Melbourne is a popular tourist destination because of its reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world. The most cost-effective place to rent a car in Melbourne is with East Coast Vehicles.
We keep a fleet of up-to-date autos in good working order to meet your various demands for vehicular mobility. We have compact and "metro" autos for those on a tighter budget, standard and full-size sedans for the majority of frequent travellers, and roomy minivans that can accommodate groups of up to eight people for their trips around Melbourne and Victoria.
There is no need to look further for cheap rental car in Melbourne because we've always got the most modern vehicles at the cheapest rates.
Whatever your reason for visiting Melbourne, you'll never run out of interesting things to see and do, both in and around the city. Times Square, DFO Harbour Villages, Crown Casino, and the Melbourne Aquarium are just a few of the many tourist hotspots within walking distance of the Thrifty headquarters in Melbourne.
Melbourne is a wonderful jumping-off point if you want to explore more of Victoria beyond simply its major cities. Enjoy the Yarra Valley's wineries, cruise along the scenic Sea Road, and gaze in awe at the 12 Apostles. Some examples of possible itineraries include visiting Phillip Island and taking it easy on the Mornington Peninsula.
Destination information for the Greater Melbourne region
- Drive cautiously near railway tracks and pull over to the side to let tram riders disembark.
- Many streets in the Melbourne metropolitan area are one-way or have steep turns, so keep that in mind.
FAQs About Car Rentals In Melbourne
The Melbourne CBD is considered by most as one of the most walkable cities in Australia alongside Brisbane.
However, some of the city’s suburbs have been ranked the least walkable places by the same metric. In light of that, you’d be better off getting a cheap car rental in Melbourne if you plan on visiting the city’s suburbs, where most of the attractions are located, including the famous Albert Park Circuit and the Yarra River.
Also, rental cars in Melbourne give you a little bit of flexibility and convenience because you can travel anywhere you want at any time. This isn’t the case for the public transport system despite being highly rated in Australia. Lastly, there are plenty of rental car locations, and you can get any rental that you would want, including electric and luxury rental cars.
Before you book car rentals in Melbourne, be sure to observe the different traffic laws in the city. The major difference in traffic laws in Melbourne is the fact that the people drive on the left side of the road, and most cars are right-hand drives.
For that reason, you need to be extra careful when driving around the streets of Melbourne, especially if you’re used to driving on the right side. You also need to know the speed limits on the central roads so that you don’t receive an easily avoidable fine.
Lastly, it would help if you acquainted yourself with the hook turn, a unique turn where trams also cross the intersection. Please do some reading about traffic laws in Melbourne to avoid any trouble.
To get car rentals in Melbourne, you will be required to produce a valid driver’s license with a photo ID.
Most rental companies generally accept English-language driving licenses, and for those with a license written in another language, you will have to produce an International Driving Permit.
Any licenses shown when renting a car in Melbourne must have an expiration date well after the rental agreement period.
Melbourne is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Although you can enjoy an excellent quality of life on an average net salary in Melbourne, it is a fairly expensive city, as most of Australia's major cities are. The living cost in Melbourne varies greatly depending on your lifestyle and where you come from.
Melbourne is a friendly and laidback city with all the welcoming qualities of Australian culture that delight expats. In 2018, Time Out found it to be the happiest city in the world, with 92% of people enjoying living there.
Top Car Rental Tips In Melbourne
Because Melbourne is a busy metropolis The dense tram network makes driving in the downtown area an interesting experience. Listed below are a few of our recommended driving practises in the Melbourne area:
- Trams are quite dangerous, therefore be careful when near them. Learn the Melbourne tram rules just to be safe.
- Evaluate if your route will include any toll roads. Both the central business centre and Melbourne Airport may be reached via CityLink, while EastLink is the primary route to a Mornington Peninsula. Make arrangements with the seller to pay for the car when you pick it up.
- It may be difficult and expensive to find parking in Melbourne. Getting your reservations in advance online can save you money, so it's worth your time to look around online. We also have great rates for those in need of parking near Melbourne International Airport.
- If you want to avoid extra fees, it's best to return the rental car with such a full tank of petrol. However, with so many gas stations around Melbourne, it might be tough to find the best price. You can download our gas price comparison app at little or no cost for you.
