Hire the best car at the best price in Melbourne

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

Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, offers visitors a unique blend of urban sophistication and easy access to stunning natural attractions. While the city boasts excellent public transport within its central areas, having a rental car provides the freedom to explore Melbourne’s diverse neighborhoods, vibrant suburbs, and the spectacular destinations that lie beyond the city limits. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car hire options throughout Melbourne.

Where to Hire Cars in Melbourne

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)

The most popular car rental location with all major companies represented:

• Located in the main terminal complex and multi-level car park
• Widest selection of vehicles available
• Typically higher rates than city locations
• Convenient for international and domestic arrivals
• Operating hours typically 6:00 AM – midnight
• Advance booking essential, particularly in peak periods

Melbourne CBD

Multiple convenient locations for those already in the city:

• Southern Cross Station Area:
  • Major providers along Spencer Street
  • Convenient for train arrivals
  • Easy access to highways for regional exploration
• Central CBD Locations:
  • Collins Street and Flinders Street options
  • Walk-in availability sometimes possible
  • Slightly lower rates than airport
  • Limited premium vehicle selection
• Franklin/Elizabeth Street Area:
  • Budget-friendly providers
  • Close to Queen Victoria Market
  • Good for northern suburb access

St Kilda/Bayside Area

Rental options in Melbourne’s beach suburbs:

• Convenient for visitors staying in bayside areas
• Avoids city traffic when heading to Mornington Peninsula
• Limited selection compared to CBD
• Companies include Avis, Budget, and local operators

Eastern Suburbs

Options in areas like Box Hill and Doncaster:

• Primarily serves local business needs
• Convenient for visitors to eastern attractions
• Often better rates than central locations
• Limited selection of specialty vehicles

Western Suburbs

Locations in Footscray and Sunshine:

• Budget-friendly options
• Good starting point for Great Ocean Road
• Limited hours compared to CBD locations
• Mostly standard vehicle categories

Northern Suburbs

Options in Brunswick, Coburg, and Preston:

• Convenient for Melbourne Airport without airport premiums
• Good for Melbourne University and RMIT visitors
• Limited luxury vehicle options
• Local operators offer competitive rates

Southern/Southeastern Suburbs

Locations in areas like Chadstone, Oakleigh, and Clayton:

• Serves visitors to Monash University
• Convenient for Dandenong Ranges access
• Lower rates than CBD
• Limited premium vehicle selection

Major Car Rental Companies in Melbourne

International Brands

• Avis: Extensive network with premium service
• Budget: Good value with frequent promotions
• Europcar: Wide range of vehicles including specialty options
• Hertz: Gold Plus Rewards program popular with business travelers
• Sixt: Growing presence with European vehicle focus
• Thrifty: Budget-friendly with good customer service
• Enterprise: Strong customer service reputation

Australian Companies

• East Coast Car Rentals: Competitive rates and growing fleet
• Redspot/Enterprise: Australian company with expanding presence
• Apex Car Rentals: Budget-friendly with all-inclusive pricing
• Alpha Car Rentals: Focus on value with airport and city locations
• Bargain Car Rentals: Budget operator with competitive pricing

Local Melbourne Operators

• Bluebird Car Rental: Local company with personalized service
• Advance Car Rental: Budget-friendly with CBD locations
• Melbourne Car Rental: Flexible terms for longer rentals
• Southern Cross Car Rental: Multiple suburban locations

Car Sharing Alternatives

• GoGet: Hourly rentals with pods throughout the city
• Car Next Door: Peer-to-peer car sharing platform
• Flexicar: Membership-based hourly rentals

Vehicle Types Available

Melbourne car hire companies offer a comprehensive range to suit different needs:

Economy & Compact Cars

• Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift
• Ideal for city exploration and tight parking spots
• Best for navigating Melbourne’s narrow inner-city streets
• Most fuel-efficient option for urban driving
• Perfect for solo travelers or couples
• Typical price range: $35-65 per day

Medium Sedans & Hatchbacks

• Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, Kia Cerato
• Good balance of comfort and economy
• Suitable for small families
• Comfortable for day trips to regional attractions
• Adequate trunk space for shopping or luggage
• Typical price range: $45-85 per day

SUVs & Crossovers

Available in various sizes:

• 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 exploring the Dandenong Ranges or Yarra Valley
• Better visibility in traffic and comfort for longer trips
• Typical price range: $60-150 per day depending on size

Premium & Luxury Vehicles

• European sedans: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4
• Luxury SUVs: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC
• Available primarily at airport and CBD locations
• Limited availability—advance booking essential
• Typical price range: $120-300+ per day

People Movers

• 7-8 seater options: Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax, Toyota Granvia
• Ideal for larger families or groups of friends
• Perfect for airport transfers with substantial luggage
• Limited availability—book well ahead
• Typical price range: $110-190 per day

Specialty Vehicles

• Convertibles: Perfect for Great Ocean Road trips
• Commercial Vans: For moving or larger cargo
• Hybrid/Electric Options: Growing availability in Melbourne
• Long-term corporate rentals: For business relocations
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles: By special arrangement

Navigating Melbourne By Car

Understanding Melbourne’s Layout

• Grid-based CBD with numbered “Little” streets
• Hook turns in city center (unique to Melbourne)
• Extensive tram network with special driving rules
• Radial design with suburbs spreading outward
• Major arterial roads following spokes-of-a-wheel pattern

Key Driving Routes

• City Ring Road: Batman Avenue, Kings Way, Flemington Road
• Inner Suburbs Loop: Punt Road, Alexandra Parade, Hoddle Street
• Outer Ring Road: M80 (Western Ring Road) connecting to Eastlink
• Beach Access: St Kilda Road, Beach Road, Nepean Highway
• To Wine Regions: Eastern Freeway to Yarra Valley, Calder Freeway to Macedon Ranges

Toll Roads in Melbourne

• CityLink: Connects northern suburbs to CBD and southbound
• EastLink: Eastern suburbs toll road connecting to Mornington Peninsula
• No physical toll booths—electronic collection only
• Rental companies offer toll packages (convenience fee applies)
• Melbourne Pass available for visitors (purchase before or within 3 days of travel)

Parking in Melbourne

• CBD parking expensive ($15-25 for 2 hours typically)
• Parking restrictions and clearways strictly enforced
• Green sign = paid parking, red sign = no parking
• “No Standing” means no stopping at all
• P-plated (provisional license) drivers prohibited from certain vehicles
• Parking apps (PayStay, EasyPark) simplify meter payment

Tram Considerations

• Melbourne has the world’s largest tram network
• Yield to trams when passengers are boarding/alighting
• Never park on tram tracks
• Special hook turn rules at many CBD intersections
• Yellow line markings indicate tram-only lanes

Hook Turns in CBD

• Unique right-turn system at many CBD intersections
• Move to far left lane to turn right
• Wait until the traffic light turns yellow, then complete turn
• Clearly signed at applicable intersections
• Practice on quieter intersections if unfamiliar

Booking Tips & Considerations

Best Booking Practices

• Book 2-3 weeks in advance for best rates
• Compare aggregator sites with direct provider websites
• Consider bundle deals with accommodation
• Check for unlimited kilometer deals
• Look for no-cancellation-fee options for flexibility

Peak Periods in Melbourne

• Australian Grand Prix (usually March): Extremely high demand
• Melbourne Cup (November): Rate increases and limited availability
• Australian Open (January): City center vehicles in high demand
• School holidays: Family vehicles book out quickly
• AFL Grand Final (September/October): Increased city demand

Cost-Saving Strategies

• Non-airport pickup saves 10-15% typically
• Weekly rates offer significant discounts over daily rates
• Consider smaller vehicles for city driving
• Insurance through credit cards can save daily fees
• Fuel-efficient vehicles save on Melbourne’s higher fuel prices

Insurance Considerations

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

Popular Day Trips From Melbourne

Having a rental car opens up numerous day-trip opportunities:

Great Ocean Road (Day trip possible, but 2-3 days recommended)

• Approximately 1.5 hours to Torquay (starting point)
• Iconic coastal drive with Twelve Apostles as highlight
• Any vehicle suitable, but convertibles and SUVs popular
• Full day trip requires early start and late return

Mornington Peninsula (Day trip)

• 1-1.5 hour drive from Melbourne
• Beaches, wineries, and hot springs
• All vehicle categories suitable
• Consider toll roads for faster access

Yarra Valley (Day trip)

• 1 hour drive from Melbourne
• Premium wine region with over 80 cellar doors
• Designated driver essential for wine tasting
• Scenic drives through rolling hills

Dandenong Ranges (Day trip)

• 1 hour drive from Melbourne
• Mountain forests and charming villages
• Winding roads—comfortable vehicle recommended
• Perfect in autumn for fall colors

Phillip Island (Day trip)

• 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)

Ballarat and Sovereign Hill (Day trip)

• 1.5 hour drive from Melbourne
• Historic goldfields town with living museum
• All vehicle categories suitable
• Family-friendly destination

Return Tips & Requirements

Fuel Requirements

• Most rentals require “full-to-full” fuel policy
• Keep receipt as proof of refueling
• Convenient fuel stations throughout Melbourne
• Premium fuel required for some luxury vehicles

Return Inspection Checklist

• Clean interior (avoid cleaning fees)
• All personal belongings removed
• Any damage reported
• Keys and accessories (GPS, child seats) returned
• Tollway charges addressed

After-Hours Returns

• Available at most locations
• Secure key drop facilities
• Document the vehicle condition with photos
• Confirm after-hours procedures when collecting

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%
• Mobile phone use while driving prohibited
• Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
• Child restraints required by law

Melbourne Driving Challenges

• Hook turns in CBD (unique right-turn system)
• Tram-related rules and etiquette
• Clearway times strictly enforced (vehicles towed)
• Complex freeway system with multiple exits
• Heavy traffic during peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 4:00-6:30 PM)

Australian Road Rules

• Give way to the right at roundabouts
• U-turns permitted at traffic lights unless signed otherwise
• School zones (40 km/h) strictly enforced
• Full stop required at stop signs
• No right turn on red lights (unlike North America)

Cultural Tips

• Wave to thank other drivers for giving way
• Police have authority to conduct random breath tests
• Speed cameras common on major roads
• Pedestrians have right of way at crossings

Car Hire for Special Events

Sporting Events

• Formula 1 Grand Prix: Book months in advance
• AFL Finals: City accommodation with car more practical than driving in
• Melbourne Cup: Consider parking limitations at Flemington
• Boxing Day Test: Public transport to MCG easier than parking

Festivals & Exhibitions

• Melbourne Food & Wine Festival: Consider suburban base with car
• Melbourne International Film Festival: City parking challenging
• Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Evening shows make car convenient
• Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show: Limited parking near exhibition buildings

Business Events

• Melbourne Convention Centre: Several nearby parking options
• Melbourne Exhibition Centre: On-site parking available but expensive
• Corporate events: Check parking validation options with hosts
• Multi-site meetings: Car essential for tight schedules

Melbourne’s diverse attractions and nearby destinations make car hire an excellent option for visitors wanting to experience everything this vibrant city and its surroundings have to offer. With proper planning and the right vehicle choice, you can enjoy the freedom to explore Melbourne’s famous laneways, cultural precincts, and the spectacular natural wonders just beyond the city limits.