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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Melbourne
Melbourne
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Melbourne
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Melbourne
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Melbourne
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a vibrant city with diverse attractions and experiences. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city centre.
Explore Beyond the City. A rental car allows you to easily visit attractions like the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley wineries, and the Dandenong Ranges, all within a comfortable driving distance from Melbourne.
Convenience and Comfort. Whether you're travelling with family, carrying luggage, or on a business trip, a rental car provides ease of transport without the constraints of public transport schedules.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups travelling together, renting a car can often be more economical than purchasing individual public transport tickets or hiring multiple taxis.
Personalised Itinerary. With a rental car, you have the freedom to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, stopping whenever and wherever you like.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Melbourne
Before renting a car in Melbourne, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driving licence, and understand the rental agreement's terms, including insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional charges may apply for optional extras or young drivers.
Area
9,993 square kilometres (3,858 square miles)
Population
Approximately 5 million residents
Time Zone
AEST (GMT+10)
Ideal for
Day trips and extended adventures
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Melbourne require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some may impose additional surcharges for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is necessary. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver's name are generally required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but you can opt for extra coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection. A security deposit is usually held on the renter's credit card and refunded after the car is returned.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others might have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS units and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Melbourne – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Sees increased demand, with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (May to August): Often provides discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Melbourne?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Melbourne
Melbourne is a captivating blend of culture, sports, and dining experiences. Exploring Melbourne by car offers unparalleled freedom to discover its diverse neighbourhoods and surrounding regions, but familiarising yourself with traffic laws and parking regulations is essential for a seamless experience.
As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne stands out as a dynamic city with a rich cultural scene and modern infrastructure. Whether you’re interested in arts, sports, food, or nature, Melbourne provides many opportunities to explore and enjoy. Renting a car offers convenience for trips outside the city centre to locations such as the Great Ocean Road, the Yarra Valley, and Phillip Island. Driving in the city requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and potential congestion.
Top Attractions to Discover
Great Ocean Road
One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, featuring stunning ocean views and unique rock formations.
Yarra Valley
A renowned wine region with picturesque vineyards and cellar doors.
Phillip Island
Famous for its penguin parade and beautiful beaches.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking is available at various garages throughout the city, such as Wilson Parking and Secure Parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available, but time limits and fees apply, especially in the CBD.
Park & Ride
Utilise park-and-ride facilities at train stations on the outskirts of the city to avoid inner-city congestion and parking fees.
Gas Stations in Melbourne
Major Brands Available
Fuel stations like Shell, BP, Caltex, and 7-Eleven are widely available throughout Melbourne and its suburbs.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are conveniently located along major roads and highways, making refuelling easy.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate the nearest gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Melbourne
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for public transport and parking using contactless payment methods for convenience.
Watch for Trams
Be aware of trams, especially in the CBD, and follow traffic signals and regulations.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM) when traffic is heavy.
Be Aware of Hook Turns
Familiarise yourself with hook turns, a unique turning manoeuvre used at some intersections in the CBD.
Key Transportation Hubs in Melbourne
Major Bus Stations
Southern Cross Coach Terminal
Main hub for long-distance bus services, connecting Melbourne with other major cities and regional areas.
Railway Stations
Flinders Street Station
Melbourne’s central railway station, serving numerous suburban lines.
Southern Cross Station
A major transport hub connecting regional and interstate train services.
Melbourne Central Station
A key station in the city loop, providing access to shopping centres and other city attractions.
Airports
Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the primary international and domestic airport serving Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Located approximately 55 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, serves domestic and some international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Melbourne?
Renting a car in Australia is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Australia, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 6 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Melbourne as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Melbourne with a rental was a breeze! Loved the laneway cafes, though the Queen Victoria Market felt a bit overwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
So glad I rented a car; made getting around much easier this time. Melbourne's changed a lot since my last visit, though the crowds felt a bit overwhelming.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Summer in Melbourne was amazing! Having a car made exploring the beaches and Great Ocean Road so easy. Everything went smoothly, and I loved every minute.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 13.08.2025
First time in Melbourne, and renting a car was a great decision. It made exploring so much easier. The city itself is vibrant, though I found the public transport signage a little confusing at times. Highly recommend!
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
Melbourne was fantastic! Whizzed around efficiently, thanks to having a car. Busy business trip, but managed to squeeze in some sightseeing – loved the laneways and street art. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 24.07.2025