- Mornings between 7:30 - 9:00 and evenings between 3:00 - 7:30 are the busiest hours in Melbourne. Allow for plenty of additional time if you must drive around Melbourne at certain times.
Car Rental In Melbourne Can Be Compared.
- To rent a vehicle in Melbourne, like in any other country, you'll require your passport, driving licence, and credit card. After that, you'll need to complete the usual paperwork while paying close attention to detail to ensure that the car's present configuration is properly reflected.
- Before hitting the road, it's important to know that driving is done just on left and that speed limits range from 40 through 110 kilometres an hour. The city itself and the surrounding areas of schools and hospitals have a speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour, whereas the posted speed in the outskirts is 60 kmph.
- Numerous parking inspectors, police policemen, and speed and red light cameras ensure everyone obeys the rules. The former can cost as little as $3 for going 3 km/h over the limit and as much as $846, whereas the latter will set you back $413 for just running a red light.
- From the airport, you may reach the city proper and beyond via a system of motorways and tollways.
- It takes around half an hour longer during rush hour to get into the city from the suburbs if you take the toll routes. By taking the free roads that connect them to the city, travel time will be extended by 15 minutes. By linking the Great Ocean Road to Geelong, the journey time to the region's farthest tourist destinations is reduced by about 90 minutes.
- In central Melbourne, a driver can make a "hook turn," a unique kind of right turn. The vehicle must come to a halt where trams generally stop—on its left side of the road at a green signal. The driver must stay to a left until the signal turns red before making the hook turn.
- You ought not to worry about running across any wild creatures if you go out late into the night in such a city. But when you're out in the countryside, you need to be on the lookout for kangaroo, who can be easily blinded by car headlights may stand in the center of the road, or enticed to the lights and leap in front of you. Because kangaroos may grow to be rather huge, they present a serious risk to the front and side parts of your car. Another is the wombat, whose sluggish, boulder-like movements allow it to simultaneously remove and deposit car exhaust.
- Even while daytime driving is less dangerous than nighttime driving, you should still keep an eye out for walkers and cyclists, especially those who may be preoccupied with their phones.
Melbourne, Australia's Best Car Rental
Some point to Australia's isolation as just a deterrent, while others highlight the country's plethora of natural beauties, and still others sing the praises of Australia's bustling cities, stunning beaches, and relaxed culture. There is, nevertheless, widespread agreement that the country is breathtakingly beautiful.
Australia's size as a continent (although being smaller than Europe) should come as no surprise, given the vastness of its landmass. Due to its enormous size, a rental car is recommended for travelling around the country's various cities and motorways.
It's hard to fathom why somebody wouldn't want to travel from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane to Perth and a number of other major Australian cities, all in one trip, because they're all so jam-packed with history, art, and entertainment. This means that renting a car could be the most convenient option.
Avis (9.4/10)
Avis Rent an Automobile is the go-to car rental service for many individuals because of its convenient locations and stellar reputation around the world. There is no such thing as an exception in Australia; rather, this is the rule.
You can rest assured that Avis has convenient locations in major Australian towns and airports should you decide to rent a car throughout your stay in the country.
If you want to avoid paying extra for insurance that wasn't initially quoted for, make sure you book your hire vehicle in Australian directly through Avis Australia's website or by calling a representative.
Some users have claimed restrictions by Avis in Oz on taking the rented car to other areas of the country, apparently because of the distance of particular places where it could be difficult to obtain support in the event of a break or accident.
It is advisable that we contact an authorised Avis agent in Australia and discuss your travel plans to prevent being startled by a limitation after trying to pick up your rental car.
Avis has a great reputation internationally, and tourists from other countries often rent cars from the company when they visit Australia. Ask a lot of questions and give the car a good once-over before getting in if you want to have a nice and trouble-free trip.
The opinions of Avis's clients:
- The car was spotless inside and out.
- The service We received at the rent counter was outstanding.
- Speeds up the process of picking up and dropping off
- It's a steal for the price.
Budget (9.4/10)
While smaller as industry heavyweights Avis and Hertz, Budget is nonetheless a credible international vehicle rental firm with a reasonable number of locations and a decent fleet.
It's possible to save money by renting from Budget instead of Avis, even though the two are owned by the same corporation in Australia.
