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Explore the Journey from Canberra to Melbourne

Convenient one-way car rentals made simple

Can I rent a car from Canberra to Melbourne?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Canberra to Melbourne. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for AU residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
  • 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.

    Notes: Budget Australia may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as it deems necessary or appropriate or in accordance with applicable law (e.g. copy of utilities bill, phone bill). If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are also accepted, including Visa and Master.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 per day (capped at AUD 115.5 for the rental) or AUD 31.76 per day, depending on the rental provider.
  • 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 driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version)
    • Original driving licence + NAATI Translation.

    Notes: Budget Australia may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as it deems necessary or appropriate or in accordance with applicable law (e.g. copy of utilities bill, phone bill).

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are also accepted, including Visa and Master.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 per day (capped at AUD 115.5 for the rental) or AUD 31.76 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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How much does renting a car from Canberra to Melbourne cost?

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

US$ 135/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 169/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 327-4759US$ 196.65-2979.61US$ 404-4961Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 623-1149US$ 327.75-655.51US$ 682-1372Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 368-368US$ 196.65-262.20US$ 520-520Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 267-626US$ 0.00-2979.61US$ 506-1008Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 369-4676US$ 196.65-2979.61US$ 646-4743Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 583-4822US$ 196.65-2979.61US$ 5101-5101Adventure 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 to account for vehicle repositioning.
  • Cross-State Restrictions: Ensure the rental company allows cross-state travel to avoid any unexpected charges or invalidation of the rental agreement.
  • Vehicle Availability: Vehicles for one-way rental are subject to availability; it’s recommended to book in advance.
  • Drop-Off Locations: Verify if the company has a convenient drop-off location near your planned destination in Melbourne.
  • Rental Policy Awareness: Understand the rental company’s policies regarding insurance, fuel requirements, and mileage limitations for one-way trips.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route in Advance: Map out your journey to include key stops and attractions along your route from Canberra to Melbourne.
  • Understand Fuel Policies: Be aware of your rental provider's fuel policy, such as full-to-full or prepaid options, to avoid penalties.
  • Estimate Travel Time: Include time for rest stops and traffic to ensure on-time return of the vehicle.
  • Inspect the Vehicle: Perform a thorough check of the vehicle for pre-existing damage before departure.
  • Keep Contact Information: Have the rental company's support number handy for immediate assistance if required.
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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges by the rental company.

Keep the receipt as proof of refueling within the vicinity of the drop-off location.

Ensure the fuel level matches the level indicated in the rental agreement.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost for the route is approximately AUD 1.80 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Avoid excess weight in the vehicle to reduce fuel consumption.

Use air conditioning sparingly to conserve fuel.

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Canberra Parking

Parking in Canberra city center costs around AUD 3.50 per hour.

Free parking is available in suburban areas.

Consider using parking apps for real-time availability.

Melbourne Parking

Melbourne CBD parking rates average AUD 5 per hour.

Look for early bird specials in multi-level car parks.

Street parking is limited and often metered.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

Secure Parking

EasyPark

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Tolls and FasTrak

The CityLink tollway in Melbourne charges approximately AUD 5.50 per trip.

The EastLink tollway costs around AUD 3.50 for a single trip.

Toll fees are automatically charged via e-tags or license plate recognition.

Toll Payment Options

Electronic tags like e-TAG or Linkt tags.

License plate tolling with pre-registration.

Pay online within 3 days of travel to avoid penalties.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Canberra to Melbourne:
Coastal Drive via Princes Highway
Scenic Coastal Route 11-13 hours

This breathtaking route takes you along the southeast coastline, offering stunning sea views, charming towns, and pristine beaches.

Batemans Bay , Eden , Lakes Entrance
Hume Highway Route
Direct Highway Route 8-9 hours

The Hume Highway provides the quickest and most efficient drive, featuring rest stops and countryside views.

Yass , Albury , Benalla
The Snowy Mountains Route
Mountainous Adventure Route 10-12 hours

Experience the highlands and national parks with this route through the Snowy Mountains.

Cooma , Jindabyne , Bright
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle that suits your space needs and is comfortable for long drives.

Route Planning: Map your route ahead of time and include stops for rest and exploration.

Time Management: Estimate drive times realistically and allow extra time for unexpected delays.

Packing Essentials: Bring essentials such as food, water, maps, first-aid kits, and charging cables.

Fuel Planning: Ensure your car is fuelled before leaving urban areas and plan for refuelling stops en route.

Budget Considerations: Set a budget for fuel, accommodations, and meals; consider additional rental fees for one-way trips.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

We've compiled a list of recommended companies offering one-way car rentals for your journey from Canberra to Melbourne.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Avis Rent a Car$$HighNational Wide range of vehicles , Flexible pickup locations
Hertz Corporation$$$Very HighInternational Premium service , Exclusive car models available
Budget Car Rental$$ModerateNational Competitive pricing , Convenient online booking system
Thrifty Car Rental$BasicRegional Affordable rates , Friendly local service
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
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

Car Rental Centers at Your Service

Operating Hours:

Most rental car centers are open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Pickup and Dropoff Locations:

Rental centers at Canberra Airport and Melbourne Airport terminals.

Shuttle Services:

Free shuttle bus connects the parking to the terminal every 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Canberra Airport(CBR) Car Rentals

Always confirm your booking details and inquire about the one-way fee before finalizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to rent a car one-way from Canberra to Melbourne?

Yes, many car rental companies offer the option for one-way rentals between Australian cities like Canberra and Melbourne. Ensure you clarify the one-way rental policy when booking.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals on this route?

One-way rentals might include a drop-off charge since the car is being returned to a location different from where it was picked up. It is recommended to check this detail with the rental provider.

What is the distance between Canberra and Melbourne, and how long does it take to drive?

The distance from Canberra to Melbourne is approximately 660 kilometers (410 miles) and the drive typically takes around 7–8 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

To rent a car, you generally need a valid driver’s license, a credit card for payment, and sometimes an additional form of identification, such as a passport or local ID.

Are there gas stations along the way for refueling?

Yes, there are numerous gas stations on the highway between Canberra and Melbourne. Be sure to refuel at least once during the journey to ensure a smooth trip.

Ready to Book Your Canberra to Melbourne Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes