Rent cars in Canberra, ACT
Hire a car on the Turo car rental marketplace
Rental cars in Canberra, ACT
Rent a car in Canberra
Rent a car in Canberra and explore a city of pollies and pretty landscapes, national institutions and native wildlife, and an abundance of fine dining restaurants, under-the-radar eateries, bars, breweries, and places to discover. Whether you're visiting or a local of the Australian capital, hire a car in Canberra - you’re bound to love exploring its diverse sites and activities.
Bonus: given its lack of traffic and impeccably maintained roads, the city is one of the best in Australia for cruising by hire car.
Canberra car rental: How it works
Renting a car in Canberra is easy and flexible on Turo. Need a long-term compact car like a Toyota Corolla to zip around the city? Or how about a short-term luxury car hire for an event at a fine dining restaurant along Lonsdale street? Turo has many options and customisations at different car hire prices with add-ons like child car seats or picnic baskets. Best of all, you'll be cruising around in your hire car in just three steps:
Find your car:
Enter a date and location in Canberra (whether it is Canberra airport, the CBD or elsewhere) and browse cars shared by local hosts.
Book with Turo:
Book on the Turo app or online, choose a protection plan, and say hi to your host! Cancel for free up to 24 hours before your trip, and get discounts if you book early or for a longer duration!
Hit the roads of Canberra:
Have the car delivered or pick it up from your host. Check in with the app, grab the keys, and hit the roads of Canberra!
Rent cars in Canberra, ACT
Things to do and places to see in Canberra, ACT
Canberra stands as Australian's capital city abounding with history, culture, and culinary delights. The infamous Australian War Memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice Australia's servicemen and women have made, and the Parliament House is a great attraction if you're curious about the inner workings of government. To have an immersive artistic experience, visit the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Australia which holds a diverse range of collections that will expand your mind. Don't forget to indulge in Canberra's burgeoning brewery and restaurant scene, where fresh craft beers and tantalising gastronomy await.
Book the perfect carParliament House
Visit Parliament House and learn about the history of Australian democracy and see firsthand how our political system works. You'll also come across some historical artifacts, modern art pieces, and temporary exhibitions in the building.
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin sits in the heart of Canberra, surrounded by iconic institutions like Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Questacon. Locals love the lake as a serene spot to walk, cycle, or jump on an electric scooter, with the entire loop taking just a couple of hours.
Lonsdale Street
Lonsdale Street is the best foodie destination in Canberra. Situated in hip and happening Braddon, the strip contains fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, trendy cafes, bars, pubs, food stores, dessert spots, and much more. There are also some great local boutiques if you want to shop.
Airport pickup made easy
Skip the rental car counter — easy pickup offered by hosts at hundreds of airports across the US, UK, Canada, France, and Australia.
Parking lot pickup & return
Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.
Parking & airport fees
When picking up at some airports, you may be charged an airport fee according to the agreements in place with the airport. Parking fees are not covered by Turo — communicate with your host to confirm their process.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Pickup near or at Airports
Recent reviews
Great communication, very clear with pickup instructions, Very friendly would definitely book with host again
The car was amazing and performed flawlessly super fast and easy to drive it was very clean on arrival and was fully charged, I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone looking for a car to for a few day trip.
The pick up and drop-off was easy and the car was as expected for model/age - perfect for my requirements.
Comfortable, clean car, & smooth to drive, will definitely book again with host Noor.
Why hire a car on Turo?
More bang for your buck
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Canberra and throughout Australia - from the everyday to the extraordinary - complete with a better, more convenient experience versus rental car companies. Find the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your Canberra trip starts. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Convenient delivery options, wherever you are in Canberra
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Canberra, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Car rental locations near Canberra, ACT
Top tips for hiring a car in Canberra
Your car hire experience in Canberra comes with its own set of local driving rules. Here are some key tips to help you have a smooth experience.
