Picking up a rental car from the airport
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 27 Feb 2026
Collecting a rental car from an airport in Australia is straightforward — just follow these steps.
So you’ve just flown in to a new city, negotiated your way through the delays and queues of immigration and baggage collection, and now all you want to do is collect your rental car and go. The good news is a little preparation can go a long way towards making collecting your rental car at the airport quick and smooth. From supplying your flight details to understanding the difference between on-airport and off-airport depots, read on to find out what to expect when you land.
Why you should provide your flight details
When you book an airport rental car, most rental providers ask for your flight number. While supplying this information is typically optional, your flight details allow the rental provider to:
Monitor your flight arrival time to make sure your vehicle is ready.
To adjust for any flight delays you may have.
To hold your vehicle for you — or even keep the depot open — if your flight lands late.
Without your flight information, the hire car provider has no idea why you’re late and may treat you and your booking as a no-show if you don’t arrive at the scheduled time.
Even if the provider has your flight details, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, it will do no harm to contact the rental provider as soon as possible. Communicating early is a great way to saving everyone time — and protect your booking.
On-airport vs off-airport depots
Airport rental car locations fall into two broad categories — on-airport and off-airport. On-airport depots typically operate within or very close to the terminal building, while off-airport depots are commonly a shuttle bus away.
On-airport provider
As mentioned, these are located either within the airport terminal or a short walk away from it, often as a part of a greater dedicated car hire precinct. To reach an on-airport depot, you simply follow the “Car Rental” signs inside the terminal, and proceed to the desk.
Advantages
No shuttle bus or other transfer required.
Typically clear signage to find the depot.
Convenient for late arrivals.
Disadvantages
Higher cost of rental.
Potentially larger crowds.
Location within a busy and sometimes noisy airport environment.
Off-airport provider
Off-airport depots operate outside of the airport boundary and usually provide a shuttle service between the depot and the airport terminal. In some cases the shuttle will leave at regular intervals through the day, while in other cases you may need to call them. Depots are typically five to 15 minutes away by minibus, but if you’re arriving late at night or out of hours, be sure to check shuttle operating hours in advance.
Advantages
Often considerably more affordable than on-airport rental options.
Provider depot facilities are frequently separate from one another, so crowds can be lower.
No need to navigate confusing airport conditions when driving away.
Disadvantages
The need to use a shuttle bus or transfer to reach the depot.
Restricted hours of use of shuttle transfer.
Sometimes more limited opening hours.
Step-by-step: Picking up your hire car at the airport
In almost every way, collecting an airport rental car follows the same process as a pick-up from a city or suburban car hire depot.
Go to the rental desk
Once you arrive, proceed to the provider’s desk or shuttle collection point with your booking confirmation ready — either printed or on your phone.
Present your documentation
You’ll need to present the required documentation, including your valid driver’s licence, an accepted for of payment (most commonly a credit card), and for international renters, your passport and perhaps an International Driving Permit.
Consider additional cover and extras
At the counter staff may offer child seats, GPS, and a variety of other add-ons to your rental car. Staff may also bring up excess reeduction products as standard rentals include a quite high excess, but you can reduce this excess by purchasing additional cover either from the rental company or, if you planned ahead, with a third-party policy arranged in advance.
Review and sign the agreement
Before signing, take a moment to understand what is included, and what is optional. Don’t rush this step — ask questions if anything is unclear — and always check the the rental period, the fuel or charge policy, what the excess amount is, and ensure any pre-existing damage is recorded.
Inspect the vehicle
You’re almost there! When you reach your car, there’s still a few more steps, and while it can be tempting to skip these or not take them seriously, it pays to do the following properly:
Check your rental vehicle for scratches or dents, and compare your findings with the vehicle condition report mentioned above. If you notice unlisted damage, report it immediately.
Photograph the vehicle from multiple angles so there is proof of the vehicle condition when you collected it.
Check the fuel or charge level.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls.
If it’s an EV and you’ve not driven one before, ask a staff member to explain how the vehicle works, with particular attention to the charging procedure.Leave the airport
Once satisfied, you’re ready to drive away. Allow a few minutes to adjust your mirrors, prepare your navigation, and understand the airport exit signage before starting the vehicle and driving away.
Final word: Some quick tips to make your rental car pick-up easier
Off-airport depots operate outside of the airport boundary and usually provide a shuttle service between the depot and the airport terminal. In some cases the shuttle will leave at regular intervals through the day, while in other cases you may need to call them. Depots are typically five to 15 minutes away by minibus, but if you’re arriving late at night or out of hours, be sure to check shuttle operating hours in advance.
Ensure your credit card has sufficient available limit for the security bond.
Double-check licence validity criteria before travelling.
Avoid booking tight connections between landing and desk closing time.
If you’re arriving very late, confirm of the desk operates 24 hours or whether an after-hours collection process applies.
Save the depot’s contact number in your phone.
ImportantAdditional drivers means additional paperwork
Remember, if you’re adding additional drivers, they must also present their licence at this time, and each licence is subject to the same criteria as the main driver’s licence.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
Learn more about Australian airports and car hire
