Sydney International Airport FAQs

What will I need to bring when I collect my rental car from Sydney International Airport?

We’ll always try to see you off as quickly as we can, but we do need to review some documents before sending you on your way. Here’s what you’ll need to bring when picking up your Redspot hire car:

  • Credit/charge card and/or purchase order or prepaid voucher.
  • Your valid driver’s licence and the driver’s licence of any additional drivers. If your licence is not in English, we’ll need to see a translation provided by your embassy or home country traffic authority.
  • Driver’s licence doesn’t display your current home address? (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.) In this case, you’ll also need to supply identification that shows this, like a utilities bill.
  • For international travellers, we also need to see your passport.

How far is it from Sydney International Airport to downtown Sydney?

Driving from Sydney International Airport to downtown Sydney should take you around 20 minutes. With speedy service from our top-notch team, you’ll be sightseeing in no time!

Do you offer one-way car hires from Sydney International Airport?

Yes, we do! Redspot offers one-way car hires (also known as vehicle relocations) between our Sydney locations. This makes it easy to plan your adventure with hassle-free returns.

We also do our best to accommodate one-way journeys throughout some other parts of Australia. Contact the team at our Sydney International Airport branch and we’ll do our best to accommodate your dream itinerary.

What is the maximum age to hire a car at Sydney International Airport?

For more experienced drivers, we’re happy to say we have no maximum age for car rental. No matter how many years young you are, you can get on the road and start exploring.

Is the Redspot Sydney International Airport car rental branch located inside the airport terminal?

Yes, our branch is located in the Sydney International Airport terminal. Simply wander over to our desk, located at the In the international arrival hall between gate A and B

All our vehicles are parked on-site near our branch. Our friendly team will have you on your way before you can say, “Let’s roll!”

What are the Sydney International Airport branch hours?

The opening hours at our Sydney International Airport branch are:

  • Mon: 6am – 11pm
  • Tues: 6am – 11pm
  • Wed: 6am – 11pm
  • Thur: 6am – 11pm
  • Fri: 6am – 11pm
  • Sat: 6am – 11pm
  • Sun: 6am – 11pm
  • Public Holidays: 6am – 11pm

What is the Sydney International Airport after hours process?

If you want to pick up your vehicle after hours, get in touch with our team via phone (1300 668 810) or email ([email protected]). We’ll do our best to organise a vehicle and pick-up process that works for you.

For after hours drop-off, follow the signs for car rental returns and park in a Redspot bay. Then, make your way to our desk and put your keys in our drop box, available 24/7.

What is the cancellation policy for Redspot?

Get in touch with the team at our Sydney International Airport branch if you have questions about our cancellation policy, as things can be different depending on the nature of your booking.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car with Redspot?

When collecting your vehicle, you’ll need to present a valid credit card or debit card in the renter’s name.

Do I have to pay a bond to rent a car with Redspot?

Yes, you will need to pay a bond to rent with Redspot. The exact dollar amount will depend on your booking plan and vehicle type. It can range from $100-$1000.

Contact our customer service team on 1300 668 810 or your local Redspot branch for more information.

How much does it cost to hire a car in Sydney?

The cost of hiring a car in Sydney can vary depending on a few key factors. It all boils down to the vehicle you pick, what’s available, and how long you need it.

Throw your travel dates into our Sydney International Airport branch page to get an accurate daily figure.

Are there any toll roads in Sydney?

Yes, there are many toll roads in Sydney. To help you manage, we offer a toll road waiver for a small daily fee.

Can you hire a car in Sydney and drive to Melbourne?

Redspot offers one-way car hire to make your journey as smooth as possible. If you want to drive from Sydney to Melbourne, there’s a good chance we can make it happen.

When booking your vehicle, simply select the “Drop off at a different location” option. We’ll accommodate your itinerary as best we can.

Is there a kilometre limit on my Redspot rental car?

Most vehicles hired from our Sydney International Airport branch have no kilometre restrictions. Wander to your heart’s content!

Some of our commercial vehicles for hire may come with kilometre restrictions. This can include some vans, utes and trucks. Always check your plan in advance.

Do I have to refuel my car before I arrive?

When it comes to refuelling your Redspot rental car, we give you the luxury of choice:

  • You can prepay for the full tank your vehicle contains at the start of your rental. You’ll pay a discounted rate, and you won’t need to worry about refilling the vehicle before returning it. (There’s no refund for unused fuel.)
  • We can refill the vehicle for you and charge you for the fuel you’ve used. If you choose this option, you’ll pay a higher rate.
  • You can refuel the vehicle before returning it. Please fill up your vehicle right before you return it to avoid extra charges.

Is there a petrol station nearby the Redspot Sydney International Airport branch?

