Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in Perth
Looking for a cheap car rental in Perth? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal across the country. Whether you're exploring major cities or venturing into rural regions, a quick comparison can save you time and money.
- Compare pickup locations – Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including off-airport savings.
- Slightly adjust pickup times and dates – Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
- Choose economy or compact cars – These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
- Book early – Especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays), advance booking helps secure lower prices and better availability.
Tips When Renting a Car in Perth
- Perth’s inner-city is walkable, with buses and free CAT shuttles — Perth car rental lets you explore national parks, wine regions, and beaches.
- The Mitchell and Graham Farmer Freeways are notorious for experiencing traffic jams during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
- Pick up your Perth car rental from Perth Airport for the best availability and easy freeway access.
- Check your rental policy on unsealed roads — some outback and coastal roads require a 4WD.
- No cars are permitted on Rottnest Island, so be prepared to leave your rental car behind.
- Always inspect the vehicle for damage — take timestamped photos before and after.
Driving Tips in Perth
- Drive on the left — overtake on the right.
- Roundabouts are commonplace — give way to the right.
- Wave to let someone pass — flashing headlights usually signal “police ahead”.
- Horn use can be considered aggressive — only use for emergencies.
- Be alert for kangaroos on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Stay in the left lane on motorways unless overtaking.
- Use the EasyPark or Wilson Parking apps to find parking deals in Perth’s CBD.
- Perth’s key motorways include Mitchell Freeway, Kwinana Freeway, Graham Farmer Freeway, and Tonkin Highway.
- Major petrol stations: Puma, Shell, United, BP, Ampol.
- You must carry your driver’s licence (IDP if not in English), rental contract, and insurance documents with you.
Speed Limits
The default speed limits in Perth are 50km/h in built-up areas, 40km/h in school zones, and 100-110 km/h on freeways. Always be on the lookout for sudden drops in speed limit, especially around road works. Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common throughout WA, with steep fines.
Road Signs
Perth road signs follow the Australian standard, featuring speeds in kilometres per hour, “No Stopping” zones within the city, and wildlife warning signs in rural areas. Beware of “Floodway” signs in remote regions, especially during winter rains. Signs are almost always in English or simple symbols.
Tolls and Restricted Zones
Unlike much of Australia, Perth has no toll roads. Use any freeway or highway at your leisure without the worry of a toll bill. Continue to check local signage for clearways and bus lanes to avoid fines. Some parking areas offer only short-term parking during specific hours — read the parking signs carefully.
Discover Perth by Car
Perth city has a compact and walkable size, but the wide-open spaces that surround the city are what make WA famous. One moment you can be sipping wine in the Swan Valley, and the next moment you’re snorkelling at Mettam’s Pool.
With Perth car rental, world-class beaches and outback adventures are all within your grasp. Choose to slow down in Kings Park for a lunchtime picnic, or spend the day with the Quokkas on Rottnest Island — the choice is up to you.
When to Visit
Perth’s summers (Dec.-Feb.) are dry and very hot — perfect for a beach-centric road trip. Just make sure to pack extra water and sun protection in your rental car. If you’re interested in seeing Perth’s wine regions and wildflowers, the weather during autumn (Mar.-May) and spring (Sep.-Nov.) is more approachable.
Languages & Communication
English is spoken everywhere in Australia. Throughout WA, you’ll spot Indigenous place names across national parks and coastal areas. All street and road signs are written in English, and it’s unlikely that English speakers will face a language barrier.
Currency & Payments
Perth uses the Australian Dollar ($). Contactless payments are widely accepted at petrol stations, parking garages, and parking meters. It helps to have a bit of cash on hand for small-town bakeries, markets, etc. While ATMs are common in the city, look for a local bank or supermarket to take cash out in regional towns.
Top Driving Routes from Perth
- Swan Valley — WA’s oldest wine region, craft breweries, and chocolate factories.
- Fremantle — Historic port city, ferry to Rottnest Island, and sunset at Cottesloe Beach.
- Pinnacles Desert — Nambung National Park, golden sand dunes, and sandboarding.
- Margaret River — Vineyards, farm-to-table restaurants, surf beaches, and caves.
- Great Eastern Highway — Gold mining heritage, outback landscapes, and the historic mining town of Kalgoorlie.
- Coral Coast (Perth to Exmouth) — Epic road trip, pink lakes, coral reefs, dolphin sightings, and Kalbarri National Park.
