How to find a cheap car hire deal in Melbourne
Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Melbourne. Choose from options averaging $243 a day and travel your way for less.
$11 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Melbourne.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from $72 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Melbourne car hire. Try booking around three weeks before your departure date.
Get behind the wheel with Sixt, Bargain Car Rentals or East Coast. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Whether you book with Sixt or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Melbourne car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging $91 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around $89.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly $165 a day.
The Large rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Melbourne.
Flying to Melbourne? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. If you're flying to Melbourne through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 24 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Or grab the keys and make a fast getaway with a car hire from Avalon Airport. It'll take roughly 1 hour to drive the 56 kilometres or so to the centre.
Also check out the rental car options at Essendon Airport. Central Melbourne is around 19 kilometres away, with a drive time of about 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Melbourne
Small: These cheap rental cars in Melbourne may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Great for longer journeys, this Melbourne car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Melbourne makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're tough, versatile, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Melbourne car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Melbourne.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your car hire in Australia.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Melbourne car hire reservation.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
If you've never driven in Australia, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Australia is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and excursions. Pay with a card where you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
The language most commonly spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Melbourne for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at The Prince. Around 5 kilometres from central Melbourne, it comes with accessible parking, a laundry and air conditioning.
Element Melbourne Richmond is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features accessible parking, along with a bar and a fitness centre. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Want more inspiration? Browse through the full list of hotels in Melbourne. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in Melbourne and your hotel. From Flinders Street Railway Station to Australian Grand Prix and Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit, you'll never run out of things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Melbourne
Around 64 kilometres southwest of central Melbourne, Geelong deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Eastern Beach Promenade.
You'll be well taken care of at Admiralty Inn and Novotel Geelong, an Accor Hotel, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Geelong.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Melbourne and travel around 24 kilometres north to Craigieburn. Featuring Volcano Park and Mount Ridley Lookout, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Unwind after a big day out in Craigieburn at Best Western Melbourne Airport or Nightcap at Coolaroo Hotel. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Shepparton, roughly 161 kilometres north of Melbourne. Make your first stop Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton, then head to Lower Goulburn National Park.
Drift off to sleep in Shepparton at either The Wyndhamere Motel Shepparton or Belltower Motor Inn. They've got a bed waiting for you and parking availability too.
