Can you rent a car from Canberra to Sydney?
Yes, you can pick up your car rental in Canberra and return it in Sydney with our flexible one-way car hire. Get in touch with our friendly team by phone, email or online contact form, and we’ll help get your travel plans moving.
One way rental Canberra to Sydney
Drive from Canberra to Sydney your way with our one-way car rentals. Pick up from our Canberra branch and return your vehicle at a Redspot Sydney branch that suits your plans. It’s a handy option if you’re heading home, flying out, travelling for work or making a weekend of it. To add a one-way rental to your online booking, go to the Extras section and tick the One Way Fee box. Then you’re good to go. You can also choose the refuel option that works for your trip. Pre-pay, post-pay or fill up before drop-off. Need a little extra for the drive? Add handy rental car accessories like a baby seat hire or a Toll Pass Waiver when you book. Unlimited kilometres are included for standard passenger and leisure Redspot vehicles around Australia, so the Canberra to Sydney drive is no problem. Kilometre limits may apply if you hire a van, truck or ute, so please call our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to check before you head off. 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless stated otherwise. After-hours pickup is available on request and subject to availability.
Booking is simple. When you make your reservation online, head to the Extras section and select the One Way Fee. That is all it takes to lock it in.
Sort fuel your way with Redspot refuel options to match your plans. Pre-pay, post-pay, or refill it yourself before drop-off. You can also add handy extras like baby seats or a Toll Pass Waiver to keep things running smoothly on the road.
Unlimited km is included on standard passenger and leisure vehicles, so the road trip won’t be a problem at all. If you are hiring a van, truck, or ute, km limits may apply. Give the friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to double-check before you set off.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless stated otherwise. After-hours pick-up can be arranged on request, subject to availability.
Pick up in Canberra:
Drop off in Sydney:
Meet Our Fleet
Make the drive from Canberra to Sydney simple with our flexible one-way car rentals. Our local team can help you plan your pickup, return and any extras you need before you hit the road. Choose from our range of vehicles, with handy pickup in Canberra and drop-off options across Sydney, so you can travel your way from the capital to the harbour city.
We’ll help you get set for the Canberra to Sydney drive with rental car add-ons that make the trip feel easier from pickup to drop-off. Travelling with kids? Add child seat hire to your booking so the little ones are safely strapped in. Planning to use Sydney’s toll roads? Our Toll Road Waiver can help you keep things simple once you reach the city.
Small Car Hire
From economy and compacts to intermediate cars like the Toyota Corolla, you can’t go past our diverse small car fleet! These affordable, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for solo travellers and small groups.
Sedan Hire
Spot your road trip with our range of versatile sedans, featuring a rotation of your fave brands. Get rolling to Australia’s vibrant coffee capital in the reliable 5-seater car we all know and love.
Minibus and Minivan Hire
Round up your crew and hit the road with our spacious 8–12 seater minibus and minivan hire. Whether you’re on a family getaway or group adventure, we’ve got the right ride to back it.
Baby Seats & Other Accessories
We’ll have you fully loaded with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your travels between A & B a smooth ride from start to finish!
Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire will keep your kids safely strapped in for the journey. Plus, our convenient Toll Road Waiver makes it easy to navigate the tolls along the way, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Whether you’re moving home, relocating for work or taking a few extra bags with you, our Canberra to Sydney one-way car hire makes the trip simple. Choose a sedan, SUV or larger vehicle to suit your plans, pick up in Canberra, load your gear and head for Sydney when you’re ready. When you arrive, return your rental car at your chosen Sydney branch and get on with settling in, unpacking or heading straight to your next stop.
Is it better to fly or drive from Canberra to Sydney?
Driving or flying from Canberra to Sydney comes down to what matters most for your trip. Flying is quicker in the air, but driving gives you more control, more room for luggage and the option to stop along the way. With a one-way car rental, you can skip baggage queues, airport transfers and waiting around for public transport once you land. You can leave Canberra on your schedule, take a break in Goulburn or the Southern Highlands, then drop your rental car off in Sydney when you arrive. We may be a little biased, but with over 35 years of Aussie car rental experience, we reckon the drive is well worth it.
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.
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
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.
Popular Stops From Canberra to Sydney
Goulburn
Goulburn makes an easy first stop on the Canberra to Sydney drive. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and say hello to the Big Merino before getting back on the Hume Motorway. It’s a handy place to break up the trip without adding too much time to your day.
Collector
Take a small detour through Collector if you like quiet country towns with good food and a slower pace. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal, a quick wander, and a breather before the drive continues towards the Southern Highlands.
Bowral
Bowral is a favourite stop in the Southern Highlands, known for gardens, cafes, antique stores and the Bradman Museum. Park the car, enjoy lunch and take your time before heading back on the road to Sydney.
Berrima
Berrima is full of charm, with heritage buildings, local stores and plenty of places to stop for a bite. It’s a great pick if you want your Canberra to Sydney road trip to feel less like a transfer and more like a day out.
Mittagong
Mittagong is a handy stop before the final run towards Sydney. You can refuel, grab snacks or visit nearby lookouts and walking spots if you have extra time. Stick to sealed roads in your Redspot rental car and check local conditions before taking any side trips.
Wollongong
If you have time for a longer coastal route, Wollongong can add sea air, beaches and great food to your Canberra to Sydney drive. Take the sealed roads via the Southern Highlands and the coast, then continue north towards Sydney when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Canberra and leave it in Sydney?
Yes, you can book one-way car hire from Canberra to Sydney, subject to availability. Pick up your rental car in Canberra, return it at your chosen Sydney branch, and keep your travel plans simple. To arrange your trip, contact our friendly team by phone or email, and we’ll help you get ready to hit the road.
Is it more expensive to rent a car one way in Australia?
When it comes to one-way rentals, fees will vary depending on factors including the requested pick-up and drop-off locations, plus vehicle availability. The one-way fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its original location. Typically, the further you want to travel, the more one-way rentals can save you on time and fuel costs that you’d otherwise spend heading back to your journey’s starting point!
We recommend comparing your total trip costs if you choose one-way vs standard returns. With Redspot, you can check rates and vehicle availability through our online booking tool so you can determine what’s best for your plans.
How many kilometres can I drive in a day in a Redspot car hire?
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 (bigger than Europe in land mass!), 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.
Is it worth it to drive from Canberra to Sydney?
This depends on what matters most for your trip. Flying may suit if you need to get there fast. Driving is a great choice if you want more space, more flexibility, and a few easy stops between Canberra and Sydney. For a scenic Canberra to Sydney drive, we suggest taking your time through Goulburn and the Southern Highlands. Stop for coffee in Bowral, wander through Berrima, or take the longer coastal route via Wollongong if you want ocean views before arriving in Sydney. It’s your trip, so you can set the pace.
What is the oldest age to drive a rental car?
At Redspot, there’s no maximum age limit! We say that age is just a number. Whether you’re a retiree, hold a seniors card, or you’re just young at heart, we welcome anyone over 21 to rent with us and keep their adventures rolling.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with Redspot?
For most Aussie car rental companies, the minimum age is 25. However, with Redspot, we don’t think age should keep you from getting the job done! Drivers from 21 years old are welcome to rent with us, including commercial and mine-spec vehicles.
Check out our Young Drivers guide for all the details to get you rolling. (Note: Vehicle size restrictions for Young Drivers do not apply to mine-spec and commercial vehicles. Speak with your employer to confirm details.)
What are the road conditions between Canberra and Sydney?
Canberra to Sydney roads are generally well-maintained and simple to follow, with most of the trip running along sealed highways and motorways. Before you set off, check the latest updates through ACT road closures and Live Traffic NSW for roadworks, crashes, weather events or delays that could affect your trip. As always, stick to sealed roads in your Redspot rental car and plan a rest stop if you need one. A quick check before leaving Canberra can help you avoid surprises on the way into Sydney.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Canberra to Sydney car rental.