Canberra road rules and driving conditions
Like the rest of Australia, motorists drive one the left-hand side of the road. You must also wear your seat belt at all times and adhere to all posted speed limits. If there are no speed limit signs, the default speed limit in the ACT for built-up areas is 50 km/h, and 100 km/h for rural areas.
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is 0.05% for full-licence drivers, and those who exceed this limit can face severe penalties including fines or license suspension.
If you plan on driving in rural areas, watch out for animals on roads (especially at night). Wildlife like kangaroos are common in these parts of Australia and can emerge in front of cars suddenly. While city roads are well-maintained in Australia, rural roads often have different conditions and you might encounter uneven surfaces like gravel or dirt roads.
Canberra's rush hour and busiest roads
Canberra has some of the least congested roads in Australia when compared to bigger cities, so you're likely to have an enjoyable drive while in town. Peak hours are usually between 7am to 9am and the busiest roads include Northbourne Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, and Tuggeranong Parkway.
Parking in Canberra
As a lightly populated city, it's easy to find parking for your hire car in Canberra. Some of the most popular car parks around the city include the Canberra Centre car park, which is discounted on weekends.
Institutions like Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Questacon, Australian War Memorial, National Zoo and Aquarium, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens have their own paid car parks.
There’s ample parking in Canberra's city centre, including street parking and car parks. You typically have to pay for street parking on weekdays, whereas weekends are often free. That being said, street parking usually has time limits throughout the week.
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Frequently asked questions and things to know about Canberra car hire
Car hire pickup locations throughout Canberra
Car hire pickup locations throughout Canberra
You can pick up your car hire in Canberra from many different locations around the city including popular places like Canberra Airport and the CBD. Many Turo hosts even offer custom delivery to locations (like hotels, train stations, and shopping centres).
Car hire Canberra Airport (CBR):
Skip the Canberra car rental counter and book a car on Turo.
Once you arrive at the Canberra Airport, you'll pass through the arrival gate before collecting your baggage at the carousels in the main hall. You'll find an eatery in this area which might be a good place to meet your Turo host to discuss the cars operating procedures before collecting your hire car.
Alternatively, you might want to meet your host at the car park which is just in front of the exit doors of the airport which are right in front of the carousels.
The parking block closest to the Canberra Airport terminal is sheltered, and if you walk a little further you'll find the outdoor car park.
Canberra Airport is located fairly close to the city, with the drive taking just 10-15 minutes. This means that if you plan to pick up a car hire at Canberra Airport, your journey is likely to be a pretty painless one. The other advantage of having your own hire car is that you can easily drive around Canberra to check out the famous galleries, national parks, and other landmarks.
You can also catch a bus from Canberra Airport to the city centre and Belconnen. Travel time to the city is 20-25 minutes, while to Belconnen — which sits west of Canberra — it’s about 45 minutes.
Canberra CBD:
Ideal places to pick up your car hire in Canberra CBD would include the Canberra Centre shopping mall and private parking along Allara Street or Allsop Street.
Types of Canberra hire cars
Types of Canberra hire cars
You'll find many different kinds of hire cars listed on Turo to suit various needs ranging from environmentally friendly electric vehicles, cheap car hire, and even big utes for moving items. Here are just some of the car types you can find on Turo:
4WDs: Explore the great outdoors in comfort with a reliable 4WD that can take you places.
Electric cars: Reduce your environmental footprint and save money on fuel costs with an electric vehicle. A good choice if you're sticking to the city are with plenty of EV chargers.
7 and 8 seater hire: Need a comfortable and spacious way to travel with your big family or group in Canberra? Check out popular large hire cars like the Kia Carnival and Toyota Tarago.
Van Hire: A van is a great choice if you need to move large items or if you have a larger group of people to travelling together.
Ute Hire: Transport long and large items easily with your ute hire car.
Exotic and Luxury Car Hire: You can find luxury hire car brands like Porsche and Ferrari on Turo which are perfect for occasions when you'd like to make an unforgettable entrance.
