Car hire Sydney Airport

• Airport terminal locations
• Customer service with a smile
• Friendly and knowledgeable local staff

The Sydney Airport is separated into three terminals, and the domestic and international terminals are a short drive away from each other. For your convenience, Thrifty offers rental desks at all three terminals (T1, T2 and T3), with a wide variety of cars and commercial vehicles available to rent. 

Arrive and Drive

Handy extras

We understand travelling with too much luggage and bulky items is a pain. That's why we offer handy optional extras like baby and child seats that you can hire with your car rental. And don't worry about getting lost in Sydney's busy streets. Our GPS navigation unit will show you the way, including advanced lane guidance so you know where you're heading before the turn is right on top of you!

With so much to do and see in and around Sydney, you'll never be short of places to visit with your Thrifty car hire! You can also hire a car from another of Thrifty's many car rental Sydney locations if the airport is not quite right for you.

For new tips, as well as vehicle and travel recommendations, be sure to have a read of the Thrifty blog for all the latest inspiration. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular hire car at Sydney Airport?

The most popular Sydney Airport car rental is the versatile Mitsubishi ASX. When visitors land in the New South Wales capital, it seems they’re largely after an SUV that can do it all, from zipping around the city to heading out on a road trip with a spacious vehicle that has plenty of space in the boot for luggage, and plenty of room inside. It’s easy to drive with automatic transmission and all the latest tech, such as ABS brakes, parking sensors, and more. It’s no wonder it’s our most requested rental. 

That said, the ASX isn’t the only Sydney Airport car hire available, so there’s a lot more to choose from. We offer a range of small and compact vehicles that are ideal for getting about town without needing too much petrol, as well as a variety of hybrid cars for the environmentally conscious, and even luxury vehicles for those important business trips - or important romantic weekends away in the Hunter Valley. 

Where can I book a hire car at Sydney Airport?

Sydney Airport has three terminals, which is why you can organise your Sydney Airport car rental from whichever one is most convenient for you. 

Terminal 1: Terminal 1 is Sydney Airport’s international terminal. You’ll find the desk right out the passport control doors to the left, and the pick up and drop off area outside by the Rydges hotel.

Terminal 2: Terminal 2 is a domestic terminal for Jetstar flights. The Thrifty desk can be found in the middle of the terminal building amongst the other rental companies, and the pick up and drop off area is a one-minute walk away straight out front in the parking lot. 

Terminal 3: Terminal 3 is the second domestic terminal, catering to all non-Jetstar airlines. The Thrifty desk is towards the end of the building by the Currency Exchange booth, and the pick up and drop off area is a minute’s walk away in the parking lot outside. 

Simply let us know your flight details when you book, so we’ll know which terminal you’ll land in (even if you don’t!) and we can have your Sydney Airport car hire ready for you when you arrive.  

Keep in mind, if you are a Blue Chip member, you can make the most of our Arrive and Drive offering. When you get off the plane, you’ll find your name and Sydney Airport car rental details on Thrifty’s large TV screen, so you can skip the counter paperwork and head straight to your vehicle. The paperwork will be placed inside so you can fill it out on your own time, but the most important part is that you’ll get to hit the road straight away without the wait.

How much does it cost to hire a car in Sydney Airport?

The cost of a Sydney Airport car rental will vary greatly depending on a number of factors, mostly the model itself, and the number of days you’re renting for. You might also be able to get a better deal by booking in advance, or taking advantage of one of our regular specials and deals.  

You’ll also need to factor in optional extras such as Premium or Ultimate Protection plans, and daily rental options like GPS units and car seats. 
Yet to give you a general idea of the cost of Sydney Airport car hire, you can expect to pay approximately $80-$120 per day for a compact car such as a Toyota Yaris. Hybrids, sedans, and smaller SUVs generally fall into the $120-$160 per day range, whereas luxury vehicles, large SUVs, and 4WDs, usually rent for $160-$200 per day. 

Be sure to book your Sydney Airport car rental as soon as possible to secure the best rate, and so you don’t miss out on your preferred model. 

Where do I return my hire car at Sydney Airport?

Unless otherwise stated in your rental agreement, you will simply return your Sydney Airport car rental back to the same place you picked it up. There are three terminals at the Sydney Airport, and three Thrifty pick up and drop off locations, so be sure to double check which terminal you arrived in before you drop your vehicle off again. 

Terminal 1: Find the Thrifty drop off area next to the Rydges Airport Hotel.
Terminal 2: Look for the Thrifty returns area in P1, directly in front of the terminal.
Terminal 3: Find the Thrifty car rental returns spot in P1, across from the terminal.

If you are dropping your vehicle off in one terminal, but need to get to another terminal for a flight out, you can either walk between Terminals 2 and 3 (the domestic terminals), or take the Airport Link shuttle one way for $6.70. 

Can I collect a car from Sydney Airport and return somewhere else?

Yes, renters can book a Sydney Airport car hire for pick up, then return it in another Thrifty rental location. We understand that one-way road trips can be much more convenient than making a return trip, so we have created a Thrifty network to allow for one-way rentals. 

Keep in mind, due to the demand for one-way rentals, there is usually a one-way fee for these types of rentals. You will be able to see the additional fee when you view enter your preferred pick up and drop off locations.

You can also call our help centre on 1300 367 227 to find out which locations allow for one-way rentals, and to request a quote. 

Here at Thrifty, we understand our customer reviews matter to you. Check out our reviews below from customers who have booked for our Airport location.