Long-term rental

Long-term car rental at Melbourne Airport

Rent a car for a few weeks or several months at Melbourne Airport. Compare suppliers on the total price, kilometre allowance, servicing and excess before you book.

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Long-term car rental at Melbourne Airport at a glance

Long-term car rental covers hires of about four weeks or more. It suits people relocating, working on a contract, waiting for a new car or travelling slowly around the country.

Most suppliers lower the daily rate as the rental gets longer, so the price for 28 days or more is usually well below the short-hire rate. Comparing the total price is the only reliable way to find the best deal.

Collecting at Melbourne Airport is the easiest option when you fly in. Some suppliers have terminal desks and others use nearby depots with a free shuttle, and airport pick-ups can include a location fee, so compare the total with a Melbourne city depot.

Compare long-term rentals

Typical length
4 weeks to several months
Pricing
Daily rate falls as the rental gets longer
Kilometres
Unlimited or a daily allowance, check each offer
Best value cars
Economy, compact and mid-size
Rental companies
13 compared in Melbourne

Best cars for a long-term rental

Running costs matter more the longer you rent.

Car typeSeatsLuggageBest forFrom
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
4–51–2 suitcasesCity stays and short tripsA$37/day
Compact
Hyundai i30 or similar
52–3 suitcasesCouples and small familiesA$44/day
Compact SUV
Hyundai Kona or similar
52–3 suitcasesRoad trips for two to fourA$50/day
SUV
Toyota RAV4 or similar
53–4 suitcasesFamilies, luggage and long drivesA$52/day
Hybrid
Toyota Camry or similar
52–3 suitcasesLow fuel use without chargingA$50/day
7-Seater
Toyota Kluger or similar
7–83–4 suitcasesFamilies and groupsA$95/day

Indicative daily from-prices for short hires. Long rentals usually get a lower daily rate. Search your dates to see the total.

How long-term car rental works

  1. Search your dates

    Enter the full rental period. Rentals of 28 days or more often price differently from short hires.

  2. Compare the total

    Look at the total price, kilometre allowance, excess and bond, not only the daily rate.

  3. Plan servicing

    On rentals of several months, ask how servicing and car swaps work and where you need to take the car.

  4. Extend or return

    Ask how to extend the rental and what happens if you return the car early.

What to check before you book

The details that matter more on a long-term rental.

Kilometre allowance

Some long-term offers cap the kilometres per day or per month. Extra kilometres are charged.

Excess and cover

Over several months, an excess reduction or standalone cover can save a lot if something happens.

Tolls and fines

Tolls and fines are passed on with admin fees. Over a long rental these add up.

Bond and payment

A bond is usually held on a credit card. Ask whether long rentals are charged weekly, monthly or up front.

Driving in and around Melbourne

Toll roads

CityLink and EastLink are fully electronic toll roads. Your supplier passes on the tolls, often with an admin fee.

Hook turns and trams

In the CBD some right turns are made from the left lane (hook turns), and you must give way to trams.

Day trips

The Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island are popular drives.

Long-term car rental questions

Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.

What counts as long-term car rental at Melbourne Airport?

Most suppliers treat rentals of about 28 days or more as long-term. Some offer special rates from three or four weeks.

Is long-term rental cheaper per day?

Usually yes. Daily rates fall as the rental gets longer, but compare the total price including fees and the kilometre allowance.

Do long-term rentals have unlimited kilometres?

Many do, but some long-term offers have a daily or monthly kilometre limit. Check the conditions before you book.

Who services the car on a long rental?

The supplier. On rentals of several months you may be asked to bring the car in for a service or swap it for another car.

Can I take a long-term rental interstate?

Often yes, but check the agreement. Some suppliers limit travel to certain states or charge a one-way fee if you return the car elsewhere.