Berkeley Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Berkeley

Renting a car in Berkeley provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily navigate to key attractions such as Wollongong City Beach, located only 7 km away, perfect for beach lovers seeking sun and surf. For those interested in outdoor activities, Wollongong Golf Club, also 7 km away, offers a relaxing day on the greens. Families can enjoy Stuart Park, situated 9 km from Berkeley, which is ideal for city and outdoor experiences.

A rental car also enhances your convenience when visiting nearby destinations. Explore the vibrant city of Wollongong, which features Wollongong City Beach and Nan Tien Temple, or take a short drive to the neighbouring suburbs of Lake Heights and Cringila, both just 2 km away, where you can find more beach options and scenic views. Whether you are travelling with family or managing luggage, having a car allows for comfortable journeys without the constraints of public transport. This flexibility makes your trip to and around Berkeley enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals around Berkeley

• Midsize: The Midsize car option is a popular choice among travellers in Berkeley, accommodating up to 5 individuals and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for couples and families looking to explore the area comfortably. With its balanced size, the Midsize vehicle is perfect for navigating both urban and scenic routes while offering enough room for all your luggage.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is another frequently booked choice, also accommodating up to 5 travellers. It offers flexibility with luggage, fitting up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is particularly suitable for families or groups who require additional space for comfort during their travels around Berkeley. Enjoy the freedom of movement and ample cargo capacity with a Fullsize vehicle.
• Compact: The Compact car option is excellent for those who appreciate efficiency without sacrificing comfort. This vehicle accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases, making it a great choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. Its smaller size makes it easy to manoeuvre through Berkeley's streets, while still providing enough room for your essentials during your journey.

Top rated car suppliers around Berkeley

• Thrifty Car Rental: Located 2 km away from Berkeley, Thrifty Car Rental is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility on their journeys. Known for its excellent selection, the most booked vehicles with Thrifty include Compact and Fullsize SUVs, perfect for navigating both urban and rural landscapes. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, renting from Thrifty ensures a reliable and enjoyable experience as you explore the attractions around Berkeley at your own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt operates 3 km from Berkeley and is celebrated for its friendly service and a diverse range of vehicles. Ideal for those looking for economical options, the most booked cars from Sixt are Economy and Midsize, catering perfectly to solo travellers and small families alike. With a focus on customer convenience, renting from Sixt promises a smooth process, allowing you to embark on your adventures in and around Berkeley without any hassle.
• Hertz: With two rental locations nearby, the closest just 2 km from Berkeley, Hertz is a reliable option for those seeking a broader selection of vehicles. Their most popular offerings include Fullsize Vans and Midsize SUVs, making it an excellent choice for larger groups or those needing extra space. Hertz’s commitment to providing quality service ensures that you can easily manage your travel plans and enjoy the flexibility of exploring the scenic surroundings of Berkeley and beyond.

Where to stay around Berkeley

• Berkeley: Nestled within Wollongong, Berkeley offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful stay. With proximity to scenic beaches and outdoor experiences, you can easily access Wollongong City Beach and the family-friendly bay areas for a day of sun and surf. Berkeley serves as a great base for exploring the local attractions and nearby dining options, including restaurants and wineries.
• Wollongong: As a vibrant city, Wollongong is a hub for outdoor and beach activities. You'll find Wollongong City Beach, perfect for a beach holiday, as well as the Wollongong Golf Club for golf enthusiasts. The area boasts a range of restaurants and wineries, making it an excellent choice for food lovers. Cultural experiences await at Nan Tien Temple, providing a rich addition to your stay.
• Illawarra: Located 8 km from Berkeley, Illawarra is renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Here, you can enjoy North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. The area also features accessible hiking trails and playgrounds, making it suitable for families. With a variety of wineries and restaurants nearby, Illawarra is perfect for those looking to unwind and explore.
• Mount Kembla: Situated 6 km away from Berkeley, Mount Kembla offers an adventurous escape with its beautiful mountain scenery. Visitors can explore the beaches, including North Wollongong Beach, and take in the breathtaking views. The region also features cultural sites like Nan Tien Temple, making it a diverse destination for travellers interested in both nature and culture. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the ample opportunities for hiking and exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Berkeley

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to hire and easier to manoeuvre in busy urban areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a satisfactory balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters aged over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable too. Just ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you prevent unnecessary expenses and offers increased peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Berkeley

The best value period to rent a car in and around Berkeley is June, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. You may also find reasonable options in February and March, as they offer average pricing with moderate demand. However, October tends to be the most expensive month, with prices rising and demand being slightly low. Additionally, December shows high prices alongside slightly high demand, making it another busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
February	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High