South Melbourne Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around South Melbourne

Renting a car in South Melbourne offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its attractions at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, or anyone managing luggage, as it allows for easy transport without relying on public transport. Key attractions, such as the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, are only 3 km away, while Collins Street, known for its vibrant city atmosphere, is just 2 km from South Melbourne. St Kilda Beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, is located 4 km away.

A rental car also makes it convenient to visit other nearby destinations. The Melbourne Central Business District is only 2 km away and features attractions like Melbourne Park and Collins Street. Additionally, Southbank, less than 1 km from South Melbourne, offers scenic views along the Southbank Promenade. With a rental car, you can easily navigate these areas, allowing for a more personalised and enjoyable travel experience while exploring the charms of South Melbourne and beyond.

Most popular car rentals in and around South Melbourne

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers and offers ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, a midsize SUV provides the freedom to explore South Melbourne and its surroundings with comfort and ease. The extra space allows for more relaxed travel, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy their journey without the hassle of cramped seating.
• Compact: The compact car option is well-suited for up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer a smaller vehicle that is easy to manoeuvre in urban settings. Its size is advantageous for navigating the streets of South Melbourne, ensuring you can find parking with minimal fuss while still enjoying the freedom to explore.
• Fullsize: Accommodating up to 5 travellers, the fullsize car offers versatility with the ability to hold either 3 large suitcases or up to 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a great option for families or larger groups planning to travel together. The additional space ensures that everyone can travel comfortably, and it’s particularly beneficial for those who require extra luggage capacity while enjoying the attractions in and around South Melbourne.

Top rated car suppliers in and around South Melbourne

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice for travellers in South Melbourne, offering 4 rental locations, with the nearest being 2 km away. Many customers appreciate the flexibility and ease of choosing from a variety of vehicles, particularly the Midsize and Fullsize Van options. Budget is well-regarded for its straightforward booking process and reliable service, making it an excellent option for those looking to explore the area.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with its singular rental location, conveniently located 3 km from South Melbourne. This supplier is known for its exceptional customer service, providing a friendly and helpful experience for renters. The Economy and Midsize vehicles are popular among customers, who enjoy the tailored rental experience and the ability to manage their travel plans with ease.
• Europcar: With 2 rental locations and the nearest one just 1 km away from South Melbourne, Europcar offers convenience and accessibility. Customers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, highlighting the quality of the vehicles and the efficiency of the rental process. Europcar is praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained fleet, making it a reliable choice for those seeking to explore the region.

Where to stay around South Melbourne

• South Melbourne: This vibrant suburb is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of city and beach experiences. With its proximity to historic buildings and local attractions, South Melbourne is perfect for family, business, and city-themed holidays. Don't miss the nearby St Kilda Beach for a relaxing day by the sea, or explore the eclectic dining options available in the area, including restaurants and wineries.
• Melbourne Central Business District: Located 2 km away, this bustling area is the hub of Melbourne's business and cultural life. The Melbourne Central Business District offers excellent shopping centres and a variety of dining experiences, making it suitable for family and business-themed trips. Key attractions include the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and the charming Collins Street, both easily accessible for visitors looking to immerse themselves in city life.
• Southbank: Less than 1 km from South Melbourne, Southbank is a lively suburb known for its scenic waterfront and dynamic atmosphere. Visitors to Southbank can enjoy shopping at local centres and exploring the vibrant Southbank Promenade. The area offers a range of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it an excellent choice for city-themed and family holidays. Iconic attractions such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground are within easy reach, adding to the appeal of this charming locale.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you require. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for those warm summer days, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, making it advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain more favourable rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
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 generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen issues during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around South Melbourne

The best value period to rent a car in and around South Melbourne is May, when prices are lower and demand is moderately low. June also offers good value with slightly low prices and average demand. August tends to be the quietest month, making it another option for those seeking better rates. In contrast, December is the most expensive month, with moderately high demand, while January and March follow closely behind with higher prices and increased demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately 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	Moderately High	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	Moderately 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	Average	Slightly High
August	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
September	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High