Rent a car for 24 hours or less in Australia: Best Options for Short-Term Rental
In Australia, short-term rentals are a popular choice for both residents and tourists who value flexibility. They’re perfect when you need a vehicle just for a quick trip—whether it’s heading to the airport, attending a business meeting, or making a short getaway out of town. The option to rent a car for a limited period helps you avoid unnecessary costs on days when the vehicle would otherwise sit idle, making it both practical and budget-friendly.
The short—term car rental system covers all major cities of the country – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. You can rent a car for several hours or for exactly one day, which is especially convenient in situations where mobility is needed here and now.
Why rent for 24 hours
Short-term car rental allows you to:
- do not depend on public transport schedules.
- quickly resolve household or work issues.
- get a car without having to sign a long-term contract.
- save money by paying only at the right time.
In practice, renting a car in Australia for a day costs from 55 to 120 AUD, depending on the class of car and location. In large cities, you can find hourly rates starting from 10 AUD/hour, especially if the rental takes place on weekdays and outside peak hours.
Where rent for a day is especially in demand
- Train stations and airports — the car is used for 12-24 hours to meet guests or travel independently without a taxi.
- City centers are rented for a short time for personal or business needs.
- Suburbs and residential areas — rent is convenient for traveling to shopping malls, hospitals or cottages.
What to look for in short-term rentals
When is it cheaper to rent
- On weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the demand is lower, and the price is lower.
- In the evening and at night — many companies offer reduced rates after 18:00.
- Through city branches, rent outside airports is 15-25% cheaper.
How to find great deals
- Comparison sites — you can select the type of car, mileage limit, and enabled options.
- Direct rental sites — often special offers are published that are not included in aggregators.
- Regular customer programs — provide access to closed rates and discounts.
- Mobile apps often offer hourly packages and overnight promotions.
Useful tips
- Book in advance, especially if you are planning a weekend trip.
- Choose your rental start time wisely — a 1-hour difference can affect the price.
- Don’t take paid options if you don’t need them.
- Take photos of the car upon receipt and return — this will help to avoid misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Car rental for less than 24 hours in Australia is considered an easy and flexible method to edge around this country. Just choose a plan accordingly and check the terms related to the returns. Then, pick any car as per your requirements. It is a simple way to travel at any time its needed without an extra charge.

I am an award-winning freelance writer who specializes in finance topics. With over ten years of experience.