Car rental at Melbourne Essendon Airport
Compare cars at Melbourne Essendon Airport in Melbourne, Victoria: total prices, desk and shuttle tips, and one-way options before you book.
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Melbourne Essendon Airport at a glance
Melbourne Essendon Airport is where most visitors to Melbourne start their trip. Rental desks are in or next to the terminal, with off-airport suppliers a short shuttle ride away, so you can usually be on the road within the hour.
Driving in Victoria: trams and hook turns in central Melbourne. Alpine roads may need snow chains in winter. CityLink and EastLink in Melbourne are cashless. Tolls are usually billed to you with an admin fee.
Popular one-way drives from Melbourne include Sydney (about 880 km) and Geelong (about 75 km). Any one-way fee is shown in the total before you book.

- Location type
- Airport
- City or region
- Melbourne
- State or territory
- Victoria
- Other pick-up points nearby
- 61 in Melbourne
- Good for
- Arrivals, road trips and one-way drives
Which car should I rent in Melbourne?
Pick a car type to see typical models, seats, bags and from-prices.

Economy
Lowest daily rate for city trips
View Melbourne Economy cars
Compact
Easy parking, room for 3 bags
View Melbourne Compact cars
Compact SUV
Higher seat, bigger boot
View Melbourne Compact SUV cars
SUV
Luggage space and highway comfort
View Melbourne SUV cars
7-Seater
Seats for the whole family
View Melbourne 7-Seater cars
Hybrid
Low fuel use, no charging
View Melbourne Hybrid cars
Electric (EV)
Quiet and cheap to run
View Melbourne Electric (EV) cars
4WD
Remote touring where permitted
View Melbourne 4WD carsPick-up tips for Melbourne Essendon Airport
Short checks that save time at the counter.
The supplier can then hold your car if the flight is late.
Some suppliers are in the terminal, others off-airport with a shuttle. Your voucher says which.
Regional airport desks often open only around scheduled flights.
Airport pick-ups can include a location fee. Compare the total with a nearby town depot.
Other pick-up locations in Melbourne
62 pick-up points in and around Melbourne. Pick the one closest to where you start.
City and town centres 8
Stations 5
Ports and ferries 1
Suburbs 44
Driving in Victoria
What to know before you pick up the keys.
Trams and hook turns in central Melbourne. Alpine roads may need snow chains in winter.
CityLink and EastLink in Melbourne are cashless. Tolls are usually billed to you with an admin fee.
Check alpine and unsealed-road terms.
Rules vary by supplier, so check the conditions for your rental before you pay.
Popular one-way trips from Melbourne
Distances and times are approximate. Any one-way fee is shown before you book.
Melbourne Essendon Airport car rental questions
Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.
Where exactly do I collect my car at Melbourne Essendon Airport?
Your booking voucher shows the desk or depot address and opening hours for Melbourne Essendon Airport. Suppliers and pick-up points can change, so check it before you travel.
What if my flight into Melbourne Essendon Airport is delayed?
Add your flight number when you book so the supplier can track delays. If you will arrive after the desk closes, call the supplier.
Is it cheaper to pick up at Melbourne Essendon Airport or elsewhere in Melbourne?
It depends on the supplier and dates. Airport pick-ups can include a location fee, so compare the total price, not just the daily rate.
Can I return the car somewhere other than Melbourne Essendon Airport?
Often yes, as a one-way rental between supplier locations. Any one-way fee is shown before you book.
What do I need to rent a car at Melbourne Essendon Airport?
Usually a full licence held for at least a year, a credit card in the main driver’s name and your voucher. If your licence is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit or official translation.
Are tolls included when I rent from Melbourne Essendon Airport?
CityLink and EastLink in Melbourne are cashless. Tolls are usually billed to you with an admin fee. Tolls are not included in the rental price and are usually billed to you with an admin fee.