Do you want to get a Perth car rental, but confused about the process? Well you’ve come to the right place! I’ve rented cars in Perth and throughout the country plenty of times and I have some top tips to help you save money and avoid stress!
Firstly, I ALWAYS book rental cars through Discover Cars and recommend it to everyone who asks. I’ve used them for trips around WA during the year I sold my car, a recent Scottish Highlands road trip and even a slightly stressful highway journey in QLD (where a rogue rock chipped my windscreen – thankfully, I’d taken out their full coverage!). Every time, the process has been easy, the prices way better than anywhere else I looked.
There are several reasons why Discover Cars is the best:
- They have FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your booking
- They search through car rental companies so you get the best deal
- They offer inexpensive full coverage for theft and damage
- They have 24/7 Customer support in different languages
And it’s not just me – they have an excellent Trustpilot score from a whopping 242K Reviews!
Whether you’re road-tripping to the Pinnacles, heading south to Margaret River, or just want the freedom to explore at your own pace, here’s everything you need to know about renting a car in Perth.
How to Book a Rental Car in Perth (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve never used Discover Cars before, don’t stress, it’s super straightforward. Here’s exactly how I book every time:
1. Go to the Discover Cars website
In the top box enter your:
- Pick-up location (e.g. Perth Airport or Perth Downtown, etc.)
- Dates and times for pick-up and drop-off
- Country of Residence and age range
- There’s also the option to select a different drop-off location
Then hit Search now
Top tip: Double-check your return time – some companies charge extra if you return the car even a few minutes late.
2. Compare Cars
First, if needed, you can change the currency from the menu bar at the top. You’ll then see a list of available vehicles from different providers. You can filter by:
- Car type (e.g. SUV, small car, van)
- Supplier Rating (I usually don’t go below 8/10)
- Fuel policy and deposit amount
- Many more
Choose a car that suits you and check all the details and rental conditions. Keep in mind you’ll often need to provide a physical credit card (with enough available funds for deposit), passport/ID, driver’s licence (as well as International Driving Permit if needed – more on that below).
The price you see includes mandatory fees and taxes: no surprises at the counter! You’ll also see the security deposit amount – this amount will be held on the driver’s credit card but it’ll be released within 30 days of return if no extra charges are incurred.
Top tip: Only rent from well-rated suppliers. A good deal can sound irresistible, but it’s rarely the best option in the long-run. For me, I’d rather pay a little more for peace of mind – especially on a holiday!
On this screen you can also choose optional extras like:
- Additional driver
- GPS system
- Child seat
Optional extras vary by provider but are clearly explained before you book.
4. Opt for Full Coverage
Personally, I always choose full coverage, because I find it’s better value than the rental desk add-on and a whopping 95% of customers choose it too.
It covers out-of-pocket expenses for damage, theft, towing, lost keys and even taxi costs after an accident. Crucially, it also includes windscreen damage and animal collisions – very handy when driving in kangaroo country or on WA highways. Plus, it covers things most rental desk waivers don’t.
When you return the car with no damage, your security deposit will be refunded in full. If damage does occur, the rental company will deduct the cost from your deposit and that’s when Discover Cars’ Full Coverage kicks in.
To make your claim, head to the My Booking section on the Discover Cars website within 28 days of drop-off. You’ll need to upload a few documents, like your signed rental agreement, damage reports, receipts, and payment proof. If a third party was involved, you may also need a police report. Most claims are processed within five business days.
Top tip: take photos of the car before and after your trip, keep all receipts, and make sure you’ve been charged by the rental company before submitting your claim.
Here is what it covers:
5. Confirm Your Booking
Once you’ve chosen your car and added any extras:
- Enter your details
- Choose your payment method (usually a credit card is required)
- Hit Book Now
I personally find it best to pay in full at the time of booking, so I don’t have to pay anything on arrival.
You’ll get a confirmation email with your voucher, which you’ll need to show when picking up the car. Make sure you read through this carefully.
6. Pick Up Your Car
It’s time to pick up your car! Remember to bring your driver’s licence (and international permit if required), credit card, passport and your booking voucher (screenshot is fine). The rental desk will walk you through any final steps, including the security deposit credit card hold. Normally they will try to upsell their own insurance, which I decline as I always get Full Coverage instead.
Before you leave, check the condition of your rental car and take photos of it from every angle – especially of any scratches or chips. Then it’s time to head off on your adventure exploring Perth and WA!
Is It Worth Renting a Car in Perth?
Short answer: yes, most of the time.
Perth is one of those cities where having your own car can make a huge difference, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the CBD. We have huge urban sprawl here and while public transport will get you to places like Fremantle or Cottesloe, it just doesn’t cut it for WA’s best bits.
Here’s when renting a car in Perth is a smart move:
- You’re doing a road trip: Margaret River, Kalbarri, Albany, Cervantes… all WA icons, all best reached by car
- You’re short on time: Renting lets you skip bus schedules and make the most of your trip
- You want flexibility: Stop for roadside wildflowers, beach day on a whim or catch a sunrise without booking a tour
When might you not need one:
- If you’re sticking to Perth city, have accommodation in the CBD, and plan to walk or use trains/Ubers
- If you’re only staying 1–2 nights and doing a guided tours (e.g. Rottnest ferry package or Swan Valley wine tour)
Top tip: If you’re arriving at the airport and planning a day trip or road trip straight away, booking a car with DiscoverCars for airport pickup is the easiest (and often cheapest) option.
