SIXT

If you’re hiring a car in Australia, start by comparing East Coast, Avis, Budget and SIXT for your dates and pick-up location. They’re established options, but there isn’t one company that’s best for every trip.

My practical pick: try East Coast first if its location suits you; compare Avis, Budget and SIXT for the same car class and dates; add No Birds in Sydney or Perth. Compare the total cost, not just the daily rate—including the damage excess, excess-reduction cover, kilometre limits and any one-way fee. CHOICE notes that a cheaper-looking hire can become much more expensive once excess-reduction charges are added. (canstarblue.com.au)

The big names most Australians use

CHOICE says the six biggest rental companies in Australia are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT and Thrifty. They're the safest default for airport pick-ups, one-way hires and business travel.

• Hertz has over 220 locations nationwide. On Booking.com it scores 8.7 ("Excellent") from about 18,000 reviews.
• Avis and Budget are both part of the Avis Budget Group. Avis is often named for premium vehicles and for business travel in Sydney and Melbourne. Canstar Blue's 2026 hire-car ratings put Avis second overall.
• Thrifty scores 8.6 on Booking.com across roughly 24,000 reviews.
• Europcar has more than 100 locations nationwide. It scores lower on Booking.com (8.0).
• SIXT is Sydney-based in this listing and scores 8.4 on Booking.com. It's a good option if you want newer, more European-style cars.

Local and budget options that rate well

• East Coast Car Rentals came out on top in Canstar Blue's 2026 hire-car ratings, ahead of Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty and Hertz. It's also top-rated on Booking.com, at 8.7 from about 19,500 reviews.
• Redspot Car Rentals describes itself as Australia's only family-owned car rental business operating on-airport. Trustpilot reviewers rate it lower (3.7) than some competitors.
• Bargain Car Rentals is Hobart-based and has a Trustpilot score of 4.4 across many reviews.
• Ace Rental Cars scores 8.3 on Booking.com. Other smaller names include Alpha, Apex and Alama.

Tips

• The major companies offer relatively similar services, so price is probably the biggest factor to consider.
• Budget brands often have cheaper headline rates but can charge more for extras like excess reduction, tolls and young-driver fees. Check the insurance excess and the fuel and kilometre policies before you book.
• Use a comparison site such as Booking.com or Rentalcars to see several brands at once. For one-way trips or remote areas, the big brands usually have more depots.
• If you want to cover a long distance cheaply, relocation deals are sometimes available (Apollo and Wicked Campers offer relocations).

Quick picks

• Best all-rounder or reliability: Hertz or Avis.
• Best value and satisfaction: East Coast Car Rentals.
• Best for one-way or regional trips: Hertz, Avis, Budget or Thrifty.

Many of these rankings come from blogs and comparison sites, so treat them as a guide. Check recent reviews for the specific city or airport you'll collect from.

Whether you're taking off on a coast-to-coast road trip, doing a weekend run down the coast, or just need a set of wheels while yours is in the shop, the Australian car rental market breaks down into two main categories: In-Terminal Majors (maximum convenience) and Off-Terminal Local/Value Brands (best bang for your buck).

1. Best Value & Top-Rated Local Brands (Off-Terminal)

These companies typically operate via a quick 5–10 minute shuttle bus from the major airport terminals, saving you significant money compared to airport desk rates.

• East Coast Car Rentals

  • Best for: Overall customer satisfaction and budget-conscious travel.
  • Why people use them: Consistently rated as Australia's top rental company (winning Canstar Blue's Most Satisfied Customers award). They offer clean, late-model cars at noticeably lower daily rates than the international giants.
  • Coverage: Major east coast capitals, Gold Coast, Cairns, Hobart, and major airport hubs.

• Apex Car Rentals

  • Best for: Transparent pricing with zero hidden fees.
  • Why people use them: Highly popular in New Zealand and now well-established across Australia. Apex is loved for including zero excess reduction options at reasonable prices, unlimited kilometres, and no hidden charges for additional drivers.

