Canberra Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Canberra

Renting a car in Canberra gives you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With convenient luggage management, you can easily transport your belongings as you visit key attractions such as Lake Burley Griffin, a picturesque spot ideal for outdoor activities, and the National Gallery of Australia, perfect for culture enthusiasts. Families will appreciate the opportunity to visit Questacon, a science museum that provides engaging experiences for children and adults alike.

A rental car allows for flexible travel plans, making it simple to navigate popular neighbourhoods like Canberra City Centre, Kingston, and Braddon, each offering a unique blend of cultural experiences and scenic views. You can seamlessly travel between these areas, enjoying the convenience of parking as you discover local highlights. Whether you're travelling for leisure, family outings, or business engagements, having a car at your disposal ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable trip. Embrace the flexibility that comes with a rental car and make the most of your time in Canberra and its charming vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in Canberra

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers ample space for comfortable travel, allowing you to explore Canberra and its surroundings without feeling cramped. Its versatility and capacity for luggage make it perfect for those planning to visit various attractions while managing their belongings easily.
• Standard SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is well-suited for couples, families, or groups. This vehicle provides a balance of comfort and practicality, allowing for a relaxed journey through Canberra's sights. With enough space for passengers and their essentials, the standard SUV is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a leisurely drive while having the freedom to explore at their own pace.
• Compact SUV: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the compact SUV can accommodate 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those who prefer a vehicle that is easy to manoeuvre yet spacious enough for a comfortable ride. The compact SUV is especially advantageous for navigating Canberra’s urban areas while still providing the flexibility to carry luggage and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Canberra

• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental operates two convenient locations in Canberra, making it an accessible choice for travellers. Known for its well-maintained fleet, Thrifty's most popular vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, perfect for navigating the city and its surroundings. Customers appreciate the flexibility of their rentals, allowing for spontaneous travel plans and easy management of luggage.
• Europcar: With two rental locations in Canberra, Europcar is a popular option for those seeking a reliable vehicle. Travellers often favour their Compact and Standard SUVs, which are well-suited for both urban exploration and weekend getaways. Europcar is noted for its efficient service and clean vehicles, ensuring a pleasant rental experience that complements the adventurous spirit of exploring Canberra.
• Enterprise: Enterprise features one rental location in Canberra, offering a selection of vehicles that includes Standard SUVs and Compact SUVs. Customers appreciate the attentive service and ease of the rental process, making it a trusted choice for those looking to explore the region. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Enterprise provides a reliable option for travellers seeking comfort and convenience during their stay.

Where to stay in Canberra

• Canberra City Centre: Located at the heart of the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for family, business, and city-themed experiences. Key points of interest include Civic Square, a modern square ideal for leisurely strolls, and the National Gallery of Australia, an excellent spot for culture enthusiasts. Moreover, the scenic Lake Burley Griffin is nearby, great for outdoor activities and romantic moments. The area also boasts diverse dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a prime location for a fulfilling stay.
• Braddon: This suburb is known for its family-friendly, business, and city-themed experiences. Braddon features popular attractions such as the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, which is perfect for art lovers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, offering picturesque views and outdoor adventures. With a variety of dining establishments and wineries close by, Braddon is an excellent choice for travellers looking to explore the local culture while indulging in delightful culinary experiences.
• Queanbeyan: Situated just outside Canberra, Queanbeyan is ideal for families and business travellers alike. This suburb features attractions such as the historic Old Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia, both of which provide rich cultural experiences. The scenic Lake Burley Griffin is also within reach, perfect for outdoor leisure and relaxation. Dining options abound, with several excellent restaurants and wineries providing a taste of local flavours, making Queanbeyan a convenient and enjoyable base for your stay.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to assist you in finding the ideal match 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 in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater 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 strike a good 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 types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under 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 favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which is acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only 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 anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to bypass extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Canberra

The best value period to rent a car in Canberra is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February also offers similar advantages, maintaining slightly low prices and average demand. Moving into March, prices tend to become average, while demand is slightly low, making it another reasonable option. However, July is the most expensive month, with high demand and slightly high prices, followed by August, which sees average demand and prices. The busy December period also brings higher costs and slightly high demand.

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	Slightly High
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	Slightly Low	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	Average	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	Average	Average
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average