How much does it cost to rent a car in Cooma?

On average, car rentals in Cooma cost around AUD $106 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $73 per day.

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Compare car rentals from top suppliers in Cooma with Road Genius. From affordable cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Since a hire car is the best way to get to the ski resorts and the Snowy Mountains, booking ahead for your winter trip is a solid plan.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Car Hire Locations and Options

Location	Pros	Cons
Cooma Town Centre	Multiple car rental companies (Hertz, Thrifty) Central location on Commissioner St Usually cheaper than airport	Limited hours on weekdays (8am-5pm) Often closed on weekends Fewer cars available during busy ski season
Cooma-Snowy Mountains Airport (OOM)	Get your car immediately after landing Hertz operates at the airport Service times match flight arrivals	Very few flights (seasonal only) Only one rental company (Hertz) 15 km from town centre More expensive due to airport location
Canberra	More vehicle choices 24/7 pickup available Better prices All major rental companies available	115 km from Cooma (1 hour 15 minutes drive) Extra fees may apply if you don't return the car to Canberra

Seasonal Availability

Ski season (June-September) creates high demand for rental cars in Cooma. Cars can be fully booked months ahead, especially on busy weekends. Summer has much better car availability and lower prices.

Car Rental Prices

Average: AUD $106/day
From: AUD $73/day

Low-cost rental tips

Compare prices from Canberra. It's about an hour's drive, but you could find better deals and more vehicle options than in Cooma, especially during the busy ski season.
Hitting the slopes between June and September? Book your car months in advance, as vehicles sell out quickly and last-minute prices can be very high.
If your plans are flexible, try a mid-week pickup. Grabbing your keys on a Monday or Tuesday is often cheaper than on a weekend.
Fuel is much pricier up in the mountains. Be sure to fill up the tank in Cooma before you head up to the ski resorts.

Car hire prices in Cooma 2025/2026

Local Parking and Driving

Location	Parking Options
Cooma Town Centre	Free spaces along Sharp Street (main street) Large free carpark behind Centennial Plaza 2-hour limits in some central areas
Ski Resorts	Paid spaces at Perisher and Thredbo Free day spaces at Bullocks Flat Skitube Terminal Overnight restrictions during winter
National Parks	National Parks entry fee applies (higher in winter) Day spaces available at major trailheads

Snow Zone Rules

Snow chains must be carried by 2WD vehicles on alpine roads in winter (June-October)
AWD/4WD vehicles are exempt from chain requirements on some roads but chains still recommended
Chain hire available in Cooma and Jindabyne
Rental companies may require "Snow Cover" insurance for vehicles taken above the snow line

Road Conditions

Winter conditions require special care on alpine roads
Black ice common in mornings on high elevation roads
Road closures possible during heavy snowfall
Speed limits may be reduced in alpine areas during winter
Regular snow clearing on main routes to resorts

Why rent a car in Cooma

Get a rental so you can drive to:

Jindabyne – ski tube connections
Thredbo – ski resort, Alpine Way
Perisher Valley – ski resort, day parking
Kosciuszko National Park – lookouts, trailheads
Merimbula – South Coast beaches

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

Do I need a special licence to drive in snow conditions?

No special licence is required, but experience driving in winter conditions is helpful. Drive cautiously and stay within your comfort level.

Can I take a rental car to the ski resorts?

Yes, but always check your specific rental agreement. Taking a vehicle above the designated snow line may have specific requirements or conditions set by the rental provider, sometimes involving additional cover options.

What happens if I get snowed in at a resort?

Main roads to resorts are regularly cleared, but delays can occur during heavy snowfall. Most accommodations can extend stays if needed.

Are winter tyres required?

Australian rentals don't usually offer winter tyres. Instead, snow chains are required for 2WD vehicles above the snow line in winter.

Can I drive to Charlotte Pass in winter?

No, winter road access ends at Perisher. Oversnow transport is required to reach Charlotte Pass during the snow season.

Is it better to rent from Cooma or Canberra?

Canberra offers more vehicle choices and often better rates, but Cooma is more convenient if flying into Cooma Airport or if you prefer to avoid the drive from Canberra.