Sydney → Canberra one-way car rental

290 km, about 3 h. Compare fees, routes and total price.

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One-way car rental from Sydney → Canberra

A short, easy motorway drive to the national capital, good as a one-day transfer or the first leg of a longer trip south.

Distance

About 290 km via the Hume and Federal highways.

Driving time

About 3 h without long breaks.

Minimum hire

Often 1 day or more.

Typical one-way fee

A$50–150, depending on supplier and season.

Indicative figures only. The final fee is shown before you pay.

Sydney → Canberra route planner

Two ways to drive it. Pick a route to see every stop with its distance from Sydney, driving time, the leg that follows and a day plan.

Best for getting to Canberra faster

Fastest / direct journey

The most direct drive, via the Hume Highway and Federal Highway.

DistanceAbout 290 km
Driving timeAbout 3 h
Stops2 on the way
  1. A

    Sydney Pick-up

    Leave via the M5 or M31 Hume Motorway.

    0 kmStart
    Next: Goulburn · 195 km · about 2 h
  2. 1

    Goulburn Fuel & coffee

    Fuel, coffee and a break.

    195 kmAbout 2 h
    Next: Lake George · 50 km · about 30 min
  3. 2

    Lake George Sightseeing

    Lookout over the (often dry) lake and the wind farms.

    245 kmAbout 2 h 30 min
    Next: Canberra · 45 km · about 30 min
  4. B

    Canberra Drop-off

    Return at the airport or city depot.

    290 kmAbout 3 h

Approximate distances and times without long breaks. Driving times vary with traffic, roadworks and weather.

How Much Does a One-Way Car Rental Cost?

Your total is the rental price plus the one-way fee and any optional extras you choose. The exact amounts appear in your quote for your dates, car and locations.

Rental priceBased on your dates and car type
One-way feeShown before you payCharged for dropping the car in a different city
Optional extrasOptionalOnly what you choose to add
Typical one-way fee on this route A$50–150 indicativeFees vary by supplier, vehicle, locations and travel dates.
What affects the one-way fee?
  • The rental supplier
  • The vehicle category
  • Your pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Availability on your dates

How much is a one-way car rental fee in Australia?

A one-way fee is added when you drop the car in a different city. For Sydney to Canberra it is usually lower than on long interstate routes, and it changes by supplier and season.

CategoryDaily rate fromTypical one-way fee
EconomyA$39A$50–120
CompactA$46A$50–130
SUVA$68A$80–150
VanA$95A$120–200

Estimate your total

Indicative only. The final fee is shown before you pay. Relocation deals can reduce or remove it.

Sydney → Canberra Driving Essentials

Four things worth knowing before you set off.

Keep Left

Australia drives on the left, including at roundabouts and when you pull back onto the road after a stop.

Watch Your Speed

Follow posted limits and changing road conditions. Speed limits vary by state, road type and area, so always follow the signs.

Plan Fuel Stops

Don't rely on finding fuel exactly when your tank is low. Fill up in larger towns, and check the fuel policy in your rental agreement.

Take Breaks

Long-distance driving requires regular rest. Share the driving if you can, and stop when you feel tired.

Important: Speed limits are determined by road signage and conditions; always follow the current posted limit.

Smart Tips for a Sydney → Canberra Road Trip

Practical checks travellers often make too late.

Check the return location

Drop-off locations in Canberra may have different operating arrangements. Pick the one that suits your arrival.

Confirm the one-way fee

Don't compare only the daily rental rate. Compare the total price with the one-way fee included.

Check after-hours return

Particularly important if your arrival time is late. Confirm how and where to return the car and the keys.

Check kilometre limits

A 290 km trip can use a lot of your allowance once you add side trips. Check what your rental includes.

Allow extra time for stops

The direct drive is about 3 h. Stops, meals and fuel breaks add up, so plan your days to match.

Check vehicle restrictions

Some vehicle categories may have different one-way rules. Check before you confirm a category.

Photograph the vehicle at pickup

Record existing damage before leaving, and make sure it is noted on your paperwork.

Keep the rental agreement accessible

Keep a copy on your phone and the paper copy in the car, in case you are asked for it.

Traveller questions

Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.

How long does the drive from Sydney to Canberra take?

About 3 h on the Hume and Federal highways, without long breaks.

Driving Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can I drop the car at Canberra after driving from Sydney?

Often yes, at an airport or city depot in Canberra. Confirm the drop-off hours and any surcharge.

One-way Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Are there tolls between Sydney and Canberra?

Tolls apply leaving Sydney (M5 or M7 depending on your start).

Costs & fees Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can I save money on the Sydney to Canberra one-way fee?

Compare suppliers, flexible dates, both directions and relocation deals.

Costs & fees Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can I rent a car one-way from Sydney to Canberra?

Yes. Many suppliers allow different pickup and drop-off locations, and a one-way charge may apply.

One-way Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

How much does a one-way rental cost from Sydney to Canberra?

It varies by supplier, route, vehicle and dates. Any one-way charge is shown before you book.

Costs & fees Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Are tolls included on a Sydney to Canberra one-way trip?

Usually not. Tolls are typically charged separately.

Costs & fees Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can I drive on unsealed roads on a Sydney to Canberra one-way trip?

Many agreements restrict or exclude them. Check your conditions before you go.

Driving Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can I take a rental car on a ferry on a Sydney to Canberra one-way trip?

Often restricted. Check terms, including for Tasmania ferries.

Driving Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

What is the excess on a Sydney to Canberra one-way trip?

The maximum you may pay for damage unless you reduce it. It varies by supplier and vehicle.

Costs & fees Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can I add another driver on a Sydney to Canberra one-way trip?

Usually, if they meet age and licence rules. A fee may apply.

Booking Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can I return the car after hours on a Sydney to Canberra one-way trip?

Some locations allow it with a key drop. Confirm before you book.

Booking Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Can international visitors rent a car from Sydney to Canberra?

Generally yes with a valid licence. An English translation or permit may be needed.

Booking Applies to: Sydney → Canberra

Other one-way trips

All one-way routes and fees