Rent a Car in Bathurst - Compare Prices

Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees

DriverAustralia · age 30
Used for driver eligibility and pricing.
Dates
  • Hertz
  • Budget
  • Avis
  • Sixt
  • Thrifty
  • Routes
  • Enterprise

Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals

No Booking Fees

No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars

Find Low Prices

Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals

Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Bathurst and around Australia. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. We show you deals from depots in the city and at Bathurst Airport, so you can easily get on the road to Mount Panorama or start your trip through Central West NSW.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Avis · Budget · Budget · Hertz · Sixt · Thrifty

Car Hire Locations and Options

LocationProsCons
Bathurst Regional Airport (BHS)
  • Get your car right away when you arrive
  • No need for transport to city
  • Fast pickup (small airport)
  • Limited hours (only when flights arrive/leave)
  • Fewer car types available
  • May need to book ahead for late pickup
Bathurst City Centre
  • More rental companies (Avis, Budget, etc.)
  • Often cheaper prices (no airport fees)
  • More flexible pickup/return times
  • Need 15-minute taxi ride from airport
  • Less convenient when arriving by plane
  • May need to drive through city streets first

Car Rental Prices

Saving Tips

  • Time your booking. For the big Bathurst 1000 race, book months in advance. For other times, you can often find great deals just a few weeks out.
  • Pick up your car in town. A short taxi ride to a city depot can be cheaper than renting directly from Bathurst Airport, as you can avoid airport fees.
  • Skip the GPS rental. Your phone's map app works just fine. You can even use the NSW FuelCheck app to find the cheapest petrol prices nearby.
  • Check for unlimited kilometres. If you're planning big drives to places like Mudgee or Dubbo, an unlimited kms deal can save you from surprise charges.
  • Try a weekday pickup. Starting your rental mid-week can sometimes be cheaper than grabbing the keys on a Friday or Saturday.

Parking and Driving

City Parking

  • CBD offers free time-limited spots (usually 1-2 hours) on weekdays 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
  • Unlimited free spaces available on evenings, Sundays and public holidays
  • Rangers actively patrol, observe signage to avoid fines
  • Several all-day areas available slightly outside the CBD core

Mount Panorama

  • Drive the circuit at the posted 60 km/h speed limit
  • No overtaking allowed on mountain sections
  • Free spaces available at lookout points and Mount Panorama Museum

Local Driving Rules

  • School zones operate at 40 km/h (usually 8:00-9:30 AM and 2:30-4:00 PM on school days)
  • Mobile speed cameras common, especially on the Mitchell Highway approaches
  • Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%
  • Using handheld mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited and heavily fined

FAQs

Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Bathurst?

Standard 2WD vehicles are suitable for most attractions and sealed roads. Driving on unsealed or gravel roads is usually restricted by rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your specific contract terms carefully before driving on such surfaces.

Is there a toll road between Sydney and Bathurst?

The M4 Western Motorway from Sydney has a toll section near the city. Beyond that, the Great Western Highway to Bathurst is toll-free.

How long does it take to drive around Mount Panorama?

At the legal speed limit of 60 km/h, a lap takes approximately 6-7 minutes, covering 6.2 km.

Can I use my foreign driver's licence in Bathurst?

Yes. If you're visiting NSW, you can drive on a valid overseas licence. If it isn't in English, carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit. If you become a permanent resident, you must obtain a NSW driver licence within 3 months.

How do I handle kangaroos on the road?

Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk, use high beams when possible and slow down in wildlife areas. If you cannot avoid a collision, brake in a straight line rather than swerving.