Car hire in Launceston — Tamar Valley, Cradle Mountain and the north coast
Compare 6 rental brands across 6 Launceston depots — pay at pickup, free cancellation.
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Cheapest rate today, by vehicle class in Launceston
Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania located about 200 km north of the capital city of Hobart. Home to Tamar Valley’s wineries, the Cataract Gorge, and well-preserved colonial architecture, Launceston is worth exploring with a self-drive hire car.
VroomVroomVroom lets you browse hire cars, SUVs, and vans from major rental brands, including Budget Rent a Car, Dollar Car Rental, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot and Thrifty Car Rental — all in one place.
Economy Car
Toyota Yaris or similar
View offerTravel 18 Oct - 21 Oct 2026
from AUD $95/day
Compact Car
Mg 3 Core or similar
View offerTravel 13 Oct - 16 Oct 2026
from AUD $58/day
Compact SUV
Mazda Cx3 or similar
View offerTravel 13 Oct - 16 Oct 2026
from AUD $59/day
Intermediate Car
Kia Cerato or similar
View offerTravel 18 Oct - 21 Oct 2026
from AUD $106/day
Intermediate SUV
Hyundai Kona or similar
View offerTravel 13 Oct - 16 Oct 2026
from AUD $60/day
Premium Passenger Van
Kia Carnival or similar
View offerTravel 18 Oct - 21 Oct 2026
from AUD $148/day
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on October 12, 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.
All rates are in AUD, include mandatory fees, and were last updated on 12 October, 2026. Use the search tool for a live quote.
Launceston price guide
Daily rates by vehicle type
- All seven classes sit at or above their usual level this week — compact cars are the cheapest at $58/day.
- The typical Launceston hire is 4 days, so an intermediate car at $105.20/day is about $420.80 for the trip.
- Intermediate cars are the most booked class (16.4%) but not the cheapest — compact cars are $47/day less.
| Vehicle type | 2025 range Calculated using the middle 90% of daily rates over 2025 to show typical seasonal variation. | This week Compared against the 7-day rolling median rate for this vehicle category. Individual booking dates, pickup locations, and provider availability will alter final pricing. |
|---|---|---|
| CARS | ||
Economy car | 2025 range -Calculated using the middle 90% of daily rates over 2025 to show typical seasonal variation. | This week Compared against the 7-day rolling median rate for this vehicle category. Individual booking dates, pickup locations, and provider availability will alter final pricing. - |
Compact car | 2025 range $34 - $244/day | This week $58 · dearer than usual |
Intermediate carMost booked | 2025 range $55 - $306/day | This week $105 · about usual |
Standard car | 2025 range $57 - $497/day | This week $130 · dearer than usual |
Fullsize car | 2025 range - | This week - |
| SUVS | ||
Compact SUV | 2025 range $54 - $304/day | This week $59 · dearer than usual |
Intermediate SUV | 2025 range $44 - $278/day | This week $60 · dearer than usual |
Standard SUV | 2025 range $59 - $258/day | This week $61 · about usual |
Fullsize SUV | 2025 range $68 - $313/day | This week $200 · dearer than usual |
| PEOPLE MOVERS | ||
People mover | 2025 range - | This week - |
Range: the middle 90% of daily rates for the class over the past 12 months (top and bottom 5% excluded). This week: the cheapest rate for pickup 13 Oct – 19 Oct, against the class's 7-day rolling median. † Rows marked † use pickups up to 12 days ahead rather than 7 days out, so their comparison to the usual level is on that wider window.
Cheapest provider this week
Only on VroomVroomVroom- Europcar is cheapest this week at $57/day — $38 under the next brand, Budget at $95/day.
- The cheapest is also the best rated: Europcar scores 4.8 from 2 renters.
- Europcar is well clear of the field — the next brand is $38/day more.
| Provider | Cheapest this week | Renter ratings | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europcar | $57/day | 4.8 out of 5 (2 reviews) | Check prices for Europcar → |
| Budget | $95/day | 4.7 out of 5 (9 reviews) | Check prices for Budget → |
| Thrifty | $154/day | 3.7 out of 5 (6 reviews) | Check prices for Thrifty → |
| Hertz | $200/day | Unrated | Check prices for Hertz → |
Cheapest this week: the lowest daily rate from that brand for pickup 13 Oct – 19 Oct, any class, at Launceston depots. Ratings: VroomVroomVroom customers who collected at a Launceston depot (all reviews to date; count in brackets).
