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Explore the Scenic Route from Melbourne to Sydney

Your ultimate guide for seamless one-way car rentals

Can I rent a car from Melbourne to Sydney?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Melbourne to Sydney. 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 1-3 years depending on the rental policy.

    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. 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, and AMEX. Some policies also accept debit cards (Visa, Master, or UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old depending on the rental policy. Young drivers aged 20-25 may incur additional fees ranging from AUD 10.85 to AUD 31.76 per day, with some policies capping the total fee for the rental period.
  • 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 1-3 years depending on the rental policy. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
    • Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version)

    Notes: If you are a foreign 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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some policies also accept debit cards (Visa, Master, or UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old depending on the rental policy. Young drivers aged 20-25 may incur additional fees ranging from AUD 10.85 to AUD 31.76 per day, with some policies capping the total fee for the rental period.
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How much does renting a car from Melbourne to Sydney 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$ 92/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 98/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 221-1122US$ 178.77-1081.60US$ 276-575Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 336-462US$ 196.65-1081.60US$ 489-600Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 233-1155US$ 178.77-1081.60US$ 288-1301Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 239-454US$ 178.77-1081.60US$ 294-549Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 305-440US$ 196.65-1191.84US$ 472-791Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 380-1214US$ 196.65-1081.60US$ 604-1485Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fees: Understand additional charges for returning the car to a location different from where you picked it up.
  • Cross-border restrictions: Verify if cross-border drive to territories like ACT is allowed on your route.
  • Rental duration: Check the minimum and maximum day limits for one-way rentals and plan accordingly.
  • Vehicle availability: Ensure the type of car you choose is available for one-way trips between these cities.
  • Drop-off locations: Familiarize yourself with the designated drop-off points in Sydney.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan your route ahead: Determine the best path and explore attractions along the route.
  • Refuel properly before drop-off: Upon approach to Sydney, locate stations for required refueling.
  • Understand highway tolls: Some sections may store toll charges for the trip; keep payment methods handy.
  • Budget for extra fees: Prepare for any potential parking or overrun charges.
  • Check the vehicle's condition: Review the rental car for any pre-existing damages to avoid disputes.
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

Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Always save the last refueling receipt as proof for the rental company.

Ensure the fuel level matches the agreement in the rental contract before driving off.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost for the route is around $1.80 AUD per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control where possible.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure.

Avoid overloading the car to improve fuel efficiency.

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Melbourne Parking

Street parking in central Melbourne can be expensive and limited.

Consider using parking garages for longer stays, which may offer flat daily rates.

Be mindful of parking restrictions and time limits to avoid fines.

Sydney Parking

Sydney offers a mix of street parking and parking facilities, with varying costs.

Parking near Sydney Airport may be limited; check availability in advance.

Consider using mobile apps to reserve parking spots in busy areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

Secure Parking

EasyPark

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Tolls and FasTrak

M2 Hills Motorway: Charges vary by vehicle type and time of day.

M5 South-West Motorway: Average cost is around $5.90 AUD for cars.

Eastern Distributor: Costs approximately $7.00 AUD for cars.

Toll Payment Options

Electronic tags like E-Toll or Linkt are accepted.

Online payments can be made within 48 hours of using a toll road.

Some service stations provide toll payment facilities.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Subsection heading for main routes around this area:
Coastal Drive via Princes Highway
Scenic route 10-12 hours

A picturesque coastal route showcasing stunning ocean views and charming seaside towns.

Geelong , Lakes Entrance , Batemans Bay
Direct Route via Hume Highway
Efficient route 8-9 hours

The fastest way from Melbourne to Sydney, featuring comfortable stops along the way.

Albury , Gundagai , Campbelltown
Alpine Stretch via Great Alpine Road
Adventure route 12-14 hours

A mountainous drive showcasing snow-capped peaks, national parks, and quaint villages.

Bright , Falls Creek , Central Tilba
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan your route in advance: Check the driving durations and major stops to optimize rest breaks and sightseeing.

Fuel up wisely: Locate gas stations along the route to avoid running low on fuel in remote areas.

Inspect your rental car: Check for any damages and ensure all necessary items like the spare tire and tools are present.

Start early: Begin your trip early in the morning to maximize daylight driving hours for safety and sightseeing.

Understand rental terms: Scrutinize the rental agreement to avoid unexpected charges and confirm the allowance for one-way drop-offs.

Prepare for weather changes: Pack accordingly for varying temperatures or unpredictable weather conditions along the route.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Melbourne to Sydney, consider providers offering one-way rental services with minimal fees, a vast fleet, and extensive geographic coverage.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Large selection of vehicles , Multiple pickup and drop-off locations , Long rental durations available
Avis$$$GoodExtensive Reliable vehicle quality , Membership benefits available , 24/7 road assistance
Budget$ModerateGood Economical choice , Loyalty program discounts , Convenient booking process
Europcar$$$HighModerate Luxury vehicle options , Exceptional customer service , Eco-friendly vehicle options
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

Guide to Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers in Melbourne operate from 7 AM to 10 PM. Contact the specific center for holiday hours.

Location:

Rental car centers are located within the airport terminal and in city suburban areas.

Shuttle Service:

Frequent shuttles connect the airport and nearby rental centers every 15 minutes.

Additional Services:

Services such as GPS navigation rental, child seating, and insurance packages are available.

Pro Tips for Melbourne Airport(MEL) Car Rentals

Book your one-way car rental early to secure vehicle availability, and always account for potential one-way rental fees in your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up my rental car in Melbourne and drop it off in Sydney?

Yes, one-way car rentals allow you to pick up your car at a Melbourne location and return it at a Sydney location. This is a convenient option for travelers planning to travel only one way.

Are there any fees associated with one-way car rentals?

Some car rental companies may charge a one-way fee, also known as a drop-off fee. This fee covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location.

What is the distance from Melbourne to Sydney, and how long does it take to drive?

The drive from Melbourne to Sydney is approximately 878 kilometers (546 miles) and typically takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and driving conditions.

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

Yes, most car rental agreements require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Failure to do so may result in additional charges.

Can I choose a specific vehicle for my one-way rental?

While you can request a specific vehicle category, the exact make and model may vary based on availability. It's recommended to confirm this with the rental company.

Ready to Book Your Melbourne to Sydney Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes