Melbourne Airport (MEL) at Tullamarine has six on-airport rental companies sharing one pick-up and return area, and several value brands with depots nearby. The choice comes down to convenience against price.
At a glance
1On-Airport Rental
All six on-airport companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Redspot, Hertz and Sixt) are on the ground floor of the T123 car park, a short walk from the terminals. You walk to the desk, collect the car on the same level and drive out.
2Off-Airport Rental
Value brands such as East Coast Car Rentals and Bargain Car Rentals have depots in Tullamarine and nearby, with free shuttles. In 2025 price data, off-airport rentals in Melbourne averaged about A$68 a day against A$103 for airport pick-up, the largest gap of any capital city.
Check the last shuttle time against your flight. If you land late at night, an on-airport desk may be the only option.
3Returning the Car
On Terminal Drive, turn right onto Centre Road and follow the signs for “Car Rental Returns”. Each on-airport company has its own marked bays. In business hours, hand the keys to the desk; after hours, use your company’s labelled drop box.
4Where to Drive From Melbourne Airport
- Melbourne CBD: Tullamarine Freeway and CityLink, about 25–40 minutes.
- Great Ocean Road: Western Ring Road and M1 to Geelong, about an hour to Geelong.
- Yarra Valley: via the M80 and EastLink or Eastern Freeway, about 1–1.5 hours.
- Phillip Island: via CityLink and the M1, about 2 hours.
- Grampians: via the Western Highway, about 3 hours.
5Tips for Late Arrivals
Many international flights land late at night or early in the morning. On-airport desks have longer hours than off-airport depots, but check your supplier’s hours before you book. If you are tired after a long flight, consider staying near the airport and collecting the car in the morning.
Give your flight number when booking so the supplier can track delays.
6On-Airport or Off-Airport? A Quick Comparison
| On-airport | Off-airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Ground floor of the T123 car park | Depots nearby, reached by shuttle |
| Average daily rate (2025) | About A$103 | About A$68 |
| Extra time | Minimal | 20–30 minutes each way |
| Late arrivals | Longer desk hours | Check shuttle hours |
| Best for | Families, late flights, short trips | Budget trips with flexible timing |
Either way, give your flight number at booking, inspect the car carefully and photograph it at pick-up and return.
7Fuel, Tolls and Returning the Car
- Refuel near the airport before returning; there are service stations along Sharps Road and in Tullamarine.
- CityLink tolls are billed after the rental. Ask the supplier what admin fee applies.
- Allow 30 minutes for an on-airport return, an hour for off-airport.
- After hours, use your supplier’s key drop box and photograph the car, the fuel gauge and the odometer.
8Driving From the Airport
The Tullamarine Freeway and CityLink take you into the city in about 25 to 40 minutes. CityLink is fully electronic; your rental’s e-tag records the toll, and the company bills you afterwards with an admin fee. To head west to the Great Ocean Road, take the Western Ring Road to the M1 and avoid the city altogether.
Also read: Great Ocean Road: the ultimate 3-day itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car rental companies are at Melbourne Airport?
On-airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Redspot, Hertz and Sixt. Others operate off-airport with shuttles.
Where do I return a rental car at Melbourne Airport?
Follow the “Car Rental Returns” signs via Centre Road to the ground floor of the T123 car park.
Is off-airport rental cheaper in Melbourne?
Yes on average: about A$68 a day against A$103 on-airport in 2025 data.
Is there a toll from Melbourne Airport to the city?
Yes, CityLink, charged electronically and billed by the rental company.
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