If you’re planning to rent a car when you land at MEL, you’re already making things easier for yourself. Having a car ready gives you more freedom to move at your own pace, whether you’re heading into the CBD for work, shopping in the city centre, or mapping out a longer road trip across Australia.

At Melbourne Airport, car rental desks and the pick-up location are just across the road from the terminals. So instead of working out transfers or chasing a shuttle bus, you’ll know exactly where to go and what happens next.

If this is your first time hiring a car at Melbourne Airport, we’ll walk you through the basics, from where to find your rental to what to bring on the day.

You’ll find the car rental desks on the Ground Floor of the T123 car park. Each one is easy to spot, and once you’ve checked in, it’s a short walk to where your rental will be waiting.

All rental companies operate from this central airport location, so it’s easy to compare providers and choose the one that suits your trip. Here’s who you’ll find onsite at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport:

• Avis – If you’re not quite sure what you need, start here. From compact cars to full-size models, Avis has a wide range of vehicles available. So whether you’re heading into the city or further out, you’ll have options without needing to overthink it.
• Budget – Watching your travel spend? Budget offers lower daily rates and a solid mix of vehicle types. It’s a good fit if you’re keeping it simple but still want something dependable.
• Europcar – Travelling with family or carrying extra luggage? Europcar’s fleet includes larger vehicles like SUVs and people movers, so you’ve got more space to work with.
• Redspot – Planning a road trip or just need something to get around town? Redspot keeps it straightforward, with practical options for all kinds of travel, including utes for extra gear or trades.
• Hertz – Like the idea of extras sorted in advance? Hertz gives you the option to add things like GPS or toll passes when you book, which can save time later.
• Sixt – First time hearing the name? Sixt is newer to Melbourne Airport but offers modern cars with premium features already built in, so there’s less to add on.

Most Melbourne Airport car hire providers rent to drivers aged 21 and over, though if you’re under 25, a young driver surcharge might apply. Each company has its own rules, so it’s worth checking the fine print when you book.

Book your car in advance for more control over the details and, often, better value too. You’ll have time to compare providers, check what’s included, and lock in the best rates for your pick-up date and return date.

Leaving it until you arrive can mean fewer options, limited vehicle types available, and higher prices during busy periods. Planning ahead also makes it easier to match your pick-up time with your flight schedule, so there’s less waiting once you land.

To book a rental car through the Melbourne Airport Car Rental page, follow these steps:

1. Set your pick-up and return details. Choose your pick-up and return time based on your flight. Most travellers time the booking to allow for baggage collection and a short walk to the pick-up area.
2. Compare car hire providers. Rental vehicle types, pricing, and inclusions vary across companies. Take a few minutes to review what’s available and see what suits your trip best.
3. Review the terms. Check the daily rate and any optional extras, like additional drivers or child seats, before you confirm.
4. Complete your booking online. Follow the prompts on the booking page and check your confirmation email for the full rental summary.

Booking through Melbourne Airport means no booking fee, no cancellation fee, and access to competitive online rates, including cheap car hire and long-term car rental options when booked early.

To collect your rental, you’ll need three key things: your driver’s licence, a credit card in your name, and either your rental agreement or your booking confirmation.

• Your driver’s licence must be current and printed in English. If it’s not, most providers will ask for a certified translation or an international driving permit. It’s best to double-check this ahead of time.
• A credit card is usually required to process a pre-authorisation. This covers things like late returns, fuel charges, or tolls. A few providers do accept debit cards, but it’s not guaranteed, so it’s worth confirming during the booking process. You might also see a credit card surcharge listed in the payment terms.
• Your rental agreement includes the booking reference, vehicle details, and what’s included in your hire. Having it ready helps speed things up when you reach the desk.

Yes. If you're flying in from overseas, you can rent a car at Melbourne Airport and start exploring straight away. Driving in Australia is on the left-hand side, with speed limits in kilometres per hour. If that’s new to you, take it slow to start. It won’t take long to adjust.

To rent one, you’ll need a valid licence from your home country. If it’s not in English, most providers will ask for a certified translation or an international driving permit. It’s best to check the terms when you book, just to be sure.

You’ll also want to make note of each provider’s opening hours, especially if your flight lands late or early. Some offer after-hours pick-up, but not all, so it’s worth locking that in when you confirm your booking.

There’s more to car hire than just choosing a vehicle. You can add extras that make your trip smoother, especially if you’re driving with family, covering longer distances, or planning to share the wheel.

• Additional driver: Want to share the driving? You can add another licensed driver to the rental. Most providers charge a small fee, but some include an extra driver at no cost. Everyone listed will need to show their licence at the counter.
• GPS: Not all cars come with built-in navigation. Adding a GPS can make driving easier, especially if you’re heading out of town and don’t want to rely on mobile data or battery life.
• Toll pass: Melbourne has cashless toll roads, and using one without a pass can lead to extra admin or fines. Most providers offer a toll solution you can add to your booking, so the charges are handled automatically and linked to your rental.
• Insurance: Extra cover is optional, but it’s worth checking what’s included when you book. You’ll see any insurance options listed before checkout, so you can choose what fits your trip.
• Child seat: Legally required for children up to a certain age and size. You can request an infant, toddler, or booster seat when you book. The team will make sure it’s fitted and ready to go when you arrive.

Each on-site car rental company has a dedicated return location on-site. As you approach the airport, stay in the right lane on Terminal Drive, turn right onto Centre Road, and follow the signs to the dedicated ‘Car Rental Return’ entrance.

The drop-off location is on the Ground Floor of the T123 car park, with clear signage for each provider. Once you’ve returned the keys and completed any final checks, it’s a short walk to your terminal.

Doing a one-way trip? Most providers allow you to choose a different return location when you book. Make sure to confirm this during your booking so it’s set up in advance.

Whether you're heading into Melbourne City, planning a detour down the Great Ocean Road, or just want flexibility beyond the reach of public transport, renting a car at Melbourne Airport puts you in control from the start. With everything on-airport, it’s easy to get moving once you’ve landed.

So book now and step straight off the plane into whatever you’ve got planned. Booking early means less time figuring things out on the day and more time getting to know Melbourne—your way, at your own pace.