Ballina car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Ballina

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
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Standard car
Standard
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Full-size car
Full-size
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Luxury car
Luxury
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People mover car
People mover
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Ballina

  • Explore the stunning coastline of the Northern Rivers region with the privacy of a hire car in Ballina. The town is a gateway to Byron Bay; however, having a car will let you see smaller villages along the way, such as Lennox Head, that are bypassed on bus services. Driving to the hippie paradise of Nimbin takes roughly 1h from either Ballina or Byron Bay, though the journey is tripled with public transport and requires a connection through Lismore. Macadamia Castle is a popular attraction 15min out of Ballina by car, which has no direct public transport connection. The drive to Byron Bay from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) takes about 40min, with a hire car saving money on an expensive taxi or shuttle transfer.
  • Reception desks of major car hire companies including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty are located directly across from the baggage claim area at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK). As the airport only has one terminal and a regional scale of passengers, walking to the car park and locating your hire car doesn’t take long.
  • Ballina has a laid-back atmosphere where jaywalking is common. Take extra care to reduce your driving speed and give way to pedestrians at all times. Due to its location at the junction of Emigrant Creek, North Creek and Richmond River, Ballina can experience flooding in the area and on low-lying bridges. If driving after heavy rainfall, approach bridges with caution and ensure an unobstructed passing is possible. Reduce tyre pressure and research tide times if you are going to go beach driving along the coast.
  • The central district of Ballina experiences little congestion and shouldn’t cause you to adjust your travel plans. The Pacific Mwy leading to Byron Bay is busiest on weekends between 10:00–12:00, while holiday periods can also see traffic spike.
  • Make sure you're following the local road rules when driving your hire car in Ballina. While some states require drivers to leave a two-second gap behind the car in front of them, New South Wales requires a three-second gap. In poor weather conditions or on unsealed roads, increase the distance to a four-second gap. Some rules are more relaxed than in other states, for example, you are permitted to use your phone to pay for drive-through or parking tickets, so long as the vehicle is stationary. The engine does not have to be switched off. You can also use your phone to present an official digital licence to a police officer if you get pulled over.
  • If you prefer driving electric vehicles, they can be a great choice for cheap car hire in Ballina. Multiple hotels have EV charging stations available, including the local Travelodge and Ballina Homestead Motel. You can also leave your car to charge while you do some shopping at Ballina Central Shopping Centre or refuel at BP Ballina Travel Centre’s fast charger towards the edge of town. If you plan on doing some day trips, you can also find chargers at many nearby towns, including Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads along the coast and Lismore further inland.
  • Byron Bay is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Ballina, but it can also be just one stop on a road trip to the Far North Coast. Between Byron Bay and Ballina, check out Lennox Heads and the beautiful Lake Ainsworth. Past Byron Bay, you can visit Brunswick Heads and South Golden Beach. You can even head all the way to Queensland if you take the inland route to Coolangatta, but the scenic way with a few stops en route is a great way to spend at least one day of your trip and make the best use of cheap car hire in Ballina.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Ballina for $76 or less
  • Book your rental car in Ballina at least 6 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Ballina are around 43% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Ballina

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Ballina?

    As Ballina roads are wide and peaceful to drive on, there’s no need to forfeit comfort or preference when choosing a hire car. Premium models are great for enjoying the seaside stretch of road towards Broken Head. Economy cars offer the cheapest prices and have excellent fuel efficiency. A 4x4 is necessary if you’re considering going off road and tackling the inland trails or sandy beaches.

  • What’s the speed limit in Ballina?

    The default speed limit is 50 km/h with many key arterial roads such as The Coast Rd set at 60 km/h. Be attentive to signage on the Pacific Mwy, as built-up areas have a limit of 80 km/h while rural sections increase to 100 km/h.

  • Where are the best places to park in Ballina?

    Free parking is available in the centre of town, restricted to 1h or 2h along River St and Cherry St. Unrestricted spaces can be found a few blocks back from the shopping strip, on Holden Ln and Tamar St.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Ballina?

    On average a rental car in Ballina costs $78 per day.

  • How much is the price of fuel in Ballina?

    The average price of fuel in Ballina is $6.83 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $82 and $109, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Ballina?

    Standard (Hyundai i40 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Ballina.

  • Which hire car agencies are at Ballina Byron airport (BNK)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Ballina Byron airport is Avis.

  • Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Ballina Byron airport (BNK)?

    The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Ballina Byron airport to off-airport locations is Avis.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Ballina?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Ballina?

    A Standard car hire in Ballina costs $62 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Premium car hire cost in Ballina?

    A Premium car hire in Ballina costs $69 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Ballina?

    An Intermediate car hire in Ballina costs $82 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Ballina?

    On average a car hire in Ballina costs $549 per week ($78 per day).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Ballina?

    On average a car hire in Ballina costs $2,352 per month ($78 per day).

  • What are the car seat laws in Ballina?

    If you have children travelling with you in your hire car in Ballina, they may need a child restraint or booster seat. Children under 145 cm must be in a forward-facing child restraint or booster that suits their height and weight. Children aged six months to four years can use either a rear- or forward-facing seat, and those under six months must be in a rear-facing seat.

  • How old do I need to be to get a Ballina hire car?

    Most Ballina car hire companies will hire a car to drivers 21 and older who have held their licence for at least one year. There is usually no maximum age limit.

Ballina car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Europcar

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review
Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in Ballina

Show locations

Locations in Ballina

Shed 2 - 204 Southern Cross Drive

+61 2 6686 2992

Opening times not available

Terminal Building

+61 2 6686 2992

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2022

KAYAK
Great little car. Great on fuel.

1 out of 1

Avis

9.3

Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

7.6

2 locations in Ballina

Show locations

Locations in Ballina

3/210 Southern Cross Dr

+61 2 6686 7650

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:0015:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:0015:00 - 17:00

Terminal Building

+61 2 6686 7650

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Hire cars are so costly since Covid that I avoid using them. Please bring pricing back down again,

10.0 Wonderful

Alison, Nov 2022

KAYAK
The woman on the counter could have been friendlier

10.0 Wonderful

Sandy, Apr 2022

KAYAK
Liked the Kia. Good boot space and fold down seat to fit our keyboard

1 out of 1

Thrifty

8.0

Cleanliness

9.5

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.0

3 locations in Ballina

Show locations

Locations in Ballina

Ballina Ap

+61 2 6686 7955

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:30 - 18:30

Cnr Cessna & De Havilland Cres

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Southern Cross Drive

+61 136139

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday09:30 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:30 - 18:30
Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Very bad, we didn’t know that we have to pay more than $500 to drop off the car at cairns. Very bad marketing from kayak

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Staff fantastic

1 out of 1

Sixt

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

8.5

2 locations in Ballina

Show locations

Locations in Ballina

3/188 Southern Cross Drive

+61 2 6686 7955

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Terminal Building

+61 2 6686 7955

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Standard

KAYAK
Easy pick up and drop off was great.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, May 2022

KAYAK
When I arrived there was no record of my booking. Assistant had no customer service manner and bordered on rudeness

10.0 Wonderful

Tammy, Feb 2022

KAYAK
Great service from Sixt

1 out of 1

Budget

8.2

Very Good

2 locations in Ballina

Show locations

Locations in Ballina

1/27 Southern Cross Dr

+61 2 6686 9955

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:30 - 18:30
Sunday08:30 - 18:30

Terminal Building

+61 2 6686 9955

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

7.2

Good

2 locations in Ballina

Show locations

Locations in Ballina

Cnr Cessna & De Havilland Cres

+61 2 6686 2143

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:0013:00 - 16:00
Sunday12:30 - 14:0009:00 - 18:00

Southern Cross Drive

+61 2 6686 2143

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday09:30 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:30 - 18:30

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

10.0

Wonderful

2 locations in Ballina

Locations in Ballina

Cnr Cessna & De Havilland Cres

+61 2 6686 2143

Opening times not available

Southern Cross Drive

+61 2 6686 2143

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

6.0

Okay

2 locations in Ballina

Locations in Ballina

204 Southern Cross Drive

+61 266 862 992

Monday07:30 - 19:00
Tuesday07:30 - 19:00
Wednesday07:30 - 19:00
Thursday07:30 - 19:00
Friday07:30 - 19:00
Saturday07:30 - 19:00
Sunday07:30 - 19:00

Shed 2 - 204 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina

+61 266 862 992

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5.3

Fair

2 locations in Ballina

Locations in Ballina

Cnr Cessna & De Havilland Cres

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Southern Cross Drive

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday09:30 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:30 - 18:30
Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

EverythingFleet

10.0

Wonderful

One location in Ballina

Locations in Ballina

3 Southern Cross Dr

+61 131381

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Routes Car & Truck Rentals

4.8

Mediocre

One location in Ballina

Locations in Ballina

Terminal Building,Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

Monday07:30 - 19:00
Tuesday07:30 - 19:00
Wednesday07:30 - 19:00
Thursday07:30 - 19:00
Friday07:30 - 19:00
Saturday07:30 - 19:00
Sunday07:30 - 19:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

3 locations in Ballina

Locations in Ballina

204 Southern Cross Drive

Opening times not available

Corner Cessna & De Havilland

Opening times not available

Terminal Building

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Ballina

Locations in Ballina

Terminal Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

2145 travellers who rented a car in Ballina gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9

Car hire locations in or near Ballina

Good to know

Most popular agency

Avis

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$78/day

Good deal

$76/day

When to book a car hire in Ballina

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Ballina car hire information

Pick-up locationBallina
Car types
Hire locations25
Airport locations15

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