Rates shown are indicative daily estimates based on historical booking data. 12-month ranges represent typical market pricing (excluding extreme top and bottom outliers). Actual prices fluctuate in real time based on availability, lead time, season, and location, and may exclude optional add-ons, local taxes, or young driver fees.
Which type of hire car in Launceston is right for you?
| Best for | Vehicle type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Value-first Launceston hire | Economy or compact car (Suzuki Swift, Mg 3 Core, Toyota Yaris) | Launceston is one of Tasmania's most budget-friendly cities, with numerous historical and food-crawl spots worth exploring by car. An economy or compact car hire can take you around the city and to nearby destinations, including the Tamar Valley’s wineries about a 30-minute drive away from the city centre. |
| Tasmania lap and east-coast tourer | Intermediate car or compact SUV (Kia Cerato, Toyota Corolla, Kia Stonic) | Launceston is a common starting point for self-drive trips to the Tasmanian east coast, and when you’re spending a few days out of town, an intermediate car or compact SUV is the ideal choice. Use the spacious compartments to carry luggage, camping gear, and days’ worth of food. Before your trip to the hinterlands, ask your rental provider about driving restrictions, as some locations may be off-limits to rental cars. |
| Ute and van hirer | Ute or commercial van (Ford Ranger) | Suitable for car rentals that require a large cargo space or extra seats, a ute or commercial vehicle hire in Launceston is often used in cross-city rentals, whether it’s for moving furniture between homes or road trips with large groups. Stock of utes and vans carried by rental providers may be limited at certain times — confirm availability with the rental company and book your vehicle well in advance. |
Flying into Launceston Airport?
Launceston Airport (LST) is about 15 km south-east of the city, about 20 minutes away at Western Junction.
Choose from 10 airport rental providers, including Avis, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget Rent a Car, Dollar Car Rental, East Coast Car Rentals, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot, Sixt, and Thrifty Car Rental.
Regional airports near Launceston
Staying at Prospect Vale?
- Prospect Vale to Launceston · 15 min via High Street
- Prospect Vale to Evandale · 20 min via National Highway 1
Prospect Vale has no car rental depots of its own, however there are nearby depots located about six kilometres away in downtown Launceston. Another option for car rental in Prospect Vale is booking in Evandale, a historic town about a 20-kilometre drive southward and equally an ideal starting point for your Tasmania road trip.
Car rental depots in Launceston
All six rental brands in Launceston operate within about a kilometre of the city centre, with three providers (Dollar Car Rental, Hertz, and Thrifty Car Rental) sharing one address in Frederick Street.
Budget Launceston Downtown
4.7 (9)147a Wellington St (Metro)
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30, w/e 08:00–12:00
Dollar Launceston Downtown
N/A76 Frederick St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30, closed w/e
Europcar Launceston City
4.8 (2)80 Tamar Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00, Sun 09:00–13:00
Hertz Launceston Downtown
N/A76 Frederick St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30, closed w/e
Redspot Launceston
N/A151 St John Street, Launceston City,
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:30, closed w/e
Thrifty Launceston Downtown
3.7 (6)76 Frederick St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30, closed w/e
Local expert tips when renting a car in Launceston
Behind the wheel itself? Our Launceston driving tips cover road rules, parking and local quirks
One-way trip to Hobart
The 200-kilometre north-to-south drive from Launceston to Hobart is a popular one-way route and one of the most scenic road trips in Tasmania. Rental providers may permit one-way hires in Launceston, however the one-way fee may vary depending on the vehicle and distance.
Ferry travel in Launceston
Most rental vehicles in Launceston are not allowed on the Spirit of Tasmania. For car rentals crossing the Bass Strait, providers may require two separate bookings. Confirm your provider’s rules on multi-island ferry travel in Launceston before finalising your rental booking.
Alpine travel in Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is about 140 km west of Launceston, and the drive includes alpine roads where snow chains may be required in winter. Check your provider’s policies on snow chains and damage cover.
Launceston’s peak season
In the summer months and school holidays, rental car prices in Tasmania tend to rise and fleet availability is limited. For cheaper rates and better chances of booking your preferred vehicle in Tasmania, choose travel dates that fall in August when demand for car hire is low, and book at least two weeks in advance.
