Deal
Campervan hire from $5/day
Available on select routes, dates and locations in Australia, including Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns and Brisbane, and New Zealand.
Canberra car hire: Compare and book cheap rentals
Wizz around the capital or explore beyond Canberra to scenic areas for as little as $46 a day by hiring a car.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Expect to find national parks, glistening streams, wildlife, a foodie trail and a town from the 1800s when you venture past Canberra's city limits. Visit during the right few months and you can even reach a winter wonderland within a short time.
We share the top road trips to take from the capital along with helpful information that will help you budget a smooth road trip.
Compare hire cars and prices in Canberra
We've sussed out how much you can expect to pay for car hire. Our figures are based on a quote from our engine for a rental car from Canberra Airport for 2 days, booked a month in advance for a driver aged 30+.
Small, economy car
- Car: Toyota Yaris
- Seats: 4
- Luggage: 1 large bag and 1 small bag
- Rental company: Thrifty
- Cost: $83.15 for 2 days or $41.58 per day
Medium car
- Car: Toyota Corolla
- Seats: 4
- Luggage: 1 large bag and 1 small bag
- Rental company: Hertz
- Cost: $74.44 for 2 days or $37.22 per day
Large car
- Car: Kia Cerato
- Seats: 5
- Luggage: 1 large bag and 1 small bag
- Rental company: Thrifty
- Cost: $95.13 for 2 days or $47.57 per day
Estate car
- Car: Holden Commodore Estate
- Seats: 5
- Luggage: 3 large bag and 3 small bag
- Rental company: Budget
- Cost: $186.96 for 2 days or $93.48 per day
Prices mentioned above were retrieved on 16 August 2019 and change constantly. Get the latest prices for your car hire today.
Who offers car hire at Canberra Airport?
Who offers formal car hire in Canberra?
Who offers luxury car hire in Canberra?
Tips for driving in the Canberra
- Be ready for roundabouts. Canberra has over 400 roundabouts, each of which has a "halfway round" rule which requires drivers to use the left lane if turning off before the halfway point. Drivers intending on exiting halfway must use the right lane.
- Keep your eyes peeled for cyclists. Canberra is known as the cycling capital of Australia so be sure to be aware of cyclists on the road. Most intersections will have a clearly marked cycling lane that give cyclists the right of way.
- Watch out for wildlife. Wildlife in the surrounding areas of Canberra is common. Keep your eyes on the road and brake instead of swerving when you see an animal. Kangaroos, wombats and possums are common, especially around dusk or dawn.
- Drive on the left. As with the rest of Australia, Canberra is no exception when it comes to driving on the left-hand side of the road. Keep to the left when driving on a multi-lane road and only move to the right when passing another vehicle.
- Provisional licence holders may not be able to rent and drive cars. Most of the best-known car hire companies won't rent a car to a driver on their provisional licence. Redspot is one exception.
- All hire cars in Canberra come with a basic level of insurance. Check the excess on your policy, though. Figures can be high, but you can pay your hire company extra to reduce the excess. Alternatively, you can organise your own car hire rental excess insurance which may save you money.
3 popular driving routes in Canberra
Canberra to Kangaroo Valley
- How long is the drive? 210km each way
- How long do I need? 2–3 days (2.5 hours of driving)
- Must-sees along the way: Hampden Bridge, Manning's Lookout, Upper Kangaroo River Road
A quick trip to Kangaroo Valley is a treat where you'll be rewarded with sparkling creeks, lush green rainforests and bushlands in "Australia's most beautiful valley". A craft beer festival and barbeque festival are held here but it's also the perfect romantic getaway.
Murrumbateman Foodie Trail (Canberra to Murrumbateman)
- How long is the drive? 104km round trip
- How long do I need? 1–2 days (30 minutes of driving)
- Must-sees along the way: Murrumbateman Village Market, Robyn Rowe Chocolates, Four Winds Vineyard Cellar Door
On the way to Murrumbateman you'll surely be sidetracked by the amount of restaurants and pubs laying fresh food in front of you such as beets, cheese and smoked meat platters, among other things. But once in Murrumbateman you'll be able to take it easy at one or two of the vineyards for wine tasting.
Braidwood
- How long is the drive? 87km
- How long do I need? 1–2 days (1 hour of driving)
- Must-sees along the way: Royal Mail Hotel, Monga National Park, The Big Hole walking track
Braidwood is like stepping back in time as it's a historic gold rush town where colonial architecture, pubs, antique shops and more date back over 100 years inviting visitors along the footsteps of the past.
