Explore New South Wales with a car rental from Sydney downtown
If you’re keen to explore Australia’s largest city, numerous car hire options in Sydney downtown make for an easy and convenient way to explore this world-class metropolis. Sydney is best known for its iconic harbour, which features the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
As well as being one of Australia’s top destinations with myriad cultural highlights, Sydney is close to the natural wonders of New South Wales, from its surfing beaches and stunning rainforests to the dramatic Blue Mountains.
Fancy a coastal road trip that takes in some of Australia’s most idyllic scenery? Brisbane - the capital of Queensland - lies 915 kilometres up the coast from Sydney. Experience the lively nightlife of the Gold Coast on the way, and stop in the surfing and scuba paradise of Byron Bay too.
Why book with Airport Rentals?
Get your road trip off to the best possible start by booking your car hire Sydney downtown with Airport Rentals. With more than 50,000 pick-up locations across the world, there’s always a convenient Airport Rentals hub somewhere near you, and we have plenty of exclusive offers too.
In addition to the convenience and top deals we offer, we’re keen to ensure our customers have peace of mind when booking with us, or driving one of our rental vehicles. As such, the majority of our cars come with free cancellation and instant confirmation: we understand that plans can change. The price you see on our site is the one you’ll end up paying: there are no hidden booking fees or credit card charges here. Our customer service team is also available to answer any and all of your queries 24/7.
A quick guide to Sydney downtown
Sydney downtown is the city’s gleaming Central Business District (CBD). With plenty of shops, sleek bars, and high-end restaurants, there’s always something going on. The CBD is home to some of Australia’s most iconic sights: Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Here you’ll also find Sydney Town Hall, Darling Harbour and a smattering of leafy parks.
Sydney Airport is less than 15 kilometres from central Sydney and offers both international and domestic flight service.
Guide to driving a rental car in Sydney downtown
Getting from Sydney to Sydney Airport in a car hire
From Sydney downtown, head west on Market St towards George St.
Continue to Ultimo and then merge onto Western Distributor/A4.
Use the right two lanes to take the exit toward Harris St.
Use the left two lanes to turn left onto Harris St and continue onto Regent St.
Continue onto Botany Rd and then turn right onto McEvoy St.
Turn left on the 1st cross street onto Wyndham St.
Follow O'Riordan St to Sir Reginald Ansett Dr in Mascot.
Continue onto Sir Reginald Ansett Dr and proceed to the terminal.
Car hire Sydney downtown driving tips
If you’re visiting Sydney from abroad, refer to our guide to driving in Australia and familiarise yourself with the local conventions.
Toll roads are in operation within the city limits of Sydney, as well as in Brisbane and Melbourne. All toll roads are cashless, so payment must be made via an electronic tag or pass.
There are two default speed limits in New South Wales. In built-up areas without speed signposts, the limit is 50 km/h. On all other roads without posted speeds, the limit is 100 km/h.
Winter in Sydney can get pretty chilly: temperatures drop as low as 8 degrees Celsius at night in July. If you’re visiting between June and August, warm clothes are a must.
Parking your car hire Sydney downtown
The City of Sydney operates two car parks: one on Goulburn St near Central Station, and Kings Cross Car Park. However, there are several private car parks throughout downtown too.
CITY INFO
Accommodation in Sydney downtown
Here are just a few of our favourite accommodation providers in Sydney downtown:
● Hilton Sydney - Plush five-star accommodation at the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District.
● QT Sydney - Designer rooms with an alluring vintage edge just two minutes walk from Hyde Park.
● Castlereagh Boutique Hotel - Reasonably priced accommodation in an ornate, historical building dating from the 1920s.
Annual events in Sydney downtown
A world-class city naturally hosts a plethora of world-class events. Here are just a few.
● Sydney Festival (January) - You can’t turn a corner in Sydney in January without happening upon a cultural performance. Theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and circus all make up this vibrant city-wide celebration.
● Sculpture by the Sea (October/November) - Head to Bondi in your car rental - just over six kilometres from downtown Sydney - to witness this famous art festival: Australia’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.
● Vivid Sydney (May/June) - This festival of lights and music kicks winter off with a dazzling display of lights around the city. Don’t miss the spectacular illumination of the Sydney Opera House.
Main attractions in Sydney downtown
Hit the road and visit all the best attractions in your car hire Sydney downtown.
● Sydney Opera House - Book a tour of this world-famous building, or secure tickets to a show for an unforgettable night under its iconic sails.
● Sydney Harbour Bridge - Enjoy drinks with a bridge vista, or - if you’re an adrenaline junkie - opt for a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.
● Sea Life - Immerse yourself in the world of over 700 species of Australia’s colourful aquatic creatures at Sydney’s aquarium.
