Melbourne Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Melbourne

Renting a car in Melbourne offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and plan your travel itinerary without the constraints of public transport schedules. This is particularly appealing for families, business travellers, or those seeking a city-themed experience. You can visit key attractions such as the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is perfect for sports enthusiasts, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Collins Street for a true city experience. St Kilda Beach is also accessible, providing a lovely spot for relaxation by the water. Beyond the city, a rental car allows you to explore destinations like the Melbourne Central Business District, featuring notable sites such as Melbourne Park and Southbank Promenade. For a scenic escape, the Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful spots like Martha Cove and Dromana Beach. Having a car enhances your ability to enjoy these varied experiences without the hassle of public transport, making your stay in Melbourne more enjoyable and convenient.

Most popular car rentals in Melbourne

• Midsize SUV: This car type is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with their luggage, providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups, offering the comfort and flexibility needed for exploring Melbourne and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the compact car option can comfortably fit 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases. This choice is well-suited for navigating the urban landscape of Melbourne, allowing for easy parking and efficient fuel consumption while still providing sufficient space for your essentials.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is versatile, accommodating 5 travellers with the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a practical choice for families or groups needing more room for luggage, ensuring a comfortable travel experience while exploring Melbourne and its vicinity.

Top rated car suppliers in Melbourne

• Sixt: Sixt is a leading car rental supplier in Melbourne, boasting 20 rental locations throughout the area. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize SUV and Economy SUV options, catering to a variety of traveller needs. Customers often appreciate the flexibility and convenience that Sixt provides, allowing for an enjoyable exploration of Melbourne and its surroundings at one's own pace.
• Europcar: With over 10 rental locations in Melbourne, Europcar is another excellent choice for car rentals. Customers frequently opt for the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV models, which offer a comfortable driving experience. Europcar is highly regarded for its customer service and the efficiency of its rental process, making it a reliable option for both leisure and business travellers.
• Budget: Budget stands out with an impressive 30 rental locations in Melbourne, making it a convenient choice for travellers. The supplier is well-known for its Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles, catering to those who require additional space and comfort. Budget is often praised for its competitive pricing and straightforward rental procedures, ensuring a smooth experience for customers who wish to explore Melbourne and its attractions.

Where to stay in Melbourne

• Melbourne Central Business District: A vibrant neighbourhood perfect for city-themed experiences, Melbourne Central Business District offers proximity to a variety of attractions such as the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground and the bustling Collins Street. Enjoy shopping at the nearby shopping mall centre or indulge in local cuisine at one of the many restaurants. This area is ideal for both business and family trips, with activities suited for all ages.
• Southbank: Located along the Yarra River, Southbank is known for its scenic views and lively atmosphere. This suburb features the Southbank Promenade, a popular street for leisurely strolls and dining. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is also within reach, making it a great spot for sports enthusiasts. With a mix of shopping centres and arenas, Southbank provides various options for families and business travellers alike.
• Docklands: Docklands combines modern attractions with waterfront charm. This suburb is home to the vibrant Collins Street and offers access to St Kilda Beach, which is perfect for a beach holiday. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the local shopping centres and partake in various arena entertainment facilities. Docklands is an excellent choice for families seeking a mix of city life and leisure activities, all while being close to historic landmarks.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Melbourne

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to benefit from lower prices and enhanced availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you evade unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Melbourne

The best value period to rent a car in and around Melbourne is June, when prices are at their lowest and demand remains manageable. May and July also offer slightly low demand and reasonable prices, making them good options for renting. However, January sees the highest demand and average pricing, while December is the most expensive month with similar high demand levels. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
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	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	48.9°F (9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
August	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
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	Slightly High
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High