Canberra Airport Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Canberra Airport

Renting a car in and around Canberra Airport offers you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans tailored to your preferences. This convenience is ideal for various travellers, including families, business visitors, and those interested in city-themed experiences. You can visit key attractions such as Lake Burley Griffin, situated only 4 km away, where you can enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities. The National Gallery of Australia, located 5 km from the airport, offers a rich cultural experience, while Questacon, 6 km away, is perfect for family fun and educational outings. A car rental also simplifies the process of exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Duntroon, just 2 km away, and the Canberra City Centre, 6 km distant, both featuring attractions like Civic Square and more. With a rental car, you can fully embrace the sights and experiences around Canberra Airport without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car rentals in Canberra Airport

• Midsize: The Midsize car option is highly popular among travellers at Canberra Airport, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for couples and families looking to explore the region with ease. With its spacious interior and comfortable ride, the Midsize car offers the perfect balance of manoeuvrability and comfort, enabling you to enjoy your journey without feeling cramped.
• Standard: Similar to the Midsize option, the Standard car also accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for 3 large suitcases. This versatile choice is perfect for those travelling in groups, whether it be a family holiday or a getaway with friends. The Standard car combines comfort with practicality, ensuring that you can travel around Canberra Airport and its surroundings while enjoying ample space for both passengers and luggage.
• Compact: If you're seeking a more nimble option, the Compact car is a fantastic choice. It accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for 3 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo travellers, couples, or small families. The Compact car is designed for those who appreciate efficiency and ease of parking, allowing you to navigate urban settings effortlessly while still having room for your essentials.

Top rated car suppliers in Canberra Airport

• Thrifty Car Rental: With a dedicated rental location in the Canberra Airport area, Thrifty Car Rental is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility and convenience. They offer an excellent selection of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV AWD and Standard SportsCar being the most booked options. This supplier's focus on customer satisfaction and ease of access makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the attractions around Canberra at their own pace.
• Europcar: Europcar operates from a rental location in the Canberra Airport vicinity, providing a reliable option for car rentals. They are well-regarded for their range of vehicles, with Midsize and Standard SUVs being the top choices for customers. This supplier is known for its commitment to customer service and offers a smooth rental experience, allowing you to manage your luggage and itinerary efficiently as you travel through the beautiful landscapes of Canberra and its surroundings.
• Enterprise: Located conveniently in the Canberra Airport area, Enterprise stands out for its diverse vehicle selection. The Standard SUV and Compact SUV are among the most popular choices for those renting from this supplier. Enterprise is committed to delivering a hassle-free rental experience, enabling you to navigate the region comfortably while enjoying the flexibility to explore at your leisure.

Where to stay around Canberra Airport

• Kowen: Located 8 km from Canberra Airport, Kowen is a charming suburb ideal for family and romantic getaways. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of nearby national parks and nature reserves. The area offers various shopping centres and restaurants, including options for wine enthusiasts. Key attractions such as Lake Burley Griffin, perfect for outdoor activities and picturesque views, along with the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon, cater to cultural and family experiences.
• Canberra City Centre: Situated 6 km from Canberra Airport, the Canberra City Centre is vibrant and bustling, making it suitable for family, city-themed, and business trips. This neighbourhood features modern squares, shopping centres, and educational venues. Visitors can explore local attractions like Civic Square, Lake Burley Griffin, and the National Gallery of Australia, which provide a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor enjoyment. The area is also home to a variety of restaurants and wineries, ensuring excellent dining options.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Canberra Airport

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for its affordability, utilise the filters on Expedia to assist you in locating the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer an ideal 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 types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but this might be worthwhile for the added convenience.
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 avoid unnecessary expenses and provides 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’re planning on long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to circumvent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Canberra Airport

The best time to rent a car in and around Canberra Airport is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February also offers similar value, making it another good choice. March and May can be solid options too, as demand dips slightly, keeping prices moderate. However, July is the most expensive month, with high demand and elevated rates. Surrounding months like August and September also see slightly high prices, leading into a busy rental season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	69.3°F (20.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	55.6°F (13.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	47.8°F (8.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	42.1°F (5.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average