Car hire in Newcastle, Australia

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Newcastle

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Newcastle car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Newcastle pick-up location

There are 19 car hire locations in Newcastle. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Newcastle

Hiring a car in Newcastle: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEast Coast
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,612
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Newcastle

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Newcastle car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Newcastle

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Newcastle for an average of R 1,612 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, making booking quick and easy.

  • Lock in your ride in December and fast-track your savings. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in Newcastle, with average daily rates of R 582.

  • It's all about timing when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Newcastle. Book about two weeks before your departure date to land the best price.

  • Leading rental brands such as East Coast, Europcar and Hertz are popular options for car hire deals in Newcastle.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Newcastle car hire policy, whether with East Coast or another supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in Newcastle. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices.

  • Skip the sneaky refueling fees by booking a car hire in Newcastle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.

  • Roam without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.

  • If you're jetting into Newcastle, you might prefer to skip the city pickup and book one of the car rentals in Newcastle Airport instead. Toss your luggage in the back seat and cruise straight to your first stop.

Compare car hire types in Newcastle

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Newcastle may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Newcastle car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Newcastle that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or big groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Newcastle car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Newcastle.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check what applies with each supplier before booking your rental in Australia.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Child car seat laws vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Newcastle car hire booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Newcastle

  • Don't leave town without visiting some of the city's biggest highlights, like Bathers Way Coastal Walk and Merewether Beach. Snap up a car hire deal in Newcastle and then start mapping out your sightseeing hit list.

  • If you need somewhere to stay in Newcastle while touring around, consider Hotel Jesmond or YHA Newcastle Beach.

  • Around 31 kilometres north-west of central Newcastle, Maitland deserves a spot on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Maitland Gaol and Golden Whistler Park.

  • Go-to accommodation options in Maitland include The Family Hotel and Windsor Castle Hotel.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Newcastle and travel around 80 kilometres south-west to Umina Beach. Featuring Umina Beach and Central Coast Mountain Bike Tours, its highlights live up to the hype.

  • Kick back after a day of exploring Umina Beach at Bayview Hotel Woy Woy. Or hang the 'do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at Mantra Ettalong Beach.

  • Got a little fuel left in the tank? Take off to Tamworth, around 225 kilometres north of Newcastle. From Powerhouse motorcycle museum to Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.

  • Next up: catching some z's. Motel 359 and The Tamworth Hotel will have a room for you in Tamworth.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Newcastle will set you back around R 1,612 per day or R 3,682 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Newcastle is a compact van or truck. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Newcastle is currently East Coast, followed by Europcar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Newcastle is currently December.
On average, around R 3,682. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Newcastle is R 3,460.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Newcastle, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Newcastle that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Newcastle.
Most places – Newcastle included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 815 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,612.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like East Coast, Europcar and Thrifty offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated East Coast as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Newcastle.