NNo Birds

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.

If you want the best car rental companies in Australia that people actually use, the most commonly recommended names are Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty, SIXT, and East Coast Car Rentals. For popular with real customers, Bargain Car Rentals also stands out in booking data, while No Birds, Ace Rental Cars, and Sixt show strong user ratings on review sites and comparison platforms.

A practical shortlist by use case:

• Best overall mainstream brands: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty, SIXT — these are the big-name companies commonly compared by Australian consumer groups and travel platforms.
• Best-rated in customer surveys: East Coast Car Rentals ranked first in Canstar Blue’s 2026 hire car survey, followed by Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty.
• Most used by travelers: Bargain Car Rentals was the most popular agency in a momondo user survey, with 42% of users selecting it in the past month.
• Best-rated by traveler reviews: Ace Rental Cars was Skyscanner’s best-rated car hire company in Australia, and Sixt has strong customer scores on Booking.com.
• Best-rated on Trustpilot: No Birds appears among the top-rated vehicle rental companies in Australia on Trustpilot.

If you want the safest “default” picks, I’d start with:

• Avis for broad airport coverage and a premium mainstream reputation.
• Budget for value among the major brands.
• Hertz for a widely recognized option with broad availability.
• Europcar for a solid all-rounder, especially if comparing the big national brands.
• Thrifty for a budget-to-midrange choice in the large-brand group.
• East Coast Car Rentals if you want a brand that ranked highly in a consumer satisfaction survey.

If you want, I can also give you the best car rental companies in Australia by city (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart) or by cheapest, best airport pickup, or best insurance terms.

Depends what you mean by “best” — cheapest, airport convenience, campervan, or short-term car share. In Australia, the brands you’ll actually see and use most are:

Mainstream / airport default

• Avis – solid all-rounder, good service, widespread.
• Budget – usually cheaper than Avis, still reliable.
• Hertz – huge network, good for airport pickups.
• Thrifty – often good value, widespread.
• Europcar – strong in Australia, often competitive.
• Sixt – newer/premium feel, good if you want something nicer.
• Enterprise – smaller network here but good service.

If you want no surprises, book one of those. Avis or Budget is my usual all-round pick; Thrifty or Europcar if you want better value.

Best budget / no-frills

• No Birds (Bayswater Car Rental) – cult favourite in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Older cars, cheap rates.
• Redspot – Australian-owned budget option, good for longer rentals.
• Alpha Car Hire – cheap, popular in Queensland.
• East Coast Car Rentals – good for Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Sydney.
• Ace Rental Cars – cheap and basic.
• Bargain Car Rentals – popular in TAS/QLD, often very cheap.

These are the ones locals use when they’re paying themselves and don’t need a fancy airport desk.

Campervans / road trips

• Apollo – big, reliable, good range.
• Britz – solid mid-range campervans.
• Maui – premium motorhomes.
• Mighty – budget arm of Britz/Maui.
• Jucy – cheap campervans, very backpacker-friendly.
• Travellers Autobarn – budget campervans.
• Spaceships – cheap, popular with backpackers.

For a big lap or east-coast road trip, Apollo/Britz are the safe picks; Jucy/Mighty if you want cheap.

Car share / short-term

• GoGet – the main car-share in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. Great for a few hours.
• Uber Carshare – formerly Car Next Door. Peer-to-peer, often cheaper for longer trips.
• Turo – in some cities now, but not as established.

If you only need a car for a few hours, GoGet is usually the go.

Common rental cars you’ll actually get Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato, Mitsubishi ASX, Toyota RAV4, Kia Carnival, Toyota HiAce, Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger for 4WDs.

Quick tips for Australia

• Check the excess — it can be $3,000–$5,000. Excess reduction is usually $20–$40/day.
• Credit card in the driver’s name for the bond.
• Under 25? Expect a young driver surcharge. Under 21? Many won’t rent.
• Ask about tolls — Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have them. Get an e-tag or pass.
• Check unlimited kilometres — most majors include it, but some budget deals don’t.
• Airport pickup is usually more expensive than off-airport.

Bottom line:
For most Aussies: Avis/Budget/Hertz/Thrifty/Europcar.
For cheap: No Birds, Redspot, Alpha, East Coast.
For campervans: Apollo, Britz, Jucy.
For short trips: GoGet or Uber Carshare.

East Coast Car Rentals, Budget, Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, and Sixt stand out as the top car rental (or "car hire") companies that Australians and visitors actually use most.

These dominate airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc.), major cities, and popular tourist spots, with strong availability, fleet sizes, and booking volumes. Local or smaller operators exist for deals, but the big names handle the bulk of rentals.

Top Recommendations Based on Recent Data (as of 2026)

• East Coast Car Rentals: Often tops customer satisfaction surveys. It won Canstar Blue’s 2026 Most Satisfied Customers award for hire cars (ahead of the majors), scoring highly on value, service, vehicle quality, and transparency. Aussies rate it strongly for real-world experiences, especially in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart. Good for value and fewer headaches with extras.

• Budget: Frequently praised for value and reliability. It won Canstar’s 2025 award and consistently ranks high in satisfaction and online reviews (e.g., strong 8.8/10 on Booking.com). Widely available nationwide with a solid range of cars, SUVs, and hybrids. Great everyday pick for locals and travellers.

• Avis: One of the most recommended overall (tops some AI rankings) with excellent presence (hundreds of locations) and a wide vehicle selection, including utes and trucks. Strong reviews for service and availability; pairs well with Budget (same parent company in many cases).

• Hertz: The market leader by revenue/share in recent stats, with the biggest fleet and airport dominance. Reliable for frequent renters (loyalty perks help) and a broad range of vehicles. Solid but sometimes trails in pure satisfaction surveys compared to smaller players.

• Thrifty and Europcar: Popular budget-to-mid options with high review volumes and good ratings (around 8.6/10). Thrifty often performs well in past Canstar awards; Europcar has broad coverage. Both are go-to choices for many Aussies.

• Sixt: Growing fast, with premium vibes, modern fleets, and strong visibility. Popular for those wanting something a step up.

Other mentions include Redspot (family-owned, airport-focused), Bargain Car Rentals, and specialists like Alpha Car Hire for competitive local deals. Campervan/motorhome options (e.g., Jucy, Apollo) suit road trips but differ from standard car hire.

What People Actually Use and Tips for Booking in Australia

The majors (Hertz, Avis, Budget, etc.) dominate due to airport convenience, one-way hire options, and loyalty programs. East Coast and similar locals win on satisfaction for repeat or value-focused users.

Practical advice:

• Compare prices and read the fine print on aggregator sites or direct (e.g., via AirportRentals.com.au or company sites) — base rates can be low, but excess reduction/insurance add-ons often push costs up.
• Check recent reviews on ProductReview.com.au or Google for your specific pickup location.
• Minimum age is usually 21 (higher fees or restrictions under 25); international drivers need a valid licence (English or with translation).
• Book early for peak times (school holidays, Christmas, or events) and consider fuel policy, mileage limits, and one-way fees.
• Fleets often include popular models like Toyota RAV4, Corolla, or Nissan X-Trail.

For the best experience, start with East Coast or Budget if satisfaction and value matter most, or go with Avis/Hertz for maximum convenience and locations. Always compare quotes for your dates and location, as deals vary. Safe travels!