How to find a cheap car hire deal in Newcastle
Pick up a cheap rental car in Newcastle and get on your way for around RM605 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
The cheapest daily rental price in Newcastle is RM157.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from RM815 and fit more into your itinerary.
Get the timing right and book around two weeks ahead to land the best price on a Newcastle car hire.
East Coast, Europcar and Hertz are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Newcastle car hire policy, whether you go with East Coast or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Newcastle.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at RM543 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around RM424.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly RM410 a day.
After a car that works for most trips? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Newcastle.
Flying to Newcastle? Think about an airport pick-up
Start your Newcastle trip sooner by picking up a car hire at Newcastle Airport. The city centre is about 26 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Newcastle
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Great for longer journeys, this Newcastle car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Newcastle that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Newcastle car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Newcastle by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Australia. Rules can differ, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you should add a car seat to your Newcastle car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in Australia, be aware that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
English is the language used most widely across the country.
Best hotels in Newcastle for drivers
Offering parking, Duke of Wellington Hotel takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Newcastle and also comes with billiards and a restaurant.
Surf Beach Motel Newcastle makes things simpler with accessible parking and features such as internet access and express check-out. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Newcastle and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Newcastle and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Merewether Beach, Bathers Way Coastal Walk and Nobbys Beach are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Newcastle
Around 29 kilometres northwest of central Newcastle, Maitland easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Maitland Gaol and Golden Whistler Park.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Hunter Gateway Motel and Old Maitland Inn - Rutherford, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Maitland.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Newcastle and then set off for Umina Beach. Roughly 80 kilometres southwest of Newcastle, Umina Beach and Central Coast Mountain Bike Tours are among the highlights that make the extra drive worth it.
Umina Beach has some great accommodation options such as Bayview Hotel Woy Woy and Mantra Ettalong Beach. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Tamworth, about 225 kilometres north of Newcastle. First, swing past Powerhouse motorcycle museum, then head to Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Motel 359 and The Tamworth Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Tamworth.
