Airport vs City Car Rental in Australia: Which Is Cheaper?

1Average Prices Compared

Average daily rates from VroomVroomVroom’s 2025 data.

Off-airport depots were the cheapest option in every city in this data. The gap between airport and city branches was smaller and, in Sydney, went the other way.

2Why Airport Rentals Cost More

Airports charge rental companies for terminal space, and suppliers pass that on as a location fee or premium location surcharge. Demand is also highest at airports, especially for arrivals on Friday evenings and in school holidays.

3When Each Option Makes Sense

Pick up at the airport if...

• You are starting a road trip straight away.
• You arrive late at night, when city branches are closed.
• You are travelling with children and luggage.

Use an off-airport depot if...

• You want the lowest price and can spare 20 to 30 minutes for the shuttle each way.
• Your flight arrives within the shuttle’s operating hours.

Collect in the city if...

• You are spending the first days in the city, where parking is expensive and public transport is good.
• You only need the car for part of your stay.

4City by City: Which Is Better?

• Sydney: airport and city averages were close in 2025; collect at the airport for road trips, in the city for day trips.
• Melbourne: the airport averaged far more than city and off-airport; off-airport depots in Tullamarine are good value.
• Brisbane: off-airport depots in Eagle Farm and Hendra averaged around A$40 a day less than the airport.
• Perth: off-airport depots are in Kewdale, 5–10 minutes away.
• Adelaide: off-airport was the cheapest of any capital, around A$51 a day.
• Cairns: airport pick-up was expensive in peak season; off-airport depots are five minutes south.

5Timing Your Pick-up

If you land late in the evening, city branches will be closed and off-airport shuttles may have stopped. Booking at the airport avoids paying for a taxi to the city and then another day’s hire. On the other hand, if you are spending three days in the city first, collecting from a city branch on the morning you leave can save three days of rental and parking.

6Questions to Ask Yourself

• Will I drive on the day I land, or can the car wait?
• How much does parking cost where I am staying in the city?
• Do city branches open on the day and time I need, including weekends?
• Does the off-airport shuttle run when my flight lands and when I need to return?
• Is the saving bigger than the taxi or rideshare fare to a city branch?

If most answers point to driving straight away and late arrivals, the airport wins. If you have city days first, and branches are open when you need them, collect in the city.

7Hidden Costs to Compare

• Hotel parking in city centres can cost more than the rental itself.
• A taxi or rideshare to a city branch adds to the total.
• City branches often close earlier and on Sunday afternoons, which limits return times.
• Off-airport shuttles have set hours, so check them against your flights.

Also read: Sydney Airport car rental guide

Frequently Asked Questions