Rent a car in Sydney with Europcar
Sydney lies around 175 miles from the capital, Canberra, on the New South Wales coast. Hosting the biggest cultural events in its eponymous opera house, enjoying a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and boasting a cosmopolitan restaurant scene, it’s easy to see why Sydney is such a popular destination.
Rent a car in Sydney and see just how much it has to offer. Flanked by three huge national parks and its famous beaches, this is the best way to experience all its sights.
The Europcar car rental experience in Sydney
There are more than ten Europcar stations in Sydney, so whether you are flying into Sydney Airport or need a more central location to pick up your hire car, there is a location to suit you.
Popular economy models include the Nissan Micra and Toyota Accent, while rentals for larger parties include the Mitsubishi Outlander and Commodore Sedan. Van rental is also available if you need to transport bulkier items. Whether you need a truck or a ‘ute’, book in advance to secure your van rental in Sydney.
Europcar guarantees flexibility for your journey, allowing you to pick up and drop off your rental car in different cities. Rentals are available on a short- or long-term basis to suit you.
Driving in Sydney
To rent a car in Australia, all you need is a valid US driver’s license.
Speed limits vary (especially in the Northern Territory), but generally the national speed limit is 110 km/h on freeways and 100 km/h on two-lane roads. In urban areas, the limit is 50-60 km/h and near schools it is 40 km/h.
In Sydney, paid parking generally applies Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, with different rates for Sundays and holidays. All parking meters accept payment by cash, credit/debit card and the Parkmobile app. There are two large downtown parking lots: Goulburn Street (near Central Station) and Kings Cross. Sydney is currently trialing free 15-minute parking near retail areas.
There are many toll roads around Sydney and throughout Australia. Most of these are cashless, and to make payment you need an e-tag pass to fix inside your car or you can pay online up to three days after you have passed through the tollgate.
Driving in Australia involves long distances, so check your fuel regularly and use the rest areas, which are every 50 to 60 miles. Keep an eye on the weather, as Australia is known for freak weather events which could affect driving conditions. In certain areas, the terrain might be difficult and you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Discover Sydney and the surrounding area by car
Just six miles from Sydney is Bradley’s Head and Bay, where the Taronga Zoo is situated, enjoying great harbor views over the inlet. Take a tour and see the rare nocturnal platypus amongst other unusual animals.
The Blue Mountains National Park is under an hour away. Just one of three vast national parks close to Sydney, here you can see Wentworth Falls and the breathtaking Three Sisters rock formations, and take part in activities from abseiling to horse riding and ecotours.
Around ten miles by car from downtown Sydney is North Head. These grass-covered clifftops reveal impressive ocean views and panoramas of Sydney harbor and its stunning skyline. There are also great scuba and drift diving points here, where you can catch a glimpse of the rare sea dragon and Indian redfish. If you’re in Sydney for New Year’s Eve, this is a top-rated place to watch the world-famous fireworks.
Don’t leave Sydney without seeing Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. About five miles outside of town, it is fringed with green lawns, making for a bizarre land-meets-sea aesthetic. If the waters are looking a bit rough, there are saltwater pools at either end of the beach. Surf is the name of the game here, but be careful always to check the water before going in, and to stay within the flags when swimming. Whether you plan to surf or sunbathe, traveling to the beach in your rental car couldn’t be easier.
Things to see in Sydney
Sydney is the capital of cool, and there are activities to suit everyone. Enjoy the lively but laid-back restaurant scene, lazy days on the beach, or finding out more about the fascinating history of the indigenous people and settlers. With the bush, three national parks and Sydney Harbor all surrounding the city, nature plays a large part in people’s lives and you can access adventure just a car drive away.
We are proud to be European leaders in car rental. To find out more about the Europcar car hire experience, be sure to visit our car rental page!