• Bargain Car Rentals

  • Best for: Cheap road trips, regional runs, and Tasmania trips.
  • Why people use them: A fantastic budget operator that shines in Tasmania (Hobart/Launceston), Melbourne, Brisbane, and Darwin. They are especially popular with travelers looking for simple, hassle-free value.

• Bayswater Car Rental (No Birds)

  • Best for: Cheap town cars in Perth and Sydney.
  • Why people use them: A local legend in Western Australia and NSW. Known for their distinct "No Birds" branding, they offer flat, extremely low daily rates on standard hatchbacks and sedans with generous mileage limits.

2. Best for Airport Convenience & Premium Fleets (In-Terminal)

If you want to walk off the flight, grab your keys straight at the terminal desk, and drive away without waiting for a shuttle, stick to the global majors.

• Avis & Hertz

  • Best for: Business travel, corporate perks, and seamless airport pickups.
  • Why people use them: They hold the prime airport terminal real estate across every state capital and regional hub. Avis frequently tops customer service satisfaction among the global majors, while Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards lets you bypass the counter entirely at major airports like Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE).

• Sixt Australia

  • Best for: Electric vehicles (EVs) and modern car models.
  • Why people use them: Partnered with the NRMA motoring club in Australia, Sixt has one of the newest fleets in the country, including a large selection of Tesla and BYD EVs, as well as premium 4WDs and commercial Utes/trucks.

• Europcar & Budget

  • Best for: Extensive regional coverage and middle-tier pricing.
  • Why people use them: Great fallback options with massive networks spanning remote towns, regional airports, and major cities. Budget often runs solid promotional discounts when booked in advance.

3. Best for Short Trips & Hourly Rentals (Car Sharing)

If you only need a car for a few hours, a quick errands run, or a day trip without traditional rental paperwork:

• Uber Carshare (formerly Car Next Door): Peer-to-peer car renting located right in residential streets across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Great for booking a neighbor's ute to haul furniture or a quick hatchback.
• GoGet: Australia's largest dedicated car-share network. Pods are parked on streets and in shopping centres across major metro areas. Fuel, insurance, and km allowances are built into the hourly/daily rates.

4. Best for Campervans & Epic Highway Trips

If you are planning a longer coastal road trip (e.g., Sydney to Cairns or the Great Ocean Road) and want to sleep on the road:

• JUCY: Iconic green-and-purple campervans and budget hatchbacks aimed at young travelers and road-trippers.
• Apollo / Britz / Maui: The premier choices for fully equipped 2-berth to 6-berth motorhomes and 4WD camper conversions (ideal for the Outback and Red Centre).

Pro-Tips for Renting a Car in Australia

1. Watch Out for the Excess: Standard rental excess in Australia can be steep (often $4,000–$5,000 AUD). Taking excess reduction directly from the hire company adds $25–$45/day. Check if your travel insurance or credit card includes rental car excess cover, or look into standalone domestic hire car insurance.
2. Unpaved Roads & Night Driving: Standard rental agreements prohibit driving on unsealed/gravel roads (except designated access roads to campgrounds/attractions). Also, watch for night-driving restrictions in outback/rural areas due to wildlife risks (kangaroos and livestock).
3. Tolls: Australia's toll roads (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) are fully electronic (no cash booths). Most rental companies have built-in e-tags; they will simply bill your registered card automatically for any tolls plus a small daily administration fee (around $3–$5).
4. Compare Aggregators: Use comparison sites like VroomVroomVroom, DriveNow, or Rentalcars.com to compare real-time rates between brands before booking directly.

For most Australians, the best shortlist is East Coast Car Rentals, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar and SIXT. East Coast ranked highest for overall customer satisfaction in Canstar Blue’s 2026 survey, followed by Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty and Hertz.

Practical recommendations

• For a normal airport rental: compare East Coast, Avis, Budget and Hertz first.
• For the lowest price: check East Coast, Budget, Thrifty, Bargain and Apex, but compare the final price after excess reduction, young-driver fees, airport charges and additional-driver fees.
• For a one-way interstate trip: start with Hertz, Avis, Budget or Europcar, which are generally safer choices for broad network coverage.
• For Tasmania or regional travel: compare East Coast, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Thrifty and local operators; availability can be more important than the headline daily rate.
• For remote or unsealed roads: confirm in writing that the vehicle is permitted on the roads you plan to use. Standard rental cars commonly exclude unsealed roads, beaches and some remote routes.