Alcohol laws in Australia
Tamar Valley is a major contributor to Launceston’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, making the wine region a popular road trip stop. If your itinerary includes wine tours, remember that Australia enforces a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% for drivers — stay within the limits to avoid heavy fines or loss of licence.
Parking in Launceston
Car parks in Launceston are metered and time-limited except on public holidays. Parking is available in several locations across Launceston, including selected streets in the CBD, shopping centres, parks, and Cataract Gorge. To pay for parking, use the car parking machines or the EasyPark app.
Also need a campervan or a ute?
Campervan hire in Launceston
Compare AutoRent and Leisure Rent. Deposit or upfront payment applies to campervans.
Compare campervans →
Ute, van & truck hire in Launceston
Moving or hauling? Compare commercial vehicles — pay at pickup.
Compare commercials →Launceston car hire FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a car in Launceston?
For a 3-day rental with pickup between 13 and 19 October 2026, prices range from AUD $58 per day for a Compact car to AUD $200 per day for a Fullsize SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in Launceston.
What is the cheapest car rental in Launceston?
The cheapest car rental in Launceston is a Compact car from AUD $58 per day, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 13 and 19 October 2026. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in Launceston?
A minivan hired in Launceston starts from AUD $148 per day before any added extras, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 13 and 19 October 2026. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in Launceston.
What is the best car rental company in Launceston?
Europcar is our highest-rated car hire provider in Launceston, scoring an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Launceston?
Europcar is the cheapest car rental company in Launceston, with rates from AUD $58 per day, for a 3-day rental with pickup between 13 and 19 October 2026. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
Is there a car hire depot in Prospect Vale?
No, there are currently no car rental depots in Prospect Vale. Alternatively, the nearest car rental depots to Prospect Vale within Launceston are Dollar Car Rental, Hertz, and Thrifty Car Rental located in Frederick Street about a 6 km drive away.
Can I hire a van or ute in Launceston?
Yes, car rental depots in Launceston offer rental utes and vans, including premium utes and fullsize, premium, and special passenger vans.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
Why book your Launceston car hire with VroomVroomVroom?
4/5 · . · Sep 2026
I have been using Vroom for years. I don't use any other car hire website. However, yesterday, when I was making a booking, once I picked a car from the list, on the next page, alongside a picture of the car, it was written "Unspecified fuel/power". This is very misleading, as the message it sends is that you will get either a fuel car or an electric car - but you cannot make a choice! You need to change this, otherwise, like yesterday, I will need to call each time to make sure that I am getting a fuel car. When people go on holiday, they need to know if they have to allow for finding car charging stations for electric cars!!! And I certainly don't want to ever drive an electric car!!! Can you please look into this as I believe it is very misleading and important to be fixed. Thank you....
Booked: Passenger Van
1/5 · Peter R. · Aug 2026
Excellent. Could not be better.
Booked: Passenger Van
Darwin Downtown
5/5 · Charlotte P. · Oct 2026
easy to use and very quick
Booked: Passenger Van
Launceston Airport
5/5 · BERNARD W. · Sep 2026
SIMPLY AND COOL
Booked: Passenger Van
Brisbane Airport
5/5 · Kerry M. · Aug 2026
Good prices and easy to manage
Booked: Passenger Van
Gold Coast Airport
5/5 · Kevin A. · Aug 2026
Very easy to book, great web site
Booked: Passenger Van
Adelaide Airport
5/5 · Shanta R. · Aug 2026
Good service.
Booked: Passenger Van
Avalon Airport
5/5 · Paul T. · Jul 2026
All Good :)
Booked: Passenger Van
Melbourne Airport
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Plan your Tasmania road trip
Hobart to Launceston
Hobart to Launceston is arguably Tasmania's most rewarding one-way drive, and here are two ways to do it. The coastal option runs around 440 kilometres past Port Arthur, Triabunna and Bicheno, while the inland option stretches to roughly 700 km via Bruny Island, Mount Field and Cradle Mountain.
East Coast Tasmania
If you’re staying in Tasmania for a week and can't decide between beaches, bushwalks, and wartime history, this east coast road trip idea lets you skip the choosing. Start with a hire car in Launceston and finish at Hobart, with Freycinet, Maria Island, Port Arthur and Bruny Island in between.
Road trips from Melbourne
Whichever way you leave Melbourne, there's a drive worth taking. Head west for the Great Ocean Road, Ballarat and the Grampians, north to Mount Macedon and Mount Buller, east to the Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Valley and Lakes Entrance, or south for the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory.