Bear in mind that, like Avis, Budget may limit where in Australian you can take a rental car. The renter should remember these limits to prevent additional charges if the car is driven to a distant place.
Budget has a generally positive reputation among Australians. Take images of the automobile and read up on Budget's policy regarding mandatory and optional insurance coverage and additional fees before renting a car from them directly.
Feedback on Cheap Goods from Customers:
- The car was spotless inside and out.
- The service We received at the rent counter was outstanding.
- Learning what you need to know is simple.
- Dropping out is as easy as a few steps
- It's a steal for the price.
Hertz (8.7/10)
Like Avis, Hertz is an instantly recognisable automobile rental brand. The international corporation enjoys a high profile in Canada, in which it runs a network of offices in all the major urban centres and at all the major airports.
There are a lot of tourists from other countries who have become used to utilising Hertz car rental services and want to maintain doing so while they are in Australia. People may be afraid to rent a car in Australia because of the country's poor image in this area.
While this has been an issue in the past, recent enquiries into car rental companies in Australia have shown promising signs of improvement. It is hoped that by focusing on Hertz, one of the major firms in the sector, customer service and questionable business practises will be reduced and Hertz will be held to a higher standard.
Take pictures of the automobile at both the check-in and drop-off locations, and make sure the gas tank is full before returning it. Ask for clarification or dispute an unreasonable claim without worrying about repercussions.
You may rest assured in your reservation with Hertz thanks to the company's excellent standing in the Australian market. If you can afford to pay a little more, you'll get great service, high-end vehicles, and access to a national network of convenient locations.
Evaluations from actual Hertz clients:
- The car was spotless inside and out.
- The people working the rental counter were really nice and helpful.
- Learning what you need to know is simple.
- Dropping out is as easy as a few steps
- Overall, a fantastic value for the money spent
Enterprise (8.5/10)
Equipment Leasing Company, Inc. When it comes to credibility, Car, Inc. ranks high. It has many locations around Australia, notably in all of the country's major cities and airports, with a superb reputation to boot.
Customers in a number of Australian cities who rented cars from this company had generally favourable experiences, with many applauding the company's friendly employees and few complained about small amount of times they were billed for optional extras.
Enterprise is competitive with other Australian vehicle rental companies and deserves to be examined. You should have no issues with Enterprise if you take the usual precautionary measures you would do with any automobile rental firm.
A negative encounter in Australia could be the downfall of your vacation plans.
Reviews from the Company's Clientele:
- It was a spotless car.
- The people working the rental counter were really nice and helpful.
- Learning what you need to know is simple.
- Dropping out is as easy as a few steps
- Overall, a fantastic value for the money spent
Thrifty (8.3/10)
Thrifty is a small but well-known car rental company with locations throughout all major Australian airport and cities, as well as a fleet of brand-new, well-maintained vehicles.
It looks that you are free to take your Thrifty car rental wherever you wish inside Australia, given the company has locations across the country (especially in all of the major cities). However, before taking the rental car to that of an Australian island, you should contact Thrifty.
The company has received more bad reviews than positive ones, as is the situation with all car rental services. You, the reader, may have observed, however, that a large number of complaints are about amorphous concerns like customer support or suggestions for how Thrifty may do better.
When it comes to renting a brand-new automobile in Australia, Thrifty offers low rates, and you may save money by booking for a longer amount of time.
What to Look for in a Car Rental
If you're looking for a rental car in Australia, Thrifty is a good option to consider. Reserving your car directly with Thrifty Australia, as opposed to going through a broker, is the only way to avoid hidden fees, such as those for necessary insurance.
Feedback from Thrifty customers:
- It was a spotless car.
- Amazing service at the rental desk
- Learning what you need to know is simple.
- Dropping out is as easy as a few steps
- In sum, it's a reasonable offer.
East Coast Car Rentals (8.2/10)
Established for many years throughout Australia and New Zealand, East Coast Automotive Rentals is a major player in the rental car industry.
Consider East Coast Rental Cars, a well-known local business, as one of your options for car rental in Australia. Remember that while their cars might not be brand new like the ones sold by huge international corporations, they are in excellent condition and cost much less.
