Best car rentals in Melbourne: Comprehensive guide

Melbourne is one of those cities that truly reels you in. You may arrive for the coffee culture and street art, and then stay for the coastal drives, vibrant neighborhoods, and ever-changing yet glorious weather.

That’s where having your own car while visiting Melbourne makes all the difference. While the city’s public transport works well in the center, it doesn’t always reach places like the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or the scenic coastline. Renting a car gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, stop where you want, and build your own itinerary.

If you’re planning to rent, it’s important to know the basics. In Australia, the legal driving age is 18, but most car rental companies set the minimum rental age at 21. Drivers under 25 can usually still rent a car, but they may need to pay a young driver surcharge and face limited vehicle options.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best car rental Melbourne options, what each company offers, and how to choose the right one for your trip down under.

Which are the best car rentals in Melbourne?

Melbourne has a wide range of rental providers, from global brands to local specialists. Most operate at Melbourne Airport, and many offer flexible pick-up and drop-off options.

Here are some of the most reliable car rental companies to consider:

Hertz

Overview:
Hertz is one of the most established car rental companies in the world, originating in the US and operating since 1918. In Australia, it stands out for its large network, modern fleet, and reliable rental experience.

Where does the company operate?
Hertz operates in over 220 locations across Australia, including all major cities and airports. In Melbourne, you’ll find branches across the city center, suburbs, and surrounding areas, making pick-up and drop-off very flexible.

How can you rent a car?
You can book your vehicle online or rent directly at a branch. Online booking is the most convenient option, especially if you want to compare vehicle types and secure availability in advance.

Additional services:

• A diverse fleet with standard, luxury, and specialty vehicles (Prestige, Adrenaline, and Dream Collections).

• GPS navigation systems like NeverLost® (available for an additional fee).
• Free-to-join Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program with points for free rental days and upgrades.
• Free unlimited kilometers on most rentals.

Airport presence:
Hertz has a strong presence at Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport, as well as Avalon Airport. It also operates in multiple downtown and suburban locations, including Franklin Street, South Yarra, and Essendon Airport.

One-way rentals:
Yes, Hertz offers one-way rentals across its Australian network. You can pick up your vehicle in Melbourne and return it at another location.

Avis

Overview:
Avis is a well-established global car rental company, founded in 1946, in the US. It’s known for its wide vehicle selection and flexible rental options.

Where does the company operate?
Avis operates extensively across Melbourne and the wider Victoria region, with dozens of locations in and around the city. These include central areas like Franklin Street and Southern Cross, as well as suburbs such as Richmond, South Yarra, and Footscray. They also operate in regional locations like Bendigo.

How can you rent a car?
You can book a car online or rent directly at one of their many locations. Online booking is the most practical option.

Additional services:

• Compact, SUV, minivan, hybrid, electric, and luxury vehicles.

• Commercial vehicles such as trucks and vans.
• Free pick-up service at select locations.
• Earn miles or points and enjoy special discounts through the Travel Partner Program. 

Airport presence:
Avis has a strong airport presence in Melbourne, including Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport (with extended hours and 24-hour drop-off), Essendon, and Avalon Airport.

One-way rentals:
Yep – you can book one-way rentals across Australia with Avis. In some cases, discounted one-way deals are available.

Budget

Overview:
Budget is a renowned car rental company that originated in the US, 1958. Today, it has international presence and is focused on affordable and reliable options. It’s a strong choice if you want competitive pricing without giving up convenience or vehicle variety.

Where does the company operate?
Budget operates across Melbourne and surrounding areas, with a wide network of locations. These include central spots like Franklin Street in the CBD, as well as neighborhoods such as Richmond, South Yarra, Preston, and Brighton. You’ll also find branches in suburban areas like Sunshine, Clayton, and Blackburn.

How can you rent a car?
You can book a car online or rent directly at one of their locations. Online booking is usually the best option, especially if you want to compare prices and vehicle types in advance.

Additional services:

• A variety of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs, 4WDs, vans, and electric vehicles.

• Affordable, transparent pricing designed for budget-conscious travelers.
• Qantas Frequent Flyer partnership, allowing you to earn points on rentals.
• Fast-break service at select locations for quicker pick-up.
• Some locations also offer free pick-up services, which adds extra flexibility.

Airport presence:
Budget operates at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, with the rental counter located inside the terminal. They also have an office at Essendon Airport and multiple nearby suburban locations.

One-way rentals:
Yes, Budget offers one-way rentals in Melbourne.

Europcar

Overview:
Europcar is a global car rental company that was founded in 1949 in France. It’s known for offering flexible rental options, a modern fleet, and reliable service for both travelers and locals.

Where does the company operate?
Europcar operates in key locations across Melbourne, including the city center. Its network also extends across Australia, making it a practical option if you plan to travel between cities or regions.

How can you rent a car?
You can book your vehicle online or directly at a rental station. Online booking is the most convenient way to compare vehicle categories.

Additional services:

• A diverse fleet with city cars, premium vehicles, electric models, SUVs, vans, and trucks.

• Competitive pricing with flexible rental durations.
• 24-hour roadside assistance for added peace of mind.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
• Privilege loyalty program with discounts, rewards, and special offers.

Airport presence:
Europcar operates at Melbourne Airport.

One-way rentals:
Yes, Europcar offers one-way rentals across Australia. In some cases, you can find promotional deals including highly discounted rates on select routes.

East Coast Car Rentals

Overview:
East Coast Car Rentals is an Australian-owned company that has been operating since 1979, known for its competitive pricing, modern fleet, and award-winning customer service.

Where does the company operate?
East Coast Car Rentals operates across major cities and airports in Australia.

How can you rent a car?
You can easily book your vehicle online in advance to secure the best rates or rent on arrival. Pre-paying online often gives you access to lower prices, while pay-on-arrival options offer flexibility with no cancellation fees.

Additional services:

• A large fleet of new or near-new vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, EVs, and vans.

• Unlimited kilometres on most rentals.
• No hidden fees with transparent pricing.
• Complimentary airport shuttle service.
• Optional extras such as GPS, baby seats, additional drivers, and mobile phone holders.
• E-tags for toll payments and roadside assistance options.
• Business rental programs with flexible terms for corporate clients.

Airport presence:
The company operates near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, with a convenient off-airport location connected by a free shuttle bus. This makes pick-up and drop-off quick and easy, even though the branch is not inside the terminal.

One-way rentals:
Yes, East Coast Car Rentals offers one-way rentals across its network in Australia. You can pick up a vehicle in Melbourne and return it in another city, making it ideal for long road trips.

Choosing the best car rental in Melbourne for your trip

Whether you’re planning to stay within the city or venture out to other places, having a rental car during your trip to Melbourne gives you the flexibility to experience the wonderful destination on your own terms.

Global providers like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar offer reliability, large fleets, and extensive networks across Australia. On the other hand, local companies like East Coast Car Rentals stand out for their competitive pricing, transparent policies, and customer-focused service.

The key is to book early, compare inclusions (like unlimited kilometers or insurance coverage), and choose pick-up locations that match your travel plans.

Here’s a handy comparison table to give you an overview of the companies we’ve listed above:

In short, having a rental car will give you the freedom to explore every bit of Melbourne – you won’t miss a thing.

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Letara Draghia

English Copywriter

I've been a copywriter for over a decade, working mostly in the retail industry. I've managed copywriting teams and contributed to major campaigns for F&F at Tesco, TK Maxx, and Dreams. I also work part-time as a news writer. Outside of work, I love to cook, and a fun fact about me is that I have a phobia of bananas—it's the smell!

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