Can you rent a car from Launceston to Hobart?
Yes, absolutely! If you want to pick up your rental car from Launceston and return it to Hobart, we’ve got your back (and your boot) with our versatile one-way rentals. Simply contact our friendly team via phone, email or online contact form and we’ll help you get red-y to roll.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless specified. After-hours pickup is available upon request (subject to availability).
One-way rental Launceston to Hobart
Drive your own route with our convenient one-way rentals, steering you from Launceston Airport to Hobart Airport on a stress-free ride. Save time, effort, and fuel costs by choosing a simple, one-way journey.
Just head to the Extras section on your online booking form, tick the ‘One Way Rental Fee’ box, and you’re ready to go.
Fuel your trip to Hobart using your choice of Redspot refuel options. It doesn’t matter if you prefer pre-pay, post-pay, or fill it up yourself; we’ve got the choices for you. We also offer quality rental car accessories, from baby seat hire to Toll Pass Waivers designed for the smoothest of rides.
Unlimited kilometres for standard passenger and leisure Redspot vehicles around Australia also means you can keep the adventure going for longer – distance is no issue. If you’re hiring a van, truck or ute, km restrictions may apply depending on your plans. Please get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to confirm, so you can get going with ease.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless specified. After-hours pickup available upon request (subject to availability).
Pickup in Launceston:
- Launceston Airport (Monday to Sunday, 7:30am – 9pm. After-hours drop off available.)
- Launceston City (Monday to Friday 8am – 4 pm, Saturday 8am – 2pm, Sunday 9am – 1pm, After-hours drop off not available)
Drop off in Hobart:
- Hobart Airport (Monday to Sunday, 7:30am – 10pm. After-hours drop off available.)
- Hobart City (Monday to Friday 8am – 4:30pm, Saturday to Sunday 8am – 2pm, After-hours drop off not available)
One-Way Rentals Made Easy – A Small Relocation Fee for Huge Convenience
Go further, without the detour! With Redspot’s flexible one-way rentals, you can explore Australia your way, no need to circle back. You’ll save on time, fuel, and effort, making the most of every journey on the open Aussie road.
How long does it take to drive from Launceston to Hobart?
It takes about 2 hours to drive to Hobart from Launceston using the most direct route (via National Highway 1). This is your best choice if you need to head straight there. If you’re looking for a slower, more scenic route, you can also take Highland Lakes Road, which will bring up your total travel time to 3 hours without rest.
Whichever route you choose, we recommend taking at least one break to enjoy the beautiful forest scenery and charming towns along the way. No matter your route, you will be heading past some beautiful forest paths with charming towns, so be sure to take your time and enjoy it!
Is it better to drive or fly from Launceston to Hobart?
Sure, you can fly from Launceston to Hobart in under an hour, but by the time you’ve dealt with airport lines, baggage claims, and transfers, you could be halfway there by road!
The drive takes about 2.5 hours and offers a front-row seat to Tasmania’s countryside charm. Think rolling farmland, friendly country towns, and plenty of scenic spots to stop for a coffee or photo. With a rental car, you’re also in the driver’s seat of your schedule. Plus, with one-way hire options, it’s even easier to go at your own pace.
Flying’s great if you’re in a rush, but if you’ve got a bit of time, the drive is a beautiful way to see a different side of Tassie.
Redspot Driver Facts.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21 (mine-spec and commercial vehicles included).
Maximum Age is No Barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light for leisure, commercial and mine-spec vehicles – one of the few Aussie companies that do!
Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Overseas visitors welcome:
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Family-friendly car hire:
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Credit Card Condition:
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Fuel Flexibility:
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Maximum age is no barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Toll-road Tricks:
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Meet Our Fleet
Pick up your Redspot rental from any of our 5 branches across Sydney. From 12-seater minibus hires to classic sedans, our versatile fleet has your dream set of wheels ready to cruise all the way to sunny Queensland.
Minibus Hire
Looking to explore Tasmania’s beautiful landscape with a party of eight or more? Our 8-seater minivan hire cars are fully equipped for comfortable road trips, with plenty of legroom and luggage space for your whole crew.
4WD Hire
If you’re thinking of heading off the beaten path, our 4WDs are the perfect choice for you. With enhanced steering and stability, you and your travel companions can head across the mountain paths with ease.