Sports cars: Enjoy the thrill and adventure that comes with driving a high-performance vehicle and hire a BMW M2 or Subaru BRZ.
Vintage cars: Experience life from another era and make a statement for your special occasion in Canberra with a vintage car.
Convertibles: Enjoy the open road in style and comfort with your convertible hire car.
SUVs: Make that long road trip a comfortable one with an SUV hire that has enough space for your passengers while still maintaining a level of sportiness to take on harsher road conditions beyond Canberra.
Canberra car hire for any occasion
Canberra car hire for any occasion
Need a car hire in Canberra for a special event or holiday? Turo hosts have the right car for different occasions.
Holiday Car Hire: Explore Canberra comfortably in a holiday car hire that suits your needs. Create your own itinerary, pack in as many people as you need, and travel in comfort.
Long Term Car Hire: Got an extended business trip or holiday? Try out the long-term car hire options on Turo which usually come with better deals.
Formal Car Hire: Got a special occasion like a corporate event or dinner with clients? A formal car hire will help you make an impression on others.
Wedding Car Hire: Add a touch of style to your special day and make it even more memorable with Canberra wedding car hire. Choose something comfortable or flashy depending on what you'd prefer.
Corporate event car hire: Project a sense of professionalism and sophistication with a special corporate event car hire.
Do I need to hire a car in Canberra?
Do I need to hire a car in Canberra?
Getting a car hire in Canberra is a great idea for those looking for convenience and ease of travel. It's also easy to get around the city by car because of its well-maintained roads, light traffic, and ample parking.
Book a car hire in Canberra on Turo to experience this wonderful city on your own terms.
Petrol stations and EV chargers in Canberra
Petrol stations and EV chargers in Canberra
There are plenty of petrol stations scattered around Canberra with multiple brands available. Petrol prices fluctuate throughout the week and between brands, so do compare prices to find the best deals.
Canberra has one of the widest networks of EV chargers in the nation so you won't have to worry about range when you've got an electric hire car. You can find charging stations throughout Australia on the Electric Vehicle Council’s EV chargers map.
Are there toll roads in Canberra?
Are there toll roads in Canberra?
There are no toll roads in Canberra.
Day trips from Canberra
Day trips from Canberra
Canberra isn’t called the ‘bush capital’ for nothing. In and around the city there are swathes of wild bushland just ripe for touring by car and on foot. But if quaint towns are more your thing, Canberra is conveniently positioned close to some of the loveliest spots in regional NSW.
Mount Ainslie
Hike or drive up Mount Ainslie for jaw-dropping views of Canberra and the surrounding mountain ranges. The walk isn’t overly steep and there are several paths going up the mountain, so you can really choose your own adventure. For a magical experience, try to head there around dusk when the local roos are out and about.
Braidwood
The town of Braidwood is just an hour out of Canberra, making it a good option for a day trip. The town is very pretty, with historic buildings, cosy B&Bs, and terrific cafes and bakeries. It’s also an ideal halfway point between Canberra and the coast if you’re looking to stay somewhere overnight.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Perched on the edge of Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla is a true nature playground. The area is protected and contains a vast array of wildlife, walking trails, lookouts, and lakes. See if you can spot the koalas, kangaroos, bandicoots, echidnas, and emus who live in the reserve.
Southern Highlands
Halfway between Sydney and Canberra lies the Southern Highlands region, a network of towns and villages that are utterly charming. The main hubs of Bowral, Mittagong, and Moss Vale are all must-visits, but smaller locales like Bundanoon and Robertson are also worth checking out.
