Can you rent a car from Sydney to Melbourne?
Yes, 100%! If you need to pick up your car rental from Sydney and return it in Melbourne, Redspot’s got your back (and your boot) with our flexible one-way rentals. Reach out to our friendly team via phone, email, or online contact form to get your plans rolling.
One-way rental Sydney to Melbourne
Drive Australia your way with our flexible one-way rentals, letting you pick up and drop off your ride between any Redspot Sydney and Melbourne branch with ease. Saving you time, effort and fuel costs – all in one go.
Simply go to the Extras section on your online booking form, check the ‘One Way Fee’ box, and you’re ready to go!
Fuel your one-way trip with your choice of Redspot refuel options. Whether you prefer to pre-pay, post-pay, or fill it up yourself, we’ve got you covered. Not to mention our rental car accessories, from baby seat hire to Toll Pass Waivers, are designed for the smoothest of rides.
Unlimited km for standard passenger and leisure Redspot vehicles around Australia also means you can keep the adventure going for longer – distance is no issue. However, km restrictions may apply if hiring a van, truck or ute. Please get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to confirm, so you can get going with ease.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless specified. After-hours pickup available upon request (subject to availability).
Pick up in Sydney:
Mascot (Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday & Sunday closed. After-hours drop off available.)
Domestic Airport (Monday to Sunday 6am – 11pm. After-hours drop off available.)
International Airport (Monday to Sunday 6am – 11pm. After-hours drop off available.)
Sydney CBD (Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday 8am – 12pm, Sunday closed. After-hours drop off available.)
Lidcombe (Monday to Friday 7am – 3pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2pm. After-hours drop off available.)
Pick up in Melbourne:
Melbourne Airport (Monday to Friday 6:30am – 12am, Weekends & Public Holidays 7am – 12am. After-hours drop off available.)
Melbourne City (Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 1pm, Public Holidays closed. After-hours drop off available.)
Coburg (Monday to Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2pm. Public Holidays closed. After-hours dropoff unavailable.)
One-Way Rentals Made Easy – A Small Relocation Fee for Huge Convenience.
Go further, without the detour! With Redspot’s flexible one-way rentals, you can map your own adventure across Australia, no need to circle back. You’ll save on time, fuel, and effort, making the most of every journey on the open Aussie road.
To help us keep our fleet moving, a small relocation fee may apply. But if your route helps us too, we may be able to waive it – simply contact our friendly team on 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find out.
How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Sydney?
The shortest route from Melbourne to Sydney takes about 9 hours of non-stop drive time (876.6 km) via National Highway M31 and Hume Hwy/M31. Factor in rest and meal stops however, and the trip will realistically take about 12-14 hours if you want to arrive as swiftly as possible.
Alternatively, take as much time as you want and discover the sights and scenes along one of Australia’s most iconic road trip routes!
Is it better to drive or fly to Melbourne from Sydney?
Driving or flying, the choice comes down to your priorities! Flying is faster, but driving offers scenic views and the freedom to explore Australia’s world-famous nature, and maybe even make a few kangaroo friends along your way to Melbourne.
By driving, you can also skip airport baggage checks, long queues and public transport to the city centre. Try comparing both options before you go to see what works best for your time and budget. (We may be biased, but we love the drive, but then again we have over 35 years experience in Aussie car rentals!)
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.
Meet Our Fleet.
Make the trip from Sydney to Melbourne easier with Redspot’s flexible one-way rentals! Our local experts are here to help you steer from state to state with ease.
Discover our diverse vehicle fleet, plus multiple pickup and drop-off locations in Sydney and Melbourne for an unforgettable experience on the road.
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 Sydney to Melbourne ride 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 and other accessories
We’ll have you fully loaded with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your travels between Sydney and Melbourne a smooth ride from start to finish!
Travelling with little ones? Check out our child seat hire to get your kids strapped in safely for adventure. Or discover our handy Toll Road Waiver, great for navigating Sydney and Melbourne’s toll roads with ease.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Whether you need a roomy SUV or a reliable sedan, your personal belongings are covered for the big move. Simply pick up from one of our 5 Sydney car hire locations, load up your gear and head south to your new life in Melbourne. Our friendly team at one of our Melbourne branches will be waiting to take the rental car off your hands so you can dive straight into unpacking and settling in.
