Drive into Wild with Car Hire from Darwin Airport
From the lusciousness of Kakadu to the spellbinding barren beauty of Pine Creek, the Top End’s untamed landscapes are yours to explore with a Bargain Car rental from Darwin Airport. As the gateway to Australia’s wild heart, Darwin is the perfect starting point for your adventure. Prefer to soak up the city’s tropical charm before hitting the wide-open road? Our Darwin city centre location offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace before picking up your rental. Wherever and however you choose to begin, your journey through the Top End starts here.
Find the Perfect Car Hire from Darwin Airport
See for yourself how our prices stack up – affordable rates, modern vehicles, and unbeatable deals on longer rentals. Whether you’re a duo or a dozen, our fleet includes 4, 8, and 12-seater options, all meticulously maintained for a smooth ride. Score incredible savings on compact cars, take advantage of weeklong rental discounts, and enjoy extras like a second nominated driver. Plus, we offer free airport pick-up and drop-off, so you can hit the road sooner and start your adventure hassle-free.
About Darwin Airport
Nestled in the suburb of Marrara, just 13 km from Darwin’s city centre, Bargain Car Rentals Darwin Airport offers the perfect gateway to the Outback and the stunning landscapes of the Northern Territory.
The airport, established in 1940, has a fascinating history. Originally a base for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), it played a key role during World War II, supporting the Allies’ efforts in the Pacific. Iconic aircraft, including Spitfires, Hudson Bombers, and Kittyhawks, once graced its runways, and the RAAF’s presence continues today with shared use of the runways.
As for amenities, you’ll find plenty of services to make your experience smoother. ATMs are conveniently located in the arrivals hall, and baby change rooms are available on both the ground and first floors. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
How do I pick up a car rental from Darwin Airport?
We operate a shuttle service to and from the depot, available within business hours and up to 20 minutes before closing.
- Pick-up from Darwin Airport Location: After collecting your luggage, please call +61 3 6165 0838 and press option 1 to request the shuttle bus service to our near-airport location during the location’s operating hours.
- From either the Domestic or International Terminal: Exit the airport terminal and walk across the two roads in front of the terminal. From here, make your way to the open storage locker building located in the short-term car park, and our bus will collect you.
- The pickup location is in the open storage locker building in the public short-term car park.
How do I drop off car hire from Darwin Airport?
Please return the vehicle to our off-site depot located at 1/8 Osgood Drive Eaton, NT, and we will shuttle you back to the airport terminal. This service does not need to be booked but is only available within business hours and 20 minutes before closing.
Please allow enough time to wait for the shuttle to arrive (approximately 20 minutes).
Get Rolling with Bargain Car Rentals from Darwin Airport
Darwin is arguably one of the best places to start a self-drive adventure, brimming with stunning sights, peaceful waterholes and cultural experiences.
As Australia’s smallest and most relaxed capital, Darwin is a true melting pot of tastes, thanks to its proximity to Indonesia. From fragrant laksa and sizzling seafood to bold curries, the city’s food scene shines, especially at the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market – where the fiery sky rivals the flavours on your plate.
This is your gateway to an ultimate adventure. Witness powerful ‘salties’ in action on the Adelaide River, wander beneath ancient Aboriginal rock art in Kakadu, or chase waterfalls in Litchfield’s pristine swimming holes. Whether you’re drawn to the wild, the spiritual, or the deliciously laid-back, Darwin is where the journey begins.
Ready to explore? Unlock savings and reserve your Darwin Airport car rental.
Still Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Visit our FAQs.
What's the most popular car rental at the Darwin Airport?
Since 2021, medium and large SUVs have been the most popular cars rented at our Darwin Airport branch. You can check out our full range of Darwin Airport vehicles for hire here.
Can we pick up our car hire in Darwin and return to the Darwin Airport?
Yes! We have conveniently have branches in both the Darwin City and at the Darwin Airport.
How much does it cost to hire a car at Darwin Airport?
Car rental at Darwin Airport starts from just $25 per day, with lower prices available during the wet season (November to April) when demand is reduced. This is the perfect time to score a great deal on both accommodation and car hire.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover at Darwin Airport?
For a 12-seater bus, you can expect prices to start at $119 per day from Bargain Car Rentals at Darwin Airport.
Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental at Darwin Airport?
Yes, booking a week-long rental can save you a significant amount. Explore the savings yourself using our easy online booking tool.
Craving to savour Darwin’s best festivals?
We’re covering the city’s top shindigs in this handy list. So round up a few mates and hop in a Bargain Car Rental at Darwin Airport to experience these action-packed celebrations in style.
1. Mindel Sunset Market (April to October)
During the dry, this classic Thursday & Sunday market lures scores of travellers and locals to Mindel Beach. A smorgasbord of multicultural food stalls feeds hungry punters while live bands belt out easy-listening tunes. Grab a coldie to watch the west-facing sunset at Mindel Beach.
2. Beer Can Regatta (July)
Around Territory Day, this novel event sees participants race makeshift boats made from beer cans and other recycled containers on Mindel Beach. The eco-conscious event aims to enhance environmental awareness, foster community spirit, and raise funds for local charities. Food (and beer) stalls take care of the catering.
3. Darwin Festival (August)
Stretching over several weeks, the Darwin Festival showcases the city’s thriving arts scene through open-air galleries, musical performances, theatre, and dance. Most events use outdoor venues (think Festival Park or the Darwin Waterfront) to take advantage of the balmy dry season.
4. Darwin Cup Carnival (August)
On the first day of August, Darwinites frock up in their finest threads to watch top jockeys gallop gallant stallions around the Fannie Bay Racecourse. Glamorous outfits and an unpretentious vibe mean you don’t have to be a thoroughbred enthusiast to get in on the action.
5. Royal Darwin Show (July)
One for the travelling families, this classic agricultural show encompasses cuddly livestock, competitions, carnival rides, and stunt shows. The kids will love dipping into a show bag and gawking at the grand finale fireworks.
6. BASSINTHEGRASS (May)
BASSINTHEGRASS showcases big-name international acts and upcoming local talent in the stunning surroundings of Mindel Beach. The annual open-air knees-up spans a broad gamut of genres, from electro to pop and hip-hop to rock.
7. Darwin International Film Festival (September)
For 11 days in September, DIFF displays an eclectic selection of moving-picture works, from documentaries to feature-length dramas and short animations. Films screen at various city locations and highlight both local and international talent.
8. Greek Glenti Festival (dry season)
At the George Brown Botanic Gardens, this lively Hellenic festival celebrates Greek culture through music, food, and dance. Impromptu plate smashing is all but guaranteed.
9. Territory Taste Festival (May)
Foodies mustn’t miss the Territory Taste Festival, an annual food and wine shindig featuring 40 stalls, taste testers, and live cooking presentations. It goes without saying you should come with an empty stomach.
10. Seabreeze Festival (May)
This lively Nightcliff community celebration spans food, music, and art in a breezy seaside setting. True to its name, the family-friendly bonanza stretches across 2km of gorgeous Darwin coastline.
Hankering to hit up a few regional shindigs?
A slew of endearing NT events occurs outside Darwin, from indigenous festivals to fishing competitions.
1. Territory Day
Territorians are a proud bunch. And there’s no better way to witness their love of the land than on Territory Day. Celebratory events take place across the state; expect plenty of fireworks and beer.
2. Barunga Festival (June)
About 80km from Katharine, this famous arts and culture festival celebrates indigenous traditions over a three-day long weekend. Its handy high-season kick-off has made it a popular pit stop on the traveller circuit.
3. The Garma Festival
For a bigger indigenous culture festival, set your GPS for Arnhem Land (you’ll need a 4WD). This vibrant four-day gathering showcases the remote region’s traditional customs through music, song, and dance.
4. Dundee Beach Fishing Competition (Easter)
Avid anglers should cruise to Dundee at Easter for this family-friendly fishing competition. Not planning a wet season adventure? No matter. The fishing-fanatic folks of the NT run comps throughout the year.
5. Kakadu Bird Week (September-October)
Ornithophiles (AKA bird nerds) mustn’t miss this week-long birding festival in Kakadu. Home to a dazzling range of adorable avian species, Kakadu is the perfect venue to tick exotic creatures off your bird life list.
6. Wide Open Space Festival (April or May)
Way down in the Red Centre, Wide Open Spaces is a three-day extravaganza of music, performance, and art. Carefree creative types travel from all corners of the country to experience this epic electro-focused event.
7. Finke Desert Race (June)
One of Australia’s most challenging off-road events, Finke sees dare-devil racers hoon around formidable Red Centre dunes. Fans camp along the rugged route, which runs from Alice Springs to the remote community of Finke.
8. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light (April)
As the name suggests, this brilliant light festival illuminates the rugged landscapes of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. But there’s more to Parrtjima than lights. Installations, art exhibitions, and live performances celebrate the Red Centre’s rich indigenous heritage.
9. The Alice Springs Camel Races (April)
This quirky annual race sees clumsy camels lumber around a dilapidated dirt racecourse on the southern edge of town. While it’s not as glamorous as the Melbourne Cup, the light-hearted event is a bloody good laugh.