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Car hire in Sydney – Discovering New South Wales
With its prime location on Australia's sun-baked eastern coastline, Sydney is very much the all-round tourist destination with something for everyone, young or old. Built around what is widely considered to be one of the world's most spectacular natural harbours, it is the country's largest city and also its oldest with many impressive reminders of its rich colonial heritage.
A vibrant city at any time of the year, Sydney excels culturally with many world-class museums and galleries in and around the city centre, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Sydney and the Australia Museum. The city is also famous for the Royal Botanic Garden in the heart of town and several other first-rate attractions, such as the Sydney Observatory, Sea Life, Sydney Tower & Skywalk and the iconic Sydney Operae House.
With a car hire in Sydney the whole of New South Wales awaits you within a relatively short drive of the city, most notably the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hunter Valley is another popular excursion once all the city sightseeing is done, which is an area popuar for its wineries and fine-dining restaurants. Manly Beach is particular favourite with visitors who flock there to relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine in close proximity to the centre of Sydney.
One of the world's top car rental companies, Auto Europe offers more than 28,000 different pick-up locations in over 190 popular destinations around the world, including Sydney. We have all the right solutions for your trip to New South Wales, including many convenient locations in the centre of Sydney as well as Sydney Airport a few kilometres away. You can book your cheap car rental online now or ask our rental specialists for assistance and they will be happy to find you the best deal.
By working with all the world's most prestigious car hire suppliers, including National, Europcar, Dollar, Alamo, Avis, Sixt and Budget, we can offer our customers the widest choice of vehicles for their visit, whether it's a few days' city sightseeing or a road-trip to the Blue Mountains National Park. For maximum peace of mind, why not take a look at our Sydney car hire reviews page to find out what previous visitors to city thought about their Auto Europe car rental experience in the city.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Sydney, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Sydney
By collaborating with all the world's top car hire suppliers, we are able to offer our customers an extensive choice of locations in and around Sydney. This means they can pick up their vehicle in the heart of the city centre and be on their way in a few minutes. Besides the many car hire companies operating at Sydney Airport, there are several conveniently-located car rental offices in other parts of the city, most of which are in close proximity to Sydney's top tourist attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. We help travellers make the right choice through our state-of-the-art booking engine which allows them to do an extensive search to find the best vehicle and the most suitable pick-up point for your trip. Once you've keyed in your dates, an interactive map will come up with all the available locations for car hire in Sydney.
Sydney Airport
Australia’s busiest airport, Sydney International Airport (SYD) handles around 45 million passengers every year. Located 8 kilometres south of Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), it operates with three spacious terminals, one of which is dedicated to international traffic. The airport's facilities are wide-ranging, with dozens of cafés, bars, restaurants and shops available for travellers both arriving and departing. Many of the most important car hire companies have their desks in the Arrivals Halls of Terminals 1 and 2 and are easily visible once you have passed through security and the baggage-reclaim section. Please make sure you have all the necessary documents ready when you arrive at the desk in order to speed up the collecton process.
Sydney Airport (SYD)
Website: sydneyairport.com.au
Address: Airport Dr, Sydney NSW 2020, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9667 6111
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Sydney
Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 190 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Sydney
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Sydney. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please contact our reservations team for assistance and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Sydney?
Yes. In order to rent a car in Sydney and elsewhere in Australia, you will always be required to present a valid credit card in the ain driver's name when you arrive to collect your vehicle. This is because the local car rental supplier will need to place a hold on the value of the deductible for the vehicle you are hiring whilst visiting Sydney and the rest of New South Wales. Please note that at the end of the rental period, this amount will be returned to your card once the vehicle has been hecked and found to be in exactly the same condition it was in when you picked it up. It can come as a bit of a surprise for drivers when they try to pick up their car hire in Australia with just a debit or even a pre-paid card, only for it to be refused, which can sometimes result in the booking being lost. A credit card is a prerequisite because the car rental company needs to be sure that you can cover the cost of any damage you might cause to the vehicle. Please note that to hire a vehicle in the premium or luxury car category might meant that you will need to present two credit cards instead of just one, also in the name of the main driver.
You can easily check which cards and card types are acceptable for car hire in Sydney. All you need to do is click on the blue and white info icon (i) after making a search in our booking engine to access all the credit card relevant information relating to your chosen vehicle. It's worth noting that that when booking a cheap car rental in Sydney online with Auto Europe, we accept both credit and debit cards as payment methods for all pre-paid reservations. For more information on the use of credit cards when booking a car hire, please take a look at our information section about six of the most important things to know about credit cards and deposits before arriving in Sydney. You might also be interested in reading our special blog post on the subject of credit cards for more tips and suggestions when planning your next motoring adventure in New South Wales.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Sydney?
