How much does it cost to rent a car at Melbourne Airport (MEL)?

On average, car rentals at **Melbourne Airport (MEL)** cost around **AUD $111** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from **AUD $20** per day.

Car Rental Melbourne Airport (MEL)

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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals at Melbourne Airport and around Australia. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. You can pick up your rental car right at the terminal or save some cash with a short shuttle ride to an off-airport depot.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Ace · Avis · Budget · East Coast · Europcar · Mystery

Car Hire Locations and OptionsLocationProsCons
Terminal Car ParkAvailable on-site right away
All major companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt)
24/7 service for most providers
10-15% airport extra fee
Long lines after big flight arrivals
Higher prices than off-airport locations
Off-Airport ProvidersLower prices (no airport fees)
Free shuttle bus service
Good for budget travelers
Extra 10-15 minutes travel time
Must call for pickup
Shorter operating hours than on-site
Delivery to AirportPersonal service
Can arrange special vehicles
Flexible rental terms
Usually needs advance booking
Higher cost than standard rentals
Few providers offer this service
Melbourne CBD (alternative)Lower prices
Take SkyBus to city and rent there
Good if visiting city later
No immediate car access
Extra transport cost (SkyBus one-way)
Takes more time after arrival

Location	Pros	Cons
Terminal Car Park	Available on-site right away All major companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) 24/7 service for most providers	10-15% airport extra fee Long lines after big flight arrivals Higher prices than off-airport locations
Off-Airport Providers	Lower prices (no airport fees) Free shuttle bus service Good for budget travelers	Extra 10-15 minutes travel time Must call for pickup Shorter operating hours than on-site
Delivery to Airport	Personal service Can arrange special vehicles Flexible rental terms	Usually needs advance booking Higher cost than standard rentals Few providers offer this service
Melbourne CBD (alternative)	Lower prices Take SkyBus to city and rent there Good if visiting city later	No immediate car access Extra transport cost (SkyBus one-way) Takes more time after arrival

Car Rental Prices

Average: AUD $111/day
From: AUD $20/day

Low-cost rental tips

Compare on-airport vs. off-airport depots. The off-airport spots are a free shuttle ride away from Melbourne Airport and often cheaper because they skip the airport location fees.
Take the SkyBus into the city and rent from there. It's an extra step, but the savings can be worth it if you're not in a rush, especially for longer rentals.
Check the price for a full week's rental even if you only need the car for 5 or 6 days. Sometimes the weekly rate is a better deal than the daily rate.
Fill up the tank before you drop the car off. The petrol stations in nearby suburbs like Tullamarine or Gladstone Park are usually cheaper than the ones right next to the airport.

Car rental prices at Melbourne Airport (MEL) 2025/2026

Local Parking and Driving

Area	Car Park Options	Approximate Cost	Tips
Airport Short-Term	Terminal car parks Premium options	Hourly rates apply Check current daily rates	Only use for pickup/dropoff. Expensive for extended periods.
Airport Long-Term	Long-term car parks Value car park	Daily rates vary Check current multi-day rates	Use shuttle bus service to terminals (runs every 10 minutes). Book online for discounts.
Melbourne CBD	Commercial garages Street spaces Early bird specials	Early bird deals available Street spaces are metered in many areas	Early bird specials require entry before 9:30 AM and exit after 3 PM. Street spaces have strict time limits.
Suburban Areas	Shopping centre spaces Street parking	Often free (time limits) Paid in some busy areas	Check signage carefully. Many suburban shopping centres offer 2-3 hours free.

Key Airport Driving Tips

Follow overhead signs for car rental returns, located in the Terminal Car Park
Airport Drive becomes Tullamarine Freeway after the airport
Return vehicles full of fuel, there are service stations on Mickleham Road and Airport Drive for refuelling before return
Allow extra time during peak periods for vehicle return processing

Toll Roads from Airport

CityLink (M1/M2): Direct route to city and beyond
EastLink (M3): Connects to eastern suburbs
North East Link: Under construction and will provide faster eastern access when open

All Melbourne toll roads are cashless. Most rental companies offer toll packages or bill charges to your credit card (plus administration fee). Alternatively, you can purchase passes online from Linkt.

Why rent a car in Melbourne Airport

Get a car so you can get to:

Melbourne CBD – CityLink M2
Great Ocean Road – Torquay, Port Campbell
Phillip Island – penguin parade
Yarra Valley – wineries
Mornington Peninsula – beaches, wineries, hot springs
Ballarat – Sovereign Hill

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

How long does the car rental pickup process take at Melbourne Airport?

15-20 minutes during quiet times and 45-60 minutes during peak international arrival times (early morning/evening). Using express check-in or loyalty program benefits can reduce wait times significantly.

Can I return my rental car outside business hours?

Yes, returns at Melbourne Airport are available 24/7. Follow the signs to the return area and use the key drop box. Keep your return documentation as proof of return time and condition. Note: counter hours/pickups aren't always 24/7, so confirm your pickup time directly through your chosen company.

What's the best way to handle toll roads when renting from Melbourne Airport?

Most rental companies enable tolling and will bill your credit card for usage plus a service fee. If you want to manage tolls yourself you can purchase a Linkt pass online and register the vehicle's plate for your travel dates, but check your rental agreement. Some companies require use of their tolling partner and may still charge an administration fee.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car at Melbourne Airport?

If your licence is in English you can use your home country's licence. If not in English you will need an International Driving Permit along your original licence. Some rental companies may have specific requirements so check before arrival.

Which is better: renting at the airport or taking the SkyBus to the city and renting there?

Airport rental is more convenient but 10-15% more expensive. If your schedule allows take the SkyBus (check current fare) and rent in the city and you will save money especially for longer rentals. Consider the trade off between time and cost based on your arrival time and travel plans.