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

On average, car rentals in **Frankston, Melbourne** cost around **AUD $64** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from **AUD $34** per day.

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Find low rental car prices in Frankston with Road Genius. Check live rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Frankston is the starting point for the Mornington Peninsula and helps you avoid Melbourne's more expensive car hire and city traffic. Your coastal road trip starts here, minus the fuss.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Avis · Budget · Europcar · Hertz · Keddy by Europcar · Sixt · Thrifty

Car Hire Locations and Options

Location	Pros	Cons
Frankston CBD	Lower prices than Melbourne Major rental companies available Close to Frankston Station	Limited hours (usually 8 AM-5 PM on weekdays) Fewer cars available on weekends Smaller selection of cars
Nepean Highway	Easy access from main road Good for driving to Peninsula Multiple companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar)	Traffic jams during busy hours Limited luxury car options May need to book ahead
Frankston Shopping Centres	Plenty of parking for car pickup Shops and services nearby Some open longer hours	Few rental companies on-site May need to walk to nearby locations Crowded during busy shopping times
Melbourne Airport (alternative)	Open 24 hours Full range of cars All major companies	75 km from Frankston (1+ hour drive) Extra airport fees Need transport to/from airport

Best Time to Rent

Midweek rentals offer best availability and service. During summer (December-February), book in advance as Frankston's location makes it a popular starting point for Peninsula holidays.

Car Rental Prices

Average: AUD $64/day
From: AUD $34/day

Saving Tips

Save some coin by renting from Frankston instead of Melbourne's CBD or airport. It can be 10-20% cheaper for the exact same car.
Heading down in summer? Book your car early. Last-minute rentals during peak holiday times can get seriously expensive, if you can even find one.
If you need a car for 5 or 6 days, check the price for a full week. Sometimes the weekly discount makes it a better deal.
You don't need a massive SUV for Peninsula roads. A standard car will do the job just fine and leave more money for the wineries.
Fill up the tank in Frankston before you head south. Petrol prices are often a bit higher once you're on the Peninsula.

Car hire prices in Frankston, Melbourne 2025/2026

Parking and Driving

Area	Parking Options	Approximate Cost	Tips
Frankston CBD	Council car parks Street parking Shopping centre car parks	Street spaces may have hourly charges Council lots may have hourly charges Some free areas have time limits	Frankston City Council has introduced paid spots in central areas. Look for zones that have time limits but no charges slightly away from the centre.
Frankston Waterfront	Foreshore car parks Street parking	Foreshore areas often have hourly charges Daily rates may apply	Premium spots close to beach, especially during summer. Consider leaving your car slightly further away and walking.
Shopping Centres	Bayside and Karingal Hub Free car parks	Free (usually 3-hour limit)	Ample spaces but enforce time limits. Avoid spots near entrances during busy times.
Train Station Precinct	Station car park Young Street spaces	Station: Free (fills early) Nearby streets: Metered	Limited commuter spaces that fill by 8 AM weekdays. Alternative paid spots nearby.

Peninsula Car Park Notes

Beach spaces during summer can be challenging - arrive early (before 10 AM)
Many Peninsula attractions have paid car parks
National Park areas require paid permits displayed on dashboard

Local Driving Tips

Nepean Highway can be congested during commuting hours and summer weekends
Peninsula Link (freeway) offers a faster route south - no tolls
School zones (40 km/h) are strictly enforced, particularly around Frankston High School and Monash University areas
Speed cameras are common on Nepean Highway and Cranbourne Road

Why rent a car in Frankston

Book a rental so you can see:

Mornington Peninsula beaches – Dromana, Rosebud, Sorrento
Red Hill Wine Region – wineries, cellar doors
Peninsula Hot Springs – pools, spa
Arthurs Seat Eagle – gondola, viewpoints
Point Nepean National Park – quarantine station, fortifications
Sorrento & Ferry – car ferry, Queenscliff

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Frankston, Australia

FAQs

Is it worth renting a car in Frankston instead of Melbourne if I'm heading to the Mornington Peninsula?

Yes, you'll save 10-20% on rental rates, avoid city traffic and be positioned at the gateway to the Peninsula, saving time and fuel for your explorations.

What car is best for exploring the Mornington Peninsula?

A standard sedan works for most visitors. If planning lots of winery visits or travelling as a family, a medium SUV gives you extra comfort and storage. Convertibles are popular in summer but book months in advance.

How do the toll roads work around Frankston?

EastLink (M3) is the only toll road, running north towards Melbourne. Tolls are handled automatically by rental companies, who charge the toll amount plus a service fee to your credit card. Peninsula Link (connecting to the Peninsula) is toll-free.

Are there any seasonal considerations for renting in Frankston?

Summer (December-February) sees extremely high demand. Book well in advance and expect higher rates. Winter offers good value as fewer visitors come, though some beach facilities may be closed.

Can I take the Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry using a rental car?

Yes, rental cars are permitted on the ferry. This creates an option for a circular tour: drive down the Peninsula, take the ferry to Queenscliff and return via Geelong and Melbourne.