Car Hire in Melbourne
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These prices are approximate and depend on the dates of the booking, hire length and type of car. This information was last updated at 23:04 on 2021-09-27.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
AUD
Dialing code
61
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of city centre
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
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 £ 56.19 per day
- From Melbourne to Sydney - 42 offers from £ 36.81 per day
- From Melbourne to Cairns - 16 offers from £ 134.26 per day
- From Melbourne to Avalon - 9 offers from £ 38.86 per day
- From Melbourne to Gold Coast - 34 offers from £ 56.19 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.
Useful 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 tips
- 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 website of the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) of South Australia.
Ideas for a day-trip
- 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 hire types and 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
- Large cars - starting at £ 49 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £ 28 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - starting at £ 114 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £ 61 per day
- Small cars - starting at £ 57 per day
- SUVs - starting at £ 50 per day
How can I save money on my hire car?
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 14 Cities near Melbourne
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Sydney starting at £ 21.20 per day691.1 km / 429.4 miles away
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Adelaide starting at £ 23.18 per day671.9 km / 417.5 miles away
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Launceston starting at £ 35.11 per day440.9 km / 273.9 miles away
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469.1 km / 291.5 miles away
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Newcastle starting at £ 51.87 per day839.6 km / 521.7 miles away
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Devonport starting at £ 81.06 per day377.5 km / 234.6 miles away
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Albury starting at £ 21.57 per day268.5 km / 166.8 miles away
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Broken Hill starting at £ 22.26 per day742.5 km / 461.4 miles away
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Mildura starting at £ 21.72 per day491.7 km / 305.5 miles away
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Tamworth starting at £ 44.02 per day928.8 km / 577.2 miles away
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Wagga Wagga starting at £ 22.23 per day377.0 km / 234.3 miles away
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Griffith starting at £ 25.13 per day420.7 km / 261.4 miles away
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344.6 km / 214.1 miles away
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648.0 km / 402.6 miles away
Top 18 Destinations around Melbourne
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Melbourne Moorabbin starting at £ 51.93 per day
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Melbourne Brighton starting at £ 21.20 per day7.3 km / 4.5 miles away
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Melbourne Dandenong starting at £ 26.32 per day14.4 km / 8.9 miles away
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Melbourne Richmond starting at £ 51.93 per day14.7 km / 9.1 miles away
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South Melbourne starting at £ 21.20 per day15.4 km / 9.6 miles away
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Melbourne Blackburn starting at £ 20.55 per day16.6 km / 10.3 miles away
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Melbourne Preston starting at £ 26.32 per day22.0 km / 13.7 miles away
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Melbpourne Footscray starting at £ 51.93 per day22.1 km / 13.8 miles away
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Melbourne Frankston starting at £ 51.93 per day23.4 km / 14.5 miles away
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Melbourne Bayswater starting at £ 23.66 per day24.1 km / 15.0 miles away
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Melbourne Campbellfield starting at £ 51.93 per day30.8 km / 19.2 miles away
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Melbourne Tullamarine starting at £ 51.93 per day31.9 km / 19.9 miles away
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Melbourne Airport starting at £ 27.13 per day35.4 km / 22.0 miles away
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Albury Airport starting at £ 21.57 per day268.5 km / 166.8 miles away
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Mount Gambier Airport (MGB) starting at £ 45.39 per day375.7 km / 233.4 miles away
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Devonport Ferry starting at £ 56.88 per day376.8 km / 234.1 miles away
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Devonport Airport starting at £ 81.06 per day377.5 km / 234.6 miles away
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Cooma Polo Flat starting at £ 20.24 per day410.1 km / 254.8 miles away
Map of Car Hire Destinations
During which month is it most affordable to hire a car in Melbourne?
Our data show how prices for hiring a car in Melbournefluctuate depending on the time of the year. This graph can assist you in finding the best bargain.
Average Price for Hiring a Car in Melbourne
The cheapest month to hire a car in Melbourne is January with prices starting at £ 9.40 for an Economy class cars. The most expensive month in which to hire a car is July with prices for for a Compact class) starting at £ 37.39. The average cost over the course of the entire year is £ 22. You can use this to plan your trip at the time of year when it would be most economical to hire a car. Note that these prices are only averages. The amount of time you hire a car for and the time at which you book will influence the prices.
What is the usual period for which people keep their hire cars, on average, in Melbourne?
Hirers picking up a car in Melbourne keep them for an average of 11 days during in June, while those picking up their cars in October keep them for an average of 6.
Average Hire Length in Melbourne
What month is the most favoured for hiring a car in Melbourne?
While travellers visit Melbourne year-round, the most popular month for hiring a car is March, and the least popular is August.
Popularity of Car Hire in Melbourne by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Hire Models
| Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bargain Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Hyundai Kona | 4 | 3 | SUVs |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Nissan X-Trail | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | 5 | 2 | Station wagons |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Hyundai Accent | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| EastCoast Car Rentals | Mitsubishi Eclipse | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Bargain Car Rentals | Kia Picanto | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Thrifty | Mitsubishi ASX | 5 | 2 | Station wagons |
Top 12 Hire Companies in Melbourne in 2021
National
+61393351177
T1 Departure drive, Melbourne Airport, Melbourne VIC 3045
Enterprise
+61393351177
T1 Departure drive, Melbourne Airport, Melbourne VIC 3045
Europcar
+610392416800
Arrival Dr, Tullamarine VIC 3043
Working hours
Mon:07:00-18:00
Tue:07:00-18:00
Wed:07:00-18:00
Thu:07:00-18:00
Fri:07:00-18:00
Sat:07:00-18:00
Sun:07:00-18:00
Keddy
+610392416800
Arrival Dr, Tullamarine VIC 3043
Working hours
Mon:07:00-18:00
Tue:07:00-18:00
Wed:07:00-18:00
Thu:07:00-18:00
Fri:07:00-18:00
Sat:07:00-18:00
Sun:07:00-18:00
Economy rent a car
+610448415044
Melbourne Airport 39-41 Freight Road
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:00
Tue:07:00-19:00
Wed:07:00-19:00
Thu:07:00-19:00
Fri:07:00-19:00
Sat:07:00-19:00
Sun:07:00-19:00
Avis
0391318809
Melbourne Airport, Arrival Dr, Tullamarine VIC 3045, Australia
Working hours
Mon:07:30-17:00
Tue:07:30-17:00
Wed:07:30-17:00
Thu:07:30-17:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-12:00
Sun:08:00-12:00
Alamo
0393351177
Ground Floor, Park Royal Hotel
Working hours
Mon:07:00-21:00
Tue:07:00-21:00
Wed:07:00-21:00
Thu:07:00-21:00
Fri:07:00-21:00
Sat:07:00-21:00
Sun:07:00-21:00
EastCoast Car Rentals
+611800474258 / +61755558908
2 Tarmac Drive, Tullamarine, 3043
Working hours
Mon:07:00-18:00
Tue:07:00-18:00
Wed:07:00-18:00
Thu:07:00-18:00
Fri:07:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-15:00
Sun:08:00-15:00
Budget
0391318801
Melbourne Airport, Arrival Dr, Tullamarine VIC 3045, Australia
Working hours
Mon:07:30-17:00
Tue:07:30-17:00
Wed:07:30-17:00
Thu:07:30-17:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-12:00
Sun:08:00-12:00
SIXT
+61755558908
2 Tarmac Drive, Tullamarine
GreenMotion
+61134733
Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport 10/14 Centre Rd Melbourne 3045
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00
Ace Rent a car
61393380255 / 3172487251
16-20 Tullamarine Park Road