How much does it cost to rent a car in Footscray, Melbourne?

On average, car rentals in **Footscray, Melbourne** cost around **AUD $91** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from **AUD $34** per day.

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Finding a rental car in Footscray is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands in Australia with no booking fees. Picking up your car in this inner-west suburb often means lower hire prices compared to the CBD. It’s also a starting point for exploring the Great Ocean Road, helping you bypass most of the city traffic.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Car Hire Locations and Options

Location	Pros	Cons
Footscray Central	Lower prices than city centre/airport Walking distance from Footscray train station Close to cafes and markets	Limited hours (usually 8am-5pm) Fewer car options Limited luxury cars
Footscray West/Geelong Road	Easy parking for pickup/return Quick access to main highways Often slightly lower prices	Need transport from train station Fewer shops/restaurants nearby Hard to reach without a car
Melbourne City Centre Alternative	More car options Longer hours More luxury cars available	Higher prices (15-25% more expensive) City traffic when leaving Hard to find parking during pickup

Getting to Rental Locations

Footscray Station is a major transport hub with several train lines (Werribee, Sunbury, Williamstown) and is only 10 minutes from Melbourne CBD by train. Most rental locations are within a 5-10 minute walk from the station. Buses go to locations along Geelong Road, and tram route 82 connects from Moonee Ponds and Highpoint Shopping Centre.

Car Rental Prices

Average: AUD $91/day
From: AUD $34/day

Low-cost rental tips

Ditch the airport and CBD premium. Picking up your car in a suburb like Footscray is often 10-20% cheaper. It’s a quick train ride from the city and gets you on the road to western Victoria faster.
Play with your rental dates. A 5-day rental can sometimes cost less than a 4-day one because you trigger a cheaper weekly rate. It's a weird quirk that can save you cash.
Don't overspend on the car. A standard sedan is perfectly fine for the Great Ocean Road. You only need a bigger vehicle if you're hauling a lot of gear or people.
Book ahead for peak times. If you're travelling during the summer holidays (Dec-Jan), book at least two months in advance to avoid high prices and sold-out cars.
Fill up before you leave town. Fuel is usually cheaper in suburban spots like Footscray than on the highway or along the popular coastal routes.

Car hire prices in Footscray, Melbourne 2025/2026

Parking and Driving

Location	Parking Options	Cost Range	Tips
Footscray CBD	Street parking Municipal lots Shopping centre car parks	Free (time limited) Hourly rates in council lots	Most street spots have 1-2 hour limits during business hours. Avoid parking near markets on busy days.
Melbourne CBD	Commercial garages Limited street parking	Early bird specials Higher rates for casual daily parking	Look for early bird specials if entering before 9:30am. Consider parking at outer stations and using public transport.
Great Ocean Road	Free car parks at lookouts Town centre parking	Mostly free Some paid in popular towns	Limited spots at major attractions like Twelve Apostles during peak season, so arrive early.
Western Suburbs Centres	Shopping centre parking Street parking	Free on time limits Residential restrictions vary by area	Check signage carefully as enforcement is active, especially near Highpoint Shopping Centre.

Local Driving Rules

Hook turns are required at some CBD intersections, so follow signage and other vehicles
Trams have right of way, when a tram stops you must stop behind it until doors close
School zones (40 km/h) are strictly enforced during school hours
Watch for cyclists, especially along Footscray Road and in inner city areas
Speed cameras are common on major roads including the M1 freeway

Toll Roads

Driving from Footscray to eastern Melbourne or the airport will likely involve CityLink (M1/M2) toll roads. Tolls apply. Rental vehicles are usually set up for automatic toll payment, charges passed to your credit card plus a service fee.

Why rent a car in Footscray

Rent a car so you can get to:

Werribee Open Range Zoo – 25 km
Great Ocean Road (Torquay) – 95 km via M1
Geelong – 70 km via M1
Ballarat – 110 km
Daylesford & Spa Country – 110 km
Grampians National Park – 250 km

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Footscray, Australia

FAQs

How do I get to Footscray rental locations from Melbourne Airport?

Take the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station (about 25-35 minutes depending on traffic), then the Werribee/Williamstown line train to Footscray (about 10 minutes). Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare will take about 25-30 minutes (about $45-60) depending on traffic.

Can I return my rental after hours in Footscray?

Most local agencies offer secure key drop facilities for after-hours returns. Check the exact process when picking up your vehicle, as it varies by location.

Is it worth renting from Footscray instead of the airport if I'm flying in?

If your accommodation is in Melbourne's western or central suburbs, or if your travel plans focus on western Victoria attractions, the savings (10-30%) and faster exit from the city can be worth the extra transfer time to Footscray.

What's the best day trip from Footscray by car?

For a single day trip, the Werribee-Geelong-Bellarine Peninsula loop offers excellent variety. You'll find Werribee Mansion, Geelong Waterfront and coastal towns like Queenscliff all within easy driving distance.

Are there any driving hazards I should be aware of in western Victoria?

Rural roads west of Melbourne can have wildlife (especially kangaroos) at dawn and dusk. The Great Ocean Road has winding sections requiring careful driving. In summer, be aware of bushfire alerts in rural areas.