When you’re travelling for work, time isn’t just valuable—it needs to be structured. Every meeting, transfer, or call has a place in the day. So once you land at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, the last thing you want is to lose momentum figuring out transport. That’s why many business travellers choose to pick up a rental car on arrival.

At Melbourne Airport, we know travel needs look different for everyone. Whether you're flying in from Sydney for a same-day pitch or arriving from overseas with a week of meetings ahead, we’re set up to keep things moving on your terms. Let’s look at how on-airport car hire makes that possible.

With on-airport car hire, there’s no waiting for a shuttle bus or working around someone else’s timetable. Just collect your keys, pick up your rental, and drive straight to your next stop. When the clock’s ticking, that kind of direct access can make all the difference.

• Land, walk, drive. No transfers, no delays. Car hire desks are on the Ground Floor of the T123 car park, just across the road from Terminal 2.
• Works around your schedule. Flying in early or touching down late? After-hours pick-up gives you the flexibility to keep things moving.
• Stay focused on work, not logistics. On-airport car rental means no time spent coordinating with external providers or finding your way off-site.
• Suited to one-way bookings. Finishing the trip in another city? Returning your rental vehicle to a different location is easier with major providers based onsite. Their national networks and business-focused policies mean there’s no need to double-handle logistics.
• Straight access to Melbourne’s key business districts. Melbourne Airport links directly to CityLink, making it a quick drive into the CBD or out to your next meeting.

Avis and Budget are the two on-airport providers at Melbourne Airport that let you earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points when you book an eligible rental. If you're flying for work, that's a smart way to keep your day productive and your rewards balance growing.

Here’s a look at the full line-up of car hire companies based onsite and what makes each one worth considering for business travel:

• Avis – Offers priority service and a strong national network for one-way bookings for frequent flyers.
• Budget – Good value, quick service, and a range of rental vehicle types to suit short or long work trips.
• Europcar – Known for flexible rental terms and a premium vehicle selection, including EVs for sustainability-minded travellers.
• Hertz – Offers business-friendly options and a wide selection of small cars, full-size or compact SUVs, and luxury cars.
• Redspot – Straightforward pricing and reliable availability, ideal for regular corporate bookings.
• Sixt – Aligned with Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer. A strong option for premium or specialty car hire.

All car hire and pickup bays are just across Arrival Drive. To collect your rental, just bring your driver’s licence and a credit card in your name. From there, it’s a short walk to your rental vehicle.

Booking a rental car shouldn’t take up more than a few minutes. The Melbourne Airport Car Rentals page links you straight to trusted providers based onsite, so you can lock in your booking in advance and focus on the day ahead.

1. Enter your trip details. Add your pick-up date and time, and drop-off date and time. The pick-up location will be Melbourne Airport, and the return location can be either the airport or another city, depending on your itinerary.
2. Choose the right vehicle. Whether you need a compact SUV for navigating the Melbourne CBD, a full-size car for client transport, or something with room for product samples or presentation gear, the range covers all bases.
3. Confirm who’s driving. If you're travelling with a colleague, you can nominate an additional driver. This is handy for longer days or one-way routes where flexibility matters.
4. Check the fine print. Booking through Melbourne Airport gives you access to providers with flexible terms, including the option to cancel anytime with no cancellation fee. You’ll also want to review details around insurance, any credit card surcharge, and what’s expected with tolls and fuel, so there are no surprises later on.
5. Lock it in. Confirm your booking and keep the details handy. You’ll need your booking confirmation, a valid driver’s licence, and a credit card that matches the main driver’s name.

Optional extras like GPS units, toll passes, after-hours return, or car seats (if you're combining work and family travel) can also be added at checkout. Booking early helps lock in the best rates, especially around peak travel periods or major events.

Most on-airport providers do take a deposit at pick-up as part of the rental agreement. The good news? If you’ve booked through Melbourne Airport, you’ll know what’s required upfront.

The deposit amount can vary depending on your vehicle type, rental length, or extras you’ve selected. Some providers place a temporary hold on your credit card, while others process a refundable charge. Either way, knowing the details early means less time at the counter and more time staying on track.

Returning your vehicle is just as simple as picking it up. If you booked through a Melbourne Airport car hire provider, your drop-off location will be in the same rental location you collected from—directly across from the terminal building on Arrival Drive.

Clear signs will guide you to your provider’s designated bays. From there, just follow the prompts on your booking or from the rental team. Some ask you to leave the keys at the desk, while others have after-hours drop boxes available.

No long walks or confusing handovers here. You’ll be steps away from the check-in counters, making it easy to head straight into the terminal and get on with your day. Whether you’re flying home or connecting to your next city, it’s a quick wrap-up to your trip.

Yes. Most car hire providers at Melbourne Airport support one-way bookings across Australia. That’s ideal if your schedule includes client visits in multiple cities or ends at a different airport location.

You might be flying into Melbourne for meetings, then flying out of Sydney, or wrapping up a conference with a road trip along the Great Ocean Road before heading north. Just set your return date and preferred return location, and the system will show you what’s available. It’s a practical option that works with your itinerary, not against it.

Work trips move fast, and so should you. On-airport car hire means no detours, no waiting around, and no need to reshuffle your day to suit someone else’s schedule. Your rental is just across the road from the terminal gates, so you can land, pick up your vehicle, and keep the day rolling without missing a beat.

Lock in the right car ahead of time through the Melbourne Airport Car Rentals page. With early booking, you’ll have more options, better availability, and a smoother arrival—whether you’re in for a day of meetings or setting off on a longer stretch across Victoria.