From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 5870242236
logo_img

Discover Australia's Coastal Routes

Plan the perfect one-way car rental journey from Darwin to Sydney

Can I rent a car from Darwin to Sydney?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Darwin to Sydney. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for AU residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

    Notes: If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are also supported, including Visa and Master.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 incur an additional fee of AUD 16.5 per day (approximately US$ 10.81 per day) with a cap of AUD 115.5 (approximately US$ 75.72) for the rental.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version)
    • Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are also supported, including Visa and Master.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 incur an additional fee of AUD 16.5 per day (approximately US$ 10.81 per day) with a cap of AUD 115.5 (approximately US$ 75.72) for the rental.
requirements.image

How much does renting a car from Darwin to Sydney cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 41/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 28-US$ 3,697US$ 0-US$ 2,960US$ 83-US$ 3,814Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 41-US$ 650US$ 0-US$ 847US$ 123-US$ 1,106Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 41-US$ 3,713US$ 0-US$ 2,960US$ 121-US$ 3,868Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 1,120-US$ 1,223US$ 847US$ 1,543-US$ 1,582Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 1,200-US$ 3,754US$ 847-US$ 2,960US$ 3,984Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • Understand Additional Costs: Be aware of potential one-way fees and include them in your budget calculations.
  • Verify Permitted Drop-Off Locations: Ensure that your chosen car rental agency allows drop-offs in your destination city, Sydney.
  • Check Road Restrictions: Some rental agreements may enforce restrictions on driving on certain terrains or across borders.
  • Gas Refill Policy: Confirm the policy for fuel refill before returning the car at Sydney to avoid penalties.
  • Review Insurance Options: Verify insurance coverage for a one-way trip and consider additional protections as needed.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Your Rental Early: Early bookings are likely to secure better car options and potentially lower costs.
  • Select Flexible Timelines: Plan your route with buffer time to accommodate unexpected delays.
  • Research Gas Stations: Identify conveniently located gas stations along your route to simplify fuel management.
  • Prepare Navigation Aids: Make sure you have maps or a GPS device ready for uninterrupted navigation.
  • Pack Essentials: Include necessary travel essentials and emergency kits for the long journey.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Always refuel the car before returning it to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use the recommended fuel type to ensure vehicle performance.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately $1.80 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Limit air conditioning use to conserve fuel.

refueling-bg
Darwin Parking

Parking in Darwin city center costs around $2.50 per hour.

Free parking is available in suburban areas.

Consider using parking lots near the airport for longer durations.

Sydney Parking

Sydney CBD parking rates can range from $5 to $10 per hour.

Look for early bird offers in parking garages for better rates.

Street parking is limited and often metered.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

Secure Parking

Wilson Parking

parking-bg

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Suggested Routes Between Darwin and Sydney:
The Explorer's Way
Historic Route 5-6 days

Travel through the heart of Australia, passing iconic landmarks and experiencing rural outback towns.

Katherine , Alice Springs , Coober Pedy
Overland Adventure
Scenic Route 7-8 days

A scenic journey featuring dramatic landscapes and unique natural formations.

Katherine , Kings Canyon , Broken Hill
Coastal Escape
Coastal Route 7-9 days

Explore Australia's eastern coast, combining stunning beaches, metropolitan cities, and rainforests.

Townsville , Brisbane , Newcastle
Comprehensive Guide to Car Rental Journey

Plan Your Route Ahead: Research and outline your stops along your journey for a seamless travel experience.

Fuel Up Regularly: Keep your tank full, especially in remote areas where gas stations are scarce.

Pre-Book Accommodations: Ensure overnight stays by reserving lodging in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Understand Rental Insurance: Clarify what is covered by the rental insurance and consider purchasing supplemental coverage if needed.

Adhere to Speed Limits: Australian roads have strict speed limits - observe them to ensure safety and avoid fines.

Carry a Reliable Map or GPS: Ensure you have a functional GPS device or a physical map for independent navigation.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental provider is essential for a smooth one-way trip from Darwin to Sydney. Here are some options that offer great one-way services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$$ExcellentNationwide Well-maintained fleet , Multiple vehicle options , Frequent availability
Avis$$$GoodNationwide Luxury vehicle choices , Superior customer service
Budget$$GoodWide Affordable rates , Broad availability
Europcar$$Very GoodNationwide Wide range of vehicles , Good road assistance service
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

companies-img1
Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

companies-img2
Best Rates

Compare across providers

companies-img3
24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

companies-img4
Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Darwin: Open from 07:00 to 23:00. Sydney: Open from 06:00 to 24:00.

Rental Center Location:

Darwin: Holmes St Terminal, Sydney: Adjacent to Domestic and International terminals.

Shuttle Frequency:

Every 15 minutes during operational hours at both locations.

Nearby Fuel Stations:

Darwin: Shell Service Station at 15 McMillans Rd. Sydney: BP at Mascot, 2km from terminal.

Pro Tips for Darwin Airport(DRW) Car Rentals

Ensure to refuel your vehicle close to the drop-off location to avoid extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental vehicle at one location and return it to another, such as renting a car in Darwin and returning it in Sydney.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, most car rental companies charge a one-way fee that covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin. The fee amount can vary.

What documents are required to rent a car?

You will typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and possibly a secondary form of identification.

Are there any restrictions on the type of vehicle for one-way rentals?

Availability of one-way rentals might be limited to specific vehicle types depending on the provider. It's recommended to check with the rental company beforehand.

Can I include additional drivers in my rental plan?

Most rental companies allow extra drivers, but they must meet the eligibility requirements and may incur additional fees.

Ready to Book Your Darwin to Sydney Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes