How Much Is a Campervan? Prices, Rentals, and What You Really Pay
Nov, 6 2025
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The article explains that the base price shown is rarely what you'll actually pay at the end of your trip.
Want to hit the road in a campervan but not sure how much it’ll cost? You’re not alone. People often think renting a campervan is just about picking a vehicle and driving off-but the real price tag hides in the details. A $100-a-day rental might sound cheap until you add insurance, mileage fees, cleaning charges, and mandatory extras. By the time you’re done, you could be paying double. Let’s cut through the noise and show you exactly what you’ll spend when you rent a campervan in 2025.
What You’re Actually Paying For
When you see an ad for a campervan at $89 per day, that’s not the full price. That’s the base rate. Think of it like the sticker price on a car-you still need to pay tax, registration, and insurance. Same here. Most campervan hire companies in Australia, the US, and Europe break their pricing into five main parts:
- Base rental rate-what you see online
- Insurance excess-your financial risk if something breaks
- Additional driver fees-usually $10-$25 per extra person
- Mileage limits-many rentals cap you at 100-200 km per day
- One-way fees-drop it off in a different city? Add $200-$500
For example, a basic 2-person campervan in Perth might start at $95/day. But if you add comprehensive insurance (recommended), that’s another $25/day. Add a second driver? $15. Drive 500 km over your limit? $0.50 per extra km adds up to $250. Clean it yourself? Maybe $50. Return it with an empty gas tank? Another $60. Suddenly, your 7-day trip costs $1,100-not $665.
How Much Do Campervans Cost to Rent? (2025 Real Numbers)
Here’s what you can expect to pay right now in Australia, based on recent bookings from Perth-based rental agencies:
| Vehicle Type | Base Rate (AUD/day) | Typical Insurance Cost (AUD/day) | Estimated Total for 7 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 2-berth (e.g., Fiat Ducato) | $85 | $20 | $735 |
| Mid-size 4-berth (e.g., VW T6) | $120 | $28 | $1,036 |
| Luxury 4-berth (e.g., Mercedes Sprinter) | $180 | $35 | $1,505 |
| Family-sized 6-berth (e.g., Ford Transit Custom) | $150 | $32 | $1,274 |
| Off-road 4WD (e.g., Toyota HiAce 4WD) | $210 | $45 | $1,785 |
These prices are for peak season (December-February). Outside of summer, you can often find discounts of 20-40%. Winter rentals in Perth often drop below $70/day for compact models. But don’t assume winter is always cheaper-some companies raise prices for short-term bookings (under 5 days).
What’s Included? What’s Not?
Most rental companies won’t tell you upfront what’s missing. Here’s what’s typically not included:
- Gas-you fill it up before returning, or pay a premium to return it empty
- Camping fees-you still pay for campsites, even if you’re in a van
- Water and waste disposal-some sites charge $5-$15 per dump
- Linens and towels-bring your own or pay $15-$25 per set
- GPS or satellite tracker-usually $8-$12/day extra
- Child seats-not always available; if they are, expect $10/day
- Breakdown cover-sometimes included, sometimes not. Ask before booking.
One rental company in Adelaide recently got flagged by consumer watchdogs for charging $120 to refill a nearly empty diesel tank. That’s more than $3 per litre. Always check the fuel policy. Return it with at least half a tank to avoid gouging.
Hidden Fees That Surprise People
There are three sneaky charges that catch most first-timers off guard:
- Excess reduction fee-this isn’t insurance. It’s a waiver that lowers your liability if you crash. Many companies charge $15-$25/day for this. Some include it in premium packages. Don’t assume it’s free.
- Early drop-off penalty-if you return it a day early, some firms charge 50% of the daily rate as a cancellation fee. Yes, really.
- Damage inspection fees-if they find a scratch, they’ll charge you $150-$300 to "assess" it, even if you didn’t cause it. Always take photos before and after.
A couple from Melbourne rented a campervan in Perth for 10 days. They returned it with a small dent on the rear bumper-something they didn’t notice until the inspection. The company charged them $280 for "damage assessment" and $450 for "repair." They later found out the dent was there before they picked it up. They had no photos. Lesson: document everything.
How to Save Money on Campervan Hire
You don’t have to pay top dollar. Here’s how real travelers cut costs:
- Book early-prices jump 30-50% within 30 days of departure. Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season.
- Go off-season-May to August is quiet in Australia. Rates drop hard. You’ll still get sunny days in Perth.
- Choose a longer rental-many companies offer 10%-20% discounts for rentals over 14 days.
- Use comparison sites-sites like Campervan Hire Australia and Motorhome Republic show real-time prices across 15+ agencies. Don’t book directly from the first site you see.
- Bring your own gear-towels, cooking pots, and bedding save $50-$100 in rental fees.
- Check your credit card-some cards offer free rental insurance. Read the fine print. If it covers motorhomes, you can skip the excess waiver.
Should You Buy Instead of Rent?
Maybe. If you’re planning multiple trips over the next 2-3 years, buying could make sense. A used 2018 Ford Transit campervan in good condition costs $35,000-$50,000. That’s a lot upfront. But spread over 5 trips, it’s $7,000-$10,000 per trip-cheaper than renting the same vehicle at $150/day for 14 days every year.
But here’s the catch: you’ll need to store it, service it, insure it, and deal with resale. You’ll also pay for registration, road tax, and annual inspections. In Australia, annual registration for a campervan is around $800. Insurance runs $1,200-$2,000/year. Maintenance? $500-$1,000/year if you drive 15,000 km.
For one-off trips, rent. For annual road trips over 3+ years, buy.
What Happens If You Break Down?
Most reputable hire companies include roadside assistance. But not all. Always ask:
- Is breakdown cover included?
- What’s the response time in rural areas?
- Do they cover towing to the nearest workshop, or only to their depot?
- Will they provide a replacement vehicle if yours can’t be fixed in 24 hours?
One family in Tasmania had their campervan stall on a remote road at night. The rental company said they’d send help-but it took 8 hours. They ended up sleeping in the van with no heat. The company didn’t offer a replacement. That’s why you read the fine print.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes-if you know what you’re signing up for. Campervan hire gives you freedom, flexibility, and the chance to sleep under the stars without a tent. But it’s not a budget option unless you plan smart.
Set a realistic budget. Add 30-50% to the base rate for hidden costs. Book early. Take photos. Bring your own gear. Know your insurance. And don’t rush the decision. The cheapest van isn’t always the best deal.
Some people spend $1,200 on a 7-day trip and love every minute. Others spend $1,800 and feel ripped off. The difference? Preparation.
How much does it cost to rent a campervan for a week in Australia?
For a basic 2-berth campervan, expect to pay between $700 and $1,100 for a week, including insurance and mandatory fees. Luxury or larger models can cost $1,500-$2,000. Prices vary by season, location, and rental company. Always add 30-50% for extras like fuel, cleaning, and mileage overages.
Is campervan hire cheaper than staying in hotels?
It depends. For two people, a mid-range hotel room in Australia costs $150-$250 per night. That’s $1,050-$1,750 for a week. A campervan rental at $1,000 includes accommodation and transport. If you camp for free or use low-cost sites, you can save hundreds. But if you stay at paid campsites every night, the savings shrink.
Can I rent a campervan with a regular driver’s license?
Yes, in Australia and most countries, a standard car driver’s license is enough for campervans under 4.5 tonnes. Most rental vans fall under this limit. But if you’re renting a large motorhome or 4WD model, check the weight. Some require an international driving permit if you’re from overseas. Always confirm with the rental company before booking.
Do I need to clean the campervan before returning it?
Most companies require you to return the van with the interior clean and the waste tank emptied. If you don’t, they charge $80-$150 for cleaning. It’s easy to avoid: empty the toilet, wipe down surfaces, take out trash, and sweep the floor. Bring a small vacuum or brush. It takes 20 minutes and saves you money.
What’s the best time of year to rent a campervan in Australia?
The best time to save money is May to August-Australia’s shoulder seasons. Prices drop 20-40% compared to December-February. Weather is still good in Perth and southern regions. You’ll avoid crowds, get better deals, and have more campsite options. Winter is also quieter in the outback, which means fewer breakdowns and more flexibility.
Are there any hidden costs with campervan hire?
Yes. Common hidden costs include excess reduction fees, early return penalties, damage assessment charges, fuel top-up fees, and GPS or linen rentals. Some companies charge for mileage overages or for returning the van with an empty water tank. Always ask for a full breakdown of charges before signing the contract.
Can I take a campervan on unsealed roads or beaches?
It depends on your rental agreement. Most basic campervans are not allowed on unsealed roads, beaches, or off-road tracks. Doing so can void your insurance and result in a $1,000+ penalty. If you want to explore places like the Great Ocean Road’s backroads or Western Australia’s 4WD trails, rent a 4WD campervan specifically designed for it. Always check the terms-some companies offer upgraded insurance for off-road use.