Fuel Exploration with Car Rental from Launceston Airport
Sitting at the confluence of two rivers, Launceston is one of Tasmania’s most revered gems and a great gateway to exploring the island’s northern reaches. With a car hire from Launceston Airport, it’s easy to start your Tasmanian adventure from the moment you touchdown. Take in the region’s best vivid bites and panoramic delights with single and multi-day trips, including the stunning Tamar Valley and impressive Cradle Mountain.
While you’re in Launceston, take time to indulge in its culinary treasures. Earning its place at the table as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, “Launnie” boasts vibrant farmers’ markets, paddock-to-plate dining experiences, and exquisite cool-climate wineries. If you have a few days to spare, this charming city is a must-visit for any foodie or adventurer.
Discover Launceston Airport’s Bargain Car Rental Options
Compact, Sedan, or SUV
We are proud to offer you a wide range of vehicles to satisfy your needs, from compact automatic cars to SUVs. Whether you’re a group of two or twelve, check out our booking tool to see how cheap car hire is from Launceston Airport.
Luxury Cars
Love a little luxury? Explore our swanky SUVs and sedans from top-tier European brands like Audi and BMW to cruise Tassie’s wide and winding roads in style.
Commercial Vehicle Hire
With a tough and reliable fleet of commercial vehicle rentals on standby at our airport office, you can hop right off your flight and start working straight away. From trailers and tradie vans to buses, utes and removal trucks, find the perfect vehicle at a bargain price so you can stay under budget.
Launceston Airport Luxury Vehicle Rental
Rather something a tad swankier? Disembark your flight and step behind the wheel of a luxury car rental at Launceston Airport. With our swanky SUVs and sedans from top-tier European brands like Audi and BMW, you’ll soon be cruising Tasmania in comfort and style. Cutting-edge features such as Apple Car Play, lane detection, and stability control elevate safety and enhance the road-tripping experience. All our luxurious, high-end rides come at competitive rates—snag a bargain on us.
How do I pick up my rental car at Launceston Airport?
After collecting your luggage, please call +61 3 6165 0838 to request the shuttle bus service to our near-airport location during the location’s operating hours. We operate a shuttle service to and from the depot, available within business hours and up to 20 minutes before closing.
- From the passenger terminal: Exit the arrivals hall and turn right (left from Sharp Airlines Terminal), walk towards the end of the main terminal building and wait outside the check-in/departure entrance for the shuttle bus collection.
How do I return my rental car at Launceston Airport?
Please return the vehicle to our off-site depot located at 190 Evandale Road, Western Junction 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).
Explore Launceston with the Freedom of Car Hire
From breathtaking waterfalls to serene glacial trails and award-winning gourmet experiences, every route promises the unforgettable.
The Apple Isle is a masterpiece of wild beauty, indulgence, and World Heritage-listed treasures. And with Launnie as your starting point, you’ll immerse yourself in storied history and scrumptious goodies making it the perfect place to start road-tripping.
Hobart may be just a two-hour drive from Launceston, but why stop there? Embark on a spectacular Tasmanian round-trip adventure with a rental car from Bargain Car Rentals Launceston Airport. Plan your trip to Tasmania with our favourite tips and be prepared to be wowed by every enchanting corner.
Ready to explore? Unlock savings and reserve your Launceston Airport rental hire online now.
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Visit our FAQs.
How much to hire a car from Launceston Airport?
Can I pick up a car from Hobart and drop it off at the Launceston Airport?
Yes! Bargain Car Rentals has a location in Hobart City, at Hobart Airport and Launceston Airport, you can pick up and drop off at any location throughout Tasmania.
How to get from Launceston Airport to the city centre?
Launceston Airport is just 15km from the city centre, roughly a 15-minute drive. Currently, there is no shuttle bus service from Launceston Airport. Alternative transport options to and from Launceston Airport include taxi, Uber and rental car.
How much does a taxi cost from Launceston Airport to the city?
The approximate cost of a taxi to Launceston is $37 to $42 each way – not including surcharges on the weekends and public holidays. But with hire cars starting at just $25 from Launceston Airport, renting a car can be a cost-effective option to explore the state at your own pace.
Wrapped around the Tamar River, Launceston (or “Lonnie, as the locals say) delights with its eclectic museums, gorgeous gorges, and shimmering waterfront views. Here are the best spots to visit with your hire car in Launceston.
1. Cataract Gorge
Only minutes from the CBD, this spectacular natural canyon sees the South Esk River slice through the rugged landscape like butter. Explore the hilly region via steep hiking trails or hop on the chairlift for lofty, sweat-free views.
2. Penny Royal Adventures
On the fringe of Cataract Gorge, this long-standing colonial-era theme park offers fun for all ages. From ghost tours to zip lining and rock climbing to gold panning, Penny Royal has a plethora of family-friendly adventures.
3. Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk
One of Tasmania’s best museums, this sizeable government-run facility hosts a solid collection of exhibits on the state’s natural and cultural history. The little ones will love the dinosaur section.
4. National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
Automobile aficionados will adore perusing the polished vintage vehicles in this expansive automotive museum. Cars range from early 20th-century Phaetons to testosterone-injected 70’s muscle cars.
5. City Park
Situated in the CBD, City Park offers a welcome, quiet respite from Launceston’s narrow, noisy streets. Prince’s Square is another pretty central plaza.
6. Tamar Island Wetlands Centre
You don’t have to be an avid bird watcher to appreciate the avian species at the Tamar Valley Wetlands. Roll up around sunset for scenic end-of-day views and big flocks of squawking birdlife.
7. Franklin House
On the south end of town, this 1838 mansion provides insight into the opulent lives of Tasmania’s 19th-century bourgeoisie. Meander the manicured English-style gardens and stop for a cuppa in the oh-so-posh tearoom.
While there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city, Launceston is best known as a base to explore the highlights of northeast Tasmania. Hop in your Bargain Car Rentals ride and give these spots a shot.
1. The Tamar Valley Wine Route
Home to over 30 vineyards, this acclaimed wine-growing region produces the best Pinot Noir and Sparkling Whites in Australia. Cruise between cellar doors on the 180 km Tamar Valley Wine Route to guzzle top-notch plonk straight from the source. Bring a designated driver or watch your BAC.
2. Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre
Learn the harrowing story behind Australia’s most famous industrial disaster at the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre. Other worthwhile Tamar Valley towns include Beauty Point, George Town, Low Head, and Exeter.
3. Evandale
Straddling the South Esk River, this historic little town oozes old-world charm. Rock up on a Sunday to peruse its lively outdoor market as you admire the town’s endearing colonial-era facades.
4. Woolmer’s Estate
Woolmer’s is a grandiose 19th-century manor house set on a farm with a sprawling rose garden. Self-guided tours around the stately estate provide insight into the lavish lives of Tasmania’s original economic elite.
5. Bridestowe Lavender Estate
An entirely different type of estate, Bridestowe has become a quintessential road-trip stopover for Instagrammers after an envy-inducing photo op. The expansive lavender farm blooms into a vibrant sea of purple during the summer months.
6. Ben Lomond National Park
Tasmanians ascend the terrifying twisted Jacobs Ladder to reach Ben Lomond’s ski fields during winter. In summer, this lofty summit offers superb hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
7. Bay of Fires
Straddling the northeast coast, Bay of Fires is a picturesque beach framed by orange lichen-smothered rocks. Sugary white sands and gin-clear water make it an enticing place to swim in summer.
8. Saint Helens
South of the Bay of Fires lies Saint Helens, a lively seaside town and picturesque base for east coast adventures. If it feels a bit crowded for your liking, nearby Binalong Bay is notoriously chill.
9. Bicheno
Further down the coast, Bicheno is another popular summer destination for Tasmanians and interstaters seeking fun in the sun. Check out the Bicheno Blowhole to see powerful sea spray jets burst through the rocks.
10. Freycinet National Park
As one of Tasmania’s favourite national parks, this jaw-dropping wonder is awash with pink granite boulders and sparkling turquoise-tinged beaches. Adventurous travellers can scramble up the rugged Mount Amos Track for sweeping views of the state’s prettiest beach, Wineglass Bay.
Like the rest of Tasmania, the best time to visit Launceston is during the warmer, drier summer (December to Februrary) months. Avoid school holidays if possible, as the lengthy summer break sees visitor numbers soar. The March and November shoulder months offer pleasant weather with few fellow travellers.
What is the cheapest time to visit Launceston?
Tasmania’s wet and chilly winters (June to August) lead to lower demand and cheaper hotels and hire cars in Launceston. Just be prepared to rug up and keep outdoor exploration to a minimum.