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Car Hire Darwin, NT

Rent a car on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace

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Top rated cars in Darwin, NT

Mazda MAZDA3 2017 — Car rental alternative in Ultimo
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Mazda MAZDA3 2017

5.0

(9 trips)

All-Star Host
A$88/day
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Rent a car in Darwin with Turo

Discover the Top End of Australia by hiring a car in Darwin. Known as Australia's most multicultural city, Darwin car hire allows you to experience all this diverse tropical city has to offer.

Not only is Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory, but it's also the gateway to stunning natural sites, vibrant cultural experiences and some of the best driving roads in Australia.

Darwin car hire: How it works

Wondering what's involved in hiring a car in Darwin? With Turo, you can access a huge selection of cars, compare your options online and secure a booking for a few days or multiple weeks. The best bit? Your local Turo host in Darwin can provide handy extras, from beach gears to a modern GPS and even a baby seat.

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Find your car: 

Enter a date and location in Darwin (or beyond) and browse thousands of 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 Darwin:

Have the car delivered or pick it up from your host. Check in with the app, grab the keys, and hit the roads of Darwin!

Top hosts in Darwin, NT

Alexander M.

Alexander M.

All-Star Host
639 tripsJoined
Nice car 🚗 for this price If I will have another trip I will rent again
Tarawit P.-
Highly recommend Alex it was so easy to rent the car.
Shannen H.-

Alexander M.’s vehicles

Michael Hastings H.

Michael Hastings H.

All-Star Host
160 tripsJoined
Mike provided clear and detailed instructions, which resulted in a smooth procsss in the pickup and return of car.
Jocelyn T.-
Cleanest rental I’ve picked up, drove very well and owners very responsive.
David S.-

Try car sharing in Darwin, NT

Things to do and places to see in Darwin, NT

As the tropical capital of the NT, there are endless places to explore in Darwin. Take a seaside stroll along the waterfront precinct, cruise the harbour at sunset or even take a fishing trip to the Tiwi Islands (located 80 km north of Darwin). Looking for more inspiration about Darwin's best places to explore?

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Charles Darwin National Park

Nestled in the heart of Darwin, the Charles Darwin National Park protects one of Australia's most important wetlands (the Port Darwin Wetland). Boost a car and take the easy 5.5km drive from Darwin's city centre. Expect to encounter historic sites across the park and discover Darwin's role in the Pacific War during World War II. Plus, this national park is a significant Aboriginal site, home to the Larrakia people for many thousands of years.

Mindil Beach (Mindil Beach Sunset Markets)

Soak in a spectacular sunset over the Timor Sea by taking the trip to Mindil Beach. During the dry season (end of April to October), the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets run on Thursday and Sunday evenings from 4 pm to 9 pm. As Darwin's biggest and best market, expect to find over 200 stalls selling arts, crafts and incredible food at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Hop in the car and take a quick five-minute drive from Darwin's city centre to Parap Village Markets. Running every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, expect incredible street food stalls serving everything from Laska to crispy Asian salads and everything in between. Malak Market Place is another must-try in Darwin, serving up everything from fresh produce to artisan stalls every Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm (open April to October annually).

Darwin's Museums and Galleries (MAGNT)

Located in the heart of Darwin, MAGNT (Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory) invites you to encounter incredible artistic, cultural and scientific collections from Australia and beyond. Along with the MAGNT, Darwin has plenty of museums and galleries to explore. Located at East Point is Darwin's Military Museum, home to artefacts from all the conflicts Australian troops have been deployed to. In fact, this museum is located within a heritage-listed area brimming with WWII fortifications.

Recent reviews

Hyundai i40 2016

Phil is a legend, the car was great, so much better than the standard car rental companies

Matthew C.
-
Allen L.
Toyota Corolla 2020

Convenient pickup/dropoff directly across the street from rental car center

Allen L.
-
Timothy H.
Nissan Sentra 2019

Much better than wasting time at the rental car center!!

Timothy H.
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Jennifer B.
Mazda Mazda3 2013

Really easy pick up with no need to go to rental car center after flight.

Jennifer B.
-
Robert J.
Ford Fusion 2017

I would recommend using this over the main car rental companies.

Robert J.
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Toyota Camry 2011

Everything went very smoothly, much cheaper & easier than dealing with the big car rental companies.

Jim T.
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Dr. N.
Honda Accord 2019

Mike was awesome to work with , definitely recommend to support locals instead of large car rental companies.

Dr. N.
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Brien D.
Chevrolet Corvette 2023

So awesome to not have to fuss with the shuttle and rental car center!

Brien D.
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MARCUS J.
BMW 3 Series 2019

This rental experience was easy and very affordable.

MARCUS J.
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Kia Optima 2017

Way better than waiting at a rental counter !!!!

Floyd C.
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Kevin B.
Toyota Corolla 2020

Price was much cheaper than rental companies and other Turos.

Kevin B.
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MINI Convertible 2023

Car was in excellent condition.

Brandi B.
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Why hire a car with Turo?

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More bang for your buck

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Darwin 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 Darwin trip starts. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.

Convenient delivery options, wherever you are in Darwin

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 Darwin, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

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Top tips for hiring a car in Darwin, NT

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Darwin road rules

Need a refresher on Darwin's local road rules? Like all places in Australia, you'll need to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drink driving isn't permitted, with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05 strictly enforced.

In Darwin, the default speed limit is 60km per hour. However, there are many streets where this drops to 40km per hour (such as in school zones and when driving through road work zones).

When driving through built-up areas in Darwin, stick to the default speed limit of 60km/h. Outside of built-up areas, the default speed limit is 110km/h (unless the signs tell you otherwise). On certain roads (such as Barkly Highway and Stuart Highway), the maximum speed limit increases to 130km/h.

Driving at night around Darwin can be dangerous as there are plenty of wild animals, dark-coloured cattle and large road trains to contend with. To avoid any incidents, it's best to avoid driving at night and only hit the road during daylight hours.


Darwin's rush hour and busiest roads

Want to avoid rush hour and the busiest roads when visiting Darwin? Typically, the inner city roads will be the busiest from 7:30 am to 8 am and 4:30 pm to 5 pm weekdays. But even during peak hours, Darwin's traffic usually flows freely.

Some of the busiest roads include the Stuart Highway, as most commuters will use this route. Our tip? Avoid this road during peak periods on weekdays for a smooth, stress-free travel experience.


Parking in Darwin CBD

Looking to park in the Darwin CBD? From 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays, parking spaces in the city centre are metered (likely to cost you upwards of A$1.75 per hour). The closer you park to the CBD, the higher the hourly fee.

However, these spaces are free and untimed outside of these hours and on weekends.

Head to State Square Car Park (an easy stroll from the waterfront precinct) where you can score a flat daily rate of A$11. Visit the City of Darwin website for a city parking location map.


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Frequently asked questions about Darwin car hire

Car hire pickup locations throughout Darwin

Curious about your car hire pickup location options throughout Darwin? From the Darwin CBD (including Darwin downtown) to Darwin Airport and even surrounding Darwin neighbourhoods (including Larrakeyah, Parap, and Stuart Park), Turo's hosts are able to deliver your hire car to a range of convenient locations across the region.

Darwin Airport (DRW):

Servicing Darwin and the Northern Territory, Darwin Airport is located just 8 km from the Darwin city centre. Not only does Darwin International Airport offer regular domestic flights to and from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, but the airport offers flights to popular international destinations, including Singapore and Denpasar, Bali.

After arriving at the airport, head through to the Arrivals Hall. Here on the ground floor, you'll find baggage claim.

Want to skip the hassle of the Darwin car rental counter? With Turo, your local host can arrange delivery of your car directly to the airport terminal or nearby car park. Skip the queue and get on the road sooner by booking ahead with Turo.

After exiting the airport, take Henry Wrigley Drive and follow the signs until you merge onto National Highway 1, with the drive taking roughly 18 minutes (depending on traffic).

Northern Territory (NT):

The Northern Territory is unlike any other part of Australia, boasting rugged wilderness, lush wetlands and bustling multicultural cities.

Want to know where you can secure a hire car outside of Darwin? From Kakadu to Tennant Creek and even Uluru and Alice Springs, expect to find hire vehicles ready to hire across all corners of NT.

Flying into Alice Springs Airport, Katherine Airport or Tennant Creek Airport? You'll be able to score a hire car at most airports across the Northern Territory.

Darwin car hire types

Find the perfect hire car type to suit your Darwin itinerary, all available to book through Turo.

8-seaters and people movers:

Travelling through the Top End with a big crew? From the Hyundai Palisade to the Toyota Landcruiser, score the keys to an 8-seater ride, perfect for large families and groups.

4WDs:

Leave no stone unturned with 4WD car hire in Darwin, from Jeep Wranglers to the commanding Isuzu D-MAX 4x4.

Vans:

Whether you're moving house in the Top End or wanting to travel without limits, van hire in Darwin is sure to make your trip unforgettable.