Sedan Hire
When in doubt, you can always trust a sedan hire! Our 5-seater sedans are reliable, fully equipped and perfect for the relatively quick jaunt to Hobart.
Baby seats and other accessories
With Redspot’s practical car rental add-ons, your trip from Launceston to Hobart will be smooth from start to finish.Travelling with little ones? Check out our child seat hire to get your kids strapped in safely for adventure.
From Old Place to New, Moving House is Easy with One-Way Rentals
Making the move from Launceston to Tasmania’s most populous city? With a range of reliable cars, vans, trucks and practical moving accessories, you can take on the big move your way when you rely on Redspot. Enjoy no stress and no backtracking, thanks to our flexible one-way car hire.
All rentals include a daily 100 km allowance, with a small p/km fee if you go further (varies by vehicle). Perfect for local moves or cutting down on removalist costs.
Need help choosing the right car for your trip? Call our friendly team on 1300 668 810 – we’re here to make moving easier.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Whether you need a roomy SUV or a reliable sedan, your personal belongings are covered for the big move. Simply pick up from one of our Launceston car hire locations, load up your gear and head south to your new life in Hobart. Our friendly team at our Hobart City or Airport branch will be waiting to take the rental car off your hands so you can dive straight into unpacking and settling in.
One-Way Trucks and Moving Accessories
Comfy couch you can’t live without? Sorted. Dream fridge you finally saved up for? Packed and ready.
With a range of trucks, utes, and handy moving accessories available from our Hobart City branch, you can flex those muscles and do the big move your way. No dramas and no backtracking, thanks to our one-way truck hire.
Our trucks come with a daily kilometre allowance of 100 km, with a small fee for extra distance depending on the vehicle. Ideal if you’re sticking to a local move or want to save on removalists.
Please get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to confirm, so you can get going with ease.
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on.
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 40 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
For over 35 years, Redspot has provided smooth rides for our local and international customers with top-notch leisure and commercial vehicles. Buckle up and explore their road-worthy experiences here:
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Super Package
More cover, less cost. Redspot’s Super Package gives you reduced damage liability and extra perks—perfect if you want more peace of mind without going all-out. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $1,950 to $2,750 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
6 Popular Stops from Launceston to Hobart
Tasmania offers some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in the world, and a Launceston to Hobart road trip is your chance to experience a taste of everything the island has to offer.
Whether you’re on holiday, visiting family or on business, Redspot has the perfect ride to get you where you’re going!
Cataract Gorge Reserve
You’ll find this incredible stop just a short drive from Launceston’s city centre. The Cataract Gorge Reserve is a stunning paradise with lush gardens, bold cliffs and the world’s longest single-span chairlift. Enjoy scenic walking trails and scenic picnic spots, or take a thrilling stroll across the historic suspension bridge.
We’d also recommend visiting the Queen Victoria Museum and the National Automobile Museum before you head to Hobart!
Ben Lomond National Park
Be sure to take a short detour from the main road to reach the largest alpine zone in Tasmania while you’re in the area. The Ben Lomond National Park features dramatic mountain scenery and abundant wildlife, giving you an unforgettable chance to experience Tasmania’s incredible fauna up close. During winter, the park turns into the number one skiing destination on the island, boasting two of Tasmania’s ski fields and a chance to hit the slopes!
Campbell Town
Experience the true history of the region by taking a quick stop in this charming town. Campbell Town is rich in 18th-century iconography and features picturesque heritage buildings that offer insights into Tasmania’s past. Check out the convict-built Red Bridge or stroll past the Convict Brick Trail, where nearly 200,000 settler names are commemorated in brick.
Oatlands
While you’re on the road, why not take a quick stop to see Australia’s largest collection of sandstone Georgian buildings? Oatlands features plenty of heritage architecture and streetscapes that will be a hit for history lovers out there. Not to mention, you can check out the third-oldest windmill in the whole country! Be sure to explore the local cafes, bars and food stores like Tidbit and Morsel to sample the local honey and chocolates while you’re in town.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Tasmania has some of the most unique wildlife in the world, and at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, you can have a close encounter with the island’s most iconic marsupial. The sanctuary is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of the Tasmanian Devil, as well as other Aussie animals. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet local wildlife up close and personal!
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Just before you reach Hobart, it’s well worth making a stop at an unmissable cultural landmark. The Museum of Old and New Art is a subterranean gallery with gorgeous riverside settings, featuring provocative contemporary art with a playful atmosphere. MONA offers a little something for everyone – plus, the ferry ride there is half the fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent a car from Launceston and return to Hobart?