Read this next: Getting Around Perth: The Ultimate Transport Guide for Visitors
Where to Rent a Car in Perth
You’ve got a few solid options when it comes to picking up a rental car in Perth, but the two main choices are:
Perth Airport
If you’re flying in, this is the most convenient spot to grab your rental. No need to Uber into the city first, just collect your keys and go. Most major providers like Avis, Budget, Hertz and Europcar have desks at the airport and you can compare them all in one place here.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct pickup after your flight | Can be busier with longer wait times |
| Often cheaper for long-term rentals | Some providers require a shuttle to off-site lots |
| More cars available (SUVs, utes etc) | Airport fees/surcharges can apply |
Perth City / Suburban Locations
If you’re staying in the city a few days before heading out, you might want to collect your car later from a city location. Places like East Perth or West Perth often have offices with better short-term availability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient if you’re based in the CBD | Limited hours (often closed on Sundays) |
| Sometimes lower daily rates | More city traffic to navigate |
| Easy to return if staying in the city | Fewer vehicle options compared to the airport |
Tips for Renting a Car in Perth
If it’s your first time hiring a car in WA (or even if it’s not), there are a few things worth knowing upfront. These tips could save you time, stress, and cash:
Check Licence and Age Requirements
- Minimum age is usually 21, but some providers charge a surcharge if you’re under 25.
- You’ll need a valid driver’s licence, and in some cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn’t in English.
You’ll Need a Credit Card
- Most providers require a credit card in the driver’s name to block a security deposit.
- Some debit cards are accepted, but check the terms carefully on Discover Cars when booking.
Opt for Full Coverage
Seriously, get the insurance. Whether it’s a windscreen chip, scratch, or missing hubcap, full coverage can save you hundreds. Discover Cars’ policy is cheaper than what most providers charge at the counter and covers more too.
Set a Realistic Return Time
Many companies charge if you return the car late, even by a few minutes. Make sure your return time matches your flight or travel plans, and allow for traffic delays. I usually give myself a window of a couple of hours, just to be safe.
Driving in Western Australia: What You Need to Know
Western Australia is made for road trips. With endless coastlines, scenic national parks, and wide-open roads, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the state. That said, there are a few local quirks to keep in mind before you hit the road.
First up, we drive on the left-hand side in Australia. The road rules are similar to most other Western countries, but enforcement is strict, especially around speed limits. Mobile speed cameras are common, even on rural highways, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on signage.
One thing that often catches visitors off guard is just how far apart things are. A two-hour drive might feel like a short stint here. If you’re heading out of Perth, don’t wait until the tank is almost empty – fuel stations can be sparse, especially in regional areas. It’s smart to top up when you can and use apps like FuelWatch to find the best prices.
Parking in Perth is pretty straightforward, but the CBD is heavily patrolled. Most street parking is metered from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Some areas turn into clearways during peak hours, so double-check signs to avoid a fine. There are also plenty of paid parking lots and garages throughout the city and inner suburbs.
If you’re driving outside Perth, keep an eye out for wildlife. Kangaroos are common on rural roads, particularly around dawn and dusk. They can jump out with little warning, and collisions can do serious damage – so it’s best to avoid driving at night in remote areas if you can.
And if you’re looking for ideas, some of my favourite drives from Perth include the coastal trip to Margaret River, a quick road trip to Cervantes and Pinnacles Desert, and of course a romantic getaway! WA is full of wide-open beauty and driving really is the best way to take it all in.
My Experience Using Discover Cars
Over the past few years, Discover Cars has become my go-to for renting cars – whether I’m road-tripping in WA or overseas. I’ve booked through them in Queensland, Scotland, and of course, right here in Perth. Every time, I’ve found the process smooth and the prices consistently lower than other platforms.
One of the best features? You can compare heaps of providers in one spot. That’s how I ended up renting a car in Scotland for way less than I expected, just by filtering results and sorting by rating and price. It saved me scrolling through five different tabs and hoping I wasn’t missing a better deal somewhere else.
And let me tell you: their full coverage insurance is 100% worth it. On a recent trip up the Queensland coast, a stone flew up and cracked my windscreen while I was behind a truck. If I hadn’t opted for full coverage, I would’ve been out of pocket hundreds. Instead, the claim process was simple and fast and I didn’t pay a cent more.
Honestly, I now recommend Discover Cars to everyone. If you want affordable rentals, solid customer service, and a stress-free booking system, it ticks every box.
Disclaimer: I have used Discover Cars exclusively over the past few years and I’ve always had a good experience. Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing how your car rental will play out, but I hope this article has been useful.
Last Words on Renting a Car in Perth
If you’re planning to rent a car in Perth, I can honestly say that Discover Cars has made the whole process easier, cheaper, and less stressful for me – every single time.
I love that I can compare providers side-by-side, filter by rating and vehicle type, and get transparent pricing with no sneaky add-ons. The booking process is smooth, the customer service has always been reliable, and that full coverage insurance has saved me more than once.
So whether you’re flying into Perth for a quick trip or setting off on an epic WA roadie, booking through Discover Cars is a solid choice. It’s the tool I recommend to mates, family, and readers alike.
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