Hire the best car at the best price at Albury Airport

Albury Airport Car Hire Complete Guide

Overview

Albury Airport (ABX) offers several car rental options for travelers visiting the Albury-Wodonga region and exploring northeastern Victoria and southern New South Wales. Located in the terminal building, car rental services provide convenient access for passengers seeking to travel around this picturesque border region.

Car Rental Companies at Albury Airport

Major Providers

• Avis: Located in the arrivals area
• Budget: Terminal building, arrivals area
• Hertz: Terminal building, arrivals area
• Europcar: Terminal building, arrivals area
• Thrifty: Terminal building, arrivals area

Regional/Local Providers

• Sixt: Terminal building
• Bargain Car Rentals: Local provider with competitive rates

Location and Hours

• All car rental desks are located inside the terminal building in the arrivals area
• Most operate from approximately 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, aligned with flight schedules
• Some providers offer extended hours during peak periods
• After-hours returns available for most companies (key drop boxes)
• Vehicle pickup in the dedicated car rental parking area directly outside the terminal

Reservation Tips

Best Booking Practices

• Book in advance: Especially important during peak seasons (summer months, public holidays, and major events like the Albury Gold Cup)
• Online reservations: Often provide better rates than walk-up bookings
• Compare providers: Rates and vehicle availability can vary significantly between companies
• Check for unlimited kilometers: Most rentals include this, but always confirm
• Consider one-way options: If planning to drive to Melbourne or Sydney

Documentation Required

• Valid driver’s license (in English or with International Driving Permit)
• Credit card in the main driver’s name for security deposit
• Identification (passport for international visitors)
• Booking confirmation

Vehicle Options

Available Car Types

• Economy/Compact: Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio
• Medium/Intermediate: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3
• Standard/Full-size: Toyota Camry, Mazda 6
• SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan X-Trail
• People Movers: Limited availability, book well in advance

Specialty Vehicles

• 4WD options: Available for exploring the Alpine region and national parks
• Commercial vehicles: Small vans and utilities available from select providers

Insurance Options

Standard Coverage

Most rentals include basic insurance with an excess/deductible (typically $3,000-$4,500)

Additional Coverage Options

• Excess Reduction: Reduces your liability in case of damage
• Zero Excess Coverage: Eliminates financial liability in most circumstances
• Windscreen and Tire Coverage: Important for rural driving and gravel roads
• Third-party options: Independent insurance providers often offer more affordable excess coverage

Pricing & Payment

Average Cost Ranges

• Economy cars: $45-$75 per day
• Medium cars: $55-$85 per day
• Full-size cars: $70-$100 per day
• SUVs: $80-$120 per day
• Seasonal variations: Expect higher rates during summer and major events

Additional Charges to Consider

• Additional drivers: Usually $5-$10 per day
• Young driver surcharge: For drivers under 25 years
• One-way fees: If returning to a different location (e.g., Melbourne or Sydney)
• Late return fees: Typically charged hourly
• Fuel charges: Most require full-to-full fuel policy

Return Process

Return Location

• Dedicated rental car return area in the airport parking lot
• Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” when approaching the terminal

Return Procedure

1. Refuel the vehicle (most companies require full tank on return)
2. Park in the designated rental return area
3. Complete return paperwork with the rental staff
4. Return keys to the rental desk or after-hours drop box
5. Collect final receipt/invoice

After-Hours Returns

• Key drop boxes available at most rental counters
• Follow specific provider instructions included with your rental agreement
• Take photos of the car condition and fuel gauge as evidence

Exploring Albury-Wodonga and Beyond

Popular Destinations & Driving Times

• Albury CBD: 10 minutes (5 km)
• Wodonga: 15 minutes (7 km)
• Lake Hume: 20 minutes (15 km)
• Beechworth: 40 minutes (38 km)
• Rutherglen wine region: 35 minutes (40 km)
• Bright: 1.5 hours (115 km)
• Mount Buffalo: 2 hours (125 km)
• Falls Creek/Mount Hotham: 2.5 hours (170-200 km)
• Melbourne: 3.5 hours (330 km)
• Canberra: 3.5 hours (350 km)

Driving Tips for the Region

• Alpine driving: Check road conditions in winter as snow chains may be required
• Wildlife awareness: Dawn and dusk are high-risk times for kangaroos and wombats
• Border crossings: While driving between NSW and Victoria is seamless, be aware of occasional border checkpoints during exceptional circumstances
• Rural roads: Some attractions require driving on unsealed roads; check your rental agreement for restrictions
• Speed limits: Strictly enforced in the region, especially on highways

Fuel Options

Refueling Locations Near the Airport

• Shell: Borella Road, 2 km from airport
• BP: Young Street, 3 km from airport
• Caltex/Ampol: Multiple locations in Albury CBD

Fuel Policies

• Most rentals operate on a “full-to-full” policy
• Fuel prices generally higher in smaller towns away from Albury-Wodonga
• Diesel widely available for 4WD rentals

FAQ

Common Questions

• Is there a fee for interstate travel? Generally no additional fee for driving between NSW and Victoria
• Are there age restrictions? Most companies require drivers to be 21+, with surcharges for under 25
• Can I take rental cars to the snow? Yes, but check if snow chains are required (and if they’re allowed by your rental company)
• Is unlimited mileage included? Most rentals include unlimited kilometers, but always confirm
• Can I pick up in Albury and drop off in Melbourne or Sydney? One-way rentals are available with most companies but incur additional fees
• Are child seats available? Yes, but must be requested in advance (approximately $8-15 per day)

Special Offers and Loyalty Programs

• Tourism packages: Some accommodations and attractions offer car rental discounts
• Airline partnerships: Qantas and Rex frequent flyer members may receive discounts with partner rental companies
• Extended rental discounts: Weekly rates often provide significant savings over daily rates

Contact Information

• Avis: (02) 6021 3777
• Budget: (02) 6021 6455
• Hertz: (02) 6021 4444
• Europcar: (02) 6021 8822
• Thrifty: (02) 6041 1633
• Sixt: (02) 6021 5511
• Bargain Car Rentals: (02) 6025 4530

Alternative Transport Options

• Taxi services: Available at the terminal
• Rideshare: Uber operates in Albury-Wodonga
• Airport shuttle: Services to major hotels and the CBD
• Public transport: Limited bus services from near the airport

This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the car rental process at Albury Airport and prepare for exploring this beautiful region on the NSW-Victoria border.