Car Rental at Melbourne Airport

Airport travel guide

Often called the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is a popular tourist destination for a good reason. Home to interesting history, artistic charm, lovely beaches, and a relaxed, creative vibe, it offers plenty of landmarks to see and experiences to try. It’s impossible to list all of the city’s attractions, but, for a start, here are four of them:

• Melbourne Recital Centre. The hometown of many international acts, Melbourne has been called the live music capital of the world, and the Recital Centre is one of its most iconic concert venues. More than 500 performances of various genres take place here every year. As great as the centre is, though, visiting it means just scratching the surface of everything that Melbourne can offer to indefatigable melomaniacs.
• Immigration Museum. For thousands of years before the British arrived, Melbourne was inhabited by indigenous Australians. Fittingly, there are many cultural and educational venues across the city that celebrate this heritage. Equally important to the city’s modern development, however, were immigrants from different European countries, Asia, and other parts of the world who arrived here over the previous two centuries. Located in a picturesque Renaissance Revival building, this fascinating museum is dedicated to telling their stories and deciphering the melting pot that is modern Melbourne.
• Royal Botanic Gardens. Melbourne is near a number of wild beaches, state forests, and national parks, but it’s also possible to enjoy greenery and nature without leaving the city. Often called one of the best botanical gardens in the world, this large area is home to more than 10,000 species of flora, both local and brought to Australia from all over the planet. Whether you walk among giant ferns or enjoy evening dusk over one of the gardens’ lakes, this is a great place to spend a day out in the sun. 
• Melbourne Museum. Documenting both the nature and the culture of the region, this fascinating museum covers all things Melbourne from the times when the area was inhabited by various species of dinosaurs to the achievements of the present day. Open since the 1850s and now located in a modern, purpose-created building, the Melbourne Museum is also known for its stunning IMAX screen that until recently was the largest in the world. Visit the museum’s website to learn more. 
• Dandenong Ranges National Park. Encompassing a territory of forested slopes, Dandenong is one of the nicest nature areas just outside of Melbourne city borders (the drive from the center takes about 40 minutes). Part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape, it is known for hilltop villages, mighty tree ferns, and unique inhabitants such as lyrebirds and powerful owls. Due to some fauna species being easily disturbed, it is not permitted to visit the park with dogs (with the exception of assistance dogs).

Top international routes

• Sydney
• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Adelaide
• Hobart
• Perth
• Launceston
• Singapore
• Canberra
• Auckland

Main airlines

Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Tigerair Australia, Air New Zealand, and Regional Express Airlines

Terminals

Of the four passenger terminals, T1, T3, and T4 serve domestic flights, while T2 serves all international flights and some domestic flights. It’s a short and easy walk between any two of them.

Location

Melbourne airport is around 23 km (14 mi) from downtown Melbourne. Freeway M2, also known as Tullamarine Freeway or simply the Tulla, is the road that connects the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Medium cars - from $17 per day
• SUVs - from $22 per day
• Large cars - from $19 per day
• Small cars - from $18 per day
• Vans - from $47 per day
• Premium cars - from $48 per day
• Station wagons - from $115 per day

Car rental desks

These are located in various places inside Melbourne airport. Some are in the baggage claim area of each terminal while others are outside the main airport building, close to car parking areas.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many snack bars, cafeterias, and restaurants, as well as shops, stores, and duty-free outlets. T2 offers the biggest choice for both shopping and dining. You’ll also find many ATMs, lounges, baby care facilities, a children’s play area, a health and medical center, four pharmacies, a pet hotel, and showers. The luggage storage service is located in the arrivals area of T2 and is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. The airport’s facilities are equipped for travelers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Caltex Star Mart, located at Sharps Rd., Tullamarine VIC 3043, can be reached in about ten minutes and is open 24/7. While other gas stations are closer to the airport, travelers give this Caltex station the highest rating. There are many other gas stations in and around Melbourne.

Popular one-way rentals

• Geelong (85 km / 53 miles)
• Ballarat (116 km / 72 miles)
• Adelaide (727 km / 452 miles)
• Canberra (641 km / 398 miles)
• Sydney (855 km / 531 miles)
• Wagga Wagga (431 km / 268 miles)