Best default choice: book East Coast Car Rentals if its price and pickup location suit you; otherwise choose Avis or Hertz for the most predictable mainstream experience. Customer ratings vary by branch, so compare the exact depot and read the excess, fuel and damage terms before paying.

In Australia, the “best” hire-car company depends on whether you want airport convenience, cheapest total price, or a short local car-share. The brands people actually use most are:

Best all-round / airport majors

• Avis – strong airport network, good app, reliable; usually not cheapest.
• Hertz – similar to Avis, wide coverage and loyalty program; often pricey but frequent deals.
• Budget – Avis’s value brand; very common at airports and usually cheaper than Avis.
• Europcar – strong metro/airport presence, competitive mid-range pricing.
• Thrifty – widely used value major; often good deals, especially airport pickup.
• Sixt – growing in Australia; good if you want newer/premium cars, but fewer branches.
• Enterprise – good service and decent fleet, but fewer locations than the big five.

Best budget / no-frills brands people actually book

• Redspot – common budget option, especially city/airport; basic but usually cheap.
• Ace Rental Cars – no-frills, often cheapest through comparison sites; check depot hours and excess.
• East Coast Car Rentals – popular budget independent on the east coast.
• No Birds / Bayswater Car Rental – well-known cheap option in Sydney/Perth; older fleet, simple product.
• Jucy – more campervan/car-camping than standard rental.

Car share for short local trips

• GoGet – popular in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane for hourly/daily local use.
• Uber Carshare – peer-to-peer car share; good for nearby short hires, but check insurance/excess carefully.

Campervans / road trips

• Apollo, Britz, Maui, Jucy, Spaceships – the main names people use for campervan holidays. For outback/4WD trips, check allowed roads and insurance exclusions carefully.

Practical Australian advice

• Compare total price, not just daily rate: excess reduction, airport surcharge, young-driver fee, one-way fee, tolls/e-tag, fuel policy and credit-card hold.
• Use DiscoverCars, Rentalcars.com or Kayak to compare, but also check the brand’s own site — direct can be cheaper.
• At Australian airports you’ll mostly see Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, Sixt and Enterprise; all are generally fine, so pick on total price and branch reviews.
• For cheapest: start with Ace, Redspot, East Coast or No Birds, but read Google/ProductReview reviews for the specific depot.
• For short local trips instead of a traditional rental: GoGet or Uber Carshare.

My shortlist: Avis/Hertz for easy airport hires, Budget/Thrifty/Europcar for best value among majors, Sixt/Enterprise as good alternatives, Ace/Redspot/East Coast/No Birds for budget, and GoGet for short local car share.

East Coast Car Rentals, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and Thrifty are among the top car hire companies Australians actually use, based on customer satisfaction surveys, market share, review volumes, and popularity.

Your choice depends on priorities like price, reliability, airport convenience, or specific vehicle needs (e.g., campervans or utes). Big international names dominate airports and major cities with wide fleets, while local or value-focused operators like East Coast often win on satisfaction and pricing for everyday hires.

Top Recommendations

Here are the standout options that come up consistently in recent 2025–2026 data from Canstar Blue surveys, review aggregators, and market stats:

• East Coast Car Rentals — Frequently tops customer satisfaction (Canstar Blue’s 2026 Most Satisfied Customers award). Aussies rate it highly for value, vehicle quality, and service. It has 14+ locations in capital cities and airports, offering small cars through to SUVs, utes, and minibuses. Great for road trips or when you want a solid local alternative without big-brand markups.

• Avis — Strong all-rounder with excellent AI-driven recommendations and solid review scores (often 8.7+ on platforms like Booking.com). Wide network, reliable service, and good for business or longer hires. Frequently ranks near the top alongside Hertz.

• Budget — Excellent value and high ratings (e.g., 8.8 on Booking.com with tens of thousands of reviews). Often praised for transparency, vehicle availability, and competitive pricing. Won Canstar in 2025 and performs well year-to-year. Ideal if you’re watching costs but still want a major brand.