SUVs:

Tackle Darwin's roads with confidence behind the wheel of a stylish SUV. From small SUV cars to performance-driven models, there's no car type to explore the city streets of Darwin.

Utes:

Travel like a local by hiring a ute to explore Darwin and its surrounding suburbs.

Compact cars:

Zip around the roads of the NT with a space-saving ride that doesn't compromise safety or style.

Electric cars:

Even in the Top End, EVs and hybrid cars are a smart choice, with EV charging stations located across most major cities.

Darwin car hire for any occasion

No matter what adventure you have in store, you'll find the perfect car hire option for any occasion in Darwin.

For those special moments (like weddings and formals), book a lavish luxury ride or classic car to arrive in style. When it comes to wedding car hire in Darwin, you'll find plenty of amazing vehicles, whether you want a luxury car, classic car, convertible or something else.

Even if you're just running errands or planning a weekend road trip, you'll find spacious vans, compact SUVs and even commanding 4WDs available to book in Darwin.

Northern Territory road trip advice

Thinking about taking a road trip around the Northern Territory or beyond? Planning ahead and seeking out expert advice will make your journey smoother and safer.

Head from Darwin to the world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to Katherine on Nature's Way (roughly an eight-day road trip) or tackle the Overlanders Way drive (journeying for eight days from the NT outback all the way to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland).

No matter what route you're planning to take, here's how to plan your trip and stay safe while driving around the Northern Territory:

- Check the road conditions before you depart, as these can change at short notice. In the wet season, flooding can cause road closures, so make sure to check the Road Report NT website to see what alerts might impact your trip.

- Ensure your car is in good condition and is capable of handling the outback roads. Before you leave, check your tyre pressure, headlights, indicators, fluid levels, as well as battery and windscreen wipers. It's important to carry a spare tyre, tools, water and even extra fuel (particularly if you're driving through remote areas).

- Plan your travel time and ensure you'll be able to reach your destination before dark (driving at night is strongly discouraged in the NT). Many drivers choose to depart at sunrise and only drive until 11 am to avoid driving through the scoring midday heat.

- Bring plenty of extra food and water for your trip (ideally 4-6 litres of water per person per day of driving).

- Make sure to take frequent breaks (ideally a 15-minute break every two hours of driving) and rotate drivers if possible. Plan ahead and figure out which rest stops you'll be visiting along your drive.

- Planning on driving through the outback? Consider bringing a satellite GPS and paper map in case of emergencies. If you're driving through national parks or remote areas, a satellite phone or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a smart way to reach help in the event of an emergency.

Other places to explore and things to do in Darwin

Explore beyond Sydney for thrilling outdoor adventures. Hike the stunning Blue Mountains, try rock climbing, kayaking, and delve into the mesmerising depths of Jenolan Caves and discover the natural wonders just a stone's throw away from the city.

The Long Beach Walk: A 12km walk between Nightcliff and Casuarina Beach, this challenging route will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to tackle (perfect for road bikers, runners and walkers alike).

Fishing: Choose a fishing charter and get out into the Timor Sea, with fishing tours available in Darwin Harbour, the Mary River wetlands, the Tiwi Islands and the Dundee Coast.

Scenic flights over Kakadu and Arnhem Land: Experience the spectacular Kakadu National Park from the air, soaking in Arnhem Land's world-famous wetlands, floodplains and ancient sandstone plateaus.

Dining in Darwin: From casual eateries to fine dining restaurants and even foodie markets, they're something for every taste in Darwin.

Darwin's Harbour: Did you know that Darwin Harbour is twice as large as the iconic Sydney Harbour? Explore the harbour and Waterfront Precinct, brimming with marine creatives and dotted with sunken World War II ships.

Crocosaurus Cove: Are you brave enough to experience Australia's only crocodile dive experience? Whether you swim with the crocs, hold a baby Saltwater Crocodile or browse the freshwater aquarium, you'll get an up close and personal look at these incredible creatures.

Shopping and markets in Darwin: If you're staying closer to Darwin's city centre, visit Smith Street Mall or head to Darwin's famous markets for authentic laksa, fresh juices and Asian street food.

Explore beyond Darwin

Ready to venture beyond the city streets of Darwin? Not only is Darwin the gateway to South-East Asia but it's surrounded by incredible national parks, native animals (from crocodiles to kangaroos and everything in between) and Palmerston - NT's second-largest city, situated just 20 km by car from Darwin.

Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park: Ready to get active? Hit the road in a sporty SUV or 4WD and venture to one of the NT's most iconic national parks.

Kakadu National Park brings you up close to one of the world's oldest living cultures. Not only is it Australia's biggest national park (spanning a whopping 20,000 square kilometres), but the park is home to exotic wildlife, ancient rock art and diverse natural landscapes.

Pack some snacks and water and take the three-hour drive to Kakadu National Park from Darwin.

Litchfield National Park is another unmissable NT attraction, located 120 km south-west of Darwin. Expect stunning waterfalls, swimming holes, scenic hiking trails and even 4WD tracks.

The Tiwi Islands: Experience the 'Island of Smiles' (a.k.a. the Tiwi Islands), nearby Darwin with an 80 km trip across the water. Immerse yourself in the thriving Aboriginal culture, incredible traditional artworks and awe-inspiring sunsets.

Explore the island's renowned art centres, boasting paintings, weaved fabrics and wooden carvings from local artists. Plus, there's endless opportunities to see the diverse coastal landscape, from tranquil rock pools to thick jungle and sparkling waterholes.

Uluru (Ayers Rock): No trip to the NT is complete without a visit to Uluru. This living cultural landscape is a sacred site for Australia's First Nations people, bursting with ancient wisdom and diverse plant and animal life.

Planning to drive from Darwin to Uluru? Make sure to rent a 4WD and prepare for a multi-day drive, as the journey takes upwards of 20 hours.

Turn your journey into a true adventure by tracking Red Centre Way, taking you from Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka National Park in Australia's Red Centre.

Best driving roads Darwin

Whether you're driving from Darwin to Broome, Alice Springs, Kununurra, or all the way to Adelaide or Melbourne, the NT has no shortage of road trip opportunities to explore. Here are some of the best driving roads connecting you to Darwin.

Stuart Highway (Explorers Way): Planning to travel from Darwin to Adelaide or vice versa? Explorer's Way connects Darwin with South Australia, taking you through Alice Springs. Expect to encounter Uluru and Kata Tjuta along with diverse landmarks, including Coober Pedy, Nitmuluk Gorge, Tennant Creek, Barkly Tablelands and beyond. This journey is a big undertaking, with the recommended journey taking at least 14 days. Once you reach the final stretch, the drive to reach Darwin from Katherine should only take just over three hours.

Nature's Way: Another must-try driving road is Nature's Way, taking you from Darwin to Kakadu and all the way to Katherine via Litchfield. Best explored in a 4WD, this route takes roughly eight days to navigate. But you'll be rewarded with natural swimming waterholes, lush bush walks and waterfalls throughout your journey.

Alice Springs Explorer (MacDonnel Ranges): Are you heading to Alice Springs from Darwin? While you're there, try the Alice Springs Explorer, a four-day itinerary brimming with rocky landscapes, wildlife and stunning swim spots.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Darwin with Turo? 

To book a car on Turo in Darwin, 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?

No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo.

What protection plan options are available on Turo in Darwin?

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 Darwin?

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 rental alternatives in Darwin!

When it comes to cheap car hire, 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?

Yes, many Turo hosts in Darwin offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days. Additionally, hosts can offer “early bird” discounts for Darwin trips booked a week or more in advance. So, get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips, at least a week in advance.

See more about promotions & discounts

How can I get Darwin car hire with unlimited KMs?

Some hosts offer unlimited kilometres for a trip; 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?

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?

You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts. 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 small cancellation fee.

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 car rental company?

No. Unlike car rental 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?

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 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 Darwin?

The cost of hiring a car in Darwin can vary depending on several factors, including the type of car and booking duration. For example, luxury cars may have higher daily rates, and some hosts might charge a delivery fee if you are picking your hire car up from a custom location.

When it comes to car hire deals, many hosts offer discounts on long-term trips. Plus, local hosts can offer early bird discounts if you're booking in advance.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Darwin?

If you're visiting Darwin as a tourist and hold a valid driver's licence from your home country, you can legally drive in Australia without needing an international driving permit. However, you will need to meet these conditions:

- You maintain your status as a temporary overseas visitor.

- You hold a valid international licence.

- You don't have driving disqualifications in NT or any other location.

- You haven't faced licence suspension, cancellation, or withdrawal of driving privileges.

- You must keep your foreign driver's or rider's licence on hand.

It's recommended to carry both your original licence and an international driving permit if available, as this may be useful for identification purposes. However, if you plan on staying in Australia for an extended period, you should consider applying for a local driver's licence, depending on the regulations of the state you're residing in.