How to find a cheap car hire deal in Melbourne
Whether you need a small car for cruising the city streets or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Melbourne. Choose from options averaging $104 a day and travel your way for less.
$40 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Melbourne.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $279 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book about three weeks ahead to score the best price on a Melbourne car hire.
Browse the offers available with Sixt, Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
The coverage Sixt or another supplier offers for your Melbourne car hire can vary, so always read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates by clicking '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 surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of $97 a day.
Next in line, [this provider](this provider) offers daily rates of around $189.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $177 a day with this supplier.
If you can't decide what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Melbourne.
Flying to Melbourne? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Melbourne, hit the road sooner by booking a car hire at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 24 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Or make an early exit with a car hire from Melbourne Avalon Airport. After collecting your keys, it'll take roughly 1 hour to drive the 56 kilometres or so to the centre.
Also check out the rental car options at Melbourne Essendon Airport. Central Melbourne is around 11 kilometres away, which is a driving time of about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Melbourne
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Melbourne puts you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Melbourne car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Melbourne that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Melbourne car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Melbourne by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Australia. Rules can differ, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Melbourne car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.
Bring the right documents to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in Australia.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Australia is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) for everyday expenses throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
Best hotels in Melbourne for drivers
Offering parking, MainStay Suites Williamstown takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 8 kilometres from central Melbourne and also comes with air conditioning and a restaurant.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins by IHG gets things right with parking and features such as Wi-Fi and a bar. It's roughly 0.16 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Melbourne and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Melbourne and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to go first. Get started with popular attractions such as Flinders Street Railway Station, Melbourne's Gardens and Melbourne Park.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Melbourne
Around 64 kilometres southwest of central Melbourne, Geelong easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Eastern Beach Promenade.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Geelong include Admiralty Inn and Novotel Geelong, an Accor Hotel.
Unwind after a big day out in Craigieburn at Best Western Melbourne Airport or Mantra Melbourne Epping. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Up for a bigger adventure? Shepparton is a popular road trip destination that's about 161 kilometres north of Melbourne. Make a few pit stops at Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and Lower Goulburn National Park.
Browse the room options at The Wyndhamere Motel Shepparton or Belltower Motor Inn. They make it a breeze to experience everything Shepparton has to offer. They also come with parking.
