East Coast Car Rentals

If you’re in Australia, the safest shortlist is East Coast Car Rentals, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz, SIXT and Europcar — then add Bargain or Apex if price matters more than on-airport convenience.

My top picks

Best cheap alternatives people use

• Bargain Car Rentals — good to check in tourist/airport markets; it lists locations at major airports including Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth and Sunshine Coast. (bargaincarrentals.com.au)
• Apex Car Rentals — another price-focused option with Australian branches in major cities/airports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart and Launceston. (apexrentals.cn)

What I’d actually book

• Best all-rounder: East Coast Car Rentals
• Best big-brand value: Budget or Thrifty
• Best corporate/airport reliability: Avis or Hertz
• Best premium-ish mainstream option: SIXT
• Best “just compare the quote” brand: Europcar
• Best cheap/off-airport options: Bargain or Apex

Practical Australian hire-car tips

• Always compare the total cost, not just the daily rate: excess reduction, airport fees, toll admin fees, one-way fees, child seats and additional drivers can change the winner. The ACCC specifically advises reading the contract carefully and checking total cost, who can drive, breakdown/collision rules and liability coverage. (accc.gov.au)
• Consider standalone car-hire excess insurance or travel insurance rather than automatically buying the counter waiver; CHOICE found counter excess reduction can be expensive and says standalone/travel-insurance options can be cheaper, though you may need to pay first and claim later. (choice.com.au)
• For airport convenience, stick with Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT, Thrifty where available; for cheaper rates, check East Coast, Bargain or Apex, but confirm whether they’re on-airport or shuttle-based. Melbourne Airport, for example, lists Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot and SIXT as trusted onsite providers. (melbourneairport.com.au)

Here's a rundown of the car rental companies Aussies actually use most, based on market share, customer satisfaction surveys, and review data:

The Big Players (highest market share)

The biggest companies operating in the Car Rental industry in Australia are Hertz, Avis Australia and Europcar, with Hertz holding the most market share. These major brands hold substantial market shares and maintain strong positions at key airports and CBD locations.

• Hertz – an international and very much renowned car rental company founded in 1918, with a strong presence in Australia across over 220 locations nationwide. Known for 24/7 roadside support and a loyalty rewards program.
• Avis – offers a diverse fleet from economy and compact cars to SUVs and premium models through its Signature Series luxury range, plus commercial options like vans, trucks, trailers, and buses. Popular with business travellers in Sydney and Melbourne.
• Budget and Europcar – rounding out the "big five" along with Thrifty, all widely available at airports and CBDs.
• Thrifty – one of the main car rental companies in Australia, alongside Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Budget.

Customer Satisfaction Winner

According to Canstar Blue's 2026 survey, East Coast Car Rentals won Canstar's 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Award for hire cars, with Aussies rating it the highest across the categories that drive customer satisfaction. It has 14 locations across Australia in capital cities and airports, offering everything from small cars and sedans to utes, minivans and minibuses. It's particularly popular with backpackers and budget travellers along the east coast.

Budget-Friendly / Value Options

• East Coast Car Rentals – dominates the budget segment, particularly along the eastern seaboard, with no-frills pricing often 20-30% below major competitors, making it popular with backpackers and young travellers from Cairns to Melbourne.
• Ace Rental Cars – rates highly on review platforms; it's one of the best-rated companies among travellers, with cars averaging around $65/day.
• Smaller local operators like Alpha, Apex, and Alama also compete well: there are many smaller players on the market with entry-level offerings, including Alpha, East Coast, Apex, Alama, etc.

Campervans & Road Trips

If you're planning a longer road trip, JUCY is one of the most recognisable campervan and motorhome hire brands, alongside Apollo and Wicked Campers — companies that also offer relocation deals (cheap one-way rentals when they need vehicles moved between cities).

