Tasmania Car Hire Comparison

Choosing a great car can take your road trip from so-so…to woah!!

There are a lot of options and it can all get very confusing… which is why I created this simple guide (including a fantastic car rental comparison for ALL the companies), answering your questions about Tasmania car hire, and saving you money!

This page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read our full disclosure policy here.

You’ve stepped off the plane and said g’day to the friendly airport sniffer-dog. 

The bags have been collected and you’re jumping out of your skin because…

…YOU’RE IN TASMANIA!!!

So, what’s next?

In this guide to Tasmania car hire I not only show you how to save money on your rental car, but I also give you all the tips and info you need to make a hassle-free start to your Lap of Tasmania road trip.

Summary of Tasmania hire car options

Short on time and want to know the best Tasmania hire car company? 

My table summarises all the options, with the best ones at the top.

Check prices or make your booking by clicking on the link provided for each company – and don’t forget to grab a discount with my partner codes!

Company	Low / High Season	Pros / Cons	Pickup	Restrictions	More
	$242 / $903	My #1 recommendation! Tassie-owned family business. Exceptional service. Huge range of vehicles – all new -with exceptional reliability. Very good shoulder and low-season rates. Big supporter of the Lap of Tasmania! 5% OFF with LAPOFTAS code	HL	Good	Book Now
	$220 / $770	LeisureRent have moved beyond campervans to include a reliable and competitively priced fleet of cars and SUVs. Awesome service and huge supporter of the Lap of Tasmania! 5% OFF with LAPOFTAS code	HL	Good	Book Now
	$430 / $440	Explore a vast selection of vehicles at highly affordable rates throughout the year. Voted as the “Best Car Rental Service 2023” by Product Review! 10% OFF with LAPOFTAS code	HL	Good	Book Now
Drive Car Hire	$518 / $651	Family-owned Tasmanian business with decades of local experience – the ideal option if you prefer a personal touch. Exceptional feedback and immaculate, late-model vehicles.	HL	Good	Book Now
Hertz	$235 / $826	Excellent service. Large, young fleet of vehicles. Great reputation. Prices a bit high in summer, but competitive in winter.	HLDB	Good	Book Now
Apex Car Rentals	$243 / $285	Good customer feedback. Small company, servicing Hobart and Launceston only. Competitive pricing year-round.	HL	Good	Book Now
Lo-Cost Auto Rent	$173 / $173	The perfect rental option for young drivers. Vehicles are used, but well looked after. Allows drivers as young as 19yrs and/or with P-plates (with 2yrs driving experience).	HL	Good	Book Now
Budget	$828 / $872	Large company with solid reputation. Driving on Bruny Island is prohibited. High prices.	HLD	Poor	Book Now
Europcar	$947 / $1,007	Large company with solid reputation. Wide coverage. Very expensive year-round. Need to pay extra to drive on unsealed roads.	HLDB	Average	Book Now
Avis	$904 / $903	Large company with solid reputation. Driving on Bruny Island only allowed with written permission. Very high prices.	HLDB	Average	Book Now
Sixt (previously Thrifty)	$840 / $950	Large company but expensive. In winter there is an expensive daily ‘snow’ fee to access Cradle Mountain. Driving on unsealed roads is prohibited. Hobart and Launceston only.	HLDB	Poor	Book Now

H = Hobart, L = Launceston, D = Devonport, B = Burnie, S = Strahan

Prices were calculated for 7-day bookings in January (high season) and June (low season), picking up and dropping off at Hobart Airport, for a compact automatic vehicle (eg. Kia Cerato or Hyundai i30) with no extras and no excess reduction options selected.

I can’t cover everything in a table, so if you’d like to know more about the pros and cons of each company, and especially the driving restrictions, please keep reading!

Top 4 options – Car hire in Tasmania

When it comes to car hire in Tasmania you are spoiled for choice.

Choice is exactly what I love as a traveller, but when you’ve got a dozen or more options then it can quickly turn into analysis paralysis!

Which ones are reliable? Will they let you drive on unsealed roads? What about visiting alpine areas like Cradle Mountain in winter?

Tasmania’s unique environment means choosing a rental car can be tricky – but don’t worry, I’ve narrowed them down to my Top 4 to help make your decision as easy as possible. 

All you need to do is assess your budget, style of travel, and time of visit to choose the perfect rental car for your Tassie road trip.

Let’s get this show on the road!

1. Bargain Car Rentals – Best all-round

If you want the best all-round company for a hire car in Tasmania then I recommend Bargain Car Rentals. 

Why?

I always prioritise Tassie businesses wherever possible, and when you experience their fantastic customer service you’ll be hooked – just like me!

