$124 Car Rental Canberra

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Canberra

Renting a car in Canberra provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Lake Burley Griffin, which offers beautiful scenery and outdoor experiences, or the National Gallery of Australia, perfect for culture enthusiasts. Families can enjoy a trip to Questacon, a science museum that promises engaging experiences for all ages.

Having your own vehicle makes it convenient to navigate popular neighborhoods like Canberra City Centre, Kingston, and Braddon, where you will find a mix of cultural and recreational spots. This is especially beneficial for families or business travelers who may have luggage or equipment to manage. With a rental car, you can travel without the constraints of public transport schedules, allowing for spontaneous detours and day trips to explore more of what Canberra has to offer. Whether you're visiting for leisure or work, renting a car is a practical choice that enhances your travel experience in the Australian Capital Territory.

Most popular car rentals in Canberra

• Standard SUV: This popular option accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers space for 2 medium suitcases. It's ideal for couples, families, or groups looking to explore Canberra comfortably. The Standard SUV provides a good balance of space and maneuverability, making it suitable for both city driving and venturing into the surrounding areas.
• Compact SUV: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or smaller families, the Compact SUV accommodates 5 travelers and up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for those seeking a blend of efficiency and space, allowing for easy navigation around Canberra while still providing enough room for your luggage. It's a versatile choice for enjoying the freedom of the open road.
• Midsize SUV: If you're traveling with a larger family or a small group, the Midsize SUV is a fantastic choice. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and provides ample space for 3 large suitcases. This car type offers both comfort and practicality, ensuring everyone has plenty of room for their belongings while enjoying a smooth ride throughout Canberra and its vicinity.

Top rated car suppliers in Canberra

• Europcar: With 2 rental locations in the Canberra area, Europcar is a popular choice among travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. Known for its reliable service, this supplier offers a great selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Standard SUVs being the most booked options. Renting from Europcar allows you to explore Canberra's attractions at your own pace, ensuring an enjoyable travel experience.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Also featuring 2 rental locations in Canberra, Thrifty Car Rental is favored for its variety of vehicle options. Travelers often choose Compact and Fullsize SUVs from this supplier, ideal for navigating both urban settings and surrounding areas. With Thrifty, you can manage your luggage easily and adjust your itinerary with ease, making it a practical choice for your car rental needs.
• Budget: Budget operates 2 rental locations throughout the Canberra region, providing travelers with accessible car rental solutions. Known for offering excellent value, Budget's most popular vehicles include Midsize and Compact options. This supplier makes it easy to pick up a car and start your adventure, allowing you to explore the beauty of Canberra and its vicinity without any hassle.

Where to stay in Canberra

• Canberra City Centre: Located at the heart of Canberra, this neighborhood is ideal for families and business travelers alike. Visitors can explore attractions such as the National Gallery of Australia and Civic Square, both within close proximity. For those looking for dining options, there are numerous restaurants and wineries available. The area also hosts a modern college university, making it vibrant and lively with educational opportunities.
• Braddon: This suburb offers a mix of family-friendly and business-themed experiences. Key highlights include the Canberra Contemporary Art Space and Lake Burley Griffin, perfect for outdoor activities and scenic views. Braddon is well-equipped with shopping centers and a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, ensuring a fulfilling stay in this trendy area.
• Queanbeyan: A charming suburb near Canberra, Queanbeyan provides a blend of family, business, and city-themed experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture at the Old Parliament House and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Burley Griffin. Queanbeyan also features shopping centers and diverse dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a convenient choice for travelers.

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 specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summertime fun, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilizing the filters on Expedia will help you discover the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to access lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Canberra

The best value period to rent a car in and around Canberra is October, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. August and May also offer good conditions, with slightly low prices and moderate demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately low demand. December is another busy time, as it sees high demand and slightly high prices, creating a contrast with the quieter months earlier in the year.

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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Canberra

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Canberra into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Canberra and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Canberra

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Canberra. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Canberra

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $124.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals