On- and off-airport car rental

By Vroom Team • Reviewed 09 Jan 2026

Here at VroomVroomVroom, we recommend considering all your options before placing a booking.

Did you know that the price of your rental car can change depending on whether you rent directly from an airport or not? Generally speaking, airport rental rates tend to be higher due to additional location fees that aren’t required by suburban and off-airport depots.

But what else should you consider when deciding between an on-airport rental car and an off-airport rental car? Well, let’s break it down.

What is on-airport car rental?

On-airport car rental providers operate from within — or right beside — airport terminals, usually with desks in or near the arrivals hall, and vehicles parked on site. With an on-airport rental, all you need to do is collect your luggage, walk to the rental counter, sort out the paperwork, pick up your keys, and drive away. An on-airport car rental is the fastest and easiest way to hit the road as quickly as possible, but there are some disadvantages you should also be aware of.

Pros of on-airport car rental

Convenience
An on-airport rental car depot is all about maximising convenience. You’re able to collect your car immediately after landing without leaving the airport.
Speed
Along with convenience comes speed, and particularly on short trips or with late-night arrivals when you want to get moving quickly, every minute counts.
Easy luggage transfer
From the luggage carousel it’s nothing but a short walk — in most cases — to the car rental desks and then into your rental car.
Variety
More vehicles to choose from. Generally speaking, airport fleets tend to be larger and more diverse, allowing for a greater range of vehicle types to choose from.
Availability
Easier to find a ride. Because airport fleets tend to be larger, you’re more likely to find a car on-airport if booking last minute or during peak travel seasons, but bear in mind that in peak season even the best-stocked provider can run out of cars.

Cons of on-airport car rental

Higher rental prices
Airports are considered “premium locations” and as such rental car providers charge higher rates to cover airport fees and concession charges, and as these premium rates impact the entire cost of your rental, the additional expense can be substantial.
Busy counters
As frequent travellers know, airports in high and peak season can be busy places indeed, and the rental counters within the airport are no exception.
Traffic congestion
With on-airport rental cars, your car is generally available to be driven away within walking distance of the counters. This means that you’re subject to any traffic issues the airport as a whole experiences.

What is off-airport car rental?

Off-airport car rental providers are located away from the airport terminal, usually a short drive from the airport. Most providers will offer a free shuttle service that takes you from the terminal to the depot, where you collect your vehicle before starting your journey.

Pros of off-airport car rental

Lower prices
When it comes to off-airport depots, price is one of the greatest advantages. As off-airport rental car providers don’t have to pay the same location fees as on-airport car rental providers, the total cost of a rental car can be considerably lower at an off-airport location.
Lower crowds
On-airport rental car depots tend to be the more popular option, which means off-airport options can make both the collection and return of a rental car feel more relaxed.
Less traffic
As off-airport hire car depots are not situated within the airport, you’ll be able to avoid needing to drive out of the airport, which can make for a more relaxing experience, especially for those new to the city.

Cons of off-airport car rental

Extra transfer time
As off-airport depots typically require a transfer from the airport to the depot, it will take longer to hit the road than if you’re using an on-airport depot.
Shuttles may not be on demand
Depending on the provider and the time of the day, shuttle services may only operate to a set schedule, which means if you miss one, you may have to wait for a spell before you can get a ride to the depot.
Luggage hassle
If you have a lot of luggage, off-airport can be a bit more work as you’ll need to load your bags into the shuttle service then wait with them while you arrange your hire vehicle.

Which option makes more sense?

Choosing between on-airport and off-airport car rental usually comes down to balancing convenience against cost. If you’re arriving late, travelling with children, or only renting for a day or two, the ease of an on-airport pickup can be worth the extra money.

Off-airport rentals on the other hand work well for budget travellers and especially for those on longer holidays, where value matters more than speed.

There’s no universal “better” option — just the one that fits your trip. Comparing both on- and off-airport options before booking is the best way to decide which one works best for you.

Important Information
Things to consider
Avoid airport rentals if you don’t want to pay premium location fees. However, you should also keep in mind that most off-airport providers may not have the same depot hours to accommodate early or late arrivals.

About the author

Vroom Team

VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.

On- and off-airport car rental