• Hertz — The market leader by share (~25.6%) with the biggest fleet and presence. Reliable for airport pickups (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, etc.) and has loyalty perks. Mixed but generally solid reviews; good if you want maximum availability and options like premium or electric vehicles.

• Europcar (including Keddy) — Strong performer in satisfaction surveys and popular for flexibility. Good range of vehicles and competitive airport deals. Often recommended for both leisure and business.

• Thrifty — Competitive pricing and decent review volume. Frequently appears in “best value” lists and has a solid presence nationwide.

Other Strong Contenders

• Sixt — Popular for a premium feel and modern fleet; high website traffic in Australia.
• Bargain Car Rentals and Alpha Car Hire — Locals that often score well on value, cleanliness, and airport shuttles in reviews (especially on ProductReview.com.au and Trustpilot).
• JUCY — Go-to for campervans and backpacker-style road trips.

Quick Tips for Hiring in Australia

Major brands have the most locations at airports (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne Tullamarine, Brisbane) and CBDs, making them convenient for fly-drive trips. Locals like East Coast or Bargain can be cheaper for city or regional hires.

Compare deals on aggregator sites (DiscoverCars, Booking.com Cars, or Airport Rentals) for real-time pricing and reviews. Check excess/insurance options carefully—third-party or excess reduction is often worth it. Minimum driver age is usually 21 (with possible surcharges under 25). Book ahead for peak times like school holidays or summer.

East Coast or Budget are strong starting points for most people seeking a balance of price and reliability, while Avis or Hertz suit those prioritising network size and consistency. Check recent reviews for your specific pickup location, as experiences can vary by branch. Safe travels!

The top car rental companies in Australia include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, and highly rated local brands like East Coast Car Rentals, which earned Australia’s 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Award.

Major International Brands People Commonly Use

These companies dominate airports and major cities and are widely used by travelers:

Hertz — Known for a large fleet, strong reliability, and broad national coverage across Australia’s cities and airports. Avis — Offers competitive rates, a smooth booking process, and a wide selection including eco‑friendly vehicles. Europcar — Popular with business travelers, offering flexible rental options and strong corporate support. Budget — A go‑to for affordable rentals without sacrificing essential services; widely available nationwide. Thrifty — Focuses on low prices and a no‑frills experience, with a wide range of vehicle types.

Top Local & Highly Rated Australian Brands

These companies often provide better value and strong customer satisfaction:

East Coast Car Rentals — Rated #1 for customer satisfaction in 2026 by Canstar Blue. No Birds — A popular local budget option with strong Trustpilot presence. Redspot Car Rentals — Known for straightforward pricing and solid service. JUCY Campervan & Motorhome Hire — Ideal for road‑trip travelers seeking campervans or motorhomes. East Coast Car Rentals also appears prominently on Trustpilot’s list of top vehicle rental companies in Australia.

Comparison Table: Best Options by Traveler Type

Traveler Type | Best Companies | Why Budget Travelers | Budget, Thrifty, No Birds, East Coast Car Rentals | Low prices, wide availability, strong satisfaction ratings 3 Business Travelers | Europcar, Hertz, Avis | Corporate-friendly services, flexible rentals, premium fleet options 1 Airport Convenience | Hertz, Avis, Europcar, East Coast Car Rentals | Large airport presence and fast pickup/drop-off 2 Road Trip / Campervan Travelers | JUCY | Campervans and motorhomes for long-distance travel 1 3 Sources3

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

Price & fees — Compare quotes across multiple companies; Budget and Thrifty often lead on affordability. Vehicle selection — Hertz and Avis offer the widest range, while East Coast provides strong variety at lower cost. Customer satisfaction — East Coast Car Rentals is the 2026 standout winner. Location availability — International brands dominate airports; local brands may offer better value but fewer locations.

