Cheap Car Rentals at Melbourne Essendon Airport

Reasons to book a car rental at Melbourne Airport

Renting a car at Melbourne Airport is an excellent choice for travellers looking to explore the vibrant surroundings at their own pace. With the convenience of easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, you can visit key attractions such as Collins Street, located 11 km away, and the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, just 6 km from the airport. Families will appreciate the opportunity to visit the Melbourne Museum, also 11 km away, which offers cultural experiences suitable for all ages.

Having a rental car allows you to conveniently explore popular destinations around Melbourne. The metropolis of Melbourne, home to iconic sites such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground and St Kilda Beach, is easily accessible. The Melbourne Central Business District, located 11 km from the airport, is perfect for those seeking an urban experience, while the nearby Essendon Fields, less than 1 km away, offers additional attractions. Whether you are travelling with family or simply wish to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, a rental car provides the freedom and flexibility to make the most of your visit to Melbourne and its surroundings.

Most popular car rentals near Melbourne Airport

• Compact: This popular choice accommodates 5 travellers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact car is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Its nimble size makes it easy to navigate through Melbourne's bustling streets, providing a convenient option for those looking to explore the area comfortably and efficiently.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV comfortably seats 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases. This option offers a balance of space and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those needing extra room for luggage while enjoying the flexibility to travel around Melbourne at their own pace.
• Standard SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases, the Standard SUV is a great option for couples, families, or groups. With its spacious interior, this vehicle provides comfort for longer journeys and the ability to carry essentials without feeling cramped. It's well-suited for those who want to explore the attractions around Melbourne airport with ease.

Top rated car suppliers near Melbourne Airport

• Thrifty Car Rental: With two rental locations, Thrifty Car Rental is conveniently situated less than 1 km away from Melbourne airport. This supplier is popular among travellers, particularly for their Compact and Fullsize SUV options. The easy access and range of vehicles make them a great choice for those looking to explore Melbourne and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt also boasts two rental locations, with the nearest being approximately 4 km from Melbourne airport. Renowned for their diverse fleet, Sixt offers highly sought-after Economy and Standard SUVs, catering to a variety of traveller needs. Their proximity, combined with a solid selection of vehicles, makes them a reliable option for visitors.
• Hertz: Hertz features two rental locations, with one situated less than 1 km from Melbourne airport, ensuring quick and easy access for arriving travellers. They are well-regarded for their Compact SUV and Fullsize Van offerings, providing flexibility for both individual travellers and families. Hertz's commitment to convenience and vehicle variety is ideal for those wishing to navigate the area comfortably.

Where to stay near Melbourne Airport

• Essendon Fields: Located less than 1 km from Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon), Essendon Fields offers a vibrant suburban experience ideal for family, city, and business-themed trips. Visitors can explore nearby shopping centres and urban parks. Key attractions include the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, perfect for sports enthusiasts, and Collins Street, known for its bustling city atmosphere. The Royal Melbourne Showgrounds also provide engaging experiences for families, making this suburb a convenient choice for your stay.
• Melbourne Central Business District: Situated 11 km away from Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon), the Melbourne Central Business District is a hub for city-themed, family, and business experiences. This area boasts numerous shopping malls and centres, catering to diverse tastes. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Melbourne Park and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, both ideal for sports fans. Additionally, Collins Street provides a lively street atmosphere, with plenty of dining options, making it a vibrant place to stay.

9 tips to save on your Airport car rental near Melbourne

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilise Expedia's filters to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It’s generally advisable to secure your MEB car rental as early as possible to benefit from lower rates and a broader selection. Booking 1-3 months in advance is ideal, especially in anticipation of peak seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might have restricted availability. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements prior to confirming your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals provide a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you prevent unnecessary expenses and offers additional peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when making a booking with Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid extra costs on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car from Melbourne Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Melbourne Airport is June, when prices are slightly low and demand is also manageable. This month offers a great opportunity for those looking to save. May is another good option, with similar pricing and average demand. Following that, July tends to see higher demand and average prices. In contrast, December is the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and demand, making it a busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
July	48.9°F (9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High