Car rental in Melbourne

If your driving licence is issued in the EU/EEA, it is accepted throughout Australia without an international permit. For licences in non-Latin scripts (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Japanese), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your original licence. It's always a good idea to carry an IDP as a backup.

Airport rental offices in Melbourne often charge a premium of 10–20% due to airport surcharges. City-centre locations may offer better base rates but factor in the cost of getting there. Compare both options on Cars Scanner — sometimes free shuttle services from the airport make city pickups worthwhile.

Most rental companies in Melbourne offer a grace period of 30–59 minutes. Beyond that, you will be charged for an additional day. To avoid unexpected costs, plan your return time carefully. If you know you'll be late, contact the rental office — they may extend your booking at a lower rate than the late-return penalty.

The security deposit is typically released within 7–14 business days after you return the car, provided there is no damage. Some banks may take up to 30 days to process the refund. The deposit is a temporary hold on your credit card — the actual amount blocked depends on the vehicle class and insurance coverage chosen.

Parking options in Melbourne include:

• Street parking — metered zones, typically €1–3/hour
• Public car parks — €5–20/day depending on location
• Hotel parking — often available for guests at €10–25/night

Always check signage carefully. Blue zones require a parking disc, and illegally parked cars may be towed. Many city centres have restricted access zones.

Cross-border travel from Australia is often restricted or requires prior approval from the rental company. Additional insurance may be needed, and fees can apply. Some destinations may be prohibited entirely. Always check the rental terms and declare your travel plans when booking to avoid issues.

Many rentals in Melbourne come with unlimited mileage, especially for weekly bookings. However, some economy deals may include a daily cap (e.g. 200–300 km/day) with extra charges per kilometre beyond the limit. Always check the mileage policy in your booking confirmation — unlimited mileage offers the best value for longer trips.

The excess (or deductible) is the maximum amount you'd pay out of pocket if the car is damaged or stolen. In Australia, this typically ranges from €500 to €2,000 depending on the vehicle class. You can reduce or eliminate the excess by purchasing additional coverage such as Super CDW or booking full-coverage insurance through Cars Scanner.

Most rental companies in Melbourne require a credit card for the security deposit. Some smaller or local companies may accept debit cards, but this often comes with additional requirements such as proof of a return flight. We recommend checking the payment policy when booking to avoid issues at the counter.

Yes, one-way rentals are available with most major companies in Australia. Returning within the same country usually costs €30–100 extra. Cross-border returns may be restricted or carry significant additional fees — check the rental terms carefully. Always confirm the one-way policy when booking.