One-Way Car Rental from Canberra to Melbourne | Deals & Tips

Home One-way Car Rentals Canberra to Melbourne

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 1-3 years depending on the rental provider.

Notes: 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: $1,000 standard, or you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some providers also accept debit cards (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years depending on the rental provider. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees ranging from US$ 10.84 to US$ 20.86 per day, capped at certain amounts for some providers.

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. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version)
• Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (such as English, French, German, etc.). Licenses in non-Roman alphabets must be accompanied by an IDP.
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, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some providers also accept debit cards (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years depending on the rental provider. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees ranging from US$ 10.84 to US$ 20.86 per day, capped at certain amounts for some providers.

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.

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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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze

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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.

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

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.

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

Recommended Trips Along the Way:

Exploring Batemans Bay

3 hours from Canberra

Batemans Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and tranquil coastal atmosphere.

Discovering Albury-Wodonga

4 hours from Canberra

Enjoy the serene Murray River, outdoor activities, and cultural landmarks of Albury-Wodonga.

Visiting Eden

6 hours from Canberra

This historic whaling port offers breathtaking ocean views and intriguing maritime heritage.

Exploring Bright

9 hours from Canberra

A picturesque town located in the alpine region with vibrant autumn colors and adventure opportunities.

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.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis Rent a Car	$$	High	National	Wide range of vehicles , Flexible pickup locations
Hertz Corporation	$$$	Very High	International	Premium service , Exclusive car models available
Budget Car Rental	$$	Moderate	National	Competitive pricing , Convenient online booking system
Thrifty Car Rental	$	Basic	Regional	Affordable rates , Friendly local service

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Exclusive Features

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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 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.

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