Travelers on a tight budget, as well as companies and family couples, may find it beneficial to consider renting a car in Melbourne, especially given the excellent road conditions. Please note that Australia follows left-hand driving.
The most convenient approach is to book a rental car in Melbourne (with 24-hour service) in advance through online services. You can conveniently pick up the car directly at the airport (major companies like Thrifty and Europcar have offices there).
For those seeking budget-friendly options, the cheapest car rental in Melbourne starts at AUD 37 per day for a Hyundai I20 3DR, for instance. A family-sized VW PASSAT is available for AUD 67. These prices typically include standard insurance and local taxes.
To rent a car in Melbourne without a deposit, the driver typically needs to be at least 21 years old (in some cases at least 25 years old), possess an international driver's license, and have at least 1 year of driving experience. Payment is usually made by credit card.
While renting a car in Melbourne is relatively inexpensive, parking in the city center can be costly. It's worth noting that there are both municipal and private parking lots with varying rates. The more affordable options may charge around 4 AUD per hour, while in the city center, you may encounter rates of 12, 14, or even 22 AUD per hour. Overnight parking in private parking zones averages around 10 AUD.
Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle in Melbourne for approximately AUD 2 per hour, but you'll need to provide a deposit of AUD 300. It's essential to note that cyclists are required to wear a helmet, which you'll need to purchase separately, as it is not included with the bike.
