How to find a cheap car hire deal in Melbourne
Searching for a cheap rental car in Melbourne? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 1,615 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.
R 782 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Melbourne.
Staying a little longer and want to go further than the usual stops? R 5,468 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Melbourne car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.
Budget, Alamo and Hertz are some of the best-known providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Whether you book with Budget or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Melbourne car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Travel without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 1,724 a day.
Taking second place is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/enterprise/702)), which offers daily rates of around R 1,854.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly R 1,569 a day.
The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Melbourne.
Flying to Melbourne? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car hire at Melbourne Orlando International Airport. If you're flying to Melbourne through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 11 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Melbourne
Small: These cheap rental cars in Melbourne may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Melbourne car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Melbourne that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Melbourne car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Melbourne by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before finalizing your ride.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a child car seat to your Melbourne car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in the United States, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a card when it's convenient, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Melbourne for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Hampton Inn & Suites West Melbourne-Palm Bay Road. Offering accessible parking as well as a laundry and a lounge, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Melbourne.
Element Melbourne Oceanfront is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, plus ATMs and room service. Check in here and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Melbourne and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Melbourne and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to go first. Get things started with big attractions such as Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens, Andretti Thrill Park and Foosaner Art Museum.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Melbourne
Shift gears and head toward Orlando. Around 88 kilometres northwest of central Melbourne, you'll find must-do sights like Hogwarts and Universal's Islands of Adventure.
You'll be well looked after at Baymont by Wyndham Orlando North Millenia and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Orlando.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Melbourne and travel roughly 88 kilometres south to Port Saint Lucie. Featuring Savannas Preserve State Park and Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Relax after a day out and about in Port Saint Lucie at Holiday Inn Port ST. Lucie by IHG or Hampton Inn & Suites Port St. Lucie-West. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Cruise on over to Tampa, around 177 kilometres west of Melbourne. From Busch Gardens Tampa to The Florida Aquarium, it'll round out your trip nicely.
Catch up on sleep in Tampa at either Hotel Tampa Riverwalk or Hotel Haya. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
