Melbourne Tullamarine Airport car hire

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How much does Melbourne Tullamarine Airport car hire cost throughout the year?

Our data shows that August is the cheapest month to rent a car from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. It’s around R 687 a day in August, compared to the yearly average which is R 1,617 a day.
Cheapest month avgAugust • R 687
Yearly avg priceR 1,617

Car hire near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

Consider travelling into Melbourne to pick up your car - we found car hire deals from pick-up points in Melbourne from R 382.

The most popular car rental companies in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceR 1,617
Most popular carCompact, Commercial Van
Cheapest price foundR 382
Cheapest month to rentAugust
Providers at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport43
Most popular providersimba car hire
Best time to book1 week before

Choose from the best car hire companies near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

Driving in Melbourne: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Melbourne.
If your licence isn’t in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies also check that your identification details match your booking and payment information.
Navigating city driving
Melbourne has clear signs and tram lanes that need extra attention.
Driving is simple outside the centre, but trams have priority in some lanes. Navigation apps help you avoid slower areas and guide you to beaches, suburbs and major roads around the city.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Some major roads in Melbourne have tolls.
Tolls are electronic and billed to your rental car. Melbourne has no emissions zones. Check your rental company’s toll instructions so you understand how charges will be applied when driving around the city and nearby motorways.
Parking your car in Melbourne
Parking is easier in car parks around the city centre.
Street spaces are limited near busy areas and shops. Multi-storey car parks offer simple access to attractions. Always check signposts for time limits and parking fees before leaving your car.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find across Melbourne.
Petrol stations sit along major roads, and EV charging stations in Melbourne are increasing. Charging points are growing near shops and business areas. Apps like PlugShare help you find available chargers before longer journeys.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are steady, but tram rules need extra care.
You must stop behind trams when passengers are boarding or leaving. Traffic moves slowly in central areas and faster on motorways. Use clear signals, keep a safe distance and take extra care during heavy rain.
Find Melbourne Tullamarine Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)

  • Your next ride starts where the runway ends. Pick up a cheap Melbourne Tullamarine rental car for an average of R 1,617 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, helping you find and book the best deal fast.

  • The cheapest daily rental price at Melbourne Tullamarine is R 382.

  • Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from R 2,668 and see more than just the top attractions in Melbourne.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap MEL car hire. Book about four weeks before your trip to land the best price.

  • Line up your ride with Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt, some of the most popular providers at Melbourne Tullamarine.

  • Whether you go with Bargain Car Rentals or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Melbourne Tullamarine car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.

  • Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in MEL by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a car hire in Melbourne Tullamarine with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Go wherever the road takes you by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of R 977 a day.

  • Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,082.

  • The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly R 962 a day for one of their rentals.

  • The Compact rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type at MEL.

Compare car hire types from Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a quick trip, this cheap Melbourne Tullamarine rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this MEL car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Melbourne Tullamarine makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever the journey demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your MEL car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Look into which add-ons could improve your trip when you rent a car in Melbourne Tullamarine.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals often vary by supplier and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.

  • If you're going away with the kids, 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 to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.

  • Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in Australia.

  • Stay within the local speed limits. In general that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Australia is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.

  • You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) here. As well as your bank cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.

Drive smarter from the start

  • Take off in any direction in your MEL car hire. If central Melbourne is your starting point, you'll find it around 19 kilometres southeast of the airport.

  • At peak travel times, expect the drive from Melbourne Tullamarine to the centre to take up to 50 minutes.

  • Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You can also reserve a car hire in Melbourne. If you don't need a ride immediately on arrival, wait until you're in the city and save on rental costs.

  • For an even bigger selection, explore the car hire options at Melbourne Avalon or car rentals from Melbourne Essendon. These airports also operate flights into Melbourne.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)

  • You'll want to explore the major attractions in Melbourne before you do anything else. Flinders Street Railway Station and Melbourne's Gardens will kick off your adventure in style.

  • Geelong should be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Eastern Beach Promenade. This city is about 64 kilometres southwest of MEL.

  • When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Motor on to Shepparton, around 153 kilometres north of MEL. From Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton to Lower Goulburn National Park, your journey will end on a high note.

Hiring a car at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is around R 1,617 per day.
No. It's a little higher than Australia's average daily car rental price, which is around R 1,256.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport - including National, Firefly, 86 CAR RENTAL, Karmo, Auz rental cars, Ur Drive, aucar rentals, Alamo, and Cheaper Car Rentals.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport we found is R 382. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from R 382. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Europcar, with a 4.8 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently simba car hire.
Currently, it looks like simba car hire has the cheapest car hire deal in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport – for R 521 per day. Everything Fleet also has car hire deals from R 522 per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
Yes, van hire is available at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport from R 694 per day.
When you rent a car near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.