Car Hire in Melbourne
Cheapest Car Hire Rates








Most Popular Car Hire Deals








Travel Information
Why hire a car in Melbourne?
It is a great idea to explore Melbourne by car - you’ll be able to first explore this unique city and then set out on a longer adventure along the state of Victoria.

One-way Car Hire in Melbourne
The most popular one-way car hire options for pick up in Melbourne and drop off in another city include:
- From Melbourne to Brisbane - 34 offers from £ 56.99 per day
- From Melbourne to Sydney - 42 offers from £ 37.33 per day
- From Melbourne to Gold Coast - 34 offers from £ 56.99 per day
- From Melbourne to Adelaide - 25 offers from £ 55.86 per day
- From Melbourne to Cairns - 16 offers from £ 136.17 per day
Top ways to enter Melbourne
- Melbourne Airport: The second-busiest in Australia, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport handled 37 million travelers in 2018. The airport is a large hub for Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin, and is served by around 30 other airlines. Located 22 km (13.7 mi) north of the city center, the airport can be reached in 20-30 minutes.
City facts
- Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate. The summers, which in Southern hemisphere typically last from December to February, are very hot while winters are short and mild. The average high temperature is 26.6 °C (79.9 °F) in February, the warmest month, and 14.2 °C (57.6 °F) in June, the coldest. The precipitation is rather even throughout the year, with a small increase from October to December.
- Melbourne has often been named as one of the most liveable cities in the world. In The Economist’s Global Liveability Ranking of 2019, it ranked second, behind only in Vienna in Austria and ahead of Sydney, Osaka in Japan, and Calgary in Canada. Factors like high quality of healthcare and other public services, good educational opportunities, and diverse cultural life contributed to Melbourne’s high ranking.
- With more than 4.9 million inhabitants as of 2019, Melbourne is the second-most populated city in Australia. Nearly 75% of the inhabitants of the state of Victoria (which is about as large as the United Kingdom) and 20% of all Australians live in or near the city. The Greater Melbourne is made up of 23 divisions.
Top destinations and activities
- Royal Botanic Gardens. Covering a vast area in Melbourne and its suburbs, the botanical gardens are home to more than 8,500 unique species of plants, as well as different birds and animals, some of which you might be lucky enough to spot on a relaxing day out there.
- Fitzroy. Fun, quirky, and always in fashion, Fitzroy is probably the hippest place you’ll find for thousands of kilometers if every direction. It is as easy to make new friends here as to get lost in the cozy bookshops, art galleries, and small concert venues.
- Melbourne Zoo. Australia’s oldest zoo is a large and modern nature area where about 320 species of animals live. You can observe most of the domestic marsupial and other animal species here, as well as to visit the Orangutan Sanctuary, look at penguins in the Wild Sea exhibit, and see the pride of the zoo, the Trail of the Elephants.
- National Gallery of Victoria. The National Gallery is the oldest, largest, and most visited museum in Australia. Also called simply the NGV, it houses an impressive array of paintings, statues, prints, photographs, and other artwork. There are exhibitions of both the indigenous art and contemporary Australian artists, as well as works by such globally renowned old masters as Degas, El Greco, Rothko, and Renoir. Other interesting museums in Melbourne include the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Old Treasury Building and Gold Museum, Immigration Museum and many others.
Traffic and parking
- One of the largest road hazards in Australia are the wildlife. Take extra caution when driving in bad weather or after dark as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife take place.
- Mobile coverage is very rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so take extra caution when traveling in nature areas.
- Another great risk when traveling outside of main highways is the heat. The temperatures can reach extremes very easily, especially during the summer months and in inland areas. Always stay properly hydrated and set out your route in advance to be able to supplement your water supplies.
- Driving under the influence laws differ from territory to territory in Australia. In Victoria, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers with provisional licences. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a driver licence ban.
- The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000. Victoria state emergency number is 131 444.
Toll roads
There are a number of toll roads in Australia, mainly in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. In Victoria, there are two active toll roads, Linkt (formerly known as CityLink) and EastLink.
Most toll roads in Australia use an “open roll system” with mainline barrier toll points. All toll roads in Australia use cashless payment system. You can purchase a prepaid pass for most toll roads. Some rental cars in Australia are equipped with an electronic toll responder the price of which is usually included in the rental price. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance.
Different toll roads are operated by different companies, so there is no nation-wide fee system in place.
For more information about the toll roads in the state of Victoria, visit the VicRoads website.
Ideas for day trips
- The Great Ocean Road. More of a route for a road trip than a single destination, driving the Great Ocean Road is one of the best ways to experience the scenic beauty of Victoria state. See the coastal cliffs near the Apollo Bay, watch koalas in the surrounding eucalypt forests, and stop at stunning beaches along the way - the Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage for a reason.
- Phillip Island. Less than three hours drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island and the nature park of the same name is known for its famous inhabitants - penguins and seals (statistically, there are more of the latter on the island than there area humans). The opportunities to observe both species are plenty.
- Yarra Valley. Having won as many awards as their counterparts in Bordeaux and Burgundy, Yarra Valley is Australia’s number one wine destination. The wines are best sampled together with some delicious local food in one of the many area’s restaurants. If you can, set aside not one, but at least a couple of days for a full experience so that you and your travel buddy (or buddies) can take turns in enjoying the wines.
- Yarra Ranges National Park. Part of the same Yarra Valley area, Yarra Ranges is one of the largest national parks in Victoria. Made up of winding paths that crisscross the temperate rainforest and mountain ash woodlands, this is a great place to enjoy a day outdoors. The national park is home to the emblematic slender fern tree, as well as wildlife species such as wombats, kangaroos, and different types of platypuses. Located about 160 km (100 miles) from Melbourne, the area can be reached in about 2 hours and 45 minutes. If you wish to avoid going there and back again on the same day, there are a number of hotels and bed & breakfasts in the immediate vicinity of the park. Other beautiful nature areas about the same distance from Melbourne include Wilsons Promontory National Park, Great Otway National Park, and Grampians National Park.
Most popular cars
The most hired car in Australia is the Hyundai i20, although travelers also love the Toyota Corolla and the Kia Rio. The most popular car types are economy, standard, and compact.
Further destinations
- Alpine National Park. Located in the Central Highlands of Victoria, this national park is a great place to explore for its beautiful wooded areas, long hiking trails, and accessible summits. Rest in the shade of the beautiful snow gum tree, then travel further to nearby Kosciuszko National Park in neighboring New South Wales.
- Sydney. About nine hours drive northeast, Sydney is one of the most famous world cities for a good reason. Travel there for its famous harbour, unique architecture, and many nature areas nearby.
- Tasmania. There are a bunch of cozy towns and villages on the island of Tasmania, but the number one attraction is its unique, untamed wilderness. If you want to travel from Melbourne to Tasmania with a rental car, you’ll have to take a ferry, so it’s good to first ask your car rental provider if they permit it.
- Bellarine Peninsula. Just over an hour’s drive southwest of Melbourne, Bellarine is situated around the area where Port Phillip Bay meets the ocean. Famous for its beautiful beaches and surfing opportunities; marine wildlife like southern humpback whales and sea lions; and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. The main settlement on the peninsula is Geelong, but a number of smaller, equally nice towns and villages are scattered along the coast.
Car Hire Prices in Melbourne
- Station wagons - starting at £ 64 per day
- Large cars - starting at £ 25 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £ 24 per day
- People Carriers - starting at £ 67 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £ 52 per day
- Small cars - starting at £ 23 per day
- SUVs - starting at £ 28 per day
Money-saving tips
Follow these tips to get the best car hire deal in Melbourne:
- Compare rates of different car providers
- Book your car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Melbourne is the cheapest in October when hiring a car is more than 70% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 20 Cities near Melbourne
-
Bendigo Car Hire starting at £ 36.04 per day113.3 km / 70.4 miles away
-
257.3 km / 159.9 miles away
-
Wagga Wagga Car Hire starting at £ 44.73 per day364.7 km / 226.6 miles away
-
Devonport Car Hire starting at £ 14.64 per day412.0 km / 256.0 miles away
-
Canberra Car Hire starting at £ 29.68 per day469.6 km / 291.8 miles away
-
Launceston Car Hire starting at £ 17.70 per day476.0 km / 295.8 miles away
-
Adelaide Car Hire starting at £ 20.55 per day641.7 km / 398.7 miles away
-
Sydney Car Hire starting at £ 26.13 per day705.7 km / 438.5 miles away
-
Newcastle Car Hire starting at £ 27.52 per day834.7 km / 518.7 miles away
-
Tamworth Car Hire starting at £ 28.27 per day916.3 km / 569.4 miles away
-
Ipswich Car Hire starting at £ 59.84 per day1340.2 km / 832.8 miles away
-
Brisbane Car Hire starting at £ 18.61 per day1380.9 km / 858.1 miles away
-
Hervey Bay Car Hire starting at £ 31.56 per day1569.3 km / 975.1 miles away
-
Rockhampton Car Hire starting at £ 33.29 per day1677.5 km / 1042.4 miles away
-
Alice Springs Car Hire starting at £ 33.71 per day1859.8 km / 1155.6 miles away
-
Kalgoorlie Car Hire starting at £ 48.14 per day2274.3 km / 1413.2 miles away
-
Cairns Car Hire starting at £ 21.73 per day2313.2 km / 1437.4 miles away
-
Port Douglas Car Hire starting at £ 37.72 per day2356.9 km / 1464.5 miles away
-
Perth Car Hire starting at £ 27.96 per day2700.8 km / 1678.2 miles away
-
Darwin Car Hire starting at £ 21.39 per day3132.5 km / 1946.4 miles away
Top 16 Destinations around Melbourne
-
Melbourne Airport Car Hire starting at £ 24.26 per day
-
City Centre Car Hire starting at £ 22.85 per day18.3 km / 11.4 miles away
-
Melbourne South Yarra Car Hire starting at £ 38.01 per day23.8 km / 14.8 miles away
-
Melbourne Hoppers Crossing Car Hire starting at £ 37.72 per day24.8 km / 15.4 miles away
-
Melbourne Blackburn Car Hire starting at £ 27.66 per day31.7 km / 19.7 miles away
-
Canberra Airport Car Hire starting at £ 37.10 per day469.6 km / 291.8 miles away
-
Adelaide Airport Car Hire starting at £ 20.55 per day641.7 km / 398.7 miles away
-
Sydney Penrith Car Hire starting at £ 44.72 per day684.6 km / 425.4 miles away
-
688.6 km / 427.9 miles away
-
Sydney Airport Car Hire starting at £ 32.19 per day705.7 km / 438.5 miles away
-
Sydney Castle Hill Car Hire starting at £ 45.27 per day707.6 km / 439.7 miles away
-
Brisbane Archerfield Car Hire starting at £ 59.84 per day1358.4 km / 844.1 miles away
-
Brisbane Tingalpa Car Hire starting at £ 45.27 per day1367.4 km / 849.7 miles away
-
Alice Springs Airport Car Hire starting at £ 33.71 per day1859.8 km / 1155.6 miles away
-
Darwin Airport Car Hire starting at £ 21.39 per day3132.5 km / 1946.4 miles away
-
Melbourne Clayton Car Hire starting at £ 30.18 per day8406.0 km / 5223.2 miles away
Map of Car Hire Destinations
In which month is car hire in Melbourne the most affordable?
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for and how much in advance you book. Simply type in your dates in the form at the top of the page in order to find out the exact prices.
What is the usual period for which people keep their hire cars, on average, in Melbourne?
What is the most favoured month for hiring a car in Melbourne?
Car Hire Information
Car hire locations | 23 |
Airport locations | 2 |
Popular suppliers | SIXT, Bargain Car Rentals, EastCoast Car Rentals, Jucy, ADVANCE CAR RENTAL |
Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars |
Lowest price | £ 23 per day |
Cheapest supplier | EastCoast Car Rentals |
Most Popular Car Hire Models
Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
Bargain Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
EastCoast Car Rentals | MG ZS | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
Bargain Car Rentals | Kia Stonic | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
SIXT | Mitsubishi Outlander Aut. | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
SIXT | MG HS Aut. | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
Jucy | Hyundai Accent | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
SIXT | Kia Carnival | 5 | 3 | People Carriers |
Bargain Car Rentals | MG HS | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
Jucy | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
Our Customers' Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
Car Hire Statistics
Top 22 Hire Companies in Melbourne in 2023





