There are plenty of petrol stations near our Sydney International Airport branch, including:

  • Speedway – 32 Princes Hwy (2.2km away).
  • Ampol – 775 Princes Hwy (3km away).
  • BP – Corner of Butlers Rd and General Holmes Dr (5.2km away).

Can I rent a car with an international driver’s licence?

Yep! Temporary visitors can use their overseas driver’s licences to rent vehicles from Redspot. If you’re planning to stay for longer than 3 months, you may need to transition to a local driver’s licence. This depends on the state or territory you’re travelling in.

If your licence is not in English, we’ll need you to get a translated version from your embassy or traffic authority in your home country. You also need to adhere to the conditions of your licence when travelling in Australia.

For more information, see our complete guide to renting a vehicle with an overseas licence.

Can P-platers hire cars in NSW?


You sure can! Redspot is one of few Aussie companies that give the green light for local P-platers over 21 to rent a car in NSW. 

Keeping you safe is our top priority, so we have a few safety rules that are designed to make sure you get from Point A to Point B without a hitch. 

If you’re a P-plater, you must:

  • Have held your driver’s licence for a minimum of 1 year.
  • Have a driver’s licence that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection. 

When you rent a car, remember to factor in the daily surcharge. This surcharge applies to all drivers holding an Australian provisional driver’s licence. Keep in mind that P-platers can also reduce damage cover to a maximum of $330.

Aged between 21 and 25? You have access to our range of small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks. Provisional drivers over the age of 25 can enjoy renting any vehicle available from our entire fleet. 

Check out our Provisional Drivers page for all the details to get you geared up for the road. 

Is Sydney International Airport the same as Sydney Domestic Airport?

Sydney Airport is technically a single location. However, the International Terminal (Terminal 1) and Domestic Terminals (Terminals 2 and 3) are separated by a runway. Travelling between them takes 10 minutes on a bus or 2 minutes on a train.

In addition to our International Airport branch, we also have a Domestic Airport branch located on Keith Smith Avenue. If you’re travelling to Sydney domestically, you’ll find it more convenient to hire a vehicle from there.

Can I return my hire car early?

Yes, you can return your vehicle early if your plans change. Keep in mind that there is no refund for early returns – unless you’ve booked through our All-Inclusive rate! 

Do you need a hire car in Sydney?

To see the best Sydney has to offer, you definitely need a hire car. In a Redspot car rental, you can easily make the trip from Bondi Beach to the stunning Blue Mountains and beyond. You can trek out even further and explore the sandy beaches of Illawarra or the gorgeous Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

Grab a hire car from Redspot and roam Sydney without a hitch!

Do Redspot rental cars in Australia have GPS systems?

Unfortunately, Redspot cars do not come with GPS systems. If you need navigational help though, never fear!
Most Redspot cars are equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which allows hands-free navigation. This helps keep you safe while driving – we don’t recommend using your mobile phone for navigation otherwise.
Bring along a USB or USB-C connector to use the location services available in-car facilities. We do not provide mobile phone connectors, so it’s best to come prepared in case you’d like to make full use of these services.

What is the minimum age to rent a car from Redspot?

The minimum age to rent a car from Redspot is 21. Drivers under the age of 25 are required to pay a surcharge and can only rent out small to medium sized sedans and hatchbacks. If you’re between the age of 21 and 24, you cannot reduce their damage cover below $330.00.

For more information, check out our young drivers page.

Do Redspot car rentals come with damage cover?

Yes, all our car rentals come with our Standard Cover included! Want to step up your damage cover for maximum peace of mind?  We also have 2 options for liability reductions: Collision Damage Waiver and ​​Super Collision Damage Waiver.

For a complete rundown, see our Damage Cover page.

How do I return my rental car to Sydney International Airport?

Returning your vehicle at our Sydney International Airport branch is easy. Simply follow the traffic signs to the International Terminal. Along the way, you’ll see signs for car rental returns. 

Enter the car rental return area and park in a designated Redspot space. Then, simply walk into our branch and return your keys to our friendly team. 

What if my car breaks down?

Unfortunately, breakdowns can occur in vehicles of all types and get in the way of your road trip, business travel or errand run. That’s why we offer 24-hour roadside assistance for all our vehicles.

Prefer to be fully covered for everything from lost keys to punctured tyres to running out of fuel? You can prepay for our Premium roadside assistance.

Locations

Sydney International Airport

Sydney International Airport

10 Arrival Court, Mascot, 2020

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sydney Domestic Airport

Sydney Domestic Airport

Keith Smith Avenue, Mascot, 2020

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm

Mascot

Mascot

7 Coleman St, Mascot, 2020

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm6:00 am - 11:00 pm