Car Rental at Essendon Airport (MEB) from $39

Reasons to book a car rental at Melbourne Airport

Renting a car at Melbourne Airport is an excellent choice for tourists looking to explore the region with freedom and flexibility. This option is especially popular among road trippers, adventure seekers, and wine lovers, as it allows you to manage your luggage easily and craft a travel itinerary that suits your interests. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, located 7 miles away, and Collins Street, also 7 miles from the airport, perfect for city experiences. For a touch of culture, the historic University of Melbourne is just 6 miles away. Additionally, you can venture into nearby neighborhoods like the Melbourne Central Business District, 7 miles away, and Southbank, 8 miles away, both featuring vibrant venues like the Rod Laver Arena. The flexibility of having a rental car means you can explore at your own pace, making it easy to discover the charming urban environment and artistic experiences that Melbourne has to offer. Whether you're here for business or leisure, renting a car ensures a smooth and enjoyable start to your adventure.

Most popular car rentals near Melbourne Airport

• Compact: The compact car option is a popular choice for travelers at Melbourne airport. It comfortably fits 5 passengers and can accommodate up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families. This option provides a balance of affordability and convenience, allowing you to navigate city streets easily while managing your luggage with ease.
• Midsize SUV: If you're traveling with a family or a small group, the midsize SUV is an excellent option. It also fits 5 travelers but offers the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it perfect for those who need extra space for luggage or gear, providing a comfortable ride while exploring the attractions around Melbourne airport. The SUV's added height and space enhance your driving experience, especially for road trips.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is another great choice, accommodating 5 travelers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is suited for couples, families, or groups looking for a bit more comfort and space. With its versatile design, the standard SUV offers a higher driving position and ample room for passengers, making it an attractive option for those wanting to explore with flexibility and ease.

Top rated car suppliers near Melbourne Airport

• Economy Rent a Car: With a rental location only 0.4 miles from Melbourne airport, Economy Rent a Car is a popular choice for travelers. Known for their Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options, they offer flexibility and convenience for exploring the area around Melbourne at your own pace.
• Firefly: Located 3 miles away from Melbourne airport, Firefly is favored for its Fullsize and Midsize SUV rentals. This supplier provides a great option for those looking to enjoy a spacious vehicle while navigating the attractions surrounding Melbourne, ensuring comfort and ease during your travels.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With two rental locations and the nearest being just 0.1 miles from Melbourne airport, Thrifty Car Rental offers excellent accessibility. Their most booked vehicles include Compact and Midsize SUVs, making them a reliable choice for travelers seeking both efficiency and a great driving experience in the region.

Where to go near Melbourne Airport

• Melbourne Central Business District: Located 7 miles from Melbourne Airport, the Melbourne Central Business District offers a vibrant urban experience. This area is popular for city, family, and business trips. Visitors can enjoy activities at shopping centers, a casino, and historic buildings. Key points of interest include the iconic Rod Laver Arena, ideal for family entertainment, Collins Street for shopping, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for business events. The visitor numbers peak in March and December to January, making these months particularly lively.
• Southbank: Situated 8 miles from Melbourne Airport, Southbank is a dynamic suburb known for its blend of city, family, and business experiences. Here, you can find shopping centers, a casino, and a variety of dining options. Notable attractions include the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for conferences, the family-friendly Rod Laver Arena, and Collins Street for an upscale shopping experience. Southbank sees visitor numbers peak in April, July, and September, providing an excellent atmosphere during these months.
• Melbourne Airport: Just 5 miles away, Melbourne Airport itself is a convenient suburb for travelers seeking family, city, and business experiences. Guests can explore urban parks like Woodlands Historic Park, enjoy the historic charm of the University of Melbourne, and visit the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds for outdoor fun. The area sees steady visitor traffic throughout the year, with peak times occurring in March and December to January, making it a practical base for your stay.

9 tips to save on your Melbourne Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to accommodate extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to find the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It's generally advisable to reserve your MEB car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Booking 1-3 months ahead is optimal, especially during peak seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and the availability of certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be restricted. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, such as economy or compact cars, are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favorable option. Alternatively, some companies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Adding car rental insurance during your booking with Expedia is straightforward.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan on spending considerable time driving, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Melbourne Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Melbourne Airport is May, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. June also offers a good option, with similar pricing and average demand. In contrast, December stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and elevated prices. January and February follow closely, showing slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making them some of the busiest times for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
March	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
April	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
June	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	48.9°F (9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
September	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
October	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High