Melbourne Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Melbourne

Renting a car in Melbourne provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed, making it an ideal choice for families, business travellers, or those simply seeking city-themed experiences. You can visit key attractions like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, located in the Central Business District, or enjoy a stroll along Collins Street for a taste of city life. A drive to St Kilda Beach allows for a relaxing beach experience, all within a short distance of the city centre.

Moreover, a car rental is perfect for day trips to nearby destinations such as the Mornington Peninsula, where you can explore Martha Cove and Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park. The convenience of having your own vehicle means you can venture to Southbank to experience the Southbank Promenade and visit Melbourne Park. With Melbourne's roads designed for easy navigation, having a rental car ensures you make the most of your trip without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Most popular car rentals in Melbourne

• Midsize SUV: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers a comfortable ride, which is perfect for exploring Melbourne and its surroundings at your own pace while ensuring you have ample room for luggage.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families, the compact car option accommodates up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is particularly well-suited for navigating the bustling streets of Melbourne, providing ease of parking and efficient fuel consumption, allowing you to enjoy your trip without the hassle.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car accommodates 5 travellers and offers flexibility with room for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a great choice for families or groups who need more luggage space. The fullsize option is designed for comfort, ensuring that everyone travels together comfortably while exploring the vibrant city of Melbourne.

Top rated car suppliers in Melbourne

• Europcar: Europcar is a popular choice for travellers in Melbourne, offering over 5 rental locations throughout the area. Customers often prefer their Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options, which provide a comfortable and spacious driving experience. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Europcar is noted for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, making it an excellent option for exploring Melbourne at your leisure.
• Sixt: Sixt stands out with 20 rental locations in Melbourne, providing great accessibility for tourists. Their most frequently booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, perfect for navigating both city streets and scenic routes. Sixt is well-regarded for its modern fleet and quality service, ensuring that you have a reliable vehicle for your adventures in and around Melbourne.
• Budget: Budget boasts over 15 rental locations in Melbourne, making it a convenient option for visitors. Travellers often choose their Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles for their ample space and comfort. Known for competitive pricing and friendly service, Budget provides a straightforward and user-friendly rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in Melbourne and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Melbourne

• Melbourne Central Business District: The vibrant heart of Melbourne, the Central Business District offers a mix of city-themed experiences, making it ideal for tourists. Attractions include the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is a cultural highlight, and the bustling Collins Street, perfect for shopping. Nearby, you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and wineries. This area is great for families, business travellers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the urban atmosphere.
• Southbank: Located along the Yarra River, Southbank is known for its lively promenade and stunning views. This suburb is a hub for shopping and entertainment, featuring the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and the picturesque Southbank Promenade. With numerous restaurants and wineries in the vicinity, Southbank caters to both families and business visitors, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to stay.
• Docklands: A modern waterfront suburb, Docklands is perfect for families and city-themed travellers. It offers a range of shopping options and is close to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and historic landmarks. St Kilda Beach is also nearby for those looking for a beach holiday. The area features a variety of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, ensuring a delightful stay with plenty to explore.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Melbourne

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel choices, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Melbourne

The best value period to rent a car in Melbourne is June, when prices are at their lowest and demand is minimal. May also offers slightly lower prices with average demand, making it a good option. Following this, April sees moderate pricing and demand, while August holds steady with average prices and demand. However, December is the most expensive month, with higher prices and average demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
February	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
April	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	48.9°F (9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
August	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
October	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High