It is in your best financial interest to enquire about any limits on your ability to drive, supplementary insurance requirements, and optional service costs when making your reservation with Eastern Seaboard Car Rentals.
Although some customers who used consolidators to book with East Coast Car Rentals may have gotten favourable rates initially, those customers have now given the company negative feedback. Take photos of the car both when you return it, and ask any questions you may have about the rental process.
Clients of East Coast Car Rentals have positive things to say about the company.
- It was a spotless car.
- Amazing service at the rental desk
- Learning what you need to know is simple.
- Dropping out is as easy as a few steps
- In sum, it's a reasonable offer.
Conclusion
Because it is often considered to be among the world's best places to live, Melbourne attracts a large number of visitors each year. If you're looking for an affordable rental car in Melbourne, look no further than East Coast Vehicles. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including compact and "metro" autos for those on a tighter budget, standard and full-size sedans for the vast majority of frequent travellers, and roomy minivans for groups of up to eight people. You should definitely check out the vineyards in the Yarra Valley, take a drive along the Sea Road, and check out the 12 Apostles. Get out to Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula for some R&R. To safely disembark tram passengers, slow down near the tracks and stop your vehicle. Best advice for renting a car in Melbourne.
Driving in Melbourne's central business district may be an adventure thanks to the city's extensive tram system and hectic pace. For your own protection, familiarise yourself with the tram system's regulations and determine if any toll roads will be part of your journey. If you want to avoid extra charges, fill up the gas tank before returning the rental car. In order to hire a car in Melbourne, you will need your passport, driver's licence, and credit card, as well as to fill out the standard rental car paperwork and verify the automobile's current setup. The speed limit in the city centre and around hospitals and schools is 40 kilometres per hour, whereas it is 60 kilometres per hour in the outskirts. To further ensure that people follow the regulations, the city has installed several parking inspectors, police officers, and speed and red light cameras.
Content Summary
- Due to its status as one of the world's most liveable cities, Melbourne attracts a large number of visitors each year.
- East Coast Vehicles has the lowest rental rates in Melbourne.
- To suit your varying needs for vehicle mobility, we maintain a fleet of modern automobiles in peak condition.
- Minivans that can seat up to eight passengers are also available, as are compact and "metro" cars for those on a tighter budget. We also have the standard and full-size sedans that most frequent travellers choose.
- If you need to rent a car in Melbourne at a low price, go no further than our company. We offer the newest models available at the lowest prices.
- There is a wide variety of attractions in and around Melbourne that will keep you entertained no matter how long you plan to stay.
- Some of Melbourne's most popular attractions, including Times Square, DFO Harbour Villages, Crown Casino, and the Melbourne Aquarium, are conveniently located near Thrifty's headquarters.
- If you want to see more of Victoria than just its major cities, Melbourne is a great place to start.
- Explore the vineyards of the Yarra Valley, take a drive along the beautiful Sea Road, and marvel at the 12 Apostles.
- Itineraries could include stops at Phillip Island and a relaxing stay on the Mornington Peninsula.
- The Greater Melbourne area travel guide. You should use caution when driving near train tracks and stop to let tram passengers get off.
- You should be aware that many streets in the Melbourne metropolitan region are one-way or have sharp curves.
- Due to Melbourne's status as a major city Driving around downtown is an adventure thanks to the extensive tram system.
- Here are a few of our top tips for safe driving throughout Melbourne: Be very cautious around trams because of how deadly they can be.
- CityLink provides access to the downtown business district and Melbourne Airport, while EastLink serves as the main access point to the Mornington Peninsula.
- Arrange with the vendor to pay in cash when you pick up the vehicle.
- Finding parking in Melbourne may prove to be a time-consuming and costly endeavour.
- It is beneficial to make reservations in advance online in order to save money.
- Returning the rental car with a full tank of gas is recommended to prevent any further charges.
- However, it may be challenging to get the best price, given the abundance of gas stations in the Melbourne area.
- Our gas price comparison app is available for free or at very low cost.
- The busiest times of day in Melbourne are between 7:30 and 9:00 in the morning and 3:00 and 7:30 in the evening.
- If you need to drive in Melbourne at odd hours, give yourself lots of extra time.
- Melbourne car rental rates are comparable.
- Renting a car in Melbourne requires the same documentation as renting a car anywhere else in the world.