Best Car Hire Sydney Airport

Things to be Consider Hiring a Car at Sydney Airport?

The first thing you should always do when collecting your hire car is to check it over for any damage. If any should be found, make sure you report it to the provider as pre-existing and they have documented it, or else you could find yourself landed with a hefty bill for it later. You should return the car with the same level of fuel as it had when you picked it up. This will similarly avoid the possibility of being charged for the fuel, which could be much more expensive than filling it up yourself.

Make sure you know the rules of the road where you are driving and stick to them (these could vary from state to state). At all times, act like a responsible driver like you would at home – no drinking and driving, using your phone behind the wheel (except hands-free) and take regular breaks. Australia has some very long roads, so be well equipped if you use them.

Six car hire providers have outlets at Sydney Airport. They can be found on the arrivals levels of terminals. While it’s perfectly possible to just turn up and book a car, a great deal of money can be saved by booking in advance online.

Driving costs and Potential Destinations

The average price of unleaded petrol in Australia is $1.30 per litre. Using a medium-priced vehicle such as the Smart for Two, which gives 67 miles to the gallon, the approximate fuel cost per 10 miles would be €1.95.

Before You Go

Before driving away in your car, you’ll need to produce some documents. If you are a temporary visitor, your home country’s driver’s licence is sufficient, provided it is in English. If it is not in English, you must have a translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some providers require photo ID, and if your licence does not have a photo, you would similarly need to obtain an IDP, so check the conditions before you leave.

How to Buy Car Insurance

Usually, when you hire a car in Australia you get some basic accident cover that would only apply to your own vehicle, not any third party. You have the option to buy additional items, such as multi vehicle accident, collision waiver insurance, tyre damage and windscreen damage. As the excess can be quite high, say around $3000, you can pay an extra daily excess reduction, but it may work out much cheaper to buy your excess from a separate specialist such as insurance4carhire.com.

General Information & Tips on Car Hire

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is the only major airport serving Sydney and the busiest airport in Australia. It is the world’s oldest commercial airport still in operation. Located 8km (5 miles) south of the city centre, it’s an ideal base to hire a car to drive into the city or explore further afield. It has three runways and three terminals, and handles in excess of 35 million passengers annually. The history of the airport stretches back to 1920, when WWI pilot Nigel Love was interested in manufacturing aircraft in Australia. He bought some land next to a racecourse and began operating flights. The airport is situated in the suburb of Mascot in Sydney and was known as “Mascot” by locals for its first few decades, even after being renamed after aviation hero Kingsford Smith. By 1949 there were three runways. The main terminal (International Terminal) opened in 1970 and has since undergone several expansions. It has 25 gates, 200 check-in desks and an observation deck on the roof. There are three floors; arrivals, departures and airline offices. All terminals have a full range of facilities such as shops, restaurants, bureau de change, ATMs, and wi-fi.

Usefull Information

Friendly airport ambassadors, who wear easily recognisable bright blue jackets, can be found at desks throughout T1 and T2 in the following locations:

International Terminal (T1) - Departures Level
Between check-in counters "G" and "H"
Opposite check-in counter "D", near front terminal entrance
Opposite SYD Airport Tax and Duty Free Store after immigration and security screening

International Terminal (T1) - Arrivals Level
Opposite passenger exit A and B
Domestic Terminal (T2) - Arrivals Level
Opposite baggage carousel number 2
Useful contact numbers for Sydney Airport:
General Enquiries: +61(0)2 9667 9111
Lost & Found: +61(0)2 9667 9583