Easy and efficient with a competitive price to boot!
Jerry O Gorman
Great value rental rates and exclusive special deals
Why book a rental car with us?
GoSee are your trusted Aussie travel experts
We’re here for you when you need us
On most cars up to 72 hours prior to pickup
See more with a car rental from Sydney Domestic Airport
Pick up your hire car at Sydney Airport and get on your way to Australia’s most iconic locations. From the sparkle of Sydney Harbour Bridge to the sands of Bondi Beach, this city’s world-class attractions will keep you captivated for days on end. Compare Sydney Airport car rental prices on GoSee to take advantage of the hottest deals and booking benefits available.
Explore our special offers
Free 1 Additional Driver Black Friday Sale Alpha Car Hire Australia Brisbane Airport, Brisbane - Hendra + 4 more 01 December 2022 - 31 March 2023 Minimum hire period: 3 days
Car hire Sydney: Pick up locations
Sydney Airport has two domestic terminals, with several car rental companies located at the arrivals level. Just follow the signs. See the map below for depot locations in and around Sydney Airport.
What you need to know about Sydney Airport car hire
Upon landing at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you’ll either collect your rental vehicles from the car hire desks at the Arrivals Hall area on the Ground Floor, or hop on a shuttle to an offsite car rental location. Sydney is a large sprawling city of over 5 million people, so mastering the roads here will take a bit of practice. Refer to the tips below to help you on your way.
Getting around Sydney in your airport car rental
The fastest driving route between Sydney Airport and the city centre is the M1, which is one of Sydney’s toll roads. This trip is practically a straight line that runs from north to south and will take just over 20 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The other option is to drive via O’Riordan Street, which runs almost parallel to the M1 and doesn’t involve tolls, but often has congestion at certain points so will take longer.
Avoid peak driving hours if you can, as this will add stress and take more time.
There is a network of motorways, known as the Sydney Orbital Network, that circumnavigates the city. These motorways such as the Eastern Distributor, the Westlink M7, and Lane Cove Tunnel, often include tolls. Toll roads are cashless, so there’s no need to carry change with you, but you will need to ensure your Sydney car hire has an electronic tag. Rental companies usually include these as standard, but it’s a good idea to talk to the staff when you pick up your vehicle about how it all works.
There are two city-operated parking buildings in the city, along with plenty of metered options and private parks, but competition is fierce. Note that meters accept payment by coin, credit card, and mobile phone.
Exploring Sydney in your rental car
Prepare to add several days to your airport car rentals Sydney itinerary just to see the countless attractions this city has to offer. From nature and history to arts and culture, from all directions like the Royal National Park down south to the Blue Mountains out west, this is one city where you’ll never get bored.
Sydney Harbour Bridge & Sydney Opera House
You haven’t visited Sydney unless you’ve seen the iconic architecture of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Taronga Zoo
Equally enjoyable for kids and adults alike, the Taronga Zoo in Mosman puts on a fantastic showing of all things wild and wonderful.
The Rocks
Come for the markets, stay for the food. This lively section of Sydney offers interesting history, unique shopping, and endless entertainment.
Bondi Beach
There’s something for everyone at this well-known and well-loved location. Surf the waves, dine at a trendy local cafe, or simply soak up the beachy atmosphere and good vibes.
Darling Harbour
Get amongst it as you float along between fantastic eateries, entertainment venues, and buzzy bars in this vibrant hotspot in central Sydney.
The Blue Mountains
Known for the blue hue that blankets the trees of this ruggedly beautiful section of NSW, the Blue Mountains offer challenging hikes, waterfall views, and animal encounters. The drive will take a couple of hours in your Sydney Airport car rental. This attraction is among the top highlights of many car rental Western Sydney road trips.
If you have more than a few days to spare, you could consider starting off in a different Australian city. An Adelaide Airport car rental, a Melbourne car hire road trip, or a Gold Coast Airport car hire are all great options. You may want to book a Sunshine Coast car hire or Brisbane car rental. The choice is yours!
Choosing the right Sydney Airport car hire
Price is important in a rental car, but so is comfort and safety that's why many people search for "car hire near me". Consider your plans for your Sydney visit and keep in mind these tips for selecting a hire car.
- For a city-focused excursion, a smaller compact or economy-size vehicle will best suit the narrow roads and small parking spaces of Sydney.
- Exploring the countryside may call for an intermediate, large, or SUV model with more space, safety features, and a bigger boot for luggage.
- Luxury car hire is available from Sydney Airport for those special occasions.
If you wish to continue your journey and you are up on driving a campervan, you can always count on GoSee for the best motorhome rental deals. Book an RV hire in Brisbane, Melbourne, or in Cairns to begin your road trip. Use GoSee's handy filters to get the perfect vehicle that suits your itinerary.
What our customers say
Car rental Sydney Airport: Frequently asked questions
Expand all
How much does it cost to hire a car at Sydney Airport?
Prices for car rental Sydney Australia Airport deals will vary depending on availability, which will fluctuate based on the time of year and time of booking. For the most accurate and up-to-the-minute rates, simply type in your destination and dates and let our search engine find the best deal across brands.
What is the cheapest car hire company at Sydney Airport?
Looking for a cheap car hire? Often the cheapest car hire brands at Sydney Airport are East Coast Car Rentals, Apex, and Jucy. However, it is best to browse rates for rental cars in Sydney Airport NSW using our instant comparison search engine. It is worth noting that the cheaper brands tend to have fewer perks.
Which car rental suppliers are based in or around Sydney Airport?
There is a wide range of hire car brands at or nearby Sydney Airport, including Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Apollo, Ace, Keddy, Avis, Jucy, and many more. Type your desired details into the search bar to see what brands for car rentals Sydney Airport are available during your stay.
Which car hire companies in Sydney have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Most of the major brands of car hire in Sydney, in all of New South Wales and even nationwide, have updated their health and safety protocols due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected. These rental companies include Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Thrifty.
Can I collect a car from Sydney Airport and return somewhere else?
Yes. It is possible to drop off your rental car at other depot locations available in the country. Be aware though that one-way rental usually incur additional fees, and in some cases, there are restrictions when crossing state lines, particularly during COVID-19 outbreaks.
How old do I need to be to rent a car from Sydney Airport?
The minimum age requirement to hire a car from Sydney Airport (SYD) is 21 years old, with few exceptions. Additionally, there may be a young driver surcharge for those between the ages of 21 and 24.
What types of cars can I rent from Sydney Airport?
Our partnered brands offer a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, including Economy (Hyundai Accent or similar), Compact (Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar), SUV (Mitsubishi Outlander or similar), Intermediate (Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar), or Large (Toyota Camry Sedan or similar). You may also rent from the Premium/Luxury cars range (Holden SV6 or similar), or People Carrier/Vans range (Hyundai iMax / Kia Carnival or similar).
Can I return my vehicle after hours?
Our car hire Sydney Airport partners have varying policies on after-hours returns. Select your desired return time on the search bar to view the available options under each hire car Sydney Airport listing. In some cases, you may return the vehicle at the car park and leave the keys in a drop box. If you are unsure about your options, give us a call or contact the depot directly.
Do I need to fill up the tank before returning my rental car?
Yes, and BP petrol station is the nearest gas station to Sydney Airport is located at the corner of General Holmes Drive and Butler Road. It is around 3 kilometres from Sydney Domestic Airport and 5 kilometres from the International Terminal.
What is the speed limit in Sydney?
Speed limits range from 30-60km/h in mixed-use urban areas and start to rise as you get further from the centre and city limits. Look up the latest state speed limit rules for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
