Long trips call for more than just a way to get from A to B. When you’re staying for weeks or months, having your own vehicle means you can travel on your own schedule or maybe even take spontaneous detours. That’s where a long-term car rental makes sense. It gives you the freedom to plan your trip your way, whether you’re here for work, study, or time with family.

At Melbourne Airport, arranging long-term car hire is easy. You can compare providers in one spot, choose the vehicle type that suits your plans, and pick up the keys soon after you land. From there, you can explore Melbourne, take weekend trips through Victoria, or head further across Australia without having to plan around public transport or rideshares.

When your trip runs for more than a few weeks, it often makes sense to arrange a long-term car hire. At Melbourne Airport, that can be anything from 30 days to well over a year, depending on the provider. It’s a cost-effective way to have your own transport without the higher daily rates that usually come with short-term bookings.

Long-term car rental makes sense for your trip if you:

• Have a work project or placement that keeps you here for months
• Are relocating and need a car until your own arrives
• Want to travel through Victoria and beyond at your own pace
• Prefer to set your costs upfront and avoid rebooking partway through

Many providers allow you to add extras for the whole hire period, swap vehicles if needed, and include roadside assistance. You can also choose monthly car rental rates or flexible leasing options that let you keep the same vehicle for as long as you need, without the commitment of a traditional lease. The exact rental terms can differ, so check the details before you confirm your booking.

Six rental companies operate onsite at Melbourne Airport. Each has its own approach, with a wide range of vehicle types available, from small hatchbacks to people movers, utes, and commercial vehicles, and well-known makes like Kia, Toyota, and Hyundai.

Here’s how they compare for longer stays:

• Avis – Hire for 60 days to 11 months through the Avis Flex subscription program. It’s more flexible than a lease, and comes with 24/7 mechanical breakdown assistance.
• Budget – Also offers 60-day to 11-month car rentals via the Budget Break-Free program. You won’t have to deal with lock-in contracts or termination fees, and you can swap vehicles up to three times over your hire. Includes 24/7 breakdown assistance and a free additional driver.
• Europcar – Runs long-term options from 30 days up to 24 months, with everything from compact cars to prestige sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
• Hertz – Offers 60 to 360 days of hire through Hertz Multi-Month. You get a broad choice of categories, including SUVs and utes, with daily rates that drop when you book long-term.
• Redspot – Straightforward booking process with daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Fleet covers small cars, mid-size sedans, SUVs, and selected commercial vehicles.
• Sixt – Long-term rentals available from two months to two years, with fixed monthly rates. Known for newer models, with a mix of hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, people movers, and utes.

You can arrange your long-term hire online before you travel. Just visit Melbourne Airport’s Car Rentals page and follow these steps:

1. Set your trip details. Start by choosing Melbourne Airport as your pick-up location. Add your pick-up date and return date so you only see vehicles available for your full hire period. For longer stays, check if a provider offers monthly rates or discounts for extended bookings.
2. Find the right vehicle. Filter by vehicle type, features, or price to see what fits your plans. You might want something compact for city driving, or a larger option for extra space over the weeks or months ahead.
3. Add the extras. Include extras you’ll want for the whole hire period, such as additional drivers, child seats, toll payment tag or GPS. Make sure the main renter has a valid driver’s licence and a credit card in their name for payment and pick-up.
4. Check the details and confirm. Review the total cost, inclusions, and any long-term rental terms. Once you confirm, you’ll receive booking details, including where to go on arrival.

On arrival, head to your provider’s desk on the Ground Floor of the T123 car park (directly opposite Terminals 1, 2, and 3). Present your driver’s licence and credit card, sign the paperwork, and collect your keys. If your licence is in another language, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation, along with your original driver’s licence.

Those planning to stay in Australia for more than three months should check the rules for the state or region. Some require you to switch to a local licence after that time. Your provider may also ask for extra IDs, such as a passport, proof of address, or both, so it’s worth confirming the requirements when you book.

Yes. Most on-airport providers let you arrange a one-way hire, so you can drop off your car at a different location when your trip ends. This works well if you’re planning a long drive that doesn’t loop back to Melbourne Airport, such as a coastal journey to Sydney or Brisbane, or a cross-country road trip to Perth. It’s also handy for relocations or extended stays in other states.

Common one-way routes include heading west to Adelaide, north to the Gold Coast, or along the Great Ocean Road before continuing interstate. In some cases, one-way charges are waived during relocation promotions, so if your travel dates are flexible, you might even save a little.

If you’re keeping the rental for weeks or months, the daily rate often drops compared to short-term bookings. Many car rental services offer better value for longer stays, with weekly, monthly, or multi-month pricing. Some even run car subscription programs, where you pay the same amount each month and can swap to a different vehicle if your plans change.

Your total cost will depend on:

• How long you’ll have the rental
• The vehicle type you choose
• Extras like child seats, GPS, or additional drivers
• Any optional add-ons you select

Some protection packages include premium roadside coverage, which may cover replacement tyres, windscreens, and other parts that aren’t always included in standard roadside assistance. Book early through the Melbourne Airport website to lock in better rates, with no booking and no cancellation fees if your plans change.

Arranging your rental car before you fly means you can walk off the plane and be on the road with no extra steps. With all rental desks located onsite, Melbourne Airport gives you quick access to a wide choice of vehicles and flexible car hire options for the time you need.

Booking ahead means you can compare options, choose the right fit, and secure the best value for your plans, whether that’s a few weeks in one place or an Australian road trip that takes you from city to coast. Plan now, so you can leave the airport ready for the road ahead.