One-Way Car Rental from Brisbane to Melbourne | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Brisbane to Melbourne

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for verification.

Notes: If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.
Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. Some policies also accept XpCard and DcCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee ranging from US$10.85 to US$27.50 per day, depending on the rental policy. Some fees are capped for the rental duration.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation, original licence must be presented), Original South Korea Driving License (English version with translation on the back), and Original driving licence + NAATI Translation (certified by the Australian Translation and Accreditation Institute).

Notes: If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some policies also accept XpCard, DcCard, and NAATI-certified translations. Debit cards (Visa and Master) are accepted in some cases.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee ranging from US$10.85 to US$27.50 per day, depending on the rental policy. Some fees are capped for the rental duration.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 284-3778	US$ 196.99-3283.19	US$ 421-3935	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 484-934	US$ 328.31-3283.19	US$ 596-1210	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 286-371	US$ 196.99-3283.19	US$ 450-623	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 286-489	US$ 196.99-3283.19	US$ 444-691	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 539-3712	US$ 196.99-3283.19	US$ 919-4174	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 484-3469	US$ 361.15-2984.71	US$ 677-3704	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Some rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. Confirm this fee during booking.
Vehicle Return Policies: Verify the return location's operating hours and policies to avoid late return penalties.
Geographical Restrictions: Ensure your rental allows for travel between Brisbane and Melbourne without restrictions.
Insurance Coverage: Check the insurance coverage for your planned route to avoid unexpected expenses.
Fuel Policies: Understand the fuel refill policy to save money and avoid extra fees when returning the vehicle.

Smart Planning Tips:

Early Bookings: Reserve your vehicle in advance to secure better prices and availability for the Brisbane to Melbourne route.
Plan Rest Stops: Map out your journey to include scenic rest stops and ensure a smoother driving experience.
Packing Essentials: Bring essentials such as a first-aid kit, snacks, and water for the long drive.
Route Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with the route and available roadside amenities along the way.
Emergency Contacts: Keep the rental company’s contact information handy in case of emergencies or assistance needed during the trip.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

BP Tullamarine - 182–184 Airport Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043, Australia

7-Eleven - 61-63 Mickleham Rd, Tullamarine VIC 3043, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Avoid excessive idling, as it wastes fuel.

Brisbane Parking

Look for early bird parking deals in the city center.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Melbourne Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on parking fees.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is equipped with an electronic toll tag to avoid fines.

Plan your route to minimize toll road usage if possible.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Routes from Brisbane to Melbourne:

Coastal Scenic Drive

Scenic Route 20 - 24 hours

A picturesque drive along the coastline featuring beach views and seaside towns.

Gold Coast , Coffs Harbour , Newcastle , Sydney

Inland Heritage Route

Direct Route 18 - 22 hours

Explore the rich heritage and landscapes of inland Australia.

Toowoomba , Dubbo , Canberra

Great Alpine Road

Mountainous Route 22 - 26 hours

A rewarding journey through alpine scenery and national parks.

Bright , Mount Hotham , Albury

Short Featured Trips Along the Way:

Weekend in Gold Coast

1.5 hours from Brisbane

Enjoy beaches, nightlife, and theme parks.

Explore Sydney

10 hours from Brisbane

Visit the Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and explore vibrant city life.

Canberra Heritage Tour

14 hours from Brisbane

Discover museums and government buildings in Australia’s capital.

Melbourne Cultural Retreat

22 hours from Brisbane

Immerse yourself in Melbourne's arts and coffee culture.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Vehicle: Opt for a car that suits the terrain of your chosen route.

Plan Stops Ahead: Identify rest areas and overnight stops for ease during the journey.

Budget Wisely: Account for fuel costs, tolls, and accommodation expenses.

Check Vehicle Condition: Ensure your rental car is in excellent condition before departure.

Pack Accordingly: Prepare for diverse weather conditions, especially on longer routes.

Stay Informed: Keep up to date with road conditions and local regulations.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Learn how to select the best car rental company for a one-way trip from Brisbane to Melbourne. Only companies providing one-way options are included.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$$	High	Extensive	Large fleet including SUVs and luxury cars , Strong presence in Brisbane and Melbourne , Frequent discounts and loyalty benefits
Avis	$$	Moderate	Wide coverage	Reliable vehicles and competitive pricing , Available in key urban locations , 24/7 customer support
Europcar	$	Moderate	Broad urban and airport presence	Eco-friendly vehicle options , Affordable long-distance rentals , Strong airport rental service
Thrifty	$$	Moderate	Good urban coverage	Variety of vehicle options including vans and trucks , Flexible insurance policies , Special pricing for business customers

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Rental Car Center Information

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers at Brisbane Airport operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Location of Rental Car Centers:

All major rental car providers are located near the arrivals hall at Brisbane Airport and in central Melbourne.

Shuttle Frequency:

Free airport shuttle buses run every 15 minutes to connect customers with rental offices outside the airport terminals.

Airport/City Pick-Up Options:

Renters can choose pick-up locations either within the airport or in designated city zones.

Ensure you confirm the availability of vehicle types and additional fees (such as one-way or young driver fees) during reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any additional charges for a one-way car rental from Brisbane to Melbourne?

Yes, most rental companies apply a one-way fee. This cost covers the expense of returning the vehicle to the origin city. Ensure you clarify this fee in your reservation to avoid surprises.

Can I choose the type of vehicle I want for the trip?

Absolutely, rental providers offer choices such as compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and vans. Confirm availability during booking as selections may vary based on demand.

How far is the drive from Brisbane to Melbourne, and how long does it take?

The route covers approximately 1700 kilometers (1056 miles) and typically takes around 18-20 hours by car, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Do I need to refill the fuel tank before returning the car?

Most rental agreements require a full tank of gas at the time of return to avoid additional fees. Check the fuel policy outlined in your contract.

Can I add an additional driver to the booking?

Yes, many rental companies allow adding extra drivers to your booking. Generally, additional fees are applied, and the secondary driver must meet all requirements.

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