re confident with the roundabout rules as they can catch visitors used to signal-controlled junctions off guard.
Can I drive from Canberra to Sydney in a hire car?
Yes. Driving from Canberra to Sydney can be as quick as a three-hour, 290 km drive via the M31, or turn it into a five day, 501 km scenic road trip through the Blue Mountains, Bathurst and Cowra.
Do I need a car to get around Canberra?
Canberra’s attractions — Parliament House, the museums, the War Memorial — sit too far apart to be comfortably walked between, and public transport doesn’t reach everywhere. Most multi-day visitors planning to really explore Canberra find a hire car to be a smart addition to their holiday plan.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY
Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think
- 08 Jul 2026brett w.Booked: Suzuki Swift or similarFyshwick Downtown
- 30 Jun 2026naseema m.Booked: Suzuki Swift or similarFyshwick
- 22 Jun 2026roy c.Booked: Mazda CX5 or similarFyshwick Downtown
- 05 Jun 2026roy c.Booked: Mazda CX5 or similarFyshwick Downtown
- 04 May 2026anasiu p.Booked: Kia Sportage or similarMitchell
- 11 Aug 2026craig w.Booked: Toyota Corolla or similarBrisbane City
- 24 Aug 2026simon r.Booked: Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab with Tonneau Cover (or similar)Gold Coast Airport
- 13 Aug 2026dan d.Booked: Kia Cerato or similarHobart Airport
We ask users of our booking service to review it after they've completed their reservation. We present a selection of reviews on this page. Our review scores are calculated by averaging the scores of all the reviews that we collect. We don't publish reviews that violate our guidelines. To learn more about guidelines and our reviews generally, visit Terms and Conditions.
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