My Practical Recommendation

• Best overall balance of price/reliability: Hertz or Avis — biggest networks, most locations, easiest for one-way airport pickups/drop-offs.
• Best value for budget travellers: East Coast Car Rentals — strong customer satisfaction scores and competitive pricing.
• Best for backpacker road trips/campervans: JUCY or Apollo.
• Best if comparing prices: Use an aggregator (Skyscanner, DriveNow, VroomVroomVroom) since comparing prices and customer ratings for each company helps find the best fit, and rental policies can vary between companies.

For most everyday trips around Australia, Avis, Hertz, and East Coast Car Rentals are the three names that come up most often in both market share and customer satisfaction data — a safe bet depending on whether you prioritise brand reliability or cheaper rates.

If you are looking to hire a car here in Australia, the market is divided into two distinct options: the massive global brands that have kiosks inside airport terminals, and the highly-rated local/independent operators that are usually located just outside the airport boundary (and require a short shuttle ride).

Because airport taxes (Premium Location Fees) and rental premiums at Australian airports can easily add 20% to 30% to your bill, local independent brands have become incredibly popular.

The top car rental companies in Australia are categorized below based on what everyday Aussies actually use and highly rate.

1. The Undisputed Customer Favourite: East Coast Car Rentals

If you want the perfect balance of price, modern vehicles, and stellar service, East Coast Car Rentals is the top-rated choice.

• The Reputation: They won the prestigious Canstar Blue "Most Satisfied Customers" Award, alongside multiple Finder and ProductReview awards.
• How it works: They are an "off-airport" provider, meaning they aren't inside the terminal. Instead, you hop on their free shuttle bus from major airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Cairns, etc.) to their nearby depot.
• Best for: Everyday travellers, families, and road trippers who want a seamless digital experience, reliable SUVs or hatchbacks, and great customer service without the "airport tax" premium.

2. The Local Budget Champions

If you are looking to save some serious cash and don't mind a slightly older (but perfectly maintained) car, these local legends are highly recommended:

• No Birds (Bayswater Car Rental): A cult favourite in Sydney and Perth. They keep things incredibly simple, offering straightforward, no-nonsense rates with very clear terms. If you just need a reliable Toyota Corolla or RAV4 to get around town, they are hard to beat. (Just note their strict geofencing rules—they generally don’t want you driving their cars out of their designated zones/states).
• Alpha Car Hire: Operating heavily along the eastern states (QLD, NSW, VIC), Alpha consistently scores highly on ProductReview (hovering around 4.8 stars). They are known for great customer service, quick airport shuttle pickups, and very competitive daily rates.
• Bargain Car Rentals: If you are heading down to Tasmania (or traveling around Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or Darwin), Bargain is a major player. They offer a massive fleet, including campervans, family SUVs, and minibuses, and are generally much cheaper than the big airport brands.

3. The Best Global Brands (For Convenience & Corporate Travel)

If you want to walk off your flight, grab your keys straight from the airport terminal kiosk, and drive away without waiting for a shuttle, stick to the major players:

• SIXT: SIXT has taken a huge market share in Australia by offering a highly premium, modern fleet. If you want to drive an Electric Vehicle (they have a great selection of BYDs, Teslas, and Polestars) or a premium European car, SIXT is generally the best choice.
• Avis & Budget: Owned by the same parent company, these two have the largest footprint in Australia, stretching deep into regional and outback towns. Use Avis if you want premium options or have corporate/airline status perks; use Budget if you want the exact same reliable fleet but with standard, cost-effective hatchbacks and sedans.
• Hertz: Highly reliable and great for business travellers. They are also one of the few brands that will occasionally let you book and guarantee a specific make and model of vehicle rather than just a "category".

