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

Home One-way Car Rentals Sydney 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 1-3 years depending on the rental provider. Local renters may need to present a utility bill within 3 months for verification.

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. 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 are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some providers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old, depending on the rental provider. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 per day, with some providers capping the fees 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 provider. Additional requirements include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

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. 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 are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some providers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old, depending on the rental provider. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 per day, with some providers capping the fees for the rental period.

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$ 100-3746	US$ 0.00-2990.12	US$ 252-3881	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 419-850	US$ 361.80-1315.65	US$ 503-982	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 218-305	US$ 0.00-328.91	US$ 352-671	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 112-412	US$ 0.00-2990.12	US$ 263-521	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 256-449	US$ 0.00-1315.65	US$ 414-616	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Many rental companies charge an additional one-way fee. Make sure to check the fee before booking to budget accordingly.
Vehicle Availability: Not all vehicle categories may be available for one-way trips. Consider booking early to secure your preferred type.
Cross-State Restrictions: Check if the rental includes any restrictions for driving across states. Ensure permits are aligned with your route.
Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy for one-way rentals to avoid additional charges. Some require you to return it with the same fuel level.
Drop-Off Timing: Plan your trip to match your drop-off location's operating hours to avoid late return fees.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan in Advance: Early planning not only helps you secure availability but also provides opportunities for discounts.
Choose Scenic Routes: Optimize your route to include scenic stops or attractions along the way for a memorable journey.
Ensure Roadside Assistance Coverage: Verify if the rental includes roadside assistance to handle unexpected issues during your trip.
Check Insurance Options: Understand the insurance policies available with the rental to choose the best protection for your needs.
Flexible Booking Options: Opt for companies with alteration and cancellation flexibility in case plans change.
Read the Rental Agreement: Go through the agreement thoroughly to ensure compliance with policies and avoid unforeseen penalties.

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

Drive at a consistent speed.

Avoid unnecessary idling.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Sydney Parking

Use public transport to avoid high parking fees in the city center.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Melbourne Parking

Look for early bird parking deals in the CBD.

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 a toll tag or arrange payment directly with the rental company.

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if possible to save costs.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Sydney to Melbourne:

Coastal Drive via Princes Highway

Scenic Drive 12-15 hours

A picturesque route featuring coastal views, beaches, and charming towns.

Wollongong , Batemans Bay , Lakes Entrance

Direct Route via Hume Highway

Fast Route 9 hours

The fastest route connecting Sydney and Melbourne with minimal detours.

Goulburn , Albury , Wodonga

Wine and Nature Trail via the Yarra Valley

Scenic Drive 10-12 hours

A route featuring vineyards and natural parks ideal for food and wine enthusiasts.

Canberra , Beechworth , Yarra Valley

Popular Destinations Along the Journey:

Sydney to Canberra

3.5 hours

Explore the Australian capital and its landmarks like the Parliament House.

Canberra to Albury

4 hours

Enjoy the countryside and discover wineries in this pleasant journey.

Albury to Melbourne

3.5 hours

The final leg through scenic Victoria countryside entering Melbourne.

Sydney to Wollongong

1.5 hours

A short drive to a coastal city known for its historic sites and beaches.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route: Research and select your preferred route, considering distances, traffic, and interests.

Fuel Stops: Ensure availability of fuel stations along the route to avoid running out.

Book Rentals Early: Secure your car rental early to ensure availability and potentially lower rates.

Weather Preparedness: Check weather forecasts for the travel period to make necessary preparations.

Inspect Your Rental Car: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for damages and familiarize yourself with its features.

Road Safety: Be aware of current traffic laws and ensure you are comfortable driving the vehicle.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company is crucial for hassle-free one-way trips. Ensure the company supports one-way rentals between Sydney and Melbourne.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Wide	Flexible drop-off locations , Wide range of vehicle models
Avis	$$$	Very High	Moderate	Excellent customer service , Frequent traveler rewards
Budget	$	Moderate	Wide	Affordable pricing , No hidden fees
Europcar	$$	High	Wide	Competitive daily rates , 24/7 roadside assistance

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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

Car Rental Centers in Sydney and Melbourne

Operating Hours:

Most centers operate between 6 AM and midnight.

Locations:

Key rental centers are located at Sydney Airport and central locations in Melbourne.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles are available from airports to rental locations.

Verify availability of after-hours return services and plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the available vehicle options for a one-way rental from Sydney to Melbourne?

You can choose from various vehicle types including economy cars, SUVs, vans, and luxury vehicles depending on your needs and preferences. It's advisable to check the specific options available with your rental company.

Are there additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, one-way car rentals usually come with a drop-off fee, which varies depending on the rental company and distance between locations. Ensure to inquire about this fee while booking.

Do I need any special documentation for a one-way car rental?

You will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card for deposit purposes, and in some cases, an additional form of identification. Check with the rental company for their specific requirements.

Is there a mileage limit imposed on the Sydney to Melbourne route?

Most one-way rentals provide unlimited mileage, but it’s essential to confirm this with the company during booking to avoid any surprises.

Can I extend my rental period after commencing the journey?

Extensions are usually possible, but they depend on vehicle availability and must be arranged with the rental company's approval. Additional charges may apply.

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