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

Home One-way Car Rentals Cairns to Melbourne

Documents 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.

Notes: If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking. 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 physical Australia national photo ID
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, and UnionPay. Debit cards are also accepted in some cases (Visa, Master, UnionPay).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 per day (capped at AUD 115.5 for the rental) or AUD 27.5 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 driving licence + NAATI Translation
• Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

Notes: Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter. The translation of the driver's license certified by the Australian Translation and Accreditation Institute (NAATI) can be used to rent a car and drive in Australia. An English translation must be provided on the back of the South Korea driver's license.
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, DinersClub, and UnionPay. Debit cards are also accepted in some cases (Visa, Master, UnionPay).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 per day (capped at AUD 115.5 for the rental) or AUD 27.5 per day depending on the rental provider.

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$ 260-4953	US$ 198.25-3304.25	US$ 318-5178	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 844-4954	US$ 660.85-3304.25	US$ 1041-5179	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 345-352	US$ 198.25-198.25	US$ 528-544	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 266-4603	US$ 198.25-3304.25	US$ 329-4712	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 312-5241	US$ 198.25-3304.25	US$ 507-6069	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 4551-4551	US$ 3003.86-3304.25	US$ 718-4802	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Most rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals; verify its amount and inclusion before booking.
Vehicle Drop-off Locations: Ensure the rental company has convenient drop-off points at your destination city.
Cross-State Regulations: Check if any restrictions apply when driving across state lines, such as additional paperwork or fees.
Vehicle Type and Availability: Confirm the availability of your preferred car type for the route and its suitability for the journey.
Fuel Policy: Understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank or pay upfront for fuel.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan for Scenic Routes: Research and incorporate beautiful stops between Cairns and Melbourne, such as coastal views and national parks.
Allow Extra Time: Account for rest stops and sightseeing to avoid rushing and enjoy a comfortable journey.
Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure your rental agreement includes comprehensive coverage or consider purchasing additional insurance.
Book in Advance: Reserve your rental car early to secure availability and avoid last-minute price surges.
Confirm Navigation Tools: Verify GPS availability in the car or plan to use a reliable offline map for navigation.

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

BP Tullamarine - 182–184 Airport Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043, Australia

7-Eleven - 61-63 Mickleham Rd, Tullamarine VIC 3043, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to reduce fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Cairns Parking

Consider using long-term parking facilities near the airport for extended stays.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Melbourne Parking

Utilize parking apps to find cost-effective options in the city center.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a valid toll payment method to avoid fines.

Consider using an electronic toll pass for convenience.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Subsection heading for main routes around this area:

Coastal Explorer Route

Scenic Drive 4 days

This route follows the picturesque East Coast Highway with views of the Pacific Ocean.

Cairns , Townsville , Brisbane , Sydney , Melbourne

Outback Adventure Path

Adventure Drive 7 days

Travel through the heart of Australia's Outback with vibrant landscapes and remote towns.

Cairns , Mount Isa , Alice Springs , Broken Hill , Melbourne

Great Dividing Range Trail

Mountain Route 5 days

Experience the stunning Great Dividing Range peaks with lush forests and valleys.

Cairns , Rockhampton , Toowoomba , Canberra , Melbourne

Subsection heading for popular trips around the area:

Cairns to Townsville

5 hours

Short drive passing coastal towns and rainforests.

Townsville to Brisbane

10 hours

Driving through diverse landscapes including beaches and rural areas.

Brisbane to Sydney

12 hours

Experience the transition from subtropical climates to temperate zones.

Sydney to Melbourne

9 hours

Famous Hume Highway with vineyards and countryside views.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Car Rental Selection: Choose a rental car suitable for your trip's terrain and weather conditions.

Route Planning: Plan your route ahead considering the local attractions and road conditions.

Fuel Management: Locate gas stations along less populated stretches to avoid running out of fuel.

Accommodation Booking: Reserve accommodations in advance, especially around popular stops.

Vehicle Check: Inspect the rental vehicle for damages before starting the trip.

Keep Costs in Check: Understand the rental terms to avoid surprise fees at drop-off.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Here are some tips for selecting the perfect car rental company for your one-way trip from Cairns to Melbourne.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Wide	Nation-wide locations , Diverse fleet including SUVs and luxury vehicles , Good customer service
Budget	$	Medium	Medium	Affordable pricing , Frequent promotions , Wide range of vehicles
Avis	$$$	High	Wide	Premium vehicle options , Comprehensive insurance offers , 24/7 support
Thrifty	$$	Medium	Wide	Competitive pricing , Eco-friendly vehicle choices , Easy online booking options

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

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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

Cairns Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with 24/7 returns.

Location at Cairns Airport:

The rental car counters are situated near the baggage claim area of the arrivals terminal.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles available between terminals and rental car spaces every 15-20 minutes.

Book your rental car in advance to ensure availability for one-way trips, as this route can be popular among travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average costs for a one-way car rental from Cairns to Melbourne?

The costs of a one-way car rental can vary significantly depending on the car rental company, the type of vehicle you choose, and the duration of the rental. Typically, prices range between $250 to $500, with additional one-way fees possibly applied. Booking well in advance can often provide better rates.

Are there any one-way fees for renting a car from Cairns to Melbourne?

Many companies impose a one-way fee, which is an extra charge for picking up a car in one location and returning it to a different one. This fee can range from $50 to $200, but it is always advisable to confirm this cost with the rental company at the time of booking.

What types of vehicles are available for hire on this route?

Rental companies generally offer a variety of vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and sometimes larger vehicles like minibuses or luxury cars. The availability may differ by the provider, so it's recommended to check what is offered at your Cairns pick-up location.

What documents are required to rent a car for this trip?

You will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the name of the primary driver, and a form of identification such as a passport if you're an international traveler. Some companies may also require proof of travel itinerary.

Can I return the rental car outside of office hours in Melbourne?

Many rental car locations in Melbourne offer after-hours return options, such as a secured key drop box. Confirm this service with the rental provider at the time of booking to ensure a hassle-free return process.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Embark on Your One-Way Journey