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Find low rental car prices in Melbourne with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and make reservations with no booking fees. A hire car is perfect for travelling beyond the city's tram network, giving you the freedom to visit the Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley wineries on your own schedule.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Airport (MEL) |
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| Melbourne CBD |
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| Inner Suburbs (South Yarra, Richmond) |
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| Outer Suburbs (Frankston, Hoppers Crossing) |
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Best Time to Travel
For better car availability and cheaper prices, travel during quiet seasons (May-June or September-October). Renting cars on weekdays costs less than weekends.
Car Rental One-Way
One-way car rentals are also popular with common options including renting from Melbourne to Adelaide, Melbourne to Sydney or Melbourne to Brisbane.
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Dodge the airport tax. Picking up your car in the city or a suburb instead of at Melbourne Airport can often save you a chunk of change, since you avoid the airport surcharge.
- Travel in the off-season. Booking in shoulder seasons like May-June or September-October, or grabbing your car mid-week instead of on a Friday, can often land you a better deal.
- Don't overdo it on size. Choosing the smallest car that fits your crew and luggage is a classic money-saver. An economy car is perfect for most Melbourne day trips.
- Avoid the lazy tax on fuel. Most rentals are 'full-to-full'. Fill up the tank yourself before returning the car to avoid paying a premium for the rental company to do it for you.
Car hire prices in Melbourne 2025/2026
Parking and Local Driving
| Area | Options | Approximate Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne CBD |
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| Check signs carefully for clearway times (no stopping 7-9AM, 4-6PM on major roads). Many metres accept card payment. |
| Inner Suburbs |
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| Residential areas often have 1-2 hour limits during business hours. Permit zones need resident permits. |
| Tourist Areas (St Kilda, South Bank) |
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| Popular areas fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Consider stopping further out and walking. |
| Shopping Centres |
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| Many suburban shopping centres offer free spots for reasonable time limits. |
Key Driving Rules
- Drive on the LEFT side of the road.
- Default speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on highways.
- School zones: 40 km/h during designated times.
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (stricter than many countries).
- Mobile phones must be hands-free only.
- Strict enforcement of speed limits using cameras throughout the city.
Unique Melbourne Rules
- Hook turns: At some CBD intersections, right turns must be made from the far left lane to keep tram tracks clear. Look for signs reading "Right Turn From Left Only."
- Tram etiquette: When a tram stops to let passengers on/off, vehicles behind must stop completely until doors close.
- No left turns on red (unlike North America).
Toll Roads
Melbourne has two toll roads:
- CityLink (M1/M2): Connects airport to city and continues southeast.
- EastLink (M3): Eastern suburbs route.
Both are cashless systems. Rental companies usually handle tolls automatically, charging your credit card for the toll amount plus a daily admin fee.
Why rent a car in Melbourne
Rent a car so you can see:
- Great Ocean Road – Torquay
- Phillip Island – Penguin Parade
- Yarra Valley – wineries
- Dandenong Ranges – villages, gardens
- Mornington Peninsula – beaches, wineries
- Grampians National Park – lookouts, trails
FAQs
Is it difficult to drive on the left side in Melbourne if I'm used to right-side driving?
Most visitors adjust quickly. Remember the driver sits on the right side of the car, closest to the centre line. Take extra care at intersections and roundabouts at first.
Are there any areas I should avoid driving in Melbourne?
The CBD can be tricky for first-time visitors due to hook turns and trams. Consider parking at the edge of the city and using public transport for central exploration until you feel comfortable.
How strictly are speed limits enforced?
Very strictly. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines are issued for even small infractions. Victoria has almost zero tolerance for speeding.
Can I use my foreign driver's licence in Melbourne?
Yes, visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence while they are visitors (not Victorian residents). If your licence is not in English, you must carry an official English translation or an International Driving Permit together your original licence.
