Planning to explore Melbourne on your own terms? Whether you’re driving the Great Ocean Road, navigating the CBD for work, or picking up the family for a Yarra Valley weekend, having the right hire car makes all the difference. Melbourne’s car rental market is packed with options, but not all providers are created equal.
This guide cuts through the noise and highlights the top 7 car rental companies in Melbourne, along with practical advice on how to choose wisely, save money, and get the best value for your next hire.
Top 7 Car Rental Companies in Melbourne
Branski Rentals
Branski Rentals is a Melbourne-based provider offering a diverse, budget-friendly fleet that includes compact cars, hybrid vehicles, SUVs, vans, and commercial trucks. What sets them apart from most standard rental companies is their signature “We Come To You” delivery service, they bring the vehicle directly to your door and collect it when you’re done.
Key highlights:
- Fleet includes cars, vans, refrigerated trucks, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles
- Renters must be at least 21 years old; a daily age surcharge applies for drivers aged 21–24
- One-way rentals are available; additional fees may apply based on drop-off location
- Cancellations made at least 48 hours before pick-up are typically eligible for a full refund
- Located at 28 Frances Drive, Dandenong South VIC 3175 | Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm | Sat–Sun: 8am–2pm | Phone: 1300 828 888
Best for: Budget-conscious renters, businesses, families, and those needing vehicle delivery.
East Coast Car Rentals – Melbourne City Collins Street
East Coast Car Rentals’ Melbourne CBD branch is located at 123 Collins Street, inside the Grand Hyatt Carpark on Level 4, just 20km from Melbourne Airport. It’s one of Australia’s most conveniently positioned hire car offices for both tourists and business travellers.
Key highlights:
- Fleet includes economy cars like the Toyota Corolla, compact SUVs, luxury sedans, electric vehicles, and commercial vehicles
- 24-hour roadside assistance is included with every hire
- Long-term car rental options are available for hires over 21 days
- One of Australia’s largest independent car hire providers, with 14 locations nationwide
- Booking ahead is especially recommended during peak periods such as school holidays, Easter, and major events
Best for: CBD visitors, interstate travellers, long-term renters, and eco-conscious drivers (EVs available).
Advance Car Rental
Advance Car Rental offers car rental services across Melbourne CBD, surrounding suburbs, and Melbourne Airport, providing new cars at budget prices. With over 20 years of local experience, they’ve built a solid reputation as a Melbourne-only specialist.
Key highlights:
- Fleet spans economy, family, luxury, business, and commercial vehicle categories
- Two locations: 324 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, and Melbourne Airport at 10 Dib Court, Tullamarine
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is included with all rentals; excess ranges from $3,300–$5,500 depending on vehicle category
- Vehicles are restricted to the state of Victoria, not suitable for interstate travel
- Has won the Excellent Car Rental Service Award at Melbourne Airport multiple years in a row
Best for: Budget travellers, Victoria-based road trips, and those wanting local, award-winning service.
SIXT Car & Truck Rental South Melbourne
SIXT Truck Hire South Melbourne is located at 101–109 Thistlethwaite Street, just 10 minutes from Melbourne CBD, and is open Monday–Friday 8am–5pm, Saturday until 12pm, and Sunday until 11 am. As a globally recognised brand, SIXT brings international standards to Melbourne with an exceptionally wide fleet.
Key highlights:
- Fleet includes compact cars, SUVs, premium sedans from BMW, Mercedes, Peugeot, and Tesla, plus vans, utes, trucks, and mini buses
- One-way hire is available, with the option to return vehicles to other branches across Victoria and beyond
- Optional extras for families include child and baby seats; businesses can also hire loading and unloading equipment
- A damage waiver is included with every booking; additional protection packages are available to reduce excess
Best for: Business travellers, families, tradespeople, and those needing commercial or premium vehicles.
Prestige Rentals – Melbourne
Prestige Rentals Victoria specialises in sports car, supercar, SUV, and luxury car hire, with vehicles available for collection in Melbourne, Melbourne Airport, Essendon, Frankston, and other suburban locations. This is Melbourne’s go-to destination for high-performance and special occasion vehicle hire.
Key highlights:
- Fleet includes the Ferrari California, Lamborghini Huracan, Audi R8, Mercedes C63, BMW M3, Porsche Boxster, Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, and Jaguar F-Pace
- Save 30% on weekly hire and 40% on monthly hire; longer-term rates are negotiable
- Chauffeur services are available for those who want a VIP experience without driving themselves
- Gift cards are available for special occasions
- Located at 300 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne | Phone: +61 414 000 111
Best for: Weddings, birthdays, corporate events, special occasions, and supercar enthusiasts.
Redspot Car Rentals – Melbourne Airport
Redspot is Australia’s largest family-owned and operated car rental company, having grown from a humble Aussie service station in 1989 to over 40 locations nationwide. Their Melbourne Airport branch is ideal for travellers who want to hit the road the moment they land.
Key highlights:
- Branch is located on the Ground Floor of Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), open Mon–Sat 7 am–11:30 pm and Sun 7 am–11 pm
- No kilometre restrictions on standard passenger vehicles hired from the Melbourne Airport branch
- A 24/7 key drop box is available for after-hours vehicle returns
- Three damage and liability coverage packages are available for added peace of mind
- One-way hire is available from Melbourne Airport to other Redspot locations around Australia
- Innovative “Show & Go” system lets frequent renters skip the counter in just 15 seconds
Best for: Fly-in travellers, road trippers, families, and renters of all age groups (no maximum age restriction).
Redline Car Hire
Redline Car Hire specialises in accident replacement vehicles, offering a no-cost hire option for Australians involved in a not-at-fault accident, with cars delivered on the same day. Beyond accident replacements, Redline also provides general vehicle hire with a strong focus on customer care and convenience.
Key highlights:
- Vehicle delivery is available directly to customers’ locations, making collection quick and hassle-free
- The team manages the entire process, from vehicle repairs to replacement logistics, minimising stress for the customer
- Rated 4.9 stars from 178 reviews, praised for reliability and fast turnaround
- Minimum driver age is 21, with a valid driver’s licence required
Best for: Not-at-fault accident victims, anyone needing a temporary replacement vehicle, and renters who value doorstep delivery.
How to Choose the Best Car Rental in Melbourne
With so many vehicle hire options available, finding the right one comes down to matching your specific needs to the right provider. Here’s what matters most:
- Match the vehicle to your trip. A compact hatchback is fine for inner-city driving, but regional trips, family getaways, or the Great Ocean Road call for an SUV or people mover with proper boot space and passenger comfort.
- Check the total cost, not just the daily rate. Always factor in the insurance excess, fuel policy, kilometre limits, young driver surcharges, and any one-way drop-off fees before booking.
- Consider location convenience. Airport branches suit fly-in travellers, CBD branches work best for those already in the city, and providers with delivery services (like Branski) are ideal when you can’t travel to a depot.
- Verify what’s included in your coverage. Most reputable providers include a basic damage waiver, but excess amounts can vary significantly. Optional add-ons like excess reduction cover or an all-inclusive package can save you from unexpected costs.
- Read recent customer reviews. Google reviews and third-party booking platforms give you an honest picture of fleet condition, service reliability, and how companies handle issues when things go wrong.
Focus on your trip needs, total costs, and coverage options, choosing the right car rental in Melbourne ensures comfort, convenience, and no surprise expenses.
Tips to Save on Car Rentals in Melbourne
Getting a great deal on your Melbourne car hire doesn’t require luck — just a bit of planning:
- Book early, especially during peak periods like school holidays, the Australian Open, AFL finals, and the Christmas period.
- Book directly with the rental company rather than through third-party comparison sites, many providers offer lower rates for direct bookings.
- Look for weekly and monthly rate discounts. Most companies offer significant savings for longer hire periods.
- Avoid airport fuel markups by returning your vehicle with a full tank from a nearby petrol station rather than paying the provider’s fuel rate.
- Skip add-ons you don’t need, such as GPS if your phone handles navigation, or a toll pass if you won’t be using toll roads.
- Check for web specials and promo codes directly on company websites, providers like Advance Car Rental regularly publish exclusive online-only discounted rates.
Plan ahead, book directly, and skip unnecessary extras, these simple steps can save you hundreds on car rentals in Melbourne without compromising convenience or comfort.
Why Choosing the Right Car Rental in Melbourne Matters
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most expansive cities, and public transport, while good in the CBD, has clear limitations once you venture into the suburbs, regional Victoria, or off the tourist trail. Having the right hire car gives you the freedom to explore the Mornington Peninsula, the Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, or the Yarra Valley without timetables, connections, or shared shuttle frustrations.
Beyond convenience, the right car rental provider protects you. A reputable company offers a well-maintained, regularly serviced fleet, transparent pricing, and genuine support if something goes wrong, whether that’s a flat tyre on the Princes Highway or an unexpected change of plans.
Choosing poorly can mean hidden fees, older vehicles with questionable safety ratings, or poor after-hours support. Choosing well means a seamless hire experience from pick-up to drop-off.
Reasons to Choose Branski Rentals for Your Melbourne Car Hire
Among Melbourne’s many vehicle hire options, Branski Rentals stands out for several compelling reasons:
- “We Come To You” service: Branski delivers your hire car directly to your home, workplace, or any location you choose, saving you the hassle of travelling to a depot.
- Diverse fleet for every need: From fuel-efficient hybrids and compact city cars to spacious SUVs, commercial vans, and refrigerated trucks, the fleet covers both personal and business hire requirements.
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles: Branski is one of the few Melbourne providers offering accessible van hire, catering to travellers with mobility needs.
- Transparent, competitive pricing: No surprise charges or confusing fee structures. Branski offers straightforward, affordable rates with real-time availability and instant booking confirmation online.
- Flexible booking and cancellation: Plans change, and Branski accommodates that. Modifications and cancellations (with 48-hour notice) are handled smoothly and professionally.
- Broad service area: Serving Dandenong, Keysborough, Hampton Park, Springvale, Clayton, and Melbourne, Branski covers a wide geographic footprint across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
With doorstep delivery, a versatile fleet, accessible vehicles, clear pricing, and flexible bookings, Branski Rentals makes Melbourne car hire simple, convenient, and reliable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne is a city that rewards exploration, but only if you have the freedom to move on your own schedule. Whether you’re after an affordable compact for a quick city trip, a luxury supercar for a milestone occasion, or a reliable van for a business run, Melbourne’s top rental companies have you covered.
By understanding what each provider specialises in, you can match the right car hire service to your exact needs without overpaying or settling for second best. And if you’re after a provider that combines affordability, convenience, and genuine flexibility, Branski Rentals makes a strong case as Melbourne’s most versatile all-round hire option.
FAQs
What Is The Minimum Age To Rent A Car In Melbourne?
Most Melbourne car rental companies set the minimum driver age at 21. Drivers aged 21–24 typically incur a daily young driver surcharge, and vehicle selection may be limited to smaller categories.
Do I Need An International Driving Permit To Hire A Car In Melbourne?
If your licence is not in English, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. Overseas licences in English are generally accepted by most Melbourne rental providers.
Can I Take My Rental Car Outside Victoria?
It depends on the provider. Companies like Advance Car Rental restrict vehicles to Victoria only. Others, such as East Coast Car Rentals, SIXT, and Redspot, permit interstate travel. Always confirm with your chosen provider before booking.
What Insurance Do I Need For A Car Rental In Melbourne?
A basic damage waiver (Loss Damage Waiver / LDW) is included with most rentals. This limits your financial liability in case of damage or loss, though an excess still applies. Optional excess reduction packages are available from most providers.
Is It Cheaper To Rent A Car At Melbourne Airport Or In The Cbd?
CBD locations often offer slightly lower base rates, but airport branches provide unmatched convenience for fly-in travellers. Compare both before booking, and always check for direct-booking discounts on the provider’s official website.
What Documents Do I Need To Collect A Hire Car In Melbourne?
You’ll typically need a valid driver’s licence in English, a physical credit or debit card in the driver’s name, and a passport if you’re an international visitor. Some providers may require additional ID for first-time renters.