How to Save on Car Rentals at Melbourne Airport During Peak Travel Seasons

You’ve just landed at Melbourne Airport during the Australian Open or Christmas rush. You head over to the rental counters and see long lines, “Sold Out” signs flashing, and tired travellers scrambling for a set of keys. Not exactly the welcome you were hoping for.

Melbourne Airport is Australia’s second busiest when it comes to car rental fleet turnover. That means demand is always high and during peak seasons prices skyrocket. Renting a car here can often be one of the costliest parts of your holiday.

This guide isn’t about generic hacks. It’s about Melbourne-specific strategies and tricks that locals and smart travellers actually use to keep rental costs in check.

Understanding the Peak-Season Price Mechanics

Here’s the truth: rentals at airports almost always cost more. At Melbourne Airport, you are paying not just for the car, but also for airport concession fees and the “convenience” markup. On average, that’s 25–40% higher than what you would pay if you booked the same vehicle online.

Melbourne has a packed events calendar, which keeps demand high:

• January: Australian Open + school holidays
• March-April: Formula 1 Grand Prix + Easter break
• December-January: Christmas, New Year and long summer holidays

If you are flying around those times, expect higher prices and limited car availability unless you book in advance.

Smart Booking Strategies (Beyond “Book Early”)

Yes, booking early helps—but there are a few other ways to keep costs down:

• Book direct online – Airport walk-up prices are always higher. Online bookings lock in your car and rate.
• Pick the right category – Smaller cars are cheaper and easier to handle around Melbourne. Don’t pay for a big SUV unless you need it.
• Hunt for deals – Check the specials section of rental sites. Melbourne Airport pickups often have promotions.
• Check the car carefully – Photograph scratches or dents before you drive away. It could save you a headache later.
• Have your documents ready – Licence and booking confirmation on hand makes pickup quick and painless.

Easy Ways to Skip the Airport Counter Hassle

Nobody wants to spend their first hour in Melbourne waiting in line. Here’s how to cut the hassle:

• Online check-in – Choose your car and extras before you fly, and you’re set.
• Contactless pickup – Some companies let you go straight to the car. No counter, no queue.
• All-inclusive packages – Bundled insurance and extras mean fewer surprises at the counter.

Common Traps That Can Cost You More

Hiring a car at Melbourne Airport sounds simple enough—but if you’re not careful, the little details can sneak up on you and end up costing far more than expected. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Leaving it to the last minute – Airport rentals book out quickly, and prices climb the closer you get. Locking in early is nearly always cheaper.
• Adding extras you don’t really need – Child seats, GPS, extra drivers… they all add up. Only take what you’ll actually use.
• Overlooking the fine print – Some companies throw in extra fees like airport charges, seasonal costs, or insurance surprises. Always double-check the details.
• Booking the first car you see – The “quick and easy” option might not suit your trip. A little time comparing options can save a lot of money.
• Skipping the website check – You might miss info on insurance, add-ons, or rental terms if you just book on the spot. Take a minute to read through online.
• Not knowing the fuel policy – Full-to-full is usually best. Prepaid fuel only makes sense if you’ll return the car near empty.
• Messing up pickup and drop-off times – Even being an hour late can trigger another full day’s charge. Plan it carefully.

Think Twice About Relying on Public Transport

Melbourne’s public transport is reliable and affordable, so at first glance, it feels like the smart choice over car hire. And yes—it can save you a few dollars. But here’s the flip side:

• Extra Transfers – Trains, trams, and buses will get you close, but often not all the way. That usually means multiple changes, which gets tiring—especially if you’re carrying luggage.
• Limited Schedules – Need to head out early, travel late, or move during peak times? You might end up waiting longer than you’d like.
• Less Flexibility – Public transport ties you to fixed routes and timetables. Spontaneous detours or exploring hidden spots off the main track become tricky.
• Hidden Stress – Managing bags, finding connections, and working out new routes can turn what should be a relaxing trip into a stressful one.

So yes, public transport can be cheaper, but it often comes at the cost of comfort and freedom. Sometimes, a rental car is the smarter choice: you go where you want, when you want, with far less hassle.

Final Thoughts

Car rentals at Melbourne Airport can get expensive during busy seasons. But with the right tips, you can keep costs down. The next time you arrive in Melbourne during a peak period, you will know how to avoid the rental counter rush. Travel feels easier when you have already saved a few hundred dollars before leaving the airport.

Cheaper Car Rentals is here to provide the highest quality cars. We offer a wide range of cars that are easy to book and available for short-term and long-term rentals. With free roadside assistance on all cars, you can trust us to make your travel hassle-free. Get in touch now!