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Find low rental car prices in Launceston with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Most travellers grab their keys at the airport to get on the road faster, but city depots can sometimes offer better rates for your Tassie trip.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Launceston Airport (LST) |
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| Off-Airport Providers |
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| Launceston City |
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Provider Options
- Major International Brands: Avis, Budget, Europcar, SIXT, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise (via Redspot)
- Local Tasmanian Companies: Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast Car Rentals, LeisureRent, Drive Car Hire, Apex
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Pick up your car from a depot in Launceston city or an off-airport location to avoid the airport surcharge that can be added to your rate.
- If you're visiting in peak summer (December to February), book months in advance to dodge eye-watering prices. For the rest of the year, you have more flexibility.
- Travel during the "shoulder seasons" like March-April or October-November. Car rental rates are often cheaper than in summer, and the weather is still great for exploring.
- Don't rent a bigger vehicle than you need. The smallest car that fits your crew and luggage will save you money on both the rental price and fuel.
- Skip the pricey add-ons. Use your phone for GPS, and always return the car with a full tank of fuel to avoid high refill charges from the supplier.
Car hire prices in Launceston 2025/2026
Parking Tips
| Parking Type | Rates & Hours | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Launceston CBD Street Parking | Metered Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm Hourly rates apply Often 1-2 hour limits | Use "EasyPark" app to pay and extend remotely |
| City Car Parks (Paterson St, Elizabeth St, etc.) | First hour often free | |
| Sunday Parking | Free street parking in most areas Free at River's Edge (Seaport) | Check signs for specific restrictions |
| Airport Parking | Short-term: Hourly rates apply Long-term: Lower daily rates |
Local Driving Rules
- Drive on the LEFT side of the road.
- Blood alcohol limit: strict 0.05% BAC (lower than many countries).
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on highways (sometimes 110 km/h on major highways).
- School zones: 40 km/h during morning/afternoon periods on school days.
- Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles coming from your right.
- Mobile phones: No handheld use while driving (severe penalties).
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers.
- Speed cameras: Both fixed and mobile units are common.
Unique Tasmania Rules
- No toll roads anywhere in Tasmania.
- Give way to school buses that have flashing lights (slow to 40 km/h).
- Keep 1.5m distance when passing cyclists on open roads.
- No right turn on red lights (unlike some places in North America).
Why rent a car in Launceston
Get a car so you can drive to:
- Cataract Gorge – chairlift, car park
- Tamar Valley – cellar doors, Batman Bridge
- Cradle Mountain – wildlife, trails
- Bay of Fires – beaches, boulders
- Freycinet (Coles Bay) – Wineglass Bay, lookouts
- Narawntapu National Park – wallabies, wombats
Local Rental Locations
- Adelaide
- Airlie Beach
- Alice Springs
- Australia
- Brisbane
- Cairns
- Canberra
- Compare Car Hire Prices at Biloela Airport (ZBL)
- Darwin
- Gold Coast
- Hobart
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sunshine Coast
- Sydney
- Tasmania
FAQs
Is an International Driving Permit required in Tasmania?
If your licence is not in English you need an International Driving Permit or official translation. All drivers must have a full licence (not provisional).
Can I take a rental car on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry?
Most rental contracts don't allow taking the vehicle on the ferry. You'll usually need to rent a separate vehicle after arriving in Tasmania. Check your specific rental provider if this is part of your plans. The ferry terminal is in Devonport: Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
Are there any roads where rental cars are not permitted?
Many rental agreements don't allow driving on unsealed (gravel) roads. Check your contract carefully and ask for written permission if you plan to drive to remote areas.
Do I need a 4WD in Tasmania?
For most tourist routes and attractions, a standard 2WD vehicle is fine. 4WD is only necessary for specific off-road tracks or during winter mountain driving (check agreement for any off-road restrictions, which usually apply even to 4WDs).
