When you need a private vehicle to get around in Victoria, there are plenty of options available. Whether it’s car sharing, rideshares, or taxis, Melbourne offers reliable and convenient choices for short-term travel, ensuring you can explore the city or make trips seamlessly.
Car sharing
Car sharing gives you the convenