Hire the best car at the best price at Melbourne Airport

Complete Guide to Melbourne Airport Car Hire: Options, Locations & Tips

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) serves as the primary gateway to Victoria, Australia’s cultural capital and surrounding attractions. For visitors arriving by air, hiring a car directly from the airport provides the flexibility to explore Melbourne’s diverse neighborhoods, venture to nearby destinations like the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, or the Yarra Valley, and navigate the city at your own pace. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car rental options at Melbourne Airport.

Car Hire Companies at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport hosts all major rental companies with convenient terminal access:

International Brands

• Avis: Terminal 1 (Qantas) and main car rental area
• Budget: Terminal 1 and main car rental area
• Europcar: Main car rental facility
• Hertz: Terminal 2 (International) and main car rental area
• Sixt: Main car rental facility
• Thrifty: Main car rental area
• Enterprise: Main car rental area

Australian Companies

• East Coast Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Redspot/Enterprise: Terminal 2 and 3
• Apex Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Bargain Car Rentals: Off-airport with shuttle service
• Alpha Car Hire: Off-airport with shuttle service

Terminal Locations & Access

Terminal Car Rental Desks

• Terminal 1 (Qantas Domestic): Avis, Budget
• Terminal 2 (International): Hertz, Redspot/Enterprise
• Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia Domestic): Redspot/Enterprise
• Terminal 4 (Jetstar/Regional): No direct desks, use main car rental facility

Main Car Rental Facility

• Located at the ground level of the multi-level car park
• Connected to all terminals via covered walkways
• 5-minute walk from T1, T2, and T3
• 7-minute walk from T4
• No shuttle required for major companies

Off-Airport Providers

• Located 5-10 minutes from terminal area
• Free shuttle service provided
• Typically offer lower rates
• Allow extra 30 minutes for pickup process

Vehicle Types Available

Melbourne Airport car hire companies offer extensive vehicle options:

Economy & Compact Cars

• Models: Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20
• Ideal for city exploration and easy parking
• Most fuel-efficient option
• Typically the most affordable category
• Perfect for solo travelers or couples
• Price range: $40-70 per day

Medium Sedans & Hatchbacks

• Models: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, Kia Cerato
• Good balance of comfort and economy
• Suitable for small families
• Ample trunk space for luggage
• Comfortable for longer journeys
• Price range: $50-90 per day

SUVs & Crossovers

Available in multiple categories:

• Compact SUVs: Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona, Toyota C-HR
• Medium SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson
• Large SUVs: Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe
• Perfect for Great Ocean Road and rural Victoria
• Better visibility and comfort on longer trips
• Price range: $65-160 per day depending on size

Premium & Luxury Vehicles

• European sedans: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4
• Luxury SUVs: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60
• Prestige options from specialized providers
• Limited availability—advance booking essential
• Price range: $120-300+ per day

People Movers

• 7-8 seater options: Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax, Toyota Granvia
• Ideal for larger families or groups
• Perfect for extended family holidays
• Limited availability—book well ahead
• Price range: $120-200 per day

Specialty Vehicles

• 4WD Off-Road: For Alpine regions and rugged terrain
• Convertibles: For Great Ocean Road and coastal driving
• Electric Vehicles: Limited but growing availability
• Vans and Commercial: Available from select providers
• Wheelchair Accessible: Available with advance booking

Booking & Pickup Process

Reservation Tips

• Advance booking strongly recommended, especially for peak seasons
• Summer (December-February) and school holidays see highest demand
• Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best rates and selection
• Most companies offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before pickup
• Compare rates across providers—significant variations exist

Required Documentation

• Valid driver’s license (English or International Driving Permit)
• Credit card in the main driver’s name
• ID/passport for international visitors
• Booking confirmation or reservation number
• Secondary ID may be required for some providers

Pickup Procedure

1. Proceed to rental desk in terminal or main rental center
2. Complete paperwork and credit card imprint
3. Review and sign rental agreement
4. Receive keys and vehicle location information
5. Conduct vehicle inspection before departure
6. For off-airport providers, call for shuttle or proceed to designated pickup area

After-Hours Arrival

For flights arriving outside standard hours (typically 6:00 AM – midnight):

• After-hours pickup available from most major companies
• Advance arrangement required
• Additional fees may apply for very late pickups
• Key collection procedures vary by company

Navigating Melbourne from the Airport

Airport to City Routes

• The drive from Melbourne Airport to CBD takes approximately 25-35 minutes (without traffic)
• Tullamarine Freeway (M2) provides direct access to the city
• CityLink tolls apply on this route (see toll section below)
• Alternative routes available but typically longer

Key Routes from the Airport

• To CBD: Tullamarine Freeway → CityLink
• To St Kilda/Bayside: Tullamarine Freeway → CityLink → Kings Way
• To Eastern Suburbs: Tullamarine Freeway → CityLink → Eastern Freeway
• To Western Suburbs: Tullamarine Freeway → Western Ring Road (M80)

Melbourne Toll Roads

• CityLink and EastLink are the main toll roads
• No physical toll booths—electronic collection only
• Options for handling tolls:
  1. Rental company toll package: Convenient but fees apply
  2. Purchase Melbourne Pass: Online or via phone (up to 3 days after travel)
  3. Toll invoice: Pay additional admin fees if not arranged beforehand

Parking in Melbourne

• CBD parking can be expensive ($15-25 for 2 hours typically)
• Parking restrictions and clearways strictly enforced
• Suburban shopping centers often offer free time-limited parking
• Consider using Park & Ride facilities and public transport for CBD visits
• Hotel parking typically costs $25-45 per night in the city

Return Procedure & Requirements

Fuel Requirements

• Most rentals require a full tank upon return (“full-to-full” policy)
• Nearest fuel stations to the airport:
  • BP and Shell on Mickleham Road
  • 7-Eleven on Melrose Drive
  • Caltex on Tullamarine Freeway
  • Allow 10-15 minutes before return for refueling

Return Process

1. Refuel the vehicle (unless prepaid fuel option selected)
2. Follow signs to “Car Rental Return” at Melbourne Airport
3. Enter the multi-level car park and follow specific company signage
4. Park in the designated area for your rental company
5. Complete vehicle check-in with staff during business hours
6. Return keys at the rental counter or designated key drop for after-hours

Return Hours

• Major companies: 6:00 AM – midnight, seven days
• After-hours return available at designated drop boxes
• Late fees may apply if not returned on time
• Some companies offer grace periods of 29-59 minutes

Cost Considerations

Price Factors

• Seasonal variations: Summer and holiday periods cost 20-40% more
• Vehicle size: Economy cars cost significantly less than SUVs
• Rental duration: Weekly rates offer substantial discounts (25-40%)
• Advance booking: Early bookings typically save 15-25%
• Airport premium: 10-15% higher than off-airport locations

Additional Charges

• Insurance excess reduction: $15-35 per day
• Additional drivers: $5-10 per day per driver
• GPS rental: $8-15 per day
• Child seats: $8-15 per day per seat
• Young driver surcharge: Usually applies to drivers under 25

Insurance Options

• Standard insurance with excess of $3,000-$5,000 typically included
• Excess reduction options available at booking or pickup
• Third-party excess insurance often cheaper than rental company options
• Credit card insurance coverage may apply (check your card benefits)
• International visitors should understand Australian insurance terminology

Popular Driving Destinations from Melbourne

Having a rental car opens up numerous destinations:

Great Ocean Road (1-3 days)

• Approximately 2.5 hours to starting point
• Iconic coastal drive with spectacular scenery
• Any vehicle suitable, but convertibles and SUVs popular
• Consider one-way rental with drop-off in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell

Phillip Island (Day trip)

• 1.5-2 hour drive from Melbourne
• Famous for penguin parade and wildlife
• Standard vehicles suitable for all attractions
• Allow time for return after penguin viewing (night driving)

Yarra Valley (Day trip)

• 1 hour drive from Melbourne
• Wine region with over 80 cellar doors
• Designated driver essential for wine tasting
• All vehicle types suitable

Grampians National Park (2-3 days)

• 3 hour drive from Melbourne
• Rugged mountain landscapes and hiking
• SUV recommended for comfort and clearance
• Check road conditions during winter months

High Country & Alpine Region (2-5 days)

• 3-4 hour drive to destinations like Bright or Falls Creek
• Snow chains required for alpine areas in winter
• SUV or 4WD recommended
• Check vehicle restrictions for snow areas

Tips for International Visitors

Driving Essentials

• Drive on the left side of the road
• Distances and speeds displayed in kilometers
• Blood alcohol limit of 0.05% strictly enforced
• Mobile phone use while driving prohibited
• Seat belts mandatory for all passengers

Melbourne Driving Challenges

• Hook turns in CBD (unique right-turn system)
• Tram-related rules and etiquette
• Clearway times strictly enforced
• Complex freeway system with multiple exits

Australian Road Conditions

• Wildlife hazards, especially at dawn and dusk
• Rural roads may have limited services
• Extreme heat in summer can affect vehicle performance
• Flash flooding possible in some areas

Cultural Tips

• Road rage uncommon but avoid confrontation
• Wave to thank other drivers for giving way
• Police have authority to conduct random breath tests
• Speed cameras common on major roads

Summary of Best Practices

1. Book Early: Especially for peak periods and specific vehicle types
2. Compare Providers: Check both on-airport and off-airport options
3. Consider Insurance: Understand and arrange appropriate coverage
4. Plan Toll Payments: Arrange toll coverage before driving CityLink
5. Inspect Vehicle: Thoroughly document any pre-existing damage
6. Understand Return Requirements: Know fuel policy and return location
7. Allow Extra Time: For both pickup and return processes
8. Keep Documentation: Retain rental agreement and return receipt

Melbourne Airport car hire provides the ideal starting point for exploring Victoria’s diverse attractions. With proper planning and the right vehicle choice, visitors can enjoy the flexibility to discover Melbourne and beyond at their own pace.