Practical Tips for Renting in Australia

Book early, especially during peak travel seasons. Inspect the vehicle for damage before driving off. Familiarize yourself with Australian driving laws and long-distance travel conditions. Fuel costs vary widely across regions, so consider a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Final Recommendation

If you want the best overall customer experience, choose East Coast Car Rentals (top-rated in 2026). If you prefer maximum convenience at airports, go with Hertz, Avis, or Europcar. For budget-friendly travel, Budget, Thrifty, or No Birds are strong choices.

Would you like recommendations tailored to your travel style—budget, business, or road trip?

The top-rated and most popular car rental brands in Australia span both major global names and well-liked local independents:

Top Rental Brands & Products

No Birds (Bayswater Car Rental): A cult-favorite and highly rated local independent brand (particularly prominent in Sydney/NSW) known for transparent pricing and strong customer service (rated ~4.9 on Trustpilot). East Coast Car Rentals: A popular regional/national choice for road trips with strong ratings (~4.3 on Trustpilot) and competitive pricing outside major downtown cores. Avis & Budget: Reliable household names with extensive airport and city locations (such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Hobart), offering everything from compact cars like the Suzuki Swift or Toyota Corolla to SUVs like the Toyota C-HR or Kia EV5. Apex Car Rentals: Frequently praised by travelers for offering lower-cost alternatives to major brands while maintaining solid vehicle quality. Europcar & Hertz: Major international operators with large fleets spanning standard sedans, luxury models, and SUVs across major Australian airports and metropolitan hubs.

Common Vehicle Classes People Rent

Economy / Compact: Suzuki Swift or similar (great for city parking and low fuel costs). Suzuki Swift Midsize / SUVs: Toyota C-HR, Toyota Yaris Cross, or Kia EV5 (ideal for luggage, comfort, and longer regional drives). Toyota C-HR Toyota Yaris Cross Kia EV5 Premium / Luxury: BMW X5 or Audi Q5 (available through major desks at primary airports like Sydney and Melbourne). BMW X5 Audi Q5

You can check real-time availability and user discussions on traveler forums like the Tripadvisor Australia Car Rental Thread or browse provider options directly.

If you tell me where you are picking up the car and your destination or route, I can recommend the best company and vehicle type for that specific trip.

When looking for a rental vehicle in Australia, the market is broadly split between major international legacy brands, trusted regional independents, and peer-to-peer sharing platforms. People rely on different providers depending on whether they are booking an airport pickup, hunting for budget-friendly rates, or looking for specific vehicles (like EVs or commercial vans).

Major International Brands (Best for Wide Network & Airport Desks)

Avis Australia: Widely considered a market leader for corporate and general travel, featuring extensive airport and downtown locations, well-maintained late-model fleets, and straightforward loyalty integration. Avis Australia Hertz Australia: Known for a massive national footprint spanning major cities and remote regional outposts, plus one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) rental selections in the country. Hertz Australia Budget Car Rental: Operates as a sister company to Avis but targets value-conscious drivers. It is one of the largest physical networks in Australia, though peak airport counters can experience high traffic. Budget Car Rental Europcar Australia: Frequently scores high in local consumer satisfaction and customer service ratings at major transport hubs, offering a modern, diverse fleet. Europcar Australia SIXT Australia: Operates with a premium European flair and a strong local network, offering competitive rates on everything from compact city cars to commercial trucks. SIXT Australia

Top Independent & Value Brands (Best for Price & Local Service)

East Coast Car Rentals: A massive independent provider heavily favored by holidaymakers along the east and south coasts. Frequently winning consumer choice and value awards, they are popular for offering transparent package deals. East Coast Car Rentals Bargain Car Rentals: Highly rated across major mainland and Tasmanian airports, standing out because they don’t slug younger drivers (over 21) with exorbitant underage surcharges. Bargain Car Rentals Apex Car Rentals: Backed by major operational infrastructure, Apex is widely praised for pricing transparency, clean late-model cars, and free airport shuttle connections. Apex Car Rentals

Alternative Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing

Turo: A peer-to-peer marketplace where you rent directly from local car owners rather than a traditional rental counter. It's a popular choice in metropolitan areas for finding unique vehicle models or specific luxury/EV options. Turo

If you share your pickup and drop-off locations and trip dates, I can help you compare estimated daily pricing or look up specific vehicle classes available for your journey.