Some plans don’t leave room for delays. If you’re flying into MEL and want to get moving without waiting on a shuttle service or working around public transport, renting a car from an on-airport provider is the easiest way forward.

At Melbourne Airport, several major car hire companies are based onsite, so there’s no need to leave the airport precinct to pick up your wheels. The desks and the pick-up location are just across the road from the airport terminals at the T123 car park, which means you can go from the arrival gate to the driver’s seat with minimal fuss.

It’s all designed to save you time and make the process easier. But that convenience is just the start. Renting from an on-airport provider means more time for the things you flew in to do and getting around more easily, on your own schedule. Here’s why it works better for so many travellers.

On-airport car hire keeps things simple. With everything located in one place, you can spend less time in transit and more time where you need to be. It’s a practical option, especially if you value convenience, timing, and fewer moving parts.

• No shuttle service needed. When you book with an on-site car hire company, you can walk straight from the arrival gate to your rental. No shuttle buses, no detours.
• Pick-up is close to the terminal. Desks and pick-up are just across the road, opposite Terminal 2, on the Ground Floor of the Terminal T123 car park. It’s a short walk from the arrivals hall to your vehicle.
• Simple drop-off when you return. Return your car to the same location you picked it up from. Head back via Centre Road and follow the ‘Car Rental Return Entry’ sign. Drop-off bays are on the Ground Floor of the T123 car park.
• Option to return the rental at a different location. Some providers allow you to drop off your rental at another city or depot, giving you more flexibility when planning your route.
• Long-term car rental available. Need a car for more than a few days? Providers onsite offer options for extended trips around Melbourne, regional Victoria, and across Australia.
• Rental vehicles to suit your trip. Whether you're heading into Melbourne City’s CBD or going on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find vehicle types to match, from compact cars to full-size SUVs and utes.

Plus, when you book through Melbourne Airport, you also get access to exclusive benefits. You won’t pay any booking or cancellation fees, and you can view options side by side to find what suits your travel plans.

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to Melbourne Airport car hire. Whether you’re after a compact runaround or something larger for a group, you’ll find familiar names offering a range of vehicles right here at the precinct. Here’s what you’ll find onsite:

• Avis: A well-known name in car rental, with a wide selection of vehicles for both city and regional travel. Suitable for business and leisure renters looking for flexible options.
• Budget: Offers competitive pricing across a broad fleet. Good for hirers looking for cheap car hire without cutting corners on service or availability.
• Europcar: A global provider with a strong Australian presence. Known for offering everything from small cars to SUVs and people movers, ideal if you’re travelling with a group or need a seven-seater.
• Redspot: Offers flexible drop-off and pick-up times and is a solid option for both city drives and longer trips.
• Hertz: Popular with frequent travellers and known for loyalty rewards. Also offers a range of extras like GPS, toll passes, and the ability to add an additional driver.
• Sixt: A growing name in car hire, with newer vehicles and premium inclusions. A good fit if you’re after something more modern or are travelling for work or business.

Before booking, check the rental agreement for details like credit card surcharges, driver’s licence requirements, and any after-hours pick-up or return processes. Each provider runs on their own schedule, so reviewing the fine print can help you avoid surprises, especially if your drop-off date is outside standard hours.

Yes. Booking ahead gives you better visibility on price and availability, especially if you're travelling during peak periods or need a specific vehicle type. Plus, rates often rise as your pick-up date gets closer, so booking early can help you lock in the best rates.

If you're flying into Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, you’ll have more control over your booking. You’ll have time to compare providers, check what’s included, and choose the car that fits your plans, without the pressure of deciding on the day.

Some extras are worth thinking about before you travel. They can make the drive more comfortable, more convenient, or just easier to manage, especially if you're heading out of the city centre or travelling with family. Here are a few options you can add when you book:

• Child seats: Choose from rear-facing, forward-facing or booster seats based on your child’s age and size. Most providers let you add these when you book.
• GPS units: Useful if you’re heading somewhere with patchy reception, or just want directions without relying on your phone.
• Toll passes: Add a toll pass upfront, and your provider will manage any charges during your rental.
• Additional drivers: Want to share the driving? You can add another name to the rental agreement. Some providers include this at no extra cost if you live at the same address.
• Qantas Frequent Flyer points: With some providers, you can earn points on eligible bookings. Just enter your member number during checkout.
• Insurance options: You’ll also have the option to add insurance when you book. It’s a good time to check what’s included in the rental agreement and decide if extra cover makes sense for your trip.

You don’t have to decide on everything straight away, but adding what you need when you book can save time at pick-up.

Whether you're heading to the city centre or planning a longer drive, you won’t need to go far. With our on-site car hire partners at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, your vehicle is only a short walk from the terminals.

• Pick-up location: After landing, head to the car rental desks. Your rental car will be ready just across the road, on the Ground Floor of the Terminal T123 car park.
• Return location: To return your vehicle, follow the signs at Melbourne Airport to Centre Road and re-enter the T123 car park using the ‘Car Rental Return’ entry. It’s on the Ground Floor, the same level you picked it up from.

Some providers also allow drop-off at an off-airport location. If you're planning a one-way trip, just choose your preferred return location during booking.

Some trips move fast, while others give you room to slow down. Either way, starting with an on-airport rental keeps you in control from the moment you land. From the city centre to regional towns and longer drives across Australia, there’s plenty of ground to cover. And when your car’s already here, it’s easier to make the most of wherever you’re going.

A few minutes of planning now can shape how the rest of your trip unfolds. Compare your options and book early to keep things moving. Visit the Melbourne Airport Car Rental page to find what suits your travel plans.