Scenic drives around Canberra
Scenic drives around Canberra
Kings Highway:
The Kings Highway connects Canberra with the coast, running from the city all the way to the beachside town of Batemans Bay. The road is sealed from start to finish and has a nice mix of long straights and sharp twists and turns. It’s also surrounded by rugged bushland, making for a rather scenic drive.Brindabella Road:
Brindabella Road winds its way through the idyllic Brindabella Ranges and is a great option if you want relatively tight bends and views over the mountains. Most of the road is sealed, but you’ll reach a point where the bitumen ends. From then on, the road is really only designed for 4WDs.Snowy Mountains Highway:
Canberra isn’t far from Kosciuszko National Park, which is accessible via the Snowy Mountains Highway. Naturally, the area is absolutely stunning, but the road itself is also a joy to drive along. It’s totally sealed, only has gentle curves, and offers peaks and dips through untamed alpine landscapes.What documents do I need to rent a car in Canberra on Turo?
What documents do I need to rent a car in Canberra on Turo?
To book a car on Turo in Canberra, you must create a Turo account, be 21 years old or older, have a valid driver’s licence, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s licence and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for every future road trip, business trip, and family holiday!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo.
What protection plan options are available on Turo in Canberra?
What protection plan options are available on Turo in Canberra?
When booking a car in Australia, you’ll also choose between the Premier (if available), Standard, and Minimum protection plans. Each plan includes varying limits on financial responsibility for damage to a host’s vehicle. All trips include up to $20,000,000 (per event) in legal liability protection. Legal liability protection protects against damage to other people’s property and death or bodily injury (where the legal liability is not covered or capable of being covered by any statutory or compulsory scheme) as a result of an accident involving the vehicle. All protection is provided by Turo Travels Mutual.*
How do I get discounts on hire cars in Canberra?
How do I get discounts on hire cars in Canberra?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car hire in Canberra!
Additionally, frequent travellers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totalling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsHow can I get unlimited kilometre car hire during my trip in Canberra?
How can I get unlimited kilometre car hire during my trip in Canberra?
Some hosts offer car hire with unlimited KMs; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
In the rare event a host cancels, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund can be temporarily held to expedite rebooking, or the funds can be returned to your bank account — your choice.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced safety measures and cleaning practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other viruses.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add any additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests in the US, Canada, and Australia can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s licence and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Canberra?
How much does it cost to hire a car in Canberra?
The cost of hiring a car in Canberra on Turo depends on several factors. This includes car type, booking length, extras, and any delivery options selected (for example, some hosts charge a fee if you want to pick up your car from a custom location like Canberra Airport). Look out for car hire discounts for longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
Can you hire a car on your Ps in Canberra?
Can you hire a car on your Ps in Canberra?
On Turo, you can't hire a car on your Ps in Australia. To hire a car in Canberra, you must have a valid full licence - no provisional or conditional licences are accepted.
Do I need to be a certain age to hire a car in Canberra?
Do I need to be a certain age to hire a car in Canberra?
The minimum age to rent a vehicle on Turo is 21 years of age, with all drivers under 25 years old being subjected to an extra cost of $15/day (a.k.a the Young Driver Surcharge). Plus, if you're looking to hire certain vehicle classes, you must be 25 or older to book a Deluxe Class vehicle, and 30 or older to book a Super Deluxe Class vehicle.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Canberra?
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Canberra?
If you're visiting from overseas, you can drive on your overseas licence in Canberra for 6 months as long as it is current. However, if your driver's licence is not written in English, you will either need to produce an English translation of it or have an international driving permit.
* The guest protection plans offer discretionary protection (protection) issued by Turo Travels Mutual Limited (the Mutual). The plans are offered and distributed on behalf of the Mutual by Turo Australia Pty Ltd and Turo Inc., who are both authorised representatives of Picnic Licensing Pty Ltd (AFSL No 532540). Discretionary risk protection is not insurance. Relevantly, the Board of the Mutual has absolute discretion to accept or reject a member’s claim.
Review the Guest Product Disclosure Statement for more information.
The Board’s discretion will be exercised fairly and consistently, and with all due consideration to the merits and circumstances of each claim and the terms and conditions set out in the Guest PDS.