I'm ready to book my car hire!
Car hire deals in Canberra
Code
Up to 15% off Australia campervan hires
Available on rentals until 20 December 2021. Destinations include Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 10% off car rentals in Australia
Available until 31 December 2021 when you spend a minimum of $50. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Hobart and more. Prepayment is required. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 10% off Australia campervan hires
Available on rentals from 26 July - 15 September 2021 with Maui, Britz and more. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Broome, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Get 1 day free on 5-day rentals
Available on rentals until 31 December 2021 when you book a minimum of 5 consecutive days rental. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand rentals
Available on 2+ days rentals until 11 December 2021 when you book 21 days in advance. Destinations include Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
$1/day one-way car hire in Australia
Valid on select dates for select car hire in Australia. Destinations updated regularly.
Code
Extra 15% off Express Deals
Available on all travel dates when you use the code. Destinations include Las Vegas, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney and more. Discount capped at $50. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Earn Qantas Points on rentals
Earn 4 Qantas Points per $1 spent on car rentals across Australia. T&Cs apply.
Code
Third day free on rentals
Available on rentals until 31 October 2021 across Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand car hires
Available on select rental dates until December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Australia campervan hires from $299 per week
Available on JUCY Crib and Champ weekly rentals until 20 December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 20% off 7-day car hires
Available on rentals until 31 December 2021 across Australia, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 20% off Australia car hires
Available on weekend rentals until 31 December 2021. Destinations include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 10% off 3+ day rentals
Available on rentals until 11 December 2021 across Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
Code
6th day free + free upgrade on rentals
Available on Australia rentals from 3 October - 5 December 2021 when you book a minimum of 6 days. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 10% off + free cancellation on Australia rentals
Available on select rental dates in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne and more. Prepayment is required. Must cancel 7 days prior to get a full refund. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Free car rental for members
Join the Emerald Club and earn 1 rental credit for every qualified car rental. Inclusive of free rental days and other benefits. Destinations include Australia, Canada, United States and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Car hire from $24 per day
Hire cars across Australia from as little as $24 per day. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Free upgrade on car hires
Sign up your email and receive the best car rental offers across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Australia: Up to 7.5% off Let’s Go Motorhomes rentals
Available on select rental dates until 31 March 2022 when you book 180 days in advance. T&Cs apply.
Code
5% off advance bookings
Available on rentals until 31 March 2022 across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, Cairns, Broome and more. Minimum of 180 days advance booking. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 15% off prestige car rentals
Available on rentals until 11 December 2021 across Australia and New Zealand including Sydney, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Auckland and more. Minimum of 5 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 15% off 5+ days rentals
Available on rentals until 11 December 2021 across Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Australia car hires from $14.99/day
Available on select dates in Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne and more.
Deal
Canberra car hires from $58 per day
Available on rentals until December 2021 with Budget, Alamo, Avis, Hertz, East Coast, Europcar and more.
More guides on Finder
-
Canberra road trip itineraries
You’ll have the car packed up in no time with these Canberra road trip must-sees.
-
How to start an online clothing rental business
Ready to start your online clothing rental business? Here are the most important steps to take.
-
Car storage
How to find the best car storage facility to keep your set of wheels safe and secure.
-
Cheap campervan hire
Catch the latest deals for cheap campervan hire in Australia. Brands include Hippie Campers, Jucy and Spaceships.
-
Campervan hire in Broome | Where to book, what to know
Plan your epic road trip around WA with our guide to campervan hire in Broome.
-
Campervan hire in Cairns | Where to book, what to know
Get out and explore Tropical North Queensland with our guide to campervan hire in Cairns.
-
Campervan relocations in Australia | Where to book and what to know
Discover great destinations for campervan relocations for your adventure across Australia.
-
Campervan hire on the Gold Coast | Where to book, what to know
Take your vacation to the next level with a campervan hire on the Gold Coast.
-
Campervan hire in Melbourne | Where to book, what to know
Hit the road and experience the beauty of Victoria with a campervan from these companies.
-
Campervan hire in Brisbane | Where to book, what to know
Ready to explore the wonders of Queensland? Here’s our guide on hiring a campervan from Brisbane.
Ask an Expert
