Rental Car Return and Melbourne
 

We are driving our rental car into Melbourne from the west and have that afternoon and evening to spend in Melbourne. We are uncomfortable with the idea of much city driving not being very used to driving on the wrong side of the road. Our flight leaves for LAX at 11:25 am.

Would there be a good way to "get rid" of our car that afternoon, stay in the city and get to the airport by public transportation in the morning? It would be nice to see at least a little if possible.

Or would it be better just to drive in, stay at an airport motel and return the car before our flight?

I'd suggest returning your car at the airport the day before departure, and stay at the Parkroyal Hotel (which is right at the terminal and above the car rental offices). You can then get the Skybus (about $18 each) into the city for the afternoon. In the morning it will then be a short walk across the pedestrian walkway into the international departure area.

Driving in any strange city is stressful, particularly in Melbourne which has completely unique 'hook' turns at intersections to cope with the trams.

Thank you! That makes good sense....staying that close to the airport and rental cars would be wonderful....just checked the rates on the hotel and it is around 400 Australian dollars per night. While it sounds perfect, it's too high. I think I will try others that might be close enough if they have a shuttle.

Also, we have Hertz, and do not know if we return cars at the airport itself, or off site. I think I will call them to find out.

Thanks for the Skybus tip...we will take advantage of that!

I'd drop the car at the airport, get the Skybus into the city that afternoon and enjoy walkable Melbourne. Get the Skybus back to airport next morning for your flight.

For clarity, stay in the city.

Thanks so much for the great suggestions!!!

Can't tell you how much these replies helped.

There's a Hertz facility in the city (97 Franklin Street) so perhaps see if you can drop it there. They may charge a drop fee but, if they do, it may be worth it.

A cab from the city to the airport is probably about $40. If there are two (or more) of "we", it would be as cheap to take a cab as to take Skybus.

Depending on exactly where you're coming in from the 'west', getting to the airport and then in to town may chew up a couple of hours of what is obviously limited available time. I'd try and drop the car in town and take a cab to the airport.

As well as the Park Royal, there are other hotels at the airport - there's a Holiday Inn and an Ibis.