Compare prices and check availability for automatic car hire at Busan Gimhae Airport. Choose the right size for families, groups and city trips.
Who Should Choose Automatic Car Hire
Automatic cars suit drivers who prefer an easier drive in traffic. They work well for families, older drivers and groups with varied driving experience.
Hire an automatic for stop-start city driving, coastal routes around Busan, and long coastal journeys where gear changes become tiring.
What Types of Automatic Cars Are Available
Most major suppliers at Gimhae provide compacts, hatchbacks, medium SUVs and MPVs such as 7 Seater or 8 Seater vans. Premium models are available on request.
Expect popular makes like Hyundai and Kia in the compact and SUV ranges. International brands appear in limited numbers with prior booking advised.
| Feature | Automatic | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Simple; ideal for traffic | Requires clutch control |
| Fuel efficiency | Varies by model | Often slightly better |
| Availability | High at airports | Limited in some fleets |
| Best for | Families and city drivers | Drivers wanting control |
Main takeaway: automatic cars reduce stress in Busan traffic and on coastal routes. Book early for larger models.
Picking Up and Returning Your Rental Car
At Gimhae, car hire begins at desks in the Domestic Terminal. You complete paperwork there and then take a shuttle to the Car Rental Centre to collect your vehicle.
The airport runs a free shuttle between the Domestic and International terminals and the car park. The shuttle normally runs during daytime hours and stops late in the evening. Check your supplier for exact times.
When returning, follow signs to the rental drop-off area at the Car Rental Centre. Some firms require return during office hours. Ask about after-hours key drop options when you book.
| Car Type | Typical Manual Cost | Typical Automatic Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | £15–£30 per day | £18–£35 per day |
| Medium SUV | £30–£50 per day | £35–£60 per day |
| MPV (7 Seater) | £50–£80 per day | £60–£95 per day |
These figures are typical estimates. Prices change with season and fleet availability. Book early for peak months to lock a better rate.
Popular pickup locations
Top pickup points across South Korea for travellers using Busan as a base. These locations suit different trip plans and arrival routes.
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– Seoul Incheon — major international hub with many rental choices
– Busan Gimhae Airport — closest to city and regional routes to Gyeongsangnam-do
– Busan Station — convenient for rail arrivals and central hotels
– Daegu — regional hub for inland Gyeongsang travel and mountains
– Jeju Airport — island gateway; widely used for holiday car trips
– Busan Haeundae — popular beach area with easy coastal access
– Gyeongju — historical sites make it a frequent pick-up point
– Ulsan — industrial and coastal base used by business travellers
– Pohang — east coast port town for coastal drives and seafood trips
– Daejeon — central Korea hub for connecting road journeys
How Much Does Automatic Car Hire Cost
Cost depends on vehicle size, season and supplier policies. Expect a small premium for automatics over manual models at Gimhae.
Peak seasons such as summer holidays and national holidays often double demand. Chuseok and Lunar New Year see heavy traffic and higher rental rates. Plan and book well in advance for these periods.
| Item | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel policy | Affects final cost | Full-to-full is clearest |
| Insurance excess | Large bills possible after damage | Check excess and buy cover |
| Airport fees | Adds to daily rate | Confirm any airport surcharge |
| One-way charges | Applied when returning elsewhere | Confirm before booking |
Tip: compare suppliers on total price after taxes and fees. That gives a fairer cost comparison than headline rates.
Final Advice Before Booking
Book early for travel during summer and public holidays. Larger automatics such as 7 Seater or 8 Seater become scarce during busy weeks.
Carry the correct documents at pickup. You typically need your passport, original driver’s licence and either an International Driving Permit or a recognised translation or licence exchange document. Rules vary by nationality and length of stay. Check official guidance before travel.
Note local travel quirks. Gimhae has short and long-term parking at separate car parks and a shuttle linking terminals and rental zones. Expect occasional traffic around Haeundae and coastal roads at weekends. Plan journey times accordingly.
For the most up-to-date terminal and car hire desk details see the airport site and the Busan city visitor pages.
Gimhae Airport car hire information
Busan city transport and visitor information
Frequently asked questions — Busan (Gimhae) Airport
- Can I pick up an automatic car directly at Gimhae terminals?
- What documents do I need to hire a car at Busan Gimhae Airport?
- Are automatics more expensive at Gimhae compared with city branches?
- How long is the shuttle between terminals and the rental centre?
- Can I drive an automatic with a UK licence and an IDP?
- Are child seats available when I hire at Gimhae?
- Do suppliers allow one-way hires from Busan to Seoul?
- Is there a surcharge for collecting or returning outside office hours?
- What should I check on the car at collection?
- Are winter tyres provided for hires in snowy months?
