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- Where are car rental return desks located at MEL Airport?
- Popular self-drive car rental categories at Melbourne Airport
- Popular car rental deal types at Melbourne Airport
- VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car at Melbourne Airport (MEL)
- Best things to do in Melbourne, Australia
- Road trips you must take from Melbourne Airport
- Frequently Asked Questions
Compare cheap car rental at Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Landing at Melbourne Airport is just the beginning of your trip, and to make it worth remembering, you will need a vehicle of your own to explore the city and beyond. Finding a cheap car rental at MEL Airport is easy and quick with VIP Cars. An online platform, where you can compare rental deals from leading domestic and international suppliers in one place, and finalize a vehicle that suits your trip and budget.
Additionally, if you book in advance, you get a chance to secure the best available rates. Early reservations not only help you save more but also give you access to a wider selection of vehicles, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak summer months - December to February.
Whether you are visiting Melbourne for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, having a rental vehicle makes getting around much easier. Use it to explore Melbourne’s vibrant neighbourhoods, plan day trips to the Yarra Valley or Phillip Island, or set off on the iconic Great Ocean Road when you are ready. If your journey continues beyond Melbourne, you can also opt for a one-way rental and return the car at another convenient location.
Where are the car rental desks located at Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne Airport (MEL) has dedicated car rental facilities that are easy to access from all four terminals, with major suppliers like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT, Thrifty and Dollar serving hundreds of customers daily.
How to reach your supplier’s rental desk
- After collecting your baggage, follow the “Car Rental” signs inside the terminal.
- If you are arriving at Terminal 1, 2, or 3, walk to the Ground Floor of the T123 Car Park, located opposite Terminal 2.
- If you are arriving at Terminal 4, head to the T4 Transport Hub, where dedicated rental desks are available.
- Show your booking confirmation voucher, driving licence, credit card, and any additional documents required by your supplier.
- Once the paperwork is complete, you will be directed to your designated vehicle collection area, where you can pick up your vehicle and hit the road.
Note: If you have booked with an off-airport supplier like Ace Rental Cars, follow the instructions in your booking voucher. The exact desk location, shuttle meeting point, and collection instructions may vary depending on your rental supplier.
Where are car rental return desks located at MEL Airport?
Returning your vehicle at MEL Airport is straightforward. All on-site rental suppliers share a common return location on the Ground Floor of the T123 Car Park. Follow the steps below to complete your vehicle return.
Steps to return your rental car
- Follow the "Car Rental Return" signs as you approach Melbourne Airport via Terminal Drive.
- Continue onto Centre Road and follow the signs to the Ground Floor of the T123 Car Park.
- Park your vehicle in your supplier's designated return area.
- Remove all personal belongings, lock the vehicle, and hand the keys to your supplier's rental desk. A staff member may inspect the vehicle before finalizing the return process.
- If you are returning the vehicle after hours, follow your supplier's instructions and leave the keys in the designated secure key-drop box nearby.
- Once the return formalities are complete, continue to the terminal for departure.
After-hours return
Many suppliers, including Sixt, Enterprise, and Thrifty, at Melbourne Airport offer after-hours return services. If your selected supplier provides this service, simply park the vehicle in the designated return area, lock it, and place the keys in the secure key drop box or as instructed. Since after-hours return policies vary by supplier, check your Rental Confirmation Voucher for the exact details.
Note: If you have booked with an off-airport supplier, return the vehicle to the supplier's respective branch and use the complimentary shuttle service back to your departure terminal.
Popular self-drive car rental categories at Melbourne Airport
Whether you’re heading into the city, planning a coastal drive or traveling across Victoria, choosing the right car can make your trip easier. At VIP Cars, you can compare a wide range of vehicle options suited for city breaks, family holidays, and long-distance road trips from Melbourne Airport.
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Economy cars
Ideal for travellers spending most of their time in Melbourne or taking short trips around the city. Their small size makes parking easier in busy areas like Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Docklands, and St. Kilda, while their fuel efficiency helps keep travel costs low. They are a popular choice for solo travelers and couples on weekend breaks. Common models include the Toyota Yaris Automatic and Kia Picanto Automatic.
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Compact cars
Offering a balance of comfort, luggage space, and fuel economy, compact cars are well-suited for couples and small families. They comfortably handle both city driving and day trips to destinations such as the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or the Dandenong Ranges. If you are carrying 2 or 3 suitcases, this category is often a better fit than an economy car. Popular options include the Toyota Corolla Automatic and Kia K4 Automatic.
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SUVs
SUVs are a preferred choice for travelers planning longer drives across Victoria. With higher ground clearance, extra luggage capacity, and comfortable seating, they are well-suited for scenic routes like the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Wilsons Promontory, or the Grampians National Park. They also provide added confidence when travelling during Victoria's cooler and wetter months. Popular models include the Kia Stonic Automatic and Chery Tiggo 4 Automatic.
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Luxury cars
Luxury cars are best if you are visiting Melbourne for business meetings, premium leisure travel, or special occasions. They offer advanced technology, superior comfort, and elevated performance, making them a popular option for corporate travelers and those exploring Victoria in style. Models such as the Audi RS3 Sportback Automatic are among the most sought-after.
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Minivans & passenger vans
Perfect for large families, groups of friends, or business teams arriving at Melbourne Airport together. These vehicles offer generous passenger and luggage space, making them ideal for airport transfers, sporting events, weddings, and extended road trips across Victoria. Many models seat 7 to 12 passengers, allowing everyone to travel comfortably in one vehicle. Popular choices include the Kia Carnival Automatic and Toyota HiAce Automatic.
Popular car rental deal types at Melbourne Airport
Whether you are arriving at Melbourne Airport for a short visit or an extended stay in Victoria, VIP Cars offers flexible rental options to suit every travel plan and duration.
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Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals are ideal if you are visiting Melbourne for a weekend break, business trip, or a holiday lasting a few days, for example 3 to 7 days. Daily and weekly rentals give you the flexibility to explore Melbourne's top attractions, attend events like the Australian Open or Formula 1 Grand Prix, or take day trips to the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or Phillip Island without relying on public transport.
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Long-term rentals
If you are planning to stay in Melbourne for a few weeks or longer, long-term rentals are a cost-effective choice for extended holidays, temporary work assignments, or relocation. Many suppliers offer discounted weekly and monthly rates, making them a practical alternative to booking multiple short-term rentals. Choose from economy cars for everyday commuting to SUVs and premium vehicles for longer journeys across Victoria.
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Last-minute rentals
Need a rental car at short notice? VIP Cars lets you compare last-minute deals from multiple suppliers at Melbourne Airport (MEL), making it easier to find a suitable vehicle even when your plans change unexpectedly. While same day bookings are available with selected suppliers, booking at least 24 hours in advance generally gives you better prices, a wider choice of vehicles, and greater availability, especially during the Australian summer (December to February), school holidays, and major events.
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One-way rentals
A one-way rental is a convenient option if you plan to end your trip in a different location other than where it began. Instead of returning to MEL Airport, you can drop your rental car at another city or airport location, saving both time and unnecessary backtracking. One-way rentals are particularly popular for road trips across Victoria and Australia's east coast. Availability, drop-off locations, and one-way fees vary by supplier, vehicle category, and travel route.
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car at Melbourne Airport (MEL)
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Book early during Melbourne's peak travel periods
Melbourne sees an increase in rental car demand during the Australian summer i.e., December to February, school holidays, and major events like the Australian Open, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, and Melbourne Cup Carnival. Booking your Melbourne Airport rental at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance can help you secure better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
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Know your supplier’s desk location for a faster pickup
Before you travel, check whether your rental supplier operates from the T123 Car Park or the T4 Transport Hub. If you have booked with an off-airport provider, review your booking voucher for the designated shuttle pickup point. Knowing where to go in advance can save valuable time after your flight.
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Plan for CityLink tolls before leaving the airport
The quickest route between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD is via CityLink (M2), a cashless toll road. Ask your rental supplier how tolls are handled. Some suppliers may collect toll charges separately while others offer toll packages. In some cases, the toll amount may be deducted from your security deposit later, as toll transactions can take several days to be processed. Understanding the toll policy beforehand helps avoid unexpected charges.
