Small
MG 3
Alpha car hire- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €156/7 days
See offer →
Melbourne Airport Car Hire (MEL)
Compare deals from 32 rental companies right at the airport. Start your trip the moment you land.
LocationAirport
Providers32
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Check 32 companies
⚡ Live prices
🧾 All terms shown upfront
⭐ Cancel for free
Quick answer: At Melbourne Airport you can compare rental cars from 32 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Melbourne Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 29 Sep. Prices collected 30 Aug.
Alpha car hireMid-size
MG 3
Bargain Car Rentals- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €163/7 days
See offer →SUV
MG ZS
YESDRIVE CAR RENTAL- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €137/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Melbourne Airport: rating and lowest price
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Simba Car Hire | (202) | By shuttle bus | €157 |
 SIXT | (449) | Inside the terminal | €285 |
 Everything Fleet | (206) | By shuttle bus | €236 |
| Alpha car hire | (118) | By shuttle bus | €156 |
 Big Boy Car Rentals | (164) | By shuttle bus | €255 |
| YESDRIVE CAR RENTAL | By shuttle bus | €137 | |
 Dollar | (15) | Inside the terminal | €267 |
 GreenMotion | By shuttle bus | €251 | |
| Bargain Car Rentals | (1 186) | By shuttle bus | €163 |
 ADVANCE CAR RENTAL | (259) | By shuttle bus | €204 |
 Thrifty | (82) | Inside the terminal | €214 |
 Flexways | (5) | By shuttle bus | €188 |
 Auz Rental Cars | (10) | By shuttle bus | €221 |
 EastCoast Car Rentals | (293) | By shuttle bus | €167 |
 Keddy | (15) | Inside the terminal | €297 |
 Rush Car Rental | (6) | By shuttle bus | €246 |
 Europcar | (45) | By shuttle bus | €221 |
 yesaway | (16) | By shuttle bus | €333 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 30 Aug from Discover Cars, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 by Discover Cars customers. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport (MEL) is located in Tullamarine, approximately 23 km northwest of Melbourne's CBD, roughly 25–35 minutes' drive depending on traffic. With 32 car rental companies on-site, you'll find everything from budget options to premium vehicles directly in Terminal 2 and 4. Book in advance during major holidays when capacity fills quickly.
From the airport, you can reach Melbourne's CBD via Tullamarine Freeway (M2), and the Citylink motorway takes you further south toward St Kilda and Bayside in about 40 minutes. The Dandenong Ranges are approximately 70 km southeast of the airport, perfect for a day trip with a rental car. Book a rental car with unlimited kilometres – Melbourne is a sprawling city and you'll easily drive 100+ km per day.
Avoid rush hour on M2 (07–09 and 16–18) to save time. Check whether your rental car includes a CityLink transponder, otherwise motorway toll charges will apply. Where do I pick up my rental car at Melbourne Airport?
Most rental companies are located in the Car Rental Precinct in Terminal 2, accessible via a short walk or shuttle from arrival halls. How long does it take to drive from MEL to Melbourne's CBD? Normally 25–35 minutes via Tullamarine Freeway, but allow up to 60 minutes during rush hour.
Do I need to pay motorway tolls with my rental car? Yes, CityLink and EastLink are toll roads. Ask the rental company if an e-TAG is included, otherwise you can register for a daily pass via Linkt.
We compare prices from all major providers at Melbourne Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
What to Know Before Picking Up at Melbourne Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Australia. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Melbourne Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Melbourne Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Melbourne Airport you can compare rentals from 32 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Australia ▼
In Australia you drive on the Left side.
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Motorway: 110 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0,05 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is available often, but can be costly in major cities.
Road tolls: Check if roadtull gäller på din rutt for to avoida överraskningar.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Melbourne Airport
Which rental companies are available at Melbourne Airport?▼
You can compare 32 rental companies at Melbourne Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Australia?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Melbourne Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Australia is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Australia?▼
In Australia you drive on the Left side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 110 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Melbourne Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Melbourne Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Melbourne Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Melbourne Airport
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Real prices, real terms, 32 providers. See what Melbourne Airport has to offer.
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Melbourne Airport
32 providers
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