Car hire reviews
Car hire in Melbourne is one of the most rewarding rental decisions in Australia if your itinerary includes the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or wider Victorian road trips. Inside central Melbourne, a car is optional: the tram network is excellent, parking is expensive, and CBD congestion can be tiring. But for almost any outward-bound route, a rental becomes highly practical. Melbourne Airport (MEL) pickup is the best option because supplier choice is widest there, airport logistics are smooth, and you can head toward the West Gate or Tullamarine Freeway without city navigation first. City pickup can work for later departures, but fleet availability is narrower. Expect toll roads around Melbourne, left-hand drive, and variable weather on coastal routes. A compact hatchback or mid-size SUV is ideal for most itineraries. Melbourne is often rated as one of the most driver-friendly cities in Australia thanks to clear signage and road discipline. The reviews below show which Melbourne suppliers deliver efficient pickups and which ones turn the process into unnecessary friction. For more on Australian rentals, see our Australia car hire guide, and compare Sixt and Enterprise for strong local coverage.
Counter intelligence
15 min
50% low
4 reported answers
0%
0 of 4 reported answers
100%
Got car they booked
Missing answers are excluded. Based on 4 reviews across 69 locations and 25 suppliers. Average rating: 3.5/5 · Typical wait: ~15 minutes
Quick insights
Archived editorial notes on suppliers and pickup locations in Melbourne; not verified traveller reviews.
Locations in Melbourne
Melbourne Airport
Airport
Melbourne Airport West
Airport
Melbourne Essendon Airport
Airport
Hoppers Crossing Downtown
City / downtown
Bayswater
Other location
Blackburn
Other location
These archived editorial notes are not verified traveller reviews. Their source experiences have not been independently confirmed; they are excluded from traveller ratings and counter statistics.
Editorial · Redspot · Melbourne Airport
Staff warned us about the CityLink tolls and gave genuine alternatives. The Toyota Camry was clean and return was straightforward. Australian-owned and it showed in the service quality.
Editorial · Avis · Melbourne Airport
Consistent Avis experience — the Toyota RAV4 was clean, return process explained clearly, and no surprises on the final bill. Nothing flashy, just reliable.
Editorial · Thrifty · Melbourne
City pickup saved airport time. The Hyundai handled Great Ocean Road perfectly. Toll advice was clear.
Editorial · Thrifty · Melbourne Airport
Quick pickup and a clean Mazda CX-5 made a good first impression, but the Linkt toll explanation felt rushed and we ended up paying for unused days.
Editorial · Europcar · Melbourne CBD
Staff warned us about the hook turns and provided a compact that actually fit in underground garages. CBD pickups aren't for everyone, but this team knew their stuff.
3.5
Good
4 reviews
Kate Williams
1 Apr 2026 · Community submission · booking not verified
The actual car was nice and clean, no complaints there. The frustrating bit was the desk, just really slow for no obvious reason. Took about 35 minutes and there were only a few people ahead of us.
Rachel Green
26 Jan 2026 · Community submission · booking not verified
Quick shuttle, friendly enough staff, car matched booking. Did a weekend down the Great Ocean Road and had zero problems. Would use them again.
Rachel Green
16 Jan 2026 · Community submission · booking not verified
Quick shuttle, friendly enough staff, car matched booking. Did a weekend down the Great Ocean Road and had zero problems. Would use them again.
Kate Williams
12 Jan 2026 · Community submission · booking not verified
The actual car was nice and clean, no complaints there. The frustrating bit was the desk, just really slow for no obvious reason. Took about 35 minutes and there were only a few people ahead of us.
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