Renting a Car at Melbourne Airport
Last updated: April 2026
Melbourne Airport Tullamarine (MEL) has its rental car hub on the ground floor of the Terminal 2 multi-story car park — a 3-minute covered walk from the international arrivals hall. All major operators (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar) plus Australian chains East Coast and Ace share the space. MEL is the starting point for the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most famous coastal drives.
🎯 Quick Tip
The Great Ocean Road starts just 1.5 hours from MEL — but budget a full day minimum. The drive from Torquay to the Twelve Apostles takes 3-4 hours one way with stops. Many visitors underestimate the distance and miss the best sections by rushing.
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Airport Pickup Tips
From international arrivals, follow 'Car Rental' signs through the covered walkway to Terminal 2's ground floor. Present your passport, license (English licenses accepted; others need IDP), and credit card. Australian rental is efficient — 10-15 minutes typical. If heading to the Great Ocean Road, request a car with good fuel range — there are gaps of 50+ km between stations on the coast road.
Check for stone chips on the windscreen and front bumper — Victorian highways have loose gravel on shoulders. Inspect the spare tire and tools; rural roads in the Grampians and Great Otway area are remote. Test the wiper blades — Melbourne's weather changes rapidly and quality wipers are essential. Check the boot/trunk for space — the Great Ocean Road has limited luggage stops.
For detailed guidance, see our pre-drive checklist.
Explore Melbourne by Car
Melbourne is the starting point for the legendary Great Ocean Road — one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives. The Twelve Apostles rock formations, lush rainforests, and surf breaks await.
Top drive from Melbourne: Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles
Full Melbourne Car Hire Guide →
Getting from Melbourne Airport to the City
MEL is 23 km northwest of Melbourne CBD. Take the Tullamarine Freeway M2 south (25 min, tolled). For the Great Ocean Road, take the M1/Princes Freeway to Geelong then B100 to Torquay (90 min to the start). For Phillip Island (penguins), take the M1 south then A420 (2 hours). For the Yarra Valley wineries, take the M3 east (60 min). For the Grampians, take the Western Freeway A8 (3 hours).
Ace Rental Cars operates from Mickleham Road, 2 km from MEL, with free airport shuttle. They specialize in campervans and larger SUVs suitable for the Great Ocean Road and Grampians. Rates are 15-20% below terminal operators and include free GPS and child seats.
What to Know Before Driving from MEL
Australia drives on the left. Speed limits: 110 km/h on freeways, 100 km/h on rural highways, 60 km/h in suburbs, 40 km/h in school zones. Victoria has extensive fixed and mobile speed cameras — fines start at AU$227 for 10 km/h over. Melbourne's CityLink and EastLink tollways are fully electronic — register before using them. Kangaroos are a serious dusk/dawn hazard outside the city.
Australia drives on the LEFT. Melbourne's hook turns are unique to the city — at designated CBD intersections, you turn RIGHT from the LEFT lane. This sounds insane but makes sense for tram clearance. Your GPS will warn you. The Tullamarine Freeway (M2) from MEL to the city is tolled — register with Linkt or the desk can add toll billing to your rental.
Fuel Stations Near MEL
Caltex, United, and BP stations are on the Tullamarine Freeway and Pascoe Vale Road near MEL. Fuel: ULP91 approximately AU$1.90/L. Melbourne fuel prices cycle weekly — cheapest on Tuesdays, most expensive on Wednesdays/Thursdays. Use the PetrolSpy or GasBuddy app. Fill up in Geelong before the Great Ocean Road — coastal stations are significantly more expensive.
Local Driving Tip
Melbourne's unique hook turns require right-turning cars to pull into the left lane first — they exist only in the CBD and are marked with signs. Miss one and you'll need to circle the block. Tram tracks are also hazardous when wet.