Cheap Car Rentals at Darwin Airport

Tips when renting a car at Darwin Airport (DRW)

• Book ahead of time —rental options often sell out during the dry season (May-Oct.).
• License rules — overseas licenses in English are accepted; IDP required otherwise.
• Driving left — the NT follows left-side driving rules. Give way to the right at roundabouts.
• Toll-free NT — expect no toll roads in Darwin or the Northern Territory.
• Darwin car rental — 4WDs are ideal for Kakadu or outback roads. Compact cars suit city stays. Always document scratches on your rental upon pick-up.
• Wildlife hazard — buffalo and kangaroos can wander onto highways, so always be alert.

Why rent a car at Darwin Airport (DRW)

Darwin is the main gateway to the Top End, where buses are few and distances are long. Being the smallest Australian capital city, almost all major tourist sites are unreachable by public transport.

Grabbing a rental car from DAR gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the NT immediately. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, head straight to Kakadu or Litchfield National Park — two of Australia’s prime wilderness areas.

Waterfalls, billabongs, crocodiles, and gorgeous outback are at your fingertips with your own Darwin rental car.

Driving from Darwin Airport (DRW) – Getting Started

Around 13 km from town, Darwin Airport is connected to the CBD via the Stuart Highway. Without traffic, it takes around 15-20 minutes to drive into downtown Darwin.

Common routes include:

• Darwin CBD — 20 mins via Stuart Hwy
• Berry Springs — 45 mins via Stuart Hwy
• Litchfield National Park — 1.5 hrs via Stuart Hwy
• Daly River — 2.5 hrs via Stuart Hwy
• Kakadu National Park — 3 hrs via Arnhem Hwy
• Katherin Gorge (Nitmiluk) — 3.5 hrs via Stuart Hwy

There are absolutely no toll roads in the Northern Territory. Highways are mostly quiet, but distances between towns can be longer than expected — carry extra water and plan fuel stops ahead of time.

Explore Darwin and the Northern Territory from Darwin Airport

Entrance to the Top End and the Outback, Darwin is one of Australia’s most underrated tourist destinations. A Darwin rental car is your best way to experience both the tropical capital city and the wilderness areas that aren’t often seen by tour groups.

In and around Darwin:

• Darwin Waterfront Precinct — lagoon, wave pool, and harbourside dining options.
• Mindil Beach Sunset Market — ocean sunset views with food stalls and live music.
• Museum and Art Gallery of the NT — showcasing Indigenous art and a Cyclone Tracy exhibit.
• Cullen Bay — laid-back marina wth local seafood restaurants.
• George Brown Botanic Gardens — tropical plants, green spaces, and shady trails.

Recommended day trips and scenic routes from Darwin Airport

• Litchfield National Park — swimming holes, waterfalls, and magnetic termite mounds.
• Kakadu National Park — Aboriginal rock art, wetlands, and wildlife sightings.
• Berry Springs — clear swimming pools, picnicking spots, and BBQ areas.
• Adelaide River — famous for the “Jumping Crocodile Cruise”.
• Tiwi Islands — Aboriginal art centres and island culture.
• Katherine — Nitmiluk Gorge, bushwalking, and natural hot springs.