How to find a cheap car hire deal in Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Searching for a cheap Darwin International Airport rental car? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging ج.م. 2,353 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily rental prices at Darwin International Airport start from just ج.م. 1,290.
Staying a little longer in Darwin? Book a weekly rental from ج.م. 6,756 and make room for more adventures.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Four weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a DRW car hire.
At Darwin International Airport, you can pick up a ride from trusted providers such as Bargain Car Rentals, Thrifty and East Coast.
Whether you book with Bargain Car Rentals or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Darwin International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in DRW.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Darwin International Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.
Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices coming in at ج.م. 2,324 a day.
Offering daily rates of around ج.م. 2,526, this provider lands in second place.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly ج.م. 2,646 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travellers at DRW.
Compare car hire types from Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this cheap Darwin International Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this DRW car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Darwin International Airport that fits a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your DRW car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Darwin International Airport.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your rental in Australia. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your DRW car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to go.
You'll need some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Get acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in Australia.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. In general that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
English is the language used most widely across the country.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've grabbed the keys to your DRW car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Darwin is about 13 kilometres north and a drive of around 15 minutes if that's where your journey begins.
Allow roughly 20 minutes to get from Darwin International Airport to the city centre during peak travel times.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
Don't need a set of wheels straight away? Consider grabbing a car hire in Darwin instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Start with some of the most popular attractions in Darwin, such as Mindil Beach and Mindil Beach Park. Whether you drive your rental or get there another way, you'll want to check out these highlights before moving on.
Around 14 kilometres southeast of DRW, Palmerston should feature on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Goyder Square and Pretty Park.
Add Humpty Doo to your journey too. Roughly 31 kilometres southeast of the airport, drive there in your Darwin International Airport car hire to see major highlights such as Jenny's Orchid Garden and Howard Springs Pine Forest.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Take off to Jabiru, around 209 kilometres east of DRW. From Lake Jabiru to Mamukala Billabong, your journey will end on a high note.
