Getting around Sydney in a rental car
If you’re planning a trip to Sydney and want to hire a rental car, hit the road running with our insider tips on getting the most out of your journey.
Read on to find out more.
The capital of New South Wales, and Australia’s largest city, Sydney has plenty to offer visitors from the bustling CBD and vibrant inner city to its world-famous beaches and surrounding national parks. A rental car is a great choice for those wishing to get the most out of their visit to Sydney, and VroomVroomVroom can help you find your perfect rental car in Sydney.
Where to drive your rental car in Sydney
The Rocks: Home to Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is a popular locale of cobbled laneways and historical attractions.
Pyrmont: Overlooking the harbour, the suburb of Pyrmont is home to the Star Casino, the Sydney Fish Market, and some great restaurants and pubs.
Bondi: World-famous Bondi Beach is located on Sydney’s east side and is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of sand and surf.
Milsons Point: Situated on the north side of Sydney Harbour, Milsons Point is home to the popular Luna Park and is easily accessible by both rental car and ferry.
Newtown: Bordering the south of Sydney’s CBD, Newtown is a popular, artsy suburb that holds an array of cafés, thrift shops, bookstores, and galleries.
Driving tips in Sydney
Sydney’s roads — especially those within the CBD — can be tricky to navigate even with a GPS, and one wrong or missed turn could add a lot of time to your drive. Be sure to account for this when you need to drive somewhere within a limited timeframe.
Peak times (between 7 am to 9 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm) can be overwhelming to those not accustomed to driving in large cities, with traffic jams and extra long travel times typical in Sydney.
The speed limit for residential areas is generally 50 km/h, with active school zones enforcing 40 km/h. On Sydney’s motorways the permitted speed can be as high as 110km/h.
Unlike in other states, U-turns are not permitted at traffic lights in New South Wales.
There are a number of toll roads throughout Sydney, so be sure to check with your rental provider for their toll payment policy.
Curbside and secure parking options within the city and inner suburbs can be expensive. If you’re staying outside the city, consider driving your rental car to a train station and training it into the city for the day.
Parking in Sydney
Curbside parking in Sydney’s CBD is metered in most places, including in the inner suburbs. There is also the option of secure parking, which will generally have a flat rate that is calculated based on the parking duration. Fines for overstaying your paid time can be substantial, so be sure to read the parking sign before you park your hire car. Secure parking garages can be found all across the city, including in Kings Cross, on Goulburn Street, and at Sydney Airport.
When parking your rental car in Sydney, be sure to read any time zone limitations, what payment (if any) is due, and how long you are permitted to park in a spot. Car parking rules should be displayed on signs beside the parking spots, and often show different rules depending on the day of the week and time of day — Sydney CBD parking rules tend to be more restrictive on weekdays than on weekends.
Important InformationExpert tip ...
Parking rules can change depending on the day of the week and the time of day, and as getting booked can be an expensive experience, it is a good idea to read before you park.
Are there toll roads in Sydney?
Major toll roads in Sydney include the Harbour Bridge, Cross City Tunnel, Eastern Distributor, Lane Cove Tunnel, the M5 East Freeway, and more. Make sure you check with your rental provider about toll payment, and in the meantime, have a read of our toll roads page.
Driving distances
Sydney to Sydney Airport (SYD): 11 km and 15 minutes
Sydney to Manly: 15 km and 30 minutes
Sydney to Wollongong: 95 km and 1 hr 30 min
Sydney to Newcastle: 169 km and 2 hrs 30 min
Sydney to Bathurst: 200 km and 2 hrs 45 min
Sydney to Canberra: 286 km and 3 hrs 30 min
Sydney to Port Macquarie: 384 km and 4 hr 30 min
Sydney to Byron Bay: 757 km and 8 hrs 15 min
Sydney to Melbourne: 878 km and 9 hrs 30 min
Sydney to Brisbane: 909 km and 10 hrs
Fuel
Before you return your hire car to the rental car provider’s depot, make sure you’ve filled the fuel tank to avoid paying a premium rate to have the vehicle refuelled. The Vroom Fuel Price Compare app can help you find the cheapest fuel near you, but otherwise some centrally-located petrol stations in Sydney include:
7-Eleven: 59 Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney, NSW
bp: 67 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, Sydney, NSW
Budget Petrol: 70 Regent Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW
Shell: 61-63 Cowper Wharf Road Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW
Shell: 387-427 Wattle Street, Kelly St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW
