Can you rent a car from Melbourne to Sydney?
Pick up your rental in Melbourne and drop it off in Sydney with our flexible one-way option. Book online in minutes or reach out to our friendly team by phone, email or contact form. We’ll help you get sorted so you can hit the road sooner.
One way rental Melbourne to Sydney
Travel from Melbourne to Sydney on your schedule with our flexible one-way rentals. Pick up from one Redspot location and drop off at another, saving yourself the return drive and cutting down on fuel costs along the way. Booking is simple. Select the One Way Fee in the Extras section of the online form and you are ready to lock in your trip. Choose the refuelling option that suits your plans. Pre-pay, pay on return, or fill up yourself before drop-off. You can also add handy extras like baby seats or a Toll Pass Waiver to keep things running smoothly from start to finish. Our standard passenger vehicles come with unlimited kilometres across Australia, so you can keep driving without checking the odometer. If you are hiring a van, truck or ute, kilometre limits may apply. Give us a call on 1300 668 810 to confirm before you book. Most locations offer 24/7 drop-off for added flexibility. After-hours pick-up may also be available on request, depending on availability.
Booking is simple. When you make your reservation online, head to the Extras section and select the One Way Fee. That is all it takes to lock it in.
Sort fuel your way with Redspot refuel options to match your plans. Pre-pay, post-pay, or refill it yourself before drop-off. You can also add handy extras like baby seats or a Toll Pass Waiver to keep things running smoothly on the road.
Unlimited km is included on standard passenger and leisure vehicles, so the road trip won’t be a problem at all. If you are hiring a van, truck, or ute, km limits may apply. Give the friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to double-check before you set off.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless stated otherwise. After-hours pick-up can be arranged on request, subject to availability.
Pick up in Melbourne:
Drop off in Sydney:
Meet Our Fleet
Hit the road from Melbourne to Sydney without the usual hassle. With our one-way rentals, you can pick up in Melbourne and drop off in Sydney, keeping your plans simple from start to finish. Choose from a wide range of vehicles to suit your trip, whether you are heading off solo or packing for a longer drive. With convenient locations across both cities, getting on the road and wrapping up your journey is easy.
Make your Melbourne to Sydney drive easier with our range of practical extras, all set up to keep things running smoothly from the moment you hit the road. Travelling with kids? Add a child seat so everyone stays secure and comfortable. Planning to use toll roads along the way? Our Toll Road Waiver helps you move through Melbourne and Sydney without the added hassle, so you can stay focused on the drive.
Small Car Hire
From economy and compacts to intermediate cars like the Toyota Corolla, you can’t go past our diverse small car fleet! These affordable, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for solo travellers and small groups.
Sedan Hire
Spot your road trip with our range of versatile sedans, featuring a rotation of your fave brands. Get rolling to Australia’s vibrant coffee capital in the reliable 5-seater car we all know and love.
Minibus and Minivan Hire
Round up your crew and hit the road with our spacious 8–12 seater minibus and minivan hire. Whether you’re on a family getaway or group adventure, we’ve got the right ride to back it.
Baby Seats & Other Accessories
We’ll have you fully loaded with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your travels between A & B a smooth ride from start to finish!
Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire will keep your kids safely strapped in for the journey. Plus, our convenient Toll Road Waiver makes it easy to navigate the tolls along the way, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Planning a move? From spacious SUVs to dependable sedans, we have the right vehicle to carry your belongings with ease. Pick up from one of our Melbourne locations, load up your gear, and start the drive north to Sydney. Once you arrive, our team will be ready to take the keys back so you can get straight into unpacking and settling into your new place.
Is it better to fly or drive from Melbourne to Sydney?
It really comes down to how you want to travel. Flying will get you there faster, but driving gives you the freedom to take in the scenery, stop when you feel like it, and enjoy more of Australia along the way. Driving also means skipping airport queues, baggage limits and the extra trip into the city. It is worth comparing both options based on your time and budget, but if you ask us, the road trip is where the experience really starts.
Redspot Driver Facts.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21 (mine-spec and commercial vehicles included).
Maximum Age is No Barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light for leisure, commercial and mine-spec vehicles – one of the few Aussie companies that do!
Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Overseas visitors welcome:
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Family-friendly car hire:
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Credit Card Condition:
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Fuel Flexibility:
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Maximum age is no barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Toll-road Tricks:
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on.
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 40 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
For over 35 years, Redspot has provided smooth rides for our local and international customers with top-notch leisure and commercial vehicles. Buckle up and explore their road-worthy experiences here:
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
Popular Stops From Melbourne to Sydney
Phillip Island
Start your trip with a coastal detour to Phillip Island. Known for its wildlife, it’s a great spot to see penguins, seals and coastal views before heading back towards the highway.
Lakes Entrance
A relaxed stop along the Gippsland Lakes, Lakes Entrance is perfect for a break by the water. Walk across the footbridge, grab some fresh seafood, or just take in the ocean views.
Croajingolong National Park
Near the NSW border, this national park offers a mix of coastal scenery, bushland and quiet beaches. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy some time in nature.
Tilba
Step into a slower pace in Central Tilba. This small heritage village is known for its local produce, boutique shops and views of the surrounding countryside.
Batemans Bay
A popular coastal stop, Batemans Bay is ideal for a longer break. Enjoy fresh seafood, explore nearby beaches, or take a walk along the Clyde River before continuing north.
Jervis Bay
Before reaching Sydney, Jervis Bay is worth the stop. Known for its white sand and clear water, it’s a great place to unwind, go for a swim, or simply take in the coastline before the final stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Melbourne and leave it in Sydney?
Yes, you can. We offer one-way car hire between our Melbourne and Sydney locations, subject to availability. Pick up in one city and return the car in the other, depending on what suits your plans. Just get in touch with our team by phone or email and we will help you organise everything so you can get on the road without the fuss.
Is it more expensive to rent a car one way in Australia?
When it comes to one-way rentals, fees will vary depending on factors including the requested pick-up and drop-off locations, plus vehicle availability. The one-way fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its original location. Typically, the further you want to travel, the more one-way rentals can save you on time and fuel costs that you’d otherwise spend heading back to your journey’s starting point!
We recommend comparing your total trip costs if you choose one-way vs standard returns. With Redspot, you can check rates and vehicle availability through our online booking tool so you can determine what’s best for your plans.
How many kilometres can I drive in a day in a Redspot car hire?
For maximum freedom, there are no km limits for our standard car rentals including compact, sedans, hybrids, and SUVs.
However, as Australia is such a big and beautiful country (bigger than Europe in land mass!), there are some instances where we have to impose a km limit to help maintain our vehicles:
- If you need a van, truck, or ute for a business car hire
- If you head to remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
Is it worth it to drive from Melbourne to Sydney?
It all comes down to how you want to travel. If you are short on time, flying is the faster option. If you want to enjoy the journey, driving gives you the freedom to take in the scenery and explore along the way. For a more scenic drive from Melbourne to Sydney, take the coastal route. Head through Phillip Island and Lakes Entrance, then continue up past Tilba and Jervis Bay before reaching Sydney. It is a trip filled with coastal views and memorable stops from start to finish.
What is the oldest age to drive a rental car?
At Redspot, there’s no maximum age limit! We say that age is just a number. Whether you’re a retiree, hold a seniors card, or you’re just young at heart, we welcome anyone over 21 to rent with us and keep their adventures rolling.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with Redspot?
For most Aussie car rental companies, the minimum age is 25. However, with Redspot, we don’t think age should keep you from getting the job done! Drivers from 21 years old are welcome to rent with us, including commercial and mine-spec vehicles.
Check out our Young Drivers guide for all the details to get you rolling. (Note: Vehicle size restrictions for Young Drivers do not apply to mine-spec and commercial vehicles. Speak with your employer to confirm details.)
What are the road conditions between Melbourne and Sydney?
The drive from Melbourne to Sydney follows well-maintained highways that are easy to navigate, making it a smooth trip for most drivers. Before you set off, check for any updates on roadworks, traffic delays or incidents through official sites like VicRoads and Transport for NSW. Staying up to date helps you plan ahead and keep your journey running on track.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Melbourne to Sydney car rental.