Car Rentals

Whether it’s a short drive to the CBD or a road trip across Victoria, booking a car rental at Melbourne Airport puts you in control from the moment you land. Compare vehicles from several trusted onsite providers, book early to lock in the best rates, and enjoy no booking or cancellation fees when you book through us.

Got a meeting in Melbourne CBD or maybe a family road trip down the Great Ocean Road right after you land? Sorting your car hire before you fly means you walk off the plane and straight into the driver's seat. No waiting around, no public transport, no last-minute scramble at the airport.

Here at Melbourne Airport, we’ve made renting a car as easy as it should be. We’ve got several trusted car hire providers based right on the Ground Floor of the T123 Car Park, just across from the terminals. The best part? You can compare your options, choose the right vehicle, and book ahead so your rental car is ready the moment you arrive.

Booking a car hire directly through Melbourne Airport gives you access to several trusted car rental providers at one airport location, with no booking fee, no cancellation fee, and no surprises at checkout.

Here is what that looks like in practice:

• Everything in one place. Compare vehicle types, inclusions, and the best deals from several trusted providers online, no jumping between sites or chasing quotes.
• What you see is what you pay. There are no hidden fees added at checkout. If your plans change, you can cancel or change your drop-off and pick-up date directly with the provider.
• No need for transfers. All Melbourne Airport car hire desks are on the Ground Floor of the T123 Terminal Car Park, just across from the terminals. That means there’s no need for a bus transfer or off-airport detour, just a short walk from arrivals to your rental car.
• No upfront payment. You pay at pick-up, not at the time of booking. So you can lock in your booking online without any money leaving your account until you collect the keys.
• Long-term car rental options. Staying for weeks or months? Several providers offer long-term car rental programs with flexible terms, lower daily rates, and 24/7 roadside assistance included.
• Book online early for the best rates. Rates are set by each provider, and booking early locks in the best rates before pricing shifts closer to your pick-up date.
• No stress if your flight runs late. If you add your flight number at booking, your car hire provider can monitor your arrival and hold your vehicle.

At Melbourne Airport, you will find Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Redspot and Sixt on-site. Each one brings something different to the table, whether that is pricing, vehicle type, or the kind of trip they are best suited for.

Here is a closer look at each one:

• Avis has been operating in Australia since 1955, and their fleet reflects that experience. They also offer a Signature Series of prestige vehicles, and Qantas Frequent Flyer members earn points on eligible bookings.
• Budget lives up to its name without making you feel like you are settling. Competitive daily rates and a solid fleet make them a reliable pick for travellers who want cheap car hire without compromising on reliability.
• Europcar is worth a look if space is a priority. Whether you are travelling with the family or loading up for a road trip to Phillip Island, their fleet has room for everyone and everything you are bringing along.
• Sixt brings a modern fleet to Melbourne Airport with newer models, built-in tech, and Velocity Frequent Flyer points on eligible bookings. A strong fit for business travellers and anyone heading to the Yarra Valley or further along the Great Ocean Road.
• Hertz and Thrifty sit under the same parent company, giving you two price points from one trusted network. Go with Hertz if you want a more premium experience, and Thrifty if you want to keep costs down without sacrificing reliability.
• Redspot and Enterprise are part of the same family. Between them, they offer one of the largest vehicle fleets in the world, with straightforward pricing and solid one-way rental options if you are planning to drive up the East Coast or drop off somewhere other than Melbourne Airport.

Across all onsite providers, you will find a broad range of vehicles available, from compact cars for city driving to full-size 7-seaters and people movers for families, SUVs, utes and 4WDs for regional and off-road drives, vans for extra cargo, and luxury cars for those who want a more premium experience behind the wheel.

To rent a car at Melbourne Airport, you need a valid driver's licence, a credit card in the primary renter's name, and your booking confirmation.

Here is what you have to know before you get to the desk:

• Driver's licence – A current Australian driver's licence is accepted by all providers. International visitors need a valid overseas licence in English. If yours is not in English, bring a certified translation or an International Driving Permit alongside your original licence.
• Credit card – Most providers require a credit card in the renter's name to process a security pre-authorisation at pick-up. Not all accept debit cards, so confirm with your chosen provider when you book.
• Booking confirmation – Have your booking confirmation or rental agreement reference on hand when you reach the desk. It makes the whole pick-up time process faster for everyone.
• Age requirements – Most providers rent to drivers aged 21 and over. If you are under 25, a young driver surcharge may apply. Check the fine print before you confirm your booking.
• Additional driver licences – Anyone else who plans to get behind the wheel needs to be added to the rental agreement and bring their licence to the desk at pick-up. Most providers charge a small fee for this, though some waive it for a spouse or someone at the same address.
• Extras booked in advance – Melbourne's toll roads are fully cashless, so a Toll Pass is not optional if you are using them. Child seats are legally required in Victoria for children up to 7 years old and need to be requested when you book. If you are heading beyond the city, a GPS unit is also worth adding.

New to driving in Melbourne? Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road, so if you are used to driving on the right, give yourself a few minutes to adjust before you leave the car park. Trams have right of way across the city, so never overtake a stopped tram unless there is a safety zone or platform between it and the footpath.

You will also come across hook turns in the CBD, where you make a right turn from the far-left lane. They are only required where signed, and easier than they sound once you have done one.

All car rental desks and pick-up locations at Melbourne Airport are on the Ground Floor of the T123 Car Park, directly opposite Terminal 2. After landing, follow the Car Rental signs from any terminal, and you will be there in minutes.

Returning your rental car is just as straightforward. Just drive to Tullamarine and as you approach the airport on Terminal Drive, stay in the right lane, turn right onto Centre Road, and follow the Car Rental Return Entry signs. If you are returning outside business hours, each provider has a clearly labelled key drop box at their counter on the same level.

Planning a one-way trip? Most onsite providers support one-way rentals. So whether you’re flying out of Avalon Airport at the end of your trip or driving to Sydney, Adelaide or other destinations in Australia, you can set a different return location when you book.

Victoria is best seen at your own pace, on your own schedule. Book your car hire today and start your trip from Melbourne Airport on your terms. The earlier you book, the better the rates and the more you have to look forward to.

The best part? Locking in your car hire before you fly means you land with a plan already in motion. That means no scrambling at the terminal and no wasted time weighing up options after a long flight.