From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 3414831191
logo_img

Discover Canberra with Ease

Plan your one-way car rental adventure from Melbourne to Canberra

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(s). If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. You may also need to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.

    Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 100 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 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(s). Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation, original driving licence must also be presented), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version with translation on the back).

    Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, AMEX).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 100 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 per day, depending on the rental provider.
requirements.image

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 TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 124-764US$ 65.78-723.61US$ 230-6204Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 341-769US$ 197.34-723.61US$ 442-916Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 134-796US$ 65.78-723.61US$ 251-991Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 127-300US$ 65.78-723.61US$ 234-486Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 314-892US$ 197.34-723.61US$ 491-1221Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 408-856US$ 197.34-723.61US$ 1128-1128Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fee charges: Understand the additional fees associated with picking up the vehicle in Melbourne and returning it in Canberra.
  • Route planning details: Plan your route ahead, ensuring you know the best stops and rest areas between Melbourne and Canberra.
  • Cross-state restrictions: Check if there are any vehicle or rental policy restrictions when crossing from Victoria to ACT.
  • Car model availability: Confirm that your preferred car type is available for a one-way rental along this route.
  • Rental duration policies: Review the minimum and maximum rental periods applicable for one-way rentals.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in advance: Secure your one-way car rental slot early to avoid last-minute unavailability.
  • Fuel-up wisely: Identify the cheapest and most conveniently located gas stations along your route.
  • Consider travel seasons: Avoid peak travel times to benefit from better rental prices and less crowded roads.
  • Select the best drop-off point: Ensure the Canberra location is convenient and close to your final destination.
  • Emergency contact assistance: Gather the rental company’s emergency contact details for a hassle-free journey.
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
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Ampol Foodary Canberra Airport (pialligo) - 3 Rogan St, Canberra Airport ACT 2609, Australia

Costco Fuel - 39-41 Mustang Ave, Canberra Airport ACT 2609, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure.

refueling-bg
Melbourne Parking

Consider using public transport to reach your rental location to avoid parking fees.

Parking in Melbourne can be expensive, especially in the city center. Look for off-peak parking rates or use park-and-ride facilities.

Canberra Parking

Check for time restrictions in free parking zones to avoid fines.

Canberra offers ample parking options, including free and paid parking areas near major attractions.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and EasyPark can help locate and book parking spots in advance, saving time and effort.

parking-bg
Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with a toll tag or arrange payment through the rental company to avoid penalties.

Use online toll calculators to estimate costs and plan your budget accordingly.

The route may include toll roads, such as CityLink in Melbourne. Charges vary based on the type of vehicle and distance traveled.

tolls-bg

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Major Driving Routes from Melbourne to Canberra:
Hume Highway
Direct Route 8 hours

The most direct and popular route between Melbourne and Canberra, featuring smooth highways and minimal stops.

Benalla , Albury , Wodonga , Gundagai
Great Alpine Road
Scenic Route 10 hours

A picturesque drive through Victoria's High Country, offering views of mountains and vineyards.

Bright , Mount Hotham , Omeo
Coastal Route
Leisure Drive 12 hours

This route takes you along the coast, with opportunities to explore seaside towns and beaches.

Lakes Entrance , Eden , Batemans Bay
Essential Advice for Planning Your Trip

Vehicle Selection: Choose a car suitable for the terrain and length of your journey, such as an economical vehicle for highways or an SUV for mountain routes.

Budgeting: Plan your expenses for fuel, accommodation, and food. Look for deals on rental cars during non-peak seasons.

Navigation Tools: Have a reliable GPS device or smartphone app for navigation. Keep physical maps as a backup.

Fuel Stops: Identify fuel stations along your route, especially when driving through remote areas.

Safety Precautions: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry a first-aid kit, and understand emergency procedures.

Accommodation Planning: Book hotels in advance if you plan overnight stops, especially during holiday seasons.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing a company for a one-way car rental between Melbourne and Canberra involves understanding the options and their services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$$ExcellentExtensive Widely available locations for pick-up and drop-off , Diverse vehicle selection including luxury models and SUVs
Avis$$GoodWide Affordable one-way rental fees , Availability of budget-friendly options
Budget$$GoodWide Competitive pricing , Rapid online booking system
Thrifty$ModerateGood Best for budget-conscious renters , Friendly customer service
QEEQ

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

companies-img1
Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

companies-img2
Best Rates

Compare across providers

companies-img3
24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

companies-img4
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

Information About Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers in Melbourne operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Rental Car Pick-Up Locations:

Pick-up services are available both at Melbourne airport and various city locations.

Shuttle Service Availability:

Complimentary airport shuttles are available to transport renters to the rental center.

Fleet Availability:

Wide range of rental cars available depending on your preferences and group size.

Always confirm the one-way rental policy and fees directly with the provider before reserving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a one-way fee for returning the vehicle to a different location from where it was picked up. The exact amount varies by company, so it's recommended to check this detail during booking.

Can I choose the type of car for my one-way rental?

Absolutely! Most car rental agencies offer a range of vehicles to choose from. Available options could include compact cars, SUVs, or luxury models. However, availability might depend on the pick-up location.

Do I need insurance for a one-way car rental?

While insurance is not legally required, it is highly advised. Insurance can protect you from many unexpected issues. Most car rental companies offer insurance plans, or you can explore third-party providers.

Is unlimited mileage included in one-way car rentals?

Whether unlimited mileage is included depends on the rental company's policy. Many companies include this as a standard benefit, but some may apply restrictions. Review the terms of your rental agreement carefully.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and sometimes an additional form of identification. International travelers may also require an International Driving Permit.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