Tight turnaround? Got plans that don’t fit the public transport timetable? Sorting out how to get moving after you land can take more time than it should. That’s where picking up a rental car at Melbourne Airport makes all the difference.

With car hire desks and pick-up just across the road from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, there’s no need to wait for a shuttle or go offsite. You can head straight to your next stop, whether that’s a meeting in the CBD or the start of a long-awaited road trip across Victoria.

At Melbourne Airport, we’ve made it easier for you to choose, collect, and return your car without doubling back. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about booking from on-site car hire companies.

After hours in the air, the last thing you need is a shuttle bus queue or a trip to a depot halfway across town. At Melbourne Airport, car hire desks and pick-up locations are just across the road from the terminal building, so you can get moving sooner. It also means:

• Your car’s right here at the airport. No shuttle service, no detours. After landing, simply walk through the airport terminal and cross the road to the Ground Floor of the T123 car park directly opposite Terminal 2.
• Best prices, no booking fees. Booking through Melbourne Airport connects you with competitive rates from our on-site partners. No surprises at check-in, no cancellation fee if your plans change.
• Fits how you travel. Whether you're heading into the CBD or planning a longer drive across Australia, picking up your rental onsite makes it easier to get moving in the direction you need.

Are you a Qantas member? Some on-airport car hire companies offer Frequent Flyer rewards on eligible bookings, so you can get on the road and work towards your next trip at the same time.

Melbourne Airport partners with well-known car hire companies. You can compare vehicle types, daily rates, and loyalty programs to find what works best for your trip. The best part? They’re all on airport grounds.

• Avis — A long-standing name in car rental, with a wide range of vehicles suitable for both business and leisure travel.
• Budget — Known for offering competitive pricing across a variety of vehicle types, from compact city cars to full-size options.
• Europcar — A global provider with a strong presence across Australia, offering everything from passenger vehicles to utes and minibuses.
• Redspot — Focused on the essentials, Redspot is ideal for travellers who want a straightforward hire that gets them from the airport to the road without delay.
• Hertz — A familiar choice for frequent travellers, with options to earn rewards and book one-way trips across Australia.
• Sixt — A growing presence in Melbourne, Sixt offers competitive daily rates and newer vehicles with premium inclusions.

Each car hire company runs on its own schedule, so opening hours can differ. If you're planning to arrive early or fly in late, it’s a good idea to check your provider’s times or get in touch with them before booking.

Most offer extras like an additional driver or child seat, which you can add during the booking process or pickup. You’ll also be able to review insurance options, including coverage for damage or liability, and choose what suits your trip. Your rental 

It’s a simple process, and you can do it all online before your trip. Just go to Melbourne Airport’s Car Rentals page and then follow these steps:

1. Start with your details. Enter your pick-up location (Melbourne Airport), pick-up date and time, and return date and time. This lets you compare what’s available based on when you land and how long you need the car.
2. Compare and choose your vehicle. You’ll see a range of cars sorted by type, including compact, hybrid, electric and full-size options. You can also filter by number of seats, doors, fuel type, or provider to find the best fit for your trip, whether you’re after flexibility, the best rates or a cheap car hire.
3. Add extras and personal details. Select optional equipment like child seats, GPS, or Toll pass, and add your arriving flight number. You'll need a valid driver’s licence and a credit card.
4. Review the rental summary. Before confirming, you’ll see a full breakdown of the rental cost, including base rate, premium location fees and optional charges. Make sure the pick-up time, drop-off date and airport location are correct.

Once you’ve checked the details, continue to confirmation. You don’t pay anything upfront, and there’s no cancellation fee if your plans change.

During pick-up, the primary driver will need to present their own credit card and driver’s licence to collect the car. Most providers don’t accept debit cards, and you won’t be able to use someone else’s credit card to pick up the vehicle.

Need more help? Reach out to the car hire company for specific information on booking requirements, payment types, rental agreements, and more.

Returning your rental is easy. All on-airport car hire companies have a dedicated return location on-site. Here’s how it works:

From Terminal Drive, turn right onto Centre Road and follow the 'Car Rental Return Entry' signs. The return area is on the Ground Floor of the T123 car park, in the same location as pick-up. From there, it’s only a few minutes on foot to the airport terminals. If you’re flying out soon after drop-off, this setup saves time.

Returning somewhere else? Car hire providers at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport support one-way rentals, meaning you can return your vehicle to a different city or depot. Just choose your preferred return location when you book.

Melbourne Airport car hire puts everything in one place—car rental desks, pick-up bays, and returns all within walking distance of the terminals. There’s no need to wait for a shuttle or navigate to an off-site depot. Having your rental car right here means less backtracking and more time spent where it matters.

From quick city visits to longer regional drives, starting your journey with a rental car from Melbourne Airport is the simplest way to get going. Book ahead to compare vehicle types, lock in the best rates, and line everything up before your trip.