One-Way Trucks and Moving Accessories
Comfy couch you can’t live without? Sorted. Dream fridge you finally saved up for? Packed and ready.
With a range of trucks, utes, and handy moving accessories, you can flex those muscles and do the big move your way. No dramas and no backtracking, thanks to our one-way truck hire.
Our trucks come with a daily kilometre allowance of 100 km, with a small fee for extra distance depending on the vehicle. Ideal if you’re sticking to a local move or want to save on removalists.
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.
6 Popular Stops from Sydney to Melbourne
Take the scenic route from Sydney to Melbourne with a car hire that keeps up with you. From solo travel and family holidays to business trips and everything in between, we’ve got the keys to your next chapter.
Plus with Redspot’s easy Sydney pickups and simple returns in Melbourne? You can spend less time on paperwork, and more time enjoying the open road. Now that’s how we roll!
1. Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is a fantastic first pit stop on your way to Melbourne, with its powdery white sands and striking aquamarine water. Hike through national parks or hop on a dolphin-watching cruise while you’re in town, or relax and snorkel through the Shoalhaven region’s beautiful beaches.
2. Batemans Bay
Add Batemans Bay to your road trip itinerary for a laid-back stop on Australia’s Oyster Coast. Nestled along the Clyde River, it’s the perfect base to explore nearby national parks, snorkel-friendly beaches, and scenic bike trails. Make sure to sample the local oysters before you head off!
3. Tilba
Hop in your rental car and step back in time with a stop in the quaint heritage villages of Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba. Surrounded by lush hills and Mount Gulaga, it’s an idyllic blend of nature, culture, and history. Ideal for exploring artisan shops, local cheeses, and taking in NSW’s stunning coast.
4. Croajingolong National Park
Stop by Croajingolong National Park in far-east Victoria for a hidden oasis like no other. Home to an ever-changing landscape of beaches and rainforests to swamps and rocky headlands, you’ll be spoiled for choice with mesmerising walking and hiking trails to spot local flora and fauna from.
5. Lakes Entrance
Located a quick 20-minute drive from the city centre, Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a marine park not to be missed! Say hello to the roughly 30 resident bottlenose dolphins that call this sanctuary home, with another 400 dolphins visiting throughout the year. Enjoy wild dolphins feeding, playing and nursing their young ones in tidal flats, creeks and a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest.
6. Phillip Island
Just under 2 hours’ drive from Melbourne lies Phillip Island, home to Victoria’s beloved Penguin Parade. Plus, the wildlife adventures don’t stop there when you can stop by the Koala Conservation Centre, then hit the open sea to spot seals, dolphins, whales, and birdlife in their natural habitat!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I rent a car in Sydney and leave it in Melbourne?
Yes, absolutely! Redspot offers one-way car hire between any of our branches in Sydney and Melbourne, subject to availability. Wherever you want to wrap up your stay, we’re happy to accommodate. Simply contact our friendly team by phone or email to arrange your plans, and gear up for some smooth cruising.
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 Sydney to Melbourne?
This depends on your priorities. If time is of the essence, flying may be more practical. If stunning natural landscapes, sweeping coastal scenery, and unforgettable road trips are more your speed, driving is a great way to experience Australia’s natural beauty.
For the most scenic driving route from Sydney to Melbourne, we recommend taking the coastal route. Wind down past Jervis Bay and Tilba, making your way to Lakes Entrance and Phillip Island, before arriving in Melbourne. You’ll never forget the ride!
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 Sydney and Melbourne?
The road conditions from Sydney to Melbourne are generally well-maintained and easy to drive. In any case, make sure to stay updated on the latest traffic conditions via New South Wales and Victorian government websites in case of roadworks, accidents, and other incidents that could impact your travels.
Want more info? Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Sydney to Melbourne car rental.