Planning a trip to Melbourne? Renting a car can make your visit more enjoyable and convenient. However, sometimes it can be pretty steep as renting a car may not be necessarily budget-friendly.
The good news? You can now find cheap car hire in Melbourne, with prices starting as low as $25 per day. Suitable for budget-conscious travelers visiting Melbourne, you can check out https://www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au/car-hire/melbourne-airport/ to ensure your trip around the city comfortable and easy.
Melbourne offers plenty of car rental options. You'll find big names like Avis, Hertz, and Budget, as well as local companies. Many offer pick-up locations right at the airport, so you can hit the road as soon as you land. With a bit of research, you can snag some great deals and save money on your rental.
To get the best value, look for rentals that include free cancelation. This gives you flexibility if your plans change. Also, compare prices from different companies to find the cheapest rates. With these tips, you'll be cruising around Melbourne without breaking the bank.
Melbourne has lots of car hire choices. I'll break down the main things to think about when picking a rental car here.
Choosing the Right Car Type for Your Needs
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When I rent a car in Melbourne, I like to match the vehicle to my trip. Compact cars are great for city driving and saving money. I've found they're easy to park and use less fuel.
For bigger groups or longer trips, SUVs or vans like the Kia Carnival give more space and comfort.
If I'm traveling with family, I go for a mid-size or large car. These have room for luggage and kids. For business trips, I often pick a standard sedan. It's professional-looking and comfy for long drives.
Comparing Car Hire Companies
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I've used many car hire firms in Melbourne. A big name is East Coast Car Rentals and is considered a good local option.
I always check prices across a few companies. Rates can vary a lot, even for the same car type. Some firms offer better deals for longer hires. Others have lower prices for weekend rentals.
I also look at things like pick-up locations, opening hours, and customer reviews. Sometimes a slightly pricier company is worth it for better service or more convenient pick-up spots.
Book With Flexibility
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When I book a car in Melbourne, I try to keep my options open. Many companies now offer flexible bookings. This means I can change my dates or car type if my plans shift.
I've found booking early often gets me better rates. But I make sure I can adjust my booking if needed. Some firms let me pay later or make changes for free up to a certain time.
Flexible booking has saved me money and stress more than once. It's especially handy when I'm not sure about my exact travel dates.
Importance of Free Cancelation
Free cancellation is a top priority for me when hiring a car. Plans can change, and I don't want to lose money if they do. Most big car hire companies in Melbourne offer free cancellation up to a certain time before pick-up.
I always read the cancellation policy carefully. Some places let you cancel for free right up to the day of pick-up. Others need a few days' notice.
Free cancellation lets me book early to get good rates without worrying. If I find a better deal later, I can cancel and rebook. It's a great way to save money and keep my options open.
Strategies for Saving on Car Rentals
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I've found some great ways to save money on car rentals in Melbourne. These tips can help you get the best deal and avoid unexpected costs.
Best Time of Year to Hire a Car
The cheapest month to rent a car in Melbourne is usually May. This is when demand is lower, so prices tend to drop. I've seen rates as low as $21 per day during this time.
Winter months in Australia (June to August) also offer good deals. Fewer tourists visit then, so rental companies often lower their prices.
If you're planning a summer trip, book early. December and January are peak seasons, with higher rates and less availability.
Understanding Pricing and Fees
Always read the fine print before booking. Some companies advertise low base rates but add on extra fees later.
Common hidden charges include:
● Additional driver fees
● Young driver surcharges
● Fuel charges
● Airport pickup fees
I recommend choosing companies that offer price transparency. Look for “no hidden charges” or “all-inclusive” pricing.
Some rental firms charge a one-way fee if you drop off the car at a different location. Factor this in if you're not returning to Melbourne.
Utilizing Online Comparison Tools
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Websites like KAYAK and Momondo are great for finding cheap car rentals. They compare prices from multiple companies at once.
I always start my search here to get an idea of the average price. Then I can spot a good deal when I see one.
These sites often have exclusive discounts too. I've saved up to 30% by booking through a comparison site instead of directly with the rental company.
Remember to filter results by your needs. This might include:
● Car size
● Transmission type
● Pick-up location
● Included features (like GPS or child seats)
By using these tools, I can quickly find the best value for my specific requirements.
Logistics of Car Hire in Melbourne
Renting a car in Melbourne can be straightforward if you know what to expect. I'll cover the key aspects of hiring and driving a vehicle in this bustling city.
Airport Rental Locations
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Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine, is the main hub for car rentals. I've found that most major companies have desks in the arrivals area. It's easy to pick up your car and hit the road quickly.
Avalon Airport, though smaller, also offers car hire services. It's a good option if you're heading to the Great Ocean Road or Geelong.
For both airports, I recommend booking ahead. This helps secure better rates and ensures vehicle availability, especially during peak seasons.
Maximizing the Value of Your Car Hire
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I reckon there are a few clever ways to get more bang for your buck when hiring a car in Melbourne. Let's look at some top tips to stretch your dollar further and snag the best deals.
Subscription Services and Loyalty Programs
Joining loyalty programs can save you heaps on car rentals. Most big rental companies like East Coast Car Rentals have many perks. You might score upgrades, skip the queue at pickup, or earn points towards free hire days.
Some firms offer subscription services too. For a set monthly fee, you get access to different cars as you need them. This can work out cheaper than traditional hiring if you need wheels often.
I've found loyalty programs especially handy during busy times like the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Members often get priority bookings when cars are in high demand.
Value-Added Services
Many rental companies throw in extras to make your hire more valuable. Free GPS can save you getting lost and wasting petrol. Some offer unlimited kilometers, which is great for long trips.
I always look out for companies that provide airport pickup. It saves the hassle and cost of getting to the rental depot.
Some deals include discounts on local attractions. You might snag cheaper tickets to places like Queen Victoria Market. It's worth asking what's on offer when you book.
Insurance and Protection Plans
Choosing the right insurance can save you stress and money. Basic cover often comes with the hire, but it might have a high excess. I usually opt for a plan that reduces my liability.
Some credit cards offer rental car insurance. Check if yours does before you pay extra at the counter. It could save you a fair bit.
Be sure to read the fine print. Know what's covered and what's not. It's no good thinking you're fully protected only to cop a big bill for something that wasn't included.
Remember to inspect the car before you drive off. Note any existing damage to avoid disputes later. It's a small step that can save big headaches down the track.
Navigating Melbourne's Roads and Traffic
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Driving in Melbourne's CBD can be tricky. I've learned to watch out for trams and hook turns, which are unique to Melbourne. Hook turns involve turning right from the left lane at certain intersections.
Rush hour traffic jams are common on major roads like Punt Road and Princes Street. I try to avoid peak times if possible.
CityLink is a network of toll roads. It's handy for getting around quickly, but remember to pay tolls within 3 days to avoid fines.
Parking in the CBD can be expensive. I often use parking garages for convenience, but street parking is cheaper if you can find it.
Understanding Local Road Regulations
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Speed limits in Melbourne vary. In the CBD, it's usually 40 km/h. Residential areas are typically 50 km/h, while main roads can be 60-80 km/h.
I always keep an eye out for tram safety zones. It's illegal to pass a tram that's stopped for passengers.
Drink driving laws are strict. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for full licence holders.
Mobile phone use while driving is banned unless it's hands-free.
Remember to drive on the left side of the road. This can take some getting used to if you're from a right-hand drive country.
Conclusion
If you're planning your trip to the down under, renting a car to explore Australia can be a great way to make the most of your visit.
Whether your plan is to solely explore Melbourne or you have more time to explore Victoria State—or even venture beyond it—you can consider cheap car hire in Melbourne to streamline your dream trip across the Down Under.
However, it's also important to learn more about the local regulations, especially when it comes to driving and traffic law in general. After all, getting a ticket overseas is probably the last thing you want to get when traveling around Melbourne.
So, are you ready to hit the road?
Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
