Child seats
Can I add a child seat to a car rental in Australia?
Short answer
Yes. Child seats and boosters are available as an optional extra: add one when you book and the price is shown before you pay. Australian law requires children to travel in an approved restraint suited to their age and size, so it is worth arranging the right seat in advance.
Last checked Oct 21, 2026By Brett Gould
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Which seat, and what it costs
Under 6 months: rear-facing baby capsule. 6 months to about 4 years: forward-facing seat. About 4 to 7 years: booster seat.
Each seat is $11 AUD (est. $8) a day, capped at $90 AUD (est. $63) per rental (9 days or more), paid to the rental company at pickup. Request the seats you need when you book; they're subject to availability and you fit them yourself.
The practical details
- You add a child seat as an extra during booking, choosing the type that suits the child (a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat or a booster). The price is shown when you add it, and you pay it to the rental company at pickup. Every counter charge is shown before you book.
- Australian road rules require an approved, correctly fitted child restraint for younger children, with the type depending on the child's age and size. Seats are requested with your booking and are subject to availability at pickup, and you fit the seat yourself, so if a seat is essential, bringing your own is the safe choice.
- Some extras, including a child seat, are settled with the supplier at pickup rather than online; where that applies it is shown with your booking.
- If you are bringing your own seat, you can still use it, provided it meets the Australian standard and is fitted correctly.
Common pitfalls
- Leaving it to the counter. Seats are subject to availability, so request yours when you book.
- Choosing the wrong type for the child's age or size. Match the seat to the child, not just the car.
- Assuming your own seat will fit every car. Check it meets the Australian standard and can be fitted in a right-hand-drive car.
Our recommendation
- Add the child seat during booking so it is reserved and priced up front.
- Pick the seat type by the child's age and size, and add one seat per child who needs it.
- Bring your booking details to pickup, since some extras are settled with the supplier there.
Related questions
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Quick answers
Can I add a child seat when I book?
Yes. Child seats and boosters can be requested with your booking, with the price shown before you pay. They're subject to availability at pickup and you fit them yourself.
Does Australian law require a child seat?
Yes. Younger children must travel in an approved restraint suited to their age and size, so arrange the right seat in advance.
Can I bring my own child seat?
Yes, provided it meets the Australian standard and is fitted correctly in the car.
Is the child seat paid online or at pickup?
Some extras, including a child seat, are settled with the supplier at pickup. Where that applies, it is shown with your booking.
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