Yes, you sure can! Redspot offers one-way hire cars across our 45+ locations in Australia, subject to availability. Whenever you’re ready to wrap up your adventure, we’re happy to accommodate you. Just contact our expert team by phone or email to discuss your plans, and get red-y for an awesome Tassie journey.
Can I take a Redspot hire car interstate?
Yes, depending on your location and plans! If you return your Redspot hire car to the same location you picked it up from, you’re free to roam interstate with ease.
Interstate one-way rentals:
- You can book one-way car hire between our East Coast branches (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS), subject to vehicle availability.
Restricted state one-way rentals:
- Due to these branches’ remote locations (NT, SA, WA), one-way car hire is only available between Redspot locations within the state/territory it is rented from.
For more info, contact our friendly team on 1300 668 810 or online form to discuss your rental car options. We’d love to help you navigate your journey!
How to get the lowest rate on a rental car?
To get the lowest rate on your rental vehicle, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance. That way, you can get the best rates on your vehicle, avoid seasonal price hikes and boost your chances of securing the exact car model you want on your journey.
Is it easy to get around Hobart without a car?
Hobart has an efficient public transport system and is a compact city, making it easy enough to get around without a car. However, by hiring your own vehicle, you can explore on your own schedule, and go to hidden gems and locations you could only find off the beaten path.
Is there a shuttle bus from Launceston Airport to Launceston City?
Currently, there is no shuttle bus collection service to or from Launceston Airport. We recommend booking a rental vehicle in advance so you can head to Launceston City as soon as you arrive. Car hire Launceston kiosks can be found right inside the airport terminal, including ours!
How many days do you need in Hobart?
We recommend spending at least 3 days in Hobart, which gives you plenty of time to experience what Tasmania’s capital city has to offer. Highlights include wandering the sculpture trail by the harbour, or watching the sunrise from Mount Wellington.
What do I need to rent a car in Tasmania?
To rent a car in Tasmania, you will need to:
- Be over 21 years old.
- Present a valid credit card OR debit card* OR purchase order/prepaid voucher** in the renter’s name.
- Present a valid, physical driver’s licence in the renter’s name. Note: Digital licences, photos or copies are generally not accepted.
- Present valid driver’s licence/s for any additional drivers, who must be present at the time of vehicle pick-up.
If you are an international visitor, you must also present your physical passport and valid full driver’s licence at vehicle pick-up.
*Debit cards: Must have the customer’s name displayed, and the ability to make online payments e.g. Visa or Mastercard debit cards.
**Purchase order or prepaid vouchers: Customers must also supply a valid credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card for any incidental expenses (extensions, fuel charges, etc.). For more information, see our complete guide to renting a vehicle with an overseas licence.
Can you have 2 drivers in a Redspot hire car?
Yes, 2 drivers or more can take the wheel in a Redspot hire car. Just make sure any drivers present their valid driver’s licence at vehicle pick-up, and you’ll be ready to roam (usual T&Cs apply). Please note that an additional drivers fee may apply – unless you book our All-Inclusive package!
Can someone else return my one-way car hire?
Absolutely, we understand that plans can change. Anyone listed on the rental car agreement as an additional driver can return your one-way car hire. Easy as!
If you opted for our all-inclusive package, then you can add free additional drivers. If you opted for our standard package, an additional driver will incur a fee of $11/day.
What are the road conditions between Launceston and Hobart?
Roads across Tasmania are typically well-maintained with light traffic. However, Tasmanian roads can be very steep and winding, and extreme weather conditions like heavy rain may cause degradation on your route.
Be sure to check the Tasmanian government sites for road closures and other delays before you start your journey.
What is the maximum age to drive a rental car in Australia?
None! At Redspot, we say that age is just a number. That’s why we welcome senior drivers to rent with us. For those young at heart, jump behind the wheel and get ready to explore all the beauty Australia has to offer.
Do Redspot rental cars have a km limit?
For maximum freedom, there are no km limits for our standard car rentals, including compact, sedans, hybrids, and SUVs.
However, as Australia is such a big and beautiful country, there are some instances where we have to impose a km limit to help maintain our vehicles:
- If you need a van, truck, or ute for a business car hire
- If you head to remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Launceston to Hobart car rental.