Local Insider Tips for Renting a Car in Australia

• Beware the "Excess" Trap: When you book a car in Australia, it typically comes with a standard "excess" (the amount you pay if you damage the car) of $4,000 to $6,000. The rental desk will try to sell you their daily "Excess Reduction" for $30 to $45 a day to bring this down to $0. Don't do it. Instead, check if your credit card (especially Platinum cards) includes complimentary domestic rental car insurance. If not, buy a standalone domestic car rental excess insurance policy online before you pick up the car—it costs a fraction of the price (around $10–$15 a day).
• Watch Out for "Dusk to Dawn" Clauses: If you are planning a road trip into regional Australia (like the Great Ocean Road, the Outback, or Tasmania), read the fine print. Many Australian rental agreements void your insurance if you hit an animal (like a kangaroo or wombat) between dusk and dawn. Wildlife on regional roads is incredibly active and dangerous at night, so plan to do your driving during daylight hours.
• Unsealed Roads are Off-Limits: Standard rental cars (even standard 4WDs) are strictly prohibited from driving on unsealed (dirt/gravel) roads. Doing so will completely void your insurance. If you plan to head deep into national parks or off the beaten track, you will need to rent a specialist 4WD from a company like Britz or Apollo.
• Take Photos/Videos on Pickup: No matter who you rent from, take a quick 30-second video of the car's exterior and wheels before you drive out of the bay. Make sure any existing scratches, dings, or wheel scuffs are noted on your rental agreement so you don't get hit with a surprise bill when you return it.

For most people in Australia, the best shortlist is East Coast Car Rentals, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty and Europcar. East Coast tends to be a strong value pick, while Avis and Hertz are better suited to travellers prioritising nationwide coverage and a smoother airport experience. These are established brands Australians and visitors commonly use, and they appear prominently in recent Australian customer-satisfaction rankings.

Recommended brands

• East Coast Car Rentals — best overall value: Often competitive on price and popular with airport and leisure renters. It ranked first in Canstar Blue’s 2026 hire-car satisfaction survey.
• Avis — best all-round mainstream option: A solid choice for business travel, airport pickup and one-way rentals, with broad coverage across major Australian cities.
• Budget — best for low-cost conventional rentals: Worth checking first for compact cars, weekend trips and airport rentals; it is among the major brands assessed by Australian consumer reviewers.
• Hertz — best for convenience and frequent renters: Strong coverage, a large fleet and well-developed loyalty and express-pickup services. Hertz listings also receive strong customer ratings for pickup, drop-off and vehicle condition.
• Thrifty — good Australian mainstream alternative: Common at airports and city locations, with a broad range of ordinary cars and SUVs. It is included among the leading brands in Australian satisfaction comparisons.
• Europcar — good for newer vehicles and one-way travel: A useful option when travelling between cities or looking for a modern fleet; it is widely available and included in Australian consumer comparisons.

Best choice by situation

Practical recommendation: Get quotes from East Coast, Budget, Hertz and Avis first, then compare the final total—not just the advertised daily rate. Check the excess, bond, additional-driver charge, airport fee, kilometre limit, fuel policy and restrictions on unsealed roads before booking. Independent comparison sites can show a low headline price while excess-reduction products and compulsory fees materially change the final cost.

For remote areas or Western Australia, also check strong local operators such as Bayswater and No Birds where available; No Birds has particularly strong customer-review visibility, although coverage is more location-specific than the national chains.

No single “best” — it depends on whether you want cheap, airport convenience, a family SUV, or a campervan. In Australia, these are the brands people actually use.

Big names / most reliable

• Hertz — biggest airport network, good for one-way and business trips.
• Avis — similar to Hertz, strong city/airport coverage.
• Budget — Avis’ value brand; often cheaper but still decent.
• Europcar — good all-rounder; owns Redspot as its budget arm.
• Thrifty — common at airports, often competitive.
• Enterprise — good suburban/local branches, decent service.
• Sixt — growing fast in Australia; often nicer/premium cars and good SUV deals.

Best budget / value brands

• East Coast Car Rentals — Aussie-owned, popular in NSW/QLD/VIC. Good prices; check the specific depot.
• No Birds (Bayswater Car Rental) — cult budget favourite in Sydney and Perth. Cheap, older cars, no airport desks.
• Alpha Car Hire — budget option in QLD/NSW/VIC.
• Ace Rental Cars — no-frills budget; read the terms carefully.
• Redspot — Europcar’s budget brand.
• Jucy — cheap cars/campers, popular with younger travellers.

Campervans / road trips

• Apollo — big Aussie motorhome/camper brand.
• Britz / Mighty — Britz is the main brand, Mighty is budget.
• Maui — premium motorhomes.
• Jucy — colourful campervans, good for backpackers.
• Spaceships — smaller campervans, good for couples.
• Travellers Autobarn — backpacker campervans.
• Camplify — peer-to-peer campervan/RV hire from private owners; huge in Australia.
• Wicked Campers — cheap but controversial; check reviews.

Car share

• GoGet — the main car-share in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other cities. Great for hourly/short city trips, not long road trips.

My picks by scenario

• Cheapest city runabout: No Birds (Sydney/Perth), East Coast, Alpha, Ace.
• Airport pickup / one-way: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty.
• Family SUV: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt.
• Road trip/camper: Apollo, Britz/Mighty, Maui, Jucy, Spaceships, Camplify.
• Short city car share: GoGet.
• Premium/EV: Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Europcar.

How to get the best deal in Australia

• Compare on CarRentals.com.au, Rentalcars, DiscoverCars, Kayak, Webjet, Expedia, then check direct with the brand.
• Book early for Christmas, Easter and school holidays.
• Look at total price with excess reduction. Your credit card or travel insurance may cover the rental excess — check before paying at the counter.
• Check km limit, fuel policy, one-way fee, airport surcharge, after-hours fee, young driver fee, and toll admin fees.
• Check Google reviews for the specific depot, not just the brand — many are franchises.
• Use loyalty/status if you have it: Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, Budget Fastbreak, Europcar Privilege, Thrifty Blue Chip, Enterprise Plus, Sixt Express.
• RACV/NRMA/RACQ/RACWA members often get discounts.

Bottom line: For most Aussies, book Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar or Thrifty for reliability; check East Coast, No Birds, Alpha or Ace for price; use Apollo, Britz/Mighty, Maui, Jucy, Spaceships or Camplify for campervans; and GoGet for short city car share.

The top car rental (or "car hire") companies in Australia that people actually use are a mix of big international names with widespread airport and city locations, plus some strong local or value-focused options that score well on satisfaction and reviews.

These dominate bookings at major airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc.) and get the most mentions in consumer surveys, review volumes, and real-user feedback.

Top Recommendations Based on Customer Satisfaction, Popularity, and Usage

Here’s a practical shortlist drawn from recent 2026 data like Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers survey (which polled hundreds of Aussies who rented in the past year), review volumes, market presence, and aggregator/booking trends:

• East Coast Car Rentals — Often tops satisfaction rankings. It won Canstar Blue’s 2026 award for most satisfied customers, scoring highest across key areas like value, service, and vehicle quality. Aussies rate it highly for competitive pricing, solid fleet (small cars to utes/minibuses), and locations in capital cities plus airports (with shuttles where needed). Great for value without sacrificing too much convenience.

• Avis — A consistent top performer and one of the most recommended overall. Strong network, reliable service, and frequently ranks near the top in satisfaction surveys (often #2 or high in AI/consumer lists). Widely available and good for one-way rentals or airport pickups.

• Budget — Excellent value option that frequently ranks high in satisfaction (won Canstar in 2025 and other years). Part of the Avis group, so similar reliability and locations, with competitive rates. Popular for everyday hires.

• Hertz — One of the biggest by market share and bookings. Very common at airports, with a large fleet and strong presence. Solid mainstream choice, though satisfaction can vary by location/experience.

• Europcar (including Keddy) — Another major player with good availability and frequent high rankings in satisfaction lists. Popular for a range of vehicles and often competitive on price.

• Thrifty — High review volume on aggregator sites and a regular in satisfaction rankings. Known for decent pricing and widespread locations; a go-to for many locals and visitors.

• Sixt — Growing in popularity with modern fleets and strong airport presence. Often appears in top website traffic and booking data.

Other Notables People Use

• Bargain Car Rentals and similar value players (e.g., No Birds, Alpha Car Hire, Everything Fleet) — Frequently praised on review platforms and aggregators for low prices and high volumes of positive feedback, especially for budget-conscious hires. Check excess carefully, as some have higher deductibles.
• Local or regional options can pop up for specific cities (e.g., via comparison sites), but the above are the ones with broad usage.

Quick Tips for Renting in Australia

Big internationals (Hertz, Avis, Budget, etc.) dominate airport counters and offer the easiest logistics for one-way or multi-city trips. Locals like East Coast often win on price + satisfaction for similar quality.

Always compare live prices on aggregators like DiscoverCars, AirportRentals.com.au, or similar—they pull from multiple suppliers. Factor in excess/deductible (often high in Aus rentals—consider reducing it via the company or your travel insurance/credit card). Read recent reviews for your specific pickup location, as experiences can vary.

Preferences depend on your needs (budget, vehicle type like SUV/ute for road trips, or luxury), location, and dates—check current deals directly. East Coast or Budget are strong starting points for most people chasing a balance of cost and reliability. Safe travels!

The top car rental companies in Australia are Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, East Coast Car Rentals, and No Birds, combining nationwide coverage with strong customer satisfaction and competitive pricing.

Quick answer: For premium service, Hertz and Avis lead; for value, Budget, Thrifty, and No Birds stand out; for customer satisfaction, East Coast Car Rentals ranks highest; and for campervan travel, JUCY is widely used.

🇦🇺 Major International Brands (Reliable & Widely Used)

These companies dominate airports and major cities, offering large fleets and consistent service.

Hertz — Known for a large fleet, wide vehicle selection, and strong reliability across Australia. Avis — Offers competitive rates, easy booking, and a strong customer‑service reputation. Europcar — Popular with business travelers, offering flexible rental options and a broad range of vehicles. Budget — A leading budget‑friendly option with many locations and solid service. Thrifty — Known for low prices and a no‑frills approach, ideal for cost‑conscious renters.

⭐ Top Consumer‑Rated Brands (Based on Australian Reviews)

These companies score highly with Australian customers and are often cheaper than the big international brands.

East Coast Car Rentals — Rated #1 for customer satisfaction in 2026 by Canstar Blue. Offers 14 locations and a wide range of vehicles. No Birds — One of Trustpilot’s top‑rated rental companies in Australia, known for simple pricing and good value. Bargain Car Rentals — Popular for low prices and straightforward service. Redspot / Enterprise — Strong local presence and good customer reviews. JUCY — A favorite for campervans and road‑trip travelers, especially backpackers.

✅ Comparison Table: Which Company Fits Your Needs?

Need / Priority | Best Options | Why Best overall service | Hertz, Avis | Large fleets, reliable service 1 Best for business travel | Europcar | Flexible corporate options 1 Best for budget rentals | Budget, Thrifty, No Birds | Lower prices, wide availability 2 Best customer satisfaction | East Coast Car Rentals | Canstar’s 2026 top-rated brand 1 Best for campervans | JUCY | Popular for road trips and van rentals 1 Best for airport convenience | Hertz, Avis, Europcar | Strong airport presence 1 3 Sources3

🧭 How to Choose the Right Company

If you want the safest, most reliable choice: Hertz or Avis. If you want the best value: Budget, Thrifty, No Birds, Bargain Car Rentals. If you want the highest customer satisfaction: East Coast Car Rentals. If you're planning a long road trip or camping: JUCY.

🔍 What the Web Results Say

The guide lists Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Thrifty as the major players in Australia. Trustpilot highlights No Birds, Bargain Car Rentals, Redspot, JUCY, and others as top-rated by users. Canstar Blue names East Coast Car Rentals as the #1 hire car brand for 2026 based on customer satisfaction.

If you tell me your travel style (budget, luxury, road trip, airport pickup), I can narrow this list to the best 2–3 options for your situation.

Selecting a car rental company in Australia depends on whether you prefer major global networks or trusted Australian-owned providers.

