Car rentals and driving
Seacliff Bridge, South Coast
Car rentals & driving in Sydney
Exploring Sydney and NSW by car is a fantastic way to see the state’s vast and varied landscapes, and enjoy the many things to do – at your own pace. From coastal road trips to outback adventures, driving in NSW offers the flexibility to discover secluded beaches, scenic national parks, and diverse cities, towns and villages.
Driving in Australia
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. You must have a valid drivers license to drive in Australia and you can drive on a foreign drivers licence for three months, as long as that licence is in English. An International Drivers Permit (IDP) is required if your license is not in English.
Seat belts are compulsory in Australia and the driver of the vehicle has the responsibility to ensure all passengers are wearing them.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia and is enforced with random breath tests. Using hand-held mobile phones is prohibited and detection cameras and speed cameras are used across Sydney and NSW, as well as the rest of Australia.
Scenic Drive, Tamworth
Toll roads in Sydney
There are tolled roads in and around Sydney, including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel, WestConnex M8 Motorway and Eastern Distributor. These are charged via an e-tag system, which you can obtain from the following websites: roam.com.au, linkt.com.au, tollpay.com.au, myetoll.com.au. You can also buy a pass on these websites, if you’re an infrequent traveller – these can be backdated if you forget to purchase one in advance.
Rental cars may come with e-tags – ask upon arrival at the rental car desk. If you don’t have an e-tag and you pass through a toll road, ensure you call the number advertised to pay the toll, otherwise, you may incur a fine.
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney
Electric vehicle charging points
Electric vehicle charging points can be found across Sydney and much of regional NSW. Make sure you check their locations before setting out on your journey. You can find a full list on the Electric Vehicle Council website.
Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta
Parking in Sydney and regional NSW
Free parking can be found in many regional areas and some parts of Sydney. In Sydney’s city centre and at popular beaches, parking can be limited and expensive. If you park on the street, ensure you park in the direction of traffic and pay attention to signage regarding parking time limits, permits and parking meters. Streets are patrolled by parking rangers and you may incur a fine if you park for longer than the area allows.
You can pre-book city parking with Secure and Wilson, with rates often cheaper when booked in advance. Parkopedia.com is also a useful resource when looking for places to park.
Just Sydney Tours, Bondi
Car rentals in NSW
Most car rental companies have desks and vehicles at Sydney Airport, and offices near the city centre, as well as at regional airports across the state. Some car rental companies allow you to return your car to a different office for an additional fee.
Car rental companies in NSW include:
There are also a number of care share options available, including:
Scarborough Wine Co., Pokolbin
Road trips and scenic drives
In NSW, there are numerous designated tourist drives and road trips. Explore recommended routes and itineraries, with tips on what to do and see along the way.
Campervan driving up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay
Live Traffic NSW App
For up-to-the-minute news of traffic incidents and road conditions that may affect your journey in Sydney and regional NSW:
Download the Live Traffic NSW App from the App Store
Download the Live Traffic NSW App from Google Play
FAQs
Can I hire a car at Sydney Airport?
Can I hire a car at Sydney Airport?
All major car rental companies have outlets at Sydney Airport, both the domestic and international terminals.
Can I hire a car to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?
Can I hire a car to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?
Most car rental companies will allow you to hire a car in one city, and return it in another, for an additional fee.
Do I need to hire a car to get around Sydney or can I use public transport?
Sydney has an excellent network of public transport that includes trains, ferries, busses and the lightrail. Parking in the city centre and at some beaches can be difficult to find and expensive, so using public transport is an excellent way to see the city.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Sydney?
What documents do I need to hire a car in Sydney?
You must have a valid drivers license to drive in Australia and you can drive on a foreign drivers licence for three months, as long as that licence is in English. An International Drivers Permit (IDP) is required if your license is not in English.
What is the minimum age to hire a car in Sydney?
What is the minimum age to hire a car in Sydney?
Most rental companies do not allow drivers under the age of 21 to hire a car, with those under 25 needing to pay a young driver surcharge.
