Flying with kids? Touching down at Melbourne Airport with the family doesn’t need to mean extra waiting or added logistics. On-airport car hire makes it easy to collect your rental vehicle right after landing at Tullamarine—no shuttle, no detour, just straight to the car park and on your way.

Whether you’re planning a few days in Melbourne City or heading further on a road trip across Australia, having a hire car sorted before arrival helps keep your travel plans running smoothly. With everything on-site, you can stay focused on enjoying the trip ahead.

Melbourne Airport car hire offers a simple, walkable setup that works from the moment you land. Everything happens within the same airport location. Here’s what makes it a better fit for families flying into Melbourne:

• Everything in one clear rental location: All car hire desks are in the same ground-floor area inside the T123 car park. It’s an easy spot to ask questions, check inclusions, or confirm add-ons before driving off.
• A short walk beats a shuttle ride: Just head to the Ground Floor of the T123 car park, find your rental provider, collect your keys, and pick up the car—no shuttle bus choreography with prams or cabin bags.
• Easy returns on your terms: Drive straight back to the signed drop-off location in the T123 car park, or pre-arrange a different return location if your itinerary ends elsewhere. Either way, directions are built into the rental agreement.
• Space for every family plan: Need room for a stroller and extra luggage? Choose the vehicle type that fits—anything from compact run-arounds to full-sized SUVs.
• Built around typical flight schedules: Early arrival or late departure, on-airport providers align desk hours with Melbourne Tullamarine Airport traffic, so the handover works with your timing, not against it.

For families, that blend of easy access, flexible returns, and right-sized vehicles makes on-airport rentals the simplest way to land in Melbourne, ready for the journey ahead.

There’s no need to second-guess your options. The car rental companies at Melbourne Airport are names you know, all operating from within the precinct. Whether you’re after flexibility, local know-how, or just want the process to be smooth from pick-up to drop-off, these providers make it easy to choose what suits your family best.

• Avis – Need a bit of extra space or a car that feels familiar? Avis has you covered with a reliable range of full-sized options and support that makes pick-up and drop-off easy when you’re managing bags, kids, and a schedule.
• Budget – Travelling with family doesn’t have to mean spending big. Budget offers practical vehicles at great value, with the extras you might need, like car seats or additional drivers.
• Hertz – If comfort’s a priority for your next road trip or stay in the city centre, Hertz has a range of roomy vehicles and premium options that help keep everyone settled and comfortable.
• Europcar – Planning to loop back or drop off elsewhere? Either way, Europcar has full-sized cars and SUVs with space to match, so you’re set for any kind of itinerary.
• Redspot – Keen to get going without long wait times? Redspot is known for its efficient service, ideal when you’ve got younger passengers and want to hit the road without delay.
• Sixt – Prefer newer vehicles and a smooth process? Sixt is a great pick for families who want something easy to drive and ready to roll.

Absolutely, and Melbourne is a brilliant place to start. Whether you’re winding along the Great Ocean Road, heading for the Grampians, or building a multi-stop trip through regional Victoria, car hire from the airport sets your plans in motion from the moment you land.

Most rental companies allow travel across state lines, and some offer unlimited mileage for free, so longer drives won’t catch you off guard. Just make sure your itinerary sticks to sealed roads and matches the terms in your rental agreement. If you're finishing up somewhere else, one-way options are available too. Just lock in the drop-off location early.

Hiring a car directly at the airport gives your family the flexibility to go further without having to plan around public transport or rideshare schedules. Bags in, seatbelts on, and you’re already on your way.

Yes. Most rental companies at Melbourne Airport offer car seats as an add-on when you book. You’ll find options for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats to suit your child’s age and size.

Request your car seat in advance during booking. Availability can be limited during school holidays or peak travel periods, so ticking that box ahead of time means one less thing to sort when you land.

Long drives with kids can be unpredictable, but the right extras help keep things steady from the back seat to the front. At Melbourne Airport, you can add what you need upfront, so there’s less to chase mid-trip and fewer surprises once you’re on the road.

• Additional Driver: Share the driving and take turns on long stretches. Most rental companies let you nominate an extra driver at the counter. Some don’t even charge extra if that person is the spouse or lives at the same address as the renter.
• GPS Navigation: Skip the detours and keep your focus on the trip. Add a GPS unit to help you find stops, detours, or that last-minute servo without relying on mobile reception.
• Toll Road Access: You can add a toll pass to your booking so charges are covered automatically. No need to chase payments post-trip.
• Reduced Liability Cover: Driving with the family often means more stops, more stuff, and more to think about. Excess reduction options help dial down the stress, especially if you’re new to local roads.

Lock in the best rates, skip the booking fee, and enjoy the flexibility of no cancellation fee when you book directly through Melbourne Airport. To start, head to the Melbourne Airport Car Rentals page and follow these quick steps:

1. Choose your pick-up location and time. Select Melbourne Airport as your pick-up location, and enter your pick-up date and pick-up time. This is where you’ll also enter your return date and time. If you want to nominate a different drop-off location, uncheck the “Return to the same location” box.
2. Compare the options. From compact cars to utes and seven-seaters, the search results will show you what’s available on your selected dates and times.
3. Add the extras you want. Depending on the provider, you can add a GPS unit, toll pass, insurance, or reduced liability now or wait until collection to include things like an additional driver.
4. Finalise the booking. Payment is processed at pick-up, so there’s nothing charged upfront online. Still, it’s worth checking the fine print—some providers apply a credit card surcharge. You might also want to check for loyalty perks. A few offer Qantas Frequent Flyer points when you book.

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive confirmation by email (or SMS). For pick-up, you’ll need to present a valid Australian driver’s licence. International drivers should bring both their local licence and an International Driving Permit. If you’re returning the vehicle after hours, many providers offer a drop box service to return your keys securely.

At Melbourne Airport, travelling with kids doesn’t have to mean extra steps. With car rental sorted before you land, everything's right where you need it. No public transport lines, and no transfers to juggle with tired toddlers or extra bags. Whether you're bound for the CBD or chasing the coastline, on-airport car hire keeps things simple so your trip starts smoothly and stays that way.