Avis: Features over 200 pickup locations across major airports and city centers, offering a large fleet ranging from compact hatchbacks like the Suzuki Swift to hybrid sedans like the Toyota Camry.

Hertz: Noted for guaranteeing specific premium car models and providing a touch of luxury for business or leisure travelers.

Budget: Operates over 240 locations nationwide and is popular for cost-conscious renters looking for straightforward, competitive pricing.

Europcar: Maintains a dense network of branches in downtown areas, railway hubs, and airport terminals across major cities like Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

SIXT: Offers modern vehicle fleets across key Australian transport hubs, though users note that insurance options should be carefully reviewed beforehand.

Top Independent & Australian-Owned Brands

East Coast Car Rentals: A large independent provider recognized in industry awards (such as Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers) with 14 key airport and city locations.

Redspot Car Rentals: A homegrown, family-owned company operating directly inside airport terminals across major Australian airports, winning national customer service honors.

Bargain Car Rentals: An Australian-owned option focused on a "no surprises" transparent pricing model.

If you want a more tailored recommendation, tell me: Where you are picking up and dropping off the car Your approximate dates What type of vehicle you need (compact car, SUV, van, or luxury)

The best car rental companies in Australia range from trusted global operators like Hertz and Avis to award-winning local independent brands like East Coast Car Rentals and No Birds. Choosing between them generally depends on whether you prefer the convenience of an in-terminal airport collection or the cost-savings of a short shuttle ride to an off-airport depot.

Hertz: Maintains a massive fleet across more than 220 locations nationwide, covering all major commercial airports and regional hubs. Reviewers note that Hertz Australia is the preferred option when you want to secure a guaranteed high-end or specific premium vehicle model. SIXT: Stands out for having one of the newest fleets in the country, with an excellent selection of luxury vehicles and electric SUVs like the BYD and Kia EV series. They connect seamlessly with major airline loyalty networks and offer competitive multi-day packages. Avis & Budget: Operate under the same parent umbrella to offer the largest network footprint in the southern hemisphere. They provide excellent flexibility for multi-city road trips, allowing one-way rentals between remote regional depots and capital cities.

East Coast Car Rentals: Recognised as a premier value provider, winning Canstar Blue's award for Most Satisfied Customers. By positioning their depots slightly off-airport and utilizing complimentary shuttle vans, East Coast Car Rentals passes significant airport fee savings directly onto the driver. No Birds (Bayswater Car Rental): A legendary independent fixture in Sydney and Perth that enjoys exceptional feedback from locals and tourists alike. They are highly favored for their strict upfront pricing structures, low damage excesses, and hassle-free debit card acceptance policies. Bargain Car Rentals: An incredibly popular value option if you are planning a trip to Tasmania or navigating mainland coastal highways. They maintain a robust independent consumer rating by eliminating surprise hidden charges at the counter.

Bypass the Airport Counter Fee: Picking your car up directly inside an airport terminal frequently triggers a "Premium Location Fee" that can inflate your bill by up to 30%. Opting for local operators who use quick, free terminal shuttle buses is a smart way to slash your total trip cost. Mind the Insurance Excess: Standard excess fees in Australia can range anywhere from $4,000 to $7,000 AUD if the car gets damaged. Instead of buying the rental company's expensive daily waiver, verify whether your credit card offers complimentary international rental coverage, or purchase standalone rental excess cover before picking up the keys. Avoid Driving at Night: Outside major urban metropolises, hitting the highway between dusk and dawn is highly discouraged. Dense populations of native wildlife (like kangaroos and wombats) pose serious collision hazards, and many Australian rental contracts explicitly void your insurance coverage if an accident occurs in a rural zone after dark.

If you want to pin down the perfect option, tell me:I can pinpoint the best deal and check vehicle availability for your exact route. Where are you landing or picking up the vehicle? What type of vehicle do you need (compact car, family SUV, or 4WD outback rig)? How many days are you hiring for, and will it be a one-way trip?