Auto Europe's rates for car rental in Sydney always include the minimum amount of legally-required coverage and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), either with or without excess depending on the car rental company. Please note that CDW doesn't cover every part of the vehicle, so for total peace of mind it's always best to spend a little extra for Auto Europe’s excellent Full Damage & Theft Protection coverage which includes any damage to the vehicle's glass, wheels, roof, under-carriage, etc. All the details you need regarding coverage can be easily accessed when making a search through Auto Europe's state-of-the-art booking engine. Just choose your dates and preferred vehicle category and supplier and clik on the blue and white info icon (i) in the search results where you'll find the amount of the CDW Deductible, Theft Insurance Deductible and Liability Insurance. The same info can also be found in the Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking your car hire in Sydney
Please note that some local car hire employees might offer you additional coverage at the time of pick-up, including (but not restricted) to PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), PEC (Personal Effects Coverage), Super CDW, Seguro Relax Insurance, Road Assistance etc. Auto Europe does not refund any locally-purchased insurance charges/fees even if the extra coverage sold is deemed unnecessary once the rental car has been returned. For more coverage-related advice and information, please check out our dedicated blog posts where you will find plenty of tips and suggestions about car hire coverage, along with an in-depth explanation in our special comprehensive car hire insurance overview.
How is the traffic in Sydney?
Sydney’s roads, partcularly those in and around the Central Business District (CBD), can be a little bit difficult to navigate, even with a GPS. To save time, it's always best to be well prepared before you start your journey in order to save time on the road. During the week, it's best to avoid the peak times of 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm, which can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to driving in Sydney. The most important thing you need to know about driving in Sydney is that they drive on the left, just like in the UK. In the Sydney CBD, the speed limit is 40kph, while in other parts of the city where road speeds are not signposted, the default speed limit is 50kph. When travelling outside Sydney, note that the maximum speed on country roads is 100kph and the maximum speed on motorways and dual-carriageways is 110kph. For more driving tips and advice on getting around Sydney and other parts of Australia by car, please take a look at the Australia Driving Guide on our website.
Where can I park my car hire in Sydney?
When looking for somewhere to park your car hire in Sydney, please note that spaces in the CBD are much sought after and not always available. This is because it is a popular spot for tourists and families visiting places like the harbour area, Sydney Opera House and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The local authorities operate two large, well-organised car parks, one in Goulburn St and the other at Kings Cross. We suggest these because street parking in the city centre is expensive. Approximately 25 per cent of the city’s on-street parking spaces are metered and some are free of charge but located further away from the CBD. Please note that the hourly rate varies according to the location and the time of day you are parking there. When picking up or dropping off your car rental at Sydney Airport, please note that there are various car parking options available which offer safe and secure parking just a short walk from the terminals, as well as budget, premium and valet options.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Sydney?
Yes, and there are quite a few of them. The most frequently-used toll roads in the city include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cross City Tunnel, Eastern Distributor, Lane Cove Tunnel, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Hills M2 Motorway, M5 South-West Motorway, Westlink M7 Motorway, Military Road E-Ramp, WestConnex M4 Motorway, WestConnex M5 East Motorway, WestConnex M8 Motorway and NorthConnex. Tolls in Sydney are collected either electronically or in cash-toll kiosks, although Australia is moving towards a completely electronic toll collection system with tolls increasingly paid with a transponder fitted inside the car. Some toll roads stil accept cash, but others require an E-Pass in order to access the motorway. In order to help travellers, the Roads and Maritime Services of New South Wales has developed partnerships with several car rental companies in order to provide a tolling solution giving travellers the ability to pay for their tolls automatically. The toll fee is usually charged by the supplier at a flat rate and will be added to the rental agreement at the time of pick-up. Some companies offering car rental in Sydney will charge you the correct amount when you return the car. Please note that if you do not have a transponder, your number plate will be photographed and you must pay the toll within 24 hours either by phone or online. It's also worth noting that if you drive through aboriginal tribal lands in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory, you will usually require a permit. For more information about tolls here, please visit the Linkt toll payment website.
Do I need an international driving license to hire a car in Sydney?
Yes, but only if the renter's driving licence is not written in the English language, in which case you will need to present an International Driving Permit issued from your country of residence or a translation issued by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Please note that your original driving licence must always be presented alongside the translation or International Driving Permit.
Can I drive my car in Sydney on unsealed roads and beaches?
No, in general this is not allowed, and the client will be liable for full responsibility for all the damage done to the vehicle while driving on unsealed roads or those exposed to water. Some car categories are allowed on unsealed roads (usually 4x4) but this needs to be checked with the supplier and will usually incur an additional fee along with written consent prior to setting out on your trip.
