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Melbourne has its own regional airport offering on-site rental options, plus city locations.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) | • On-site rentals from major companies • Convenient pickup after flight • Quick service (smaller airport) |
• Some agencies may be off-site requiring shuttle • Limited evening hours for some companies • Higher rates due to airport fees |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO, 60 miles) | • Larger selection of vehicles • More competitive pricing • Extended hours |
• 1-hour drive to Melbourne • Airport surcharges • Takes longer to reach after flight |
| Downtown Melbourne locations | • Lower rates without airport fees • Convenient for local residents • Less waiting time |
• Business hours only (often 8AM-6PM) • Limited vehicle selection • May have limited weekend hours |
On average, car rentals in Melbourne cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.
Compare MLB Airport vs downtown pickups: downtown counters dodge airport facility fees. If your flight arrives during business hours, a quick rideshare into town can keep an extra chunk of cash in your pocket.
Time your booking to the season, not the calendar: snowbird and Spring Break months (Dec-Apr) sell out fast, so locking a deal a few weeks ahead helps. In quieter hurricane-season months you can often snag last-minute discounts.
Weekly rates rule: in Melbourne a 7-day booking can cost less than a 5-day one. Run the math before hitting "reserve."
Weigh Orlando (MCO) pickups only if you're already there: bigger fleets can mean lower base rates, but add a 60-mile drive plus SR-528 tolls and gas to be sure the savings are real.
Refuel away from the airport: stations on US-1 or Wickham Road are regularly 30-40 cents cheaper per gallon than the pumps right next to MLB.
Skip toll packages if you're sticking to the Space Coast: most local beaches and Kennedy Space Center routes are toll-free. Pay cash on SR-528 only if you're making the Orlando run.
Downtown Melbourne: Mix of free time-limited and metered spots
Melbourne Beach: Public lots at beach access points (some free, some paid)
Shopping centers: Free at Melbourne Square Mall and other retail centers
Parks and recreation: Free at most city parks and recreational areas
Eau Gallie Arts District: Limited free spaces, some have time restrictions
Speed limits: 25-35 mph on city streets, 45 mph on major roads
Get a rental to drive to:
Kennedy Space Center – launch viewing areas, visitor complex
Cocoa Beach – pier, surf spots
Sebastian Inlet State Park – fishing pier, beaches
Port Canaveral – cruise terminals, Jetty Park
Orlando – theme parks, shopping outlets
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – scenic drives, birding sites

Do I need a car in Melbourne?
Yes, you will need a car to explore Melbourne and the Space Coast. The area has limited public transportation and the attractions are spread far apart.
What documentation do I need to rent a car?
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and a passport if you're visiting from another country. Some rental companies might ask for an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
How do I see a rocket launch while visiting?
You can check the launch schedule on the Kennedy Space Center website. People like to watch from popular spots like Space View Park in Titusville, Cocoa Beach Pier and Jetty Park at Port Canaveral. Make sure to allow plenty of extra time for traffic on launch days.
Is it better to rent at Melbourne Airport or in Orlando?
If you're flying into Melbourne, it's easiest to rent your car at the airport. If you're flying into Orlando, you'll need to decide if the cheaper rental prices there are worth the one-hour drive to Melbourne. Think about your travel plans and where you'll spend most of your time.
What are the typical rental car costs in Melbourne?
For an economy car, you can expect to pay $30–55 per day during the slow season and $60–90 during the busy season. SUVs usually cost between $50–90 per day in the slow season and $100–140 in the busy season. You can often get a better deal when you rent by the week.