Cheap Car Rentals at Melbourne Airport

Tips when renting a car at Melbourne Airport (MEL)

• Reserve in advance —prices surge during school holidays and events like the AFL Grand Final.
• Licensing — overseas licenses are accepted if printed in English; if not, carry an IDP.
• Left-side driving — Australians drive on the left. Give way to the right at roundabouts.
• Toll roads — the CityLink is contactless. Confirm your rental includes an e-tag.
• Melbourne car rental — pick a compact car for city-driving, or opt for an SUV or 4WD for bigger drives. Always document scratches or dents upon pick-up.
• Wildlife warnings —kangaroos are common on country roads, especially at dusk/dawn.

Why rent a car at Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Melbourne Airport (formerly Tullamarine) is just a short 23 km from the CBD. While Melbourne is worth a couple of days, the real appeal of Victoria lies outside the city. Public transportation becomes limited, and taxis are costly — renting a car is your best bet.

With your rental car, it’s only a short ride from the terminal to sun-kissed beaches, wine country, and mountain ranges. Strap in and head deep into the Grampians, or opt for a scenic cruise along the Great Ocean Road.

While Melbourne is a city of vibrant culture and hidden laneways, Victoria’s real treasures can only be reached via rental car.

Driving from Melbourne Airport (MEL) – Getting Started

Melbourne Airport connects to the Tullamarine Freeway (M2), which leads to the CBD in roughly 30-35 minutes. From the CBD, freeways deviate in all directions, making the city a great starting point for regional adventures.

Common routes include:

• Melbourne CBD — 30 mins via M2
• Yarra Valley — 1.5 hrs via M3
• Great Ocean Road (Torquay) — 1.5 hrs via M3
• Mornington Peninsula — 1.5 hrs via M11
• Grampians National Park — 3 hrs via Western Hwy
• Wilsons Promontory — 3.5 hrs via South Gippsland Hwy

Victoria’s toll roads are fully electronic — ask your rental company whether your Melbourne rental car comes equipped with an e-tag. Traffic congestion on primary motorways can be heavy during peak hours.

Explore Melbourne and Victoria from Melbourne Airport

Victoria is a road trip paradise, and your Melbourne rental car is your passport to exploring this rich region. From Melbourne’s artsy culture to the wine regions and coastal drives — MEL is your perfect starting point for discovering all that Victoria has to offer.

In and around Melbourne:

• Hosier Lane — international street art in a bluestone laneway.
• Royal Botanic Gardens — quiet and lush garden space in the CBD.
• Queen Victoria Market — fresh produce, local crafts, and cafe culture.
• Lygon Street — Melbourne’s Little Italy, famous for coffee, pizza, and pasta.
• St Kilda — beachside bars with sunset views, a short tram from the CBD.

Recommended day trips and scenic routes from Melbourne Airport

• Great Ocean Road — iconic coastal scenery, surf towns, and the 12 Apostles.
• Mornington Peninsula — beaches, hot springs, and coastal driving.
• Yarra Valley — wineries, cheese makers, quaint towns, and Healesville Sanctuary.
• Grampians National Park — sandstone peaks, waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art.
• Wilsons Promontory — untouched beaches, mangrove forests, and hiking trails.
• Alpine region — Mount Hotham, outdoor activities, skiing, and snowboarding.