Sydney Travel Guide
With its laid-back beach town vibe, Sydney is all things to all travellers with numerous first-rate museums, top-class galleries, renowned gourmet restaurants and some of the world's best beaches, including Bondi. It is also the perfect place from which to explore New South Wales, arguably the most scenic of all the Australian states and one with many interesting tourist attractions, most notably the Blue Mountains and the Royal National Park.
Best day trips with my car rental in Sydney
With its long sandy coastline and surrounded by several national parks, the magnificent city of Sydney is the beating heart of New South Wales and the centre of a rgion bursting with thing to do and places to see. For travellers looking to go beyond the city's limits, we suggest our popular one-way car hire option which enables Auto Europe's customers to pick up their car hire in Sydney and drop it off in Melbourne or Canberra the capital, for instance. Please also check out our regular Free Additional Driver offers which allow people the option of being able to share the driving on longer road-trips around New South Wales.
Blue Mountains Discovery Trail
Part of the 1,200-kilometre Greater Blue Mountains Drive, this 36-kilometre driving route starts west of Katoomba and finishes at Wentworth Falls. The route has many attractions, including Echo Point and the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Scenic World, Sublime Point and Wentworth Falls Lake. This winding, edge-of-the-world drive is packed with scenic look-out opportunities, picnic areas and walking trails.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
One of the most popular day-trips from Sydney is the 45-minute drive north of the city to the picturesque Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the second-oldest national park in Australia. Here you can see Aboriginal rock art and soak up some of the most spectacular views in the whole of the south-east. Palm Beach is a great spot for a leisurely lunch and the chance to relax on long golden sands before enjoying a swim in the surf.
Grand Pacific Drive
Starting in the Royal National Park, the Grand Pacific Drive is a 140-kilometre scenic coastal route that leads travellers through lush rainforests, over the Sea Cliff Bridge and through the coastal townships of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven region on New South Wales' stunning south coast. Highlights include the white sandy beach of Jervis Bay and the head-spinning views along Sapphire Coast.
Royal National Park
Just an hour's drive south of Sydney lies the enchanting Royal National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Established in 1879, the park offers visitors the chance to see Aboriginal rock art and a vast array of wildlife, including some 250 different species of bird. Other popular activities at Royal National Park include barbecues, fishing, bushwalking, birdwatching and whale watching.
What to do in Sydney
The city is home to some of the world's most familiar sights and the first thing many first-time visitors do is get down to the waterfront and soak up the vista, which includes the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. After that, it's off to the museums (we suggest the Art Gallery of New South Wales) before an afternoon of bronzing and bathing on the iconic Bondi Beach, just 15 minutes away by car.
- Sydney Opera House: Iconic and ultra-stylish, the Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city's star attractions. Nestling on the waterfront, the building is a treasure trove of theatres, film studios, exhibition halls, concert venues and cinemas. Visitors can join a tour to learn all about its history whilst enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at everyday life at one of the world's most famous art centres.
- Royal Botanic Garden: One of the most precious jewels in Sydney's tourism crown, the Royal Botanic Garden is not only centrally located but one of the best attractions in the city. Established in 1816, the garden covers 30 hectares of themed areas, including the Australian Rainforest Garden, Palace Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Palm Grove, Tropical Garden, Fernery, Oriental Garden, Australian Native Rockery, Succulent Garden, Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters, Bicentenary Garden and the Pioneer Memorial Garden.
- Sydney Tower Eye: Sydney's tallest building, the 309-metre-high Sydney Tower Eye is one of the city's great landmarks and soars above the skyline. High-speed elevators rush visitors up to the observation deck in a few seconds and those with a head for heights can walk the Skywalk, a glass viewing platform with head-spinning views over the bustling inner city below. Take a break and enjoy some refreshment in the revolving restaurants and cafés before making your descent.
- Bondi Beach: One of the most famous stretches of sand in the world, Bondi Beach is not only a fine beach but one of the closest to the city centre. Reacheable in just 15 minutes with your car hire in Sydney, the beach is officially classified as an Australian Heritage Landmark and is so famous that it has its own reality TV show called Bondi Rescue. After enjoying a swim, why not check out the famous Bondi Icebergs Club for lunch or dinner with spectacular beach views as a backdrop.
- Art Gallery of New South Wales: Set in a verdant parkland, the excellent Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the Southern Hemisphere's most distinguished museums with collections ranging from works by the European masters to some of the best contemporary works from around the world. Housed in an elegant 19th-century building, the museum also features one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in Australia and runs a programme of talks, films, performances, courses and workshops throughout the year.
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