How to find a cheap car hire deal in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Get into the driver's seat with a cheap Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. With prices averaging R 1,151 a day, it gives you freedom without the high price tag. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you pick the right rental for less.
R 504 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.
Staying a little longer in Melbourne? Pick up a weekly rental from R 2,195 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Four weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a MEL car hire.
At Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, you can grab your wheels from trusted providers such as Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt.
Whether you go with Bargain Car Rentals or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Melbourne Tullamarine Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in MEL by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 916 a day.
Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,545.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly R 1,244 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle at MEL.
Compare car hire types from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a short trip, this cheap Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Long drives fly by in this MEL car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country backroads alike.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your MEL car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you should add a car seat to your MEL car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
If you've never driven in Australia, remember that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
The language most often spoken in this country is English.
Drive smarter from the start
Travel wherever you want in your MEL car hire. If central Melbourne is your first stop, you'll find it about 19 kilometres southeast of the airport.
Driving from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to the centre during peak hour can take as long as 50 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You can also reserve a car hire in Melbourne. If you don't need a ride as soon as you land, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Other airports around Melbourne also have car hire services. For more variety, compare the car hire options at Avalon Airport.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Before you go anywhere else, do some sightseeing around Melbourne first. Well-known attractions like Flinders Street Railway Station and Australian Grand Prix set the tone for your whole journey.
Shift gears and take off to Geelong. Around 64 kilometres southwest of MEL, it's home to popular sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Eastern Beach Promenade.
Or collect your Melbourne Tullamarine Airport car hire and take off to Craigieburn. Roughly 13 kilometres northeast of the airport, Aitken Hill and Crosskeys Reserve are big attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Shepparton, roughly 153 kilometres north of MEL. Make your first stop Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton, then take your time exploring Lower Goulburn National Park.
