Hire the best car at the best price at Perth Airport

Perth Airport Car Hire Complete Guide

Overview

Perth Airport (PER) offers numerous car rental options across its four terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4), providing convenient access for travelers exploring Western Australia. With its vast distances and limited public transport outside the metropolitan area, a rental car is often essential for visitors to this region.

Car Rental Companies at Perth Airport

Major Providers

• Avis: Located in all terminals
• Budget: All terminals
• Hertz: All terminals
• Europcar: All terminals
• Thrifty: All terminals
• Enterprise: All terminals
• Sixt: T1 and T3/T4 precinct

Local/Regional Providers

• Redspot/Enterprise: Australian-owned with competitive rates
• Ace Rentals: Budget-friendly options
• Firefly: Value-focused provider
• Bayswater Car Rental: Local company with competitive rates (shuttle service required)

Location and Hours

Terminal 1 (International)

• Car rental desks located on the ground floor near baggage claim
• Most operate from 6:00 AM to midnight, aligned with international flights
• Some providers offer 24-hour service by prior arrangement

Terminal 2

• Car rental service counters near baggage claim area
• Operating hours generally 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Terminals 3 & 4 (Domestic)

• Car rental desks located in the shared ground floor area between terminals
• Most operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily

Vehicle Pickup

• T1: Dedicated car rental parking area, short walk from the terminal
• T2: Adjacent parking area
• T3/T4: Shared car rental parking zone

Reservation Tips

Best Booking Practices

• Book in advance: Especially during peak tourist season (September-November, March-May) and school holidays
• Online reservations: Often 10-15% cheaper than walk-up rates
• Compare packages: Some companies offer inclusive packages with unlimited kilometers and reduced insurance excess
• Check for mining industry impacts: Rental availability can be affected by FIFO worker schedules
• Membership programs: Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold, and similar programs allow for faster pickup

Documentation Required

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

Vehicle Options

Available Car Types

• Economy/Compact: Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Hyundai i20
• Medium/Intermediate: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3
• Standard/Full-size: Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Hyundai Sonata
• SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson
• 4WD Vehicles: Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Ford Everest
• People Movers: Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax, Toyota Tarago

Specialty Vehicles

• Off-road 4WDs: Essential for exploring national parks and remote areas
• Commercial vehicles: Small vans and utilities available from select providers
• Luxury options: Limited availability, best to book well in advance
• Camper vans/4WD campers: Some companies offer these for outback exploration

Insurance Options

Standard Coverage

Most rentals include basic insurance with an excess/deductible (typically $3,000-$5,000)

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
• Outback Coverage: Special protection for remote area driving
• Third-party options: Independent insurance providers sometimes offer cheaper excess coverage

Pricing & Payment

Average Cost Ranges

• Economy cars: $40-$70 per day
• Medium cars: $50-$85 per day
• Full-size cars: $70-$100 per day
• SUVs: $80-$120 per day
• 4WD vehicles: $120-$200+ per day
• Seasonal variations: Expect higher rates during peak tourist seasons

Additional Charges to Consider

• Additional drivers: $5-$10 per day
• Young driver surcharge: For drivers under 25 years
• One-way fees: If returning to a different location (particularly high for remote drop-offs)
• Remote area fees: Some companies charge for driving in certain areas
• Late return fees: Often charged by the hour
• Fuel charges: Most require full-to-full fuel policy

Return Process

Return Location

• Each terminal has a dedicated rental car return area
• Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” when approaching the airport
• Return to the correct terminal area where you collected the vehicle

Return Procedure

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

After-Hours Returns

• Key drop boxes available at most rental counters
• Follow specific provider instructions for after-hours returns
• Take photos of the car condition and fuel gauge as evidence
• Some companies offer digital check-in options through their apps

Exploring Perth and Western Australia

Popular Destinations & Driving Times

• Perth CBD: 20 minutes (12 km)
• Fremantle: 30 minutes (27 km)
• Swan Valley: 25 minutes (20 km)
• Rockingham & Penguin Island: 45 minutes (50 km)
• Margaret River region: 3 hours (270 km)
• Pinnacles Desert: 2 hours (200 km)
• Wave Rock: 4 hours (340 km)
• Monkey Mia/Shark Bay: 9 hours (850 km)
• Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef: 13 hours (1,250 km)
• Broome: 23 hours (2,200 km)

Driving Tips for Western Australia

• Long distances: Plan breaks every two hours, as distances between towns can be vast
• Fuel planning: In remote areas, fuel stops can be 200+ kilometers apart
• Wildlife awareness: Dawn and dusk are high-risk times for kangaroos
• Road trains: Common on highways, overtake with extreme caution
• Remote communications: Mobile coverage is limited outside metropolitan areas; consider satellite phones or personal locator beacons for remote travel
• Seasonal considerations: Northern regions have limited access during wet season (November-April)

Fuel Options

Refueling Locations Near the Airport

• BP: Airport Drive, 1 km from terminals
• Caltex/Ampol: Great Eastern Highway, 3 km from airport
• Shell: Fauntleroy Avenue, 2 km from airport
• Costco: Perth Airport precinct (requires membership)

Fuel Policies

• Most rentals operate on a “full-to-full” policy
• Pre-purchase fuel options available from some providers
• Diesel widely available for 4WD rentals
• Premium fuel availability limited in remote areas

FAQ

Common Questions

• Can I drive to the Nullarbor/Eyre Highway? Yes, but check your rental agreement as some companies restrict travel or require notification
• Are there age restrictions? Most require drivers to be 21+, with surcharges for under 25
• Is unlimited mileage included? Most rentals include unlimited kilometers, but always confirm for longer journeys
• Can I take the vehicle on ferries to Rottnest Island? No, most rental contracts prohibit this
• Are child seats available? Yes, but must be requested in advance (approximately $11 per day)
• Can international visitors rent cars? Yes, with a valid license in English or International Driving Permit

Regional-Specific Questions

• Can I drive on unsealed roads? Most standard rentals prohibit unsealed road driving; 4WD rentals may allow it with restrictions
• One-way rental to Broome/Exmouth? Available with some providers but with significant one-way fees
• Can I drive across the Nullarbor to Adelaide? Possible but expensive due to one-way fees; specialized relocation deals occasionally available
• Are satellite phones included/available? Not standard but can be rented separately

Special Offers and Loyalty Programs

• Tourism packages: Some hotels and tour operators offer discounted car rental packages
• Airline partnerships: Qantas, Virgin, and Singapore Airlines frequent flyer members may receive discounts
• Extended rental discounts: Weekly rates often offer significant savings over daily rates
• Mining company rates: Corporate discounts available for resource sector employees

Contact Information

• Avis: (08) 9477 1302
• Budget: (08) 9277 9277
• Hertz: (08) 9479 4788
• Europcar: (08) 9479 5199
• Thrifty: (08) 9478 3144
• Enterprise: (08) 9479 5188
• Sixt: (08) 9479 7700
• Redspot/Enterprise: (08) 9478 6544
• Ace Rentals: (08) 9472 4300
• Bayswater Car Rental: (08) 9370 3888

Alternative Transport Options

• Airport shuttle: Connect Shuttle to city hotels
• Taxi services: Available at all terminals
• Rideshare: Uber and Ola operate from designated pickup areas
• Public transport: Buses to Transperth train stations

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car rentals at Perth Airport, helping you plan your Western Australian adventure with confidence.

Perth Airport Car Hire – Vehicles and Pricing

Available Vehicle Types

Most rental companies at Perth Airport offer the following vehicle categories:

Economy/Compact Cars

• Examples: Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio
• Ideal for: Solo travelers or couples, city driving
• Features: Fuel-efficient, easy parking

Medium/Intermediate

• Examples: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3
• Ideal for: Small families, longer trips
• Features: More space, comfortable for longer journeys

Standard/Full-Size

• Examples: Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6
• Ideal for: Families, business travelers
• Features: Ample luggage space, comfortable seating

SUVs/Crossovers

• Examples: Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander
• Ideal for: Families, travelers with lots of luggage
• Features: Higher seating position, more space

Premium/Luxury

• Examples: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class
• Ideal for: Business travelers, luxury seekers
• Features: Premium interiors, advanced features

People Movers/Minivans

• Examples: Toyota Tarago, Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax
• Ideal for: Large families, groups
• Features: 7-8 seats, substantial luggage capacity

4WD/Off-Road

• Examples: Toyota LandCruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, Jeep Cherokee
• Ideal for: Outback/remote area travel
• Features: High clearance, rugged capability

Average Pricing (AUD)

Prices fluctuate based on season, availability, and advance booking. The following are approximate daily rates:

Economy/Compact: $40-$65 per day

• Weekly rate: $240-$390
• Insurance included: Basic third-party
• Additional driver fee: $5-$10 per day

Medium/Intermediate: $50-$80 per day

• Weekly rate: $300-$480
• Insurance included: Basic third-party
• Additional driver fee: $5-$10 per day

Standard/Full-Size: $70-$110 per day

• Weekly rate: $420-$660
• Insurance included: Basic third-party
• Additional driver fee: $5-$10 per day

SUVs/Crossovers: $80-$140 per day

• Weekly rate: $480-$840
• Insurance included: Basic third-party
• Additional driver fee: $5-$10 per day

Premium/Luxury: $120-$200+ per day

• Weekly rate: $720-$1,200+
• Insurance included: Basic third-party plus some additional coverage
• Additional driver fee: Often included

People Movers/Minivans: $110-$180 per day

• Weekly rate: $660-$1,080
• Insurance included: Basic third-party
• Additional driver fee: $5-$10 per day

4WD/Off-Road: $130-$250 per day

• Weekly rate: $780-$1,500
• Insurance included: Basic third-party
• Additional driver fee: $5-$10 per day

Additional Costs to Consider

• Insurance Excess Reduction: $15-$30 per day
• GPS Navigation: $10-$15 per day
• Child Safety Seats: $8-$15 per day
• Additional Drivers: $5-$10 per day per driver
• One-way Rental Fee: $100-$500 (depending on distance)
• Young Driver Surcharge: $15-$30 per day (drivers under 25)
• Airport Pickup Fee: 10-15% of rental cost
• Fuel Option: Full-to-full (most common) or prepaid fuel

Seasonal Price Variations

• Peak Season (Dec-Jan, School Holidays): Expect 20-30% higher rates
• Shoulder Season (Sep-Nov, Mar-May): Moderate rates
• Low Season (Jun-Aug): Best deals, often with free upgrades

Money-Saving Tips

1. Book 3-6 months in advance for best rates
2. Join loyalty programs of major rental companies
3. Look for package deals with flights and accommodation
4. Check for corporate or membership discounts (RACWA, AAA, etc.)
5. Rent for a week instead of days for better rates
6. Compare prices across multiple rental companies

Remember that prices are subject to change and may vary based on availability and specific rental conditions.