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Pick a vehicle that matches your itinerary
If you are staying mainly in Melbourne, an economy or compact car is usually the most practical choice for city driving and parking. However, if you are planning scenic drives to destinations like the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, or the Grampians, consider booking an SUV or a larger vehicle for added comfort and luggage space.
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Allow extra time for returning your rental car
Melbourne Airport can be particularly busy during morning and evening flights. If you are returning your rental car before a domestic or international flight, allow enough time to complete the return process and make your way to the terminal. Arriving at the rental return area 30 to 45 minutes before your actual airport arrival time can help ensure a stress-free departure.
Popular one-way road trips from Melbourne Airport (MEL)
With VIP Cars you can easily book one-way rentals from Melbourne Airport. Popular one-way routes include:
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Sydney
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Adelaide
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Canberra
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Brisbane
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Albury
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Geelong
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Ballarat
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Bendigo
Best things to do in Melbourne, Australia
With a rental car picked up from Melbourne Airport, you can explore the city’s cultural landmarks, coastal spots, and easy day drives.
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Federation Square
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Hosier Lane
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Eureka Tower
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Yarra Valley
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Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
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Queen Victoria Market
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St Kilda Beach
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Melbourne Cricket Ground
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Melbourne Zoo
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Great Ocean Road
Road trips you must take from Melbourne Airport
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Great Ocean Road
Best highlights: Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, Lorne
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Phillip Island
Best highlights: Summerland Beach, Phillip Island Historical Society Museum, San Remo
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Mornington Peninsula
Best highlights: McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, Peninsula Hot Springs, Sorrento
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Yarra Valley
Best highlights: Coombe Yarra Valley, Yarra Glen, Healesville
Melbourne Airport: Overview & facilities
| Address: | Arrival Dr, Melbourne Airport VIC 3045, Australia |
|---|---|
| IATA | MEL |
Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, is Victoria's primary international gateway and Australia's second-busiest airport by passenger traffic. Located about 23 km northwest of Melbourne CBD, the airport serves millions of travellers each year and provides direct connections to major cities across Australia, as well as destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
The airport has four passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (Qantas Domestic), Terminal 2 (International), Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia Domestic), and Terminal 4 (Domestic), making it easy for both domestic and international travellers to begin their journey. Melbourne Airport is also a popular starting point for exploring Victoria by road, with straightforward access to Melbourne CBD via the M2/CityLink and convenient driving routes to destinations such as the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, and the Grampians.
Several leading airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines, operate regularly from Melbourne Airport, making it one of Australia's busiest and best-connected aviation hubs.
Facilities at Melbourne Airport
- Multi-currency
- ATMs and foreign exchange
- Medical centre
- Mobile charging stations
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lounges
- Duty-free & luxury shopping
- Cafes & restaurants
- Car rental services
Frequently Asked Questions
Car rental prices at Melbourne Airport start from USD 34.9/day, you can check the price of your desired car category by searching on VIPCars’ search page.
Sixt, EuropCar, Alamo, Thrifty, National are some of the most popular suppliers at Melbourne Airport.
Yes, you can rent a car for a month or longer (including 2, 3–6 months, or more) at Melbourne Airport through VIPCars, we are partnered with multiple suppliers to provide flexible long-term rental deals at this location.
During car rental pickup at Melbourne Airport you have to provide identity proof (Passport or National ID card), a valid & complete Driver’s License, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in the Roman alphabet, a credit card in the main driver’s name & a booking confirmation voucher, and since some suppliers may have additional requirements you should carefully check the rental terms given in your voucher.
At Melbourne Airport, most suppliers require a credit card in the main driver’s name to hold a refundable security deposit and without it the vehicle may not be released, so be sure to carry an active card (do check rental terms for precise information before booking).
Yes, last minute car rental deals are available at Melbourne Airport and you can search, compare and book the best option for your trip through VIP Cars’ booking engine.
Most rental car returns at Melbourne Airport are in the designated Car Rental Return area near the terminal or parking complex, so follow the “Car Rental Return/Drop-off” signs as you approach and check your booking voucher for the exact return location and contact details.
Yes, VIP Cars offers one way car rental deals from Melbourne Airport, allowing you to pick up and drop off at a different location by selecting the ‘Different Drop-off Location?’ option in the search form.
Car Hire Locations Near Melbourne Airport
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