Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Sydney
The best car rental companies in Sydney are Hertz, Avis, Enterprise. Prices start from AUD 55/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
Top 10 rental companies in Sydney
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
Hertz
Editor's pickAvis
Enterprise
Top ratedBudget
Europcar
Thrifty
Alamo
Sixt
Dollar
National
Prices are indicative market estimates ยท Last checked 2026-07-05 ยท 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Prices by car type in Sydney
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | AUD 55 | Toyota Yaris | 5 |
| Compact | AUD 65 | Toyota Corolla | 5 |
| SUV | AUD 95 | Toyota RAV4 | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | AUD 130 | Toyota Tarago | 7 |
| Luxury | AUD 175 | Mercedes E-Class | 5 |
Where to pick up a car in Sydney
Airport โ Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
All major rental companies are located in the multi-storey car park directly accessible from both domestic (T2/T3) and international (T1) terminals. An airport access fee applies.
Downtown โ Sydney CBD / Darling Harbour
Pick-up points in the CBD and near Darling Harbour from major suppliers. Avoid driving in the CBD on weekdays if possible โ traffic and tolls are heavy.
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport access fee | AUD 20โ35 | Applicable to all airport rental pickups at SYD |
| Young-driver fee (21โ24) | AUD 22โ30/day | Drivers under 25; under-21 not permitted by most suppliers |
| Additional driver | AUD 8โ15/day | Per extra driver |
| Sydney Harbour Tunnel / M2 / Lane Cove tolls | AUD 2โ8 per crossing | Most Sydney motorways and tunnels are tolled (e-tag system) |
| One-way fee | AUD 50โ200 | Different drop-off within NSW |
| GPS/nav device | AUD 10โ15/day | Optional; most smartphones handle navigation well |
Things to know before renting in Sydney
- Australia drives on the left โ steering wheel is on the right. This catches out many overseas visitors especially on right-hand turns.
- NSW has extensive electronic tolling (E-Toll system). Most Sydney motorways and tunnels charge tolls; the rental company's e-tag covers these automatically (rental rate charged back to you).
- Minimum age is usually 21 in Australia; young-driver surcharges apply under 25. NSW also has a P-plate (provisional licence) age limit โ check if your licence is equivalent.
- Roadside speed cameras are widespread and heavily enforced in NSW. Demerit points apply to the registered driver (rental company). Fines are passed on by the agency.
- The Pacific Coast Drive north to Port Macquarie and Byron Bay is one of Australia's best road trips โ about 8 hours to Byron.
- Australian roads outside cities can have long stretches with wildlife hazard (kangaroos at dawn and dusk). Drive with care especially on rural roads at night.