How to find a cheap car hire deal in Melbourne Essendon (MEB)
Flight just landed? Pick up a cheap Melbourne Essendon rental car and start your adventure for around $189 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.
Daily rental prices at Melbourne Essendon start from just $44.
Staying a little longer in Melbourne? Book a weekly rental from $307 and fit more into your itinerary.
To land the best deal on your MEB car hire, try to book ahead. Prices generally rise as your travel dates get closer, and you might be left with fewer choices.
East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar are some popular providers at Melbourne Essendon.
The coverage East Coast or another supplier offers for your Melbourne Essendon car hire can vary, so remember to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in MEB by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Melbourne Essendon that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of $72 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $139, this provider lands in second place.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly $111 a day.
The Large rental category is a dependable pick if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type at MEB.
Compare car hire types from Melbourne Essendon (MEB)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Melbourne Essendon rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this MEB car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Melbourne Essendon that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different MEB car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Melbourne Essendon.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your MEB car rental booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) plus another photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in Australia, remember that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) here. In addition to your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've grabbed the keys to your MEB car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Melbourne is about 11 kilometres southeast and a drive of around 20 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Driving from Melbourne Essendon to the centre during peak hour can take as long as 40 minutes.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you don't need to drive right away, consider picking up a car hire in Melbourne instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
For even more options, compare the car hire options at Melbourne Tullamarine or car rentals from Melbourne Avalon. These airports also handle flights into Melbourne.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Melbourne Essendon (MEB)
Before leaving town, get in some sightseeing around Melbourne first. Major highlights like Flinders Street Railway Station and Melbourne's Gardens are the perfect warm-up to your travels.
Geelong should be on your to-do list if you're eager to see Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Eastern Beach Promenade. This city is around 64 kilometres southwest of MEB.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Shepparton, around 153 kilometres north of MEB. From Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton to Lower Goulburn National Park, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
