Campervan or Motorhome: Which Should You Hire?
When you start looking at campervan hire in Australia, you'll quickly notice two terms: campervan and motorhome. They're often used interchangeably, but they're actually quite different vehicles. Choosing the right one makes a big difference to your comfort, budget and driving experience.
This guide breaks down the differences so you can make the right call for your trip.
💡 Tip: Compare both campervans and motorhomes side by side on CamperCompare to see the price and feature differences for your dates.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Campervan | Motorhome |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5–6 m | 6–10+ m |
| Sleeps | 2–3 | 2–6 |
| Bathroom | Sometimes (premium models) | Yes, always |
| Standing room | Limited or none | Full walk-through |
| Cost/night | A$60–$200 | A$160–$300+ |
| Fuel economy | 10–14 L/100 km | 15–22 L/100 km |
| Driving ease | Easy (like a large car) | Moderate (larger, heavier) |
What Is a Campervan?
A campervan is a compact, van-based vehicle fitted out with a bed, a small kitchen (cooktop, sink, fridge) and storage. Think of it as a car you can sleep in. Most are under 6 metres long and drive much like a regular van. Budget models don't have a bathroom or much headroom; premium models from brands like Britz and Maui may include a small toilet/shower.
Best for: couples, solo travellers, backpackers, budget-conscious first-timers, and anyone who wants easy driving and cheap fuel.
What Is a Motorhome?
A motorhome is a larger, purpose-built living-on-wheels vehicle. It has a full kitchen, a proper bathroom (toilet, shower, sometimes a separate room), a dinette area, and beds for 2–6 people. You can stand up, walk around and spread out. The trade-off is that motorhomes are bigger, heavier, use more fuel, and need more skill to drive and park.
Best for: families, groups, long trips where comfort matters, bad-weather travel, and anyone who wants a bathroom on board.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Campervan If…
• You're a couple or solo traveller.
• You're on a budget.
• You're nervous about driving a big vehicle.
• You want to park in city streets and tight spots.
• You're happy using campground bathrooms.
Choose a Motorhome If…
• You're travelling with kids or a group.
• Comfort and space are priorities.
• You want your own bathroom.
• You're on a longer trip (more than 2 weeks).
• You're comfortable driving a larger vehicle.
Still not sure? See our first-time campervan hire tips for more guidance, and compare both types for your dates on CamperCompare.
Planning your trip?
Compare campervan & motorhome hire prices across Australia:
