Hobart Airport Car Rental Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Arriving at Hobart Airport and need a rental car to explore Tasmania? You're making the right choice. Having your own vehicle is essential for experiencing Tasmania's spectacular landscapes and hidden gems. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car at Hobart Airport to ensure a smooth start to your Tasmanian adventure.

Why Rent a Car at Hobart Airport?

Hobart Airport (HBA) is Tasmania's main gateway, located just 17km from Hobart's CBD. While there are buses and shuttles into the city, renting a car directly at the airport offers significant advantages:

• Immediate Freedom: Start your adventure the moment you land without waiting for shuttles or coordinating transport
• Cost Effective: For groups or anyone planning to explore beyond Hobart, a rental car is more economical than tours or multiple taxi rides
• Flexibility: Tasmania's best experiences are scattered across the island - a car lets you visit them on your schedule
• Convenience: Airport locations typically offer extended hours to match flight schedules
• Better Selection: Airport locations usually have the largest fleet selection compared to city offices

Car Rental Companies at Hobart Airport

Several rental companies operate directly from Hobart Airport with desks in the terminal building. After collecting your luggage, you'll find the rental car desks on your right as you exit the baggage claim area.

Major Operators Available:

• Budget: Good economy options and frequent flyer partnerships
• Avis: Wide range of vehicles including luxury options
• Hertz: Premium service with excellent vehicle maintenance
• Thrifty: Competitive pricing on standard vehicles
• Europcar: Comprehensive insurance options
• Local Operators: Often provide more personalized service and competitive rates

Booking with a local Tasmania operator like EziGo Rentals often provides better value and more flexible terms compared to international chains, especially during peak season.

How the Pickup Process Works

Step 1: Make Your Reservation (Recommended 2-8 Weeks in Advance)

Always book online before you travel. Last-minute airport rentals can be expensive or unavailable, especially during summer (December-February) and Easter. Booking ahead secures better rates and ensures vehicle availability.

Step 2: Collect Your Luggage

Retrieve your bags from the carousel before heading to the rental desk. Most companies require you to have your luggage with you during the inspection process.

Step 3: Present Required Documents

You'll need to show:

• Valid driver's license (held for at least 12 months)
• International license if your license isn't in English
• Credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit
• Booking confirmation (printed or on phone)
• Passport or other photo ID

Step 4: Vehicle Inspection

Walk around the vehicle with the rental agent. They'll note any existing damage on the condition report. Take photos or video on your phone - this protects you from disputes when returning the vehicle. Check:

• Exterior for scratches, dents, or damage
• Interior for stains or tears
• Tires for condition and tread
• Windscreen for chips or cracks
• Fuel level (should be full)

Step 5: Understand the Vehicle

Before driving off, familiarize yourself with:

• How to adjust mirrors, seats, and climate control
• Lights and indicators (different from your home country?)
• Fuel type - petrol or diesel (check the sticker near the fuel cap)
• Location of spare tire and tools
• How to open the boot/trunk

Costs and What's Included

Base Rental Rates

Expect to pay:

• Economy Car: $45-75 per day
• Compact/Sedan: $55-85 per day
• SUV: $80-140 per day
• 7-8 Seater: $100-180 per day

Rates vary significantly by season. Summer (December-February) commands premium pricing, while winter (June-August) offers discounts of 30-50%. Booking for a week typically provides better daily rates than 2-3 day rentals.

What's Typically Included:

• Unlimited kilometers (check fine print - some budget deals have limits)
• Basic third-party insurance
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• GST (goods and services tax)

Common Additional Charges:

• Young Driver Fee: $25-35 per day for drivers under 25
• Additional Drivers: $10-15 per day per driver
• GPS Navigation: $10-15 per day (download offline maps instead)
• Baby/Child Seats: $10-15 per day per seat
• Snow Chains: $15-25 per day (required for some mountain areas in winter)
• One-Way Fee: $50-200 if picking up in Hobart and returning in Launceston
• After-Hours Fee: $50-100 for pickup/dropoff outside business hours

Understanding Insurance Options

Insurance is the most confusing aspect of car rental, but understanding your options can save money and provide peace of mind.

Basic Coverage (Usually Included)

Your rental includes Third Party Liability, which covers damage to other vehicles or property. However, you're still liable for damage to your rental vehicle up to the "excess" amount (typically $3,000-5,000).

Excess Reduction

Most common option. Reduces your liability from $3,000-5,000 down to $500-1,000. Costs around $25-40 per day. Good value for peace of mind.

Premium Cover (Zero Excess)

Eliminates your excess entirely - you pay nothing for damage. Costs $35-55 per day. Worth considering for expensive vehicles or if you're nervous about driving on unfamiliar roads.

What Insurance Doesn't Cover

Read the fine print. Most policies exclude:

• Overhead damage (hitting low branches, car park roofs)
• Underbody damage (scraping on rocks or speed bumps)
• Damage from unlawful driving (speeding, off-road on sealed-only vehicles)
• Tire and windscreen damage (often charged separately)
• Driving on unsealed roads in vehicles not approved for it
• Single-vehicle accidents on gravel roads

Pro Tip: Check Your Credit Card

Some premium credit cards include rental car excess insurance as a benefit. Check with your card provider before paying for extra coverage. If you have this, you can decline the rental company's excess reduction and file a claim with your credit card company if needed.

Fuel Policies and Costs

Full-to-Full (Recommended): You receive the car with a full tank and return it full. This is the fairest policy. Petrol stations near the airport include the BP on Kennedy Drive (5 minutes) and Shell on Cambridge Road.

Pre-Purchase Fuel: Some companies offer to sell you a full tank upfront. Avoid this option - you rarely use exactly a full tank and can't get a refund for unused fuel.

Fuel Costs in Tasmania

Expect to pay $1.80-2.20 per liter for unleaded petrol (as of 2026). Diesel is typically 10-15% more expensive. Fuel is cheaper in Hobart and Launceston than in remote areas. Always fill up before heading to the west coast or Cradle Mountain region where stations are sparse.

Age Requirements and Restrictions

Minimum Age: 21 years (some companies allow 18 year olds for small cars only)

Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 typically pay $25-35 per day extra

Maximum Age: Most companies have no upper age limit, though drivers over 75 may need to provide a medical certificate

License Requirements: Must have held a full license (not provisional/learner) for at least 12 months

Tips for Getting the Best Deal

1. Book Early

The single best way to save money. Booking 6-8 weeks ahead can save 30-50% compared to last-minute rates. During peak season (December-February), book even earlier.

2. Compare Local and International Operators

Don't assume international brands are better. Local Tasmania operators often provide:

• Lower rates due to lower overhead costs
• More flexible terms and conditions
• Better customer service and local knowledge
• Newer vehicles (many refresh fleets annually)

3. Book Direct

While comparison sites are useful for research, booking directly with the rental company often gets you:

• Better customer service if issues arise
• More flexible cancellation terms
• Exclusive direct-booking discounts
• Easier modification of bookings

4. Avoid Airport Add-Ons

Decline expensive extras offered at the counter:

• GPS: Use your phone with downloaded offline maps
• Satellite Phone: Unnecessary unless doing extreme remote travel
• Prepaid Fuel: Always return the car full instead
• Additional Insurance: Only buy if you truly need it - don't be pressured

5. Longer Rentals = Better Rates

A 7-day rental often costs only marginally more than 5 days. Weekly rates provide much better value than daily rates.

What to Check Before Leaving the Airport

Test all features before leaving:

• Air conditioning and heating
• All lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators)
• Windscreen wipers and washers
• Horn
• Door locks and windows
• Handbrake

Locate essential equipment:

• Spare tire (or tire repair kit)
• Jack and wheel brace
• First aid kit (required by law)
• Emergency triangle
• Fire extinguisher

Confirm the return process:

• Where exactly to return the car (parking bay number)
• What time to return to avoid late fees
• After-hours return procedures if you have an early flight
• Whether you need to have the car cleaned

Driving from Hobart Airport to Your Destination

To Hobart CBD (17km, 20 minutes)

Take Airport Road to Tasman Highway (A3). Follow signs to Hobart. The route is straightforward with good signage. Allow extra time during morning (7-9am) and evening (4-6pm) peak hours.

To Launceston (200km, 2.5 hours)

Take Tasman Highway north through picturesque east coast towns. Consider stopping at Richmond (30 minutes) to see Australia's oldest bridge.

To Port Arthur (100km, 1.5 hours)

Head south on Arthur Highway through Sorell. The Tasman Peninsula drive is scenic with several interesting stops along the way.

To Cradle Mountain (290km, 4 hours)

Via Deloraine and Sheffield on the Bass Highway. This is a long first day - consider breaking it up with an overnight stay in Launceston or Deloraine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Photographing Damage: Always take your own photos of the vehicle condition. The condition report may miss minor scratches that could be blamed on you later.

2. Ignoring Fuel Type: Putting petrol in a diesel vehicle (or vice versa) can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Double-check before filling up.

3. Declining Gravel Road Coverage for Remote Areas: If you're visiting places like Bay of Fires or Cradle Mountain, you'll encounter gravel roads. Make sure your insurance covers them.

4. Returning Late: Even 30 minutes late can trigger an extra day's charges. Plan to return at least an hour before your rental period ends.

5. Not Checking Mileage Limits: Some budget deals cap kilometers at 100-200km per day. Tasmania road trips easily cover 200+ km daily. Unlimited kilometers is worth paying slightly more for.

What If You Have Problems?

Breakdown: All rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance. The number is on your keyring or rental documents. Don't attempt repairs yourself.

Accident: Even minor accidents must be reported to the rental company within 24 hours. Take photos, exchange details with other parties, and file a police report for insurance purposes.

Lost Keys: Contact the rental company immediately. Replacement keys can take hours to arrive and will incur substantial fees ($200-500).

Flat Tire: Call roadside assistance rather than changing it yourself, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process.

Returning Your Vehicle

Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your rental end time. This allows for:

• Filling up at a nearby petrol station
• Quick vacuum if needed (some locations charge cleaning fees)
• Final inspection with the agent
• Walking to terminal (5-7 minutes)

After-Hours Return: If your flight is very early, most companies offer after-hours return. You'll park in a designated bay, photograph the fuel gauge and odometer, lock the car, and drop keys in a secure box. The inspection happens later and you're emailed a final receipt.

Make Your Tasmania Adventure Unforgettable

Renting a car at Hobart Airport is the smartest way to explore Tasmania independently. With the right preparation and understanding of the process, you'll drive away confidently within 30 minutes of landing.

Remember to book early for the best rates, understand your insurance options, and familiarize yourself with Tasmania's driving conditions before you travel. With your own vehicle, you're free to discover Tasmania's pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, charming towns, and world-class food and wine at your own pace.

Whether you're here for a long weekend or several weeks, having a reliable rental car opens up experiences that simply aren't possible with tours or public transport. Tasmania's magic lies in the journey between destinations - those unexpected stops, hidden lookouts, and spontaneous detours that become your favorite memories.