The team at Bargain Car Rentals strongly support Tassie road trippers and have generously offered the Lap of Tasmania community (that’s you!) with even more value – 5% discount on any car rental when you use my LAPOFTAS code!

I have partnered with Bargain for more than 5 years now and I’ve received nothing but complimentary reviews from my online community – something that is very rare in the ‘keyboard warrior’ world of online car rental reviews.

>> Check Prices – Bargain Car Rentals <<

Service Locations: Hobart | Launceston

Unsealed Roads: Yes (except Western Explorer road)

Bruny Island: Yes

2. LeisureRent – Fantastic value and service

LeisureRent has been a huge supporter of the Lap of Tasmania right from the start. 

It all began with campervans and motorhomes, but Ken has recently expanded his fleet to include some fantastic cars and SUVs at great rates – especially in summer when prices can go absolutely nuts with the bigger companies.

Being a small company, LeisureRent have introduced some really innovative and flexible approaches to car rentals, and their customer service is just that little bit more personalised compared to the other larger rental companies. 

Ken has also generously extended his offer to the Lap of Tasmania community for car rentals. That means you will receive a 5% discount when you use my LAPOFTAS code.

It’s a combination that has been getting fantastic reviews within our Facebook Group, and I know you will love LeisureRent as much as I do!

>> Check Prices – LeisureRent <<

Service Locations: Hobart | Launceston

Unsealed Roads: Yes

Bruny Island: Yes

3. East Coast Car Rentals – Low prices

Whenever questions get asked in our Facebook community about the best car rental company in Tasmania, it is inevitable that East Coast Car Rentals will get a recommendation.

Their prices are always extremely competitive – especially when you use my LAPOFTAS code for a 5% discount. Keep in mind  that driving on unsealed roads isn’t permitted.

To keep prices this low East Coast Car Rentals have located their office just a short distance from the airports in both Hobart and Launceston – important to factor into your arrival/departure logistics, as you will need to allow a bit of extra time for a transfer (they will shuttle you for free).

>> Check Prices – East Coast Car Rentals <<

Service Locations: Hobart | Launceston

Unsealed Roads: No 

Bruny Island: Yes

4. Drive Car Hire – Personalised service

Drive Car Hire is another family-owned Tasmanian business with decades of local experience. 

Their goal is to “…make renting a car an easy, hassle-free experience…“, and from all the fantastic reviews I’ve read on on Google and Trustpilot it is easy to see that they do exactly that. 

Their innovative ‘Express Collection’ service plays a big role. By completing all the paperwork before you arrive you can hit the road as soon as possible – without needing to meet anyone on arrival.

>> Check Prices – Drive Car Hire <<

Service Locations: Hobart | Launceston

Unsealed Roads: Yes

Bruny Island: Yes

Tasmania car rental restrictions

Just like everyone has their own favourite road trip soundtrack, not all Tasmania car rental companies are the same.

Each company has its own policy on where you can take their vehicles, and when you hire a car in Tasmania it is important to understand because some of them may charge you extra when you least expect it!

In this section I explain why some of these restrictions are necessary, and most importantly I also compare the companies so you can see which ones offer the best combination for your needs (you’d be surprised how many hide this information in the fine print).

Click here to scroll down to my summary table.

Spirit of Tasmania ferry

This one is very simple – none of the companies allow you to take a rental vehicle on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

If you plan to take the ferry to Tasmania then you will need to pick your car up on arrival in Devonport. My table at the top shows you which companies service Devonport.

Driving in the snow

My research found that all companies allow you to drive in Tasmania’s alpine regions. However, very few allow you to drive in the snow (understandably), and if you happened to have an accident then you would be liable for all damages, vehicle recovery and other costs.

Snow isn’t common on Tasmanian roads, but if you are visiting Tasmania in winter and plan to visit Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Cradle Mountain or any other alpine location then I suggest you discuss this with your rental agent, as they may have some flexibility.

Driving on unsealed roads

It’s easy to get confused with this one when reading the T&Cs.

A few clearly state ‘no driving on unsealed roads’, but after asking for clarification they then said it was ok, so long as the roads were ‘gazetted’ or maintained, and not off-road (ie. 4WD tracks).

Some also allow you to drive on unsealed roads for a small daily fee, or by accepting that you’ll pay more in the event of an accident.

I’ve designed the Lap of Tasmania route [here] so you don’t need to take your car onto unsealed roads – but there are still some places around Tasmania that you can’t reach without hitting the gravel.

Attractions in Tasmania that do require driving on unsealed roads include:

• Lake Dobson (Derwent Valley)
• Cockle Creek (Far South)
• Southern Bruny Island
• Friendly Beaches (Freycinet)
• Cape Raoul hike trailhead (Tasman Peninsula)
• Bream Creek Market (Tasman Peninsula)
• Western Explorer Road (West Coast)
• Fortescue Bay (Tasman Peninsula)

If you’d like to visit any of these places then I recommend having a chat with the rental agency to get the latest information regarding their terms.

Car rental restrictions in Tasmania

This table compares all the reputable Tasmanian car rental companies, showing you where you can and can’t take your vehicle.

Customer service

The last, and perhaps most important thing I researched for all the car hire companies in Tasmania was their online reputation and customer feedback.

This is always very subjective, as negative experiences are more likely to trigger an online review. But I still feel it is important to scan TripAdvisor, ProductReview, TrustPilot and other online forums to get a feel for both the good and the bad.

In my experience, three Tasmanian car hire companies with some of the best customer service are Bargain Car Rentals, LeisureRent and East Coast Car Rentals.

No-fuss car hire – Hobart Airport and Launceston Airport

Both Hobart and Launceston airports have a large range of car hire options.

It is important to know that at each airport you will find some car hire companies have a presence inside the airport, while others have a presence outside the airport (nearby).

There are pros and cons to each – keep reading to find out more.

Car hire inside Hobart Airport and/or Launceston Airport

These are the car hire companies that will greet you in the arrivals hall at Hobart Airport and Launceston Airport:

• Bargain Car Rentals (Hobart)
• Hertz (Hobart and Launceston)
• Europcar (Hobart and Launceston)
• Budget Car Rental (Hobart and Launceston)
• Avis (Hobart and Launceston)
• Sixt (Hobart and Launceston)
• Thrifty (Hobart)
• Enterprise/RedSpot (Hobart and Launceston)

Choosing one of these companies will mean you get your road trip started quicker and with less hassle than for the smaller companies (see below).

The drop-off process is usually simpler and quicker as well.

Some companies like Drive Car Hire use a contactless process, which means they don’t have a booth in the Arrivals hall, but by filling in all your paperwork before you leave home you can pick up your car from the Hobart Airport carpark as soon as you land. 

Very handy!

Car hire outside Hobart Airport and Launceston Airport

Some car hire companies are located close to both airports and operate a pick-up and drop-off system. 

• Bargain Car Rentals (Launceston)
• LeisureRent
• Apex Car Rentals
• East Coast Car Rentals

The system these companies use is fairly similar, and operates like this:
Arrival

1. Let them know your flight number beforehand
2. Contact them by phone after collecting your luggage
3. They pick you up from the airport and drive you to their nearby office where you collect your car

Departure

1. Drop the car off at either the airport or the company office
2. If dropping off the car at an office, they will then transport you and your luggage to the airport (after-hours you may need to book a taxi to transport you to the airport)

Rules for renting a car in Tasmania

The minimum requirements for hiring a car in Tasmania are similar to those around Australia. These will vary between companies, so make sure you ask, or check their FAQs online.

Age: Most require the driver to be at least 21 years of age.

Licence: A full licence is normally mandatory.

Experience: Some agencies require a minimum of 2 or 3 years full-licence driving experience.

Overseas Drivers: An International Drivers Licence or an English language licence from a foreign country is normally sufficient. If you have a non-English language licence then you may also need an International Driver Licence and/or a translation of your licence.

How to get from the airport to your accommodation in the city

You’ve got your new wheels – now it’s time to drive to your accommodation.

Driving from Hobart Airport to Hobart CBD

Distance: 18km | Driving time: 20-40 minutes

Driving from Hobart Airport into the city is easy.

• Follow the airport road (Holyman Avenue) past the petrol station before turning left at the big roundabout onto the dual carriageway Tasman Highway ‘A3’.
• Once you’re on the highway you simply follow it all the way into Hobart’s CBD
• Keep your eyes open as you approach the Tasman Bridge – the central lane over the bridge switches direction morning and night and may result in the need to merge left. Don’t worry though, green and red lights clearly mark the status at any particular time.

Driving from Launceston Airport to Launceston CBD

Distance: 15km | Driving time: 15-30 minutes

The drive from Launceston Airport into central Launceston is also quick and easy.

• Turn right at the airport gates onto Evandale Road and head north.
• Proceed straight through the large roundabout where you join the Midlands Highway – ‘National Highway No. 1’
• Follow the highway all the way into Launceston

Where to park in Hobart and Launceston

Outside the CBDs of both Hobart and Launceston you’ll find street-side parking to be plentiful and free. They are small cities and walking is an excellent option if you’d like to save a few dollars.

Car parking in Hobart

In Hobart, there are three multi-story carparks in the CBD within walking distance of Salamanca and North Hobart precincts – Centrepoint, Argyle Street, and Hobart Central.

Each offer the first 1.5hrs free (Mon-Sat), and the first 3 hours free on Sundays – how good is that?! Public toilets are also available.

Street parking is available throughout the CBD for a fee. A new high-tech system has recently been installed – EasyPark – and it allows you to pay using coins, cards or the EasyPark app. For more information and to download the app, visit the EasyPark website here.

Car parking in Launceston

EasyPark is also in use in Launceston.

There are many car parks and metered zones across the Launceston CBD.

Paterson Street East, Cimitiere Street, and Paterson Street West car parks are all conveniently located in central Launceston and are within walking distance of City Park, Royal Park and most other Launceston attractions.

If you’re planning on visiting Cataract Gorge (highly recommended!), your best parking options is at Cataract Gorge Reserve Car Park.

Launceston City Council have some terrific maps showing the locations, fees and other information for all these carparks and more, right here.

Car parking at Launceston Airport

If you need to park your vehicle at Launceston Airport for a half-day or longer, we recommend using our partners at Launceston DriveParkFly.

They are located right next door to the airport, providing affordable parking – both open and undercover – for cars, campervans and motorhomes.

We also love that they offer a vehicle washing and detailing service – perfect if you need to give your rental vehicle a clean before returning it for the final inspection!

Use our LAPOFTAS promo code and you will SAVE 5% on their entire range of services.

Click here to check prices and make a booking.

Petrol stations near Hobart and Launceston airports

Most rental agreements ask you to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel, so it’s best to fill up as close as possible to the drop off location. 

Both Hobart and Launceston airports have a petrol station that is only minutes away. 

This is the closest petrol station to Hobart Airport:

Name: BP Hobart Airport
Company: BP
Hours: 7 days, 24 hours
Fuels: Unleaded, Unleaded 95, BP Ultimate, BP Ultimate Diesel
Address: 3 Holyman Avenue, Cambridge, TAS, 7170 [here]

This is the closest petrol station to Launceston Airport:

Name: United Breadalbane
Company: United Petroleum
Hours: 7 days, from 6am – 10pm
Fuels: Diesel, LPG, Unleaded E10, Premium 98, Unleaded 91
Address: 1 Translink Ave, Western Junction TAS 7212 [here]

11 tips and tricks for no-hassle car hire

Hiring a car is easy, and in almost all cases there is never a single problem.

By taking these 11 simple steps you minimise the chance of something going wrong in the first place, while also covering yourself in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.

1. Always read the Terms and Conditions before booking.
2. Inspect your vehicle and take photos on your mobile phone from all sides before driving away – even if you see nothing wrong. If anything at all that looks scratched, dented or damaged then let the agent know. This evidence could prove crucial in showing you weren’t responsible.
3. Confirm the rules for driving on unsealed roads and in alpine regions.
4. Ask about their process if you have a breakdown, lock your keys in the car, or are involved in an accident.
5. Write down any emergency contact numbers, but don’t leave them in the car – we suggest your purse or wallet.
6. Ensure your phone has mobile coverage in Tasmania.
7. Ask what type of fuel your car takes and get the agent to show you how to open the fuel flap
8. Check whether you need to return the car with a full tank of petrol and put a reminder in your phone for your last day, so you don’t forget.
9. Allow time to drop off your vehicle before checking in for your plane, especially if you need a transfer from the rental office to the airport.
10. Try to be there when the agent does the final inspection of the car, so that you can answer any questions on the spot.
11. In most cases there won’t be any problems at all, and in that case we suggest asking for written confirmation from the rental company – this can save you a lot of trouble in the even of any confusion after you’ve returned home.

Toll fares in Tasmania

It’s pretty simple – there aren’t any!

Other useful resources

Here are some excellent resources that may help with your road trip planning:

• Tasmania Police – Road Closures and Community Alerts
• Tasmania Police – Tourist Tips
• Information for Visiting Drivers
• Tasmanian Road Rules
• Weather Forecast
• Hobart Airport
• Launceston Airport

Start your Lap of Tasmania road trip!

Whether you fly in to Hobart or Launceston, it’s easy to start your Lap of Tasmania road trip.

Hobart

You can easily spend a couple of days in Hobart exploring its incredible history, vibrant markets and gastronomic delights [read more]

Launceston and the Tamar Valley

Launceston – ‘Lonnie’ to the locals – is Tasmania’s second largest city and it is your gateway to the wineries, restaurants and natural beauty of the iconic Tamar Valley [read more]

14-Day Itinerary

If you’re looking for an overview of all the sights, accommodation and dining options along the route, we recommend starting with our Lap of Tasmania 14-day itinerary. We call it the ‘Ultimate’ because it lets you experience everything this amazing island has to offer at a leisurely pace.

If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to get in touch, either by email at andrew@lapoftasmania.com.au or at our friendly Facebook Group [click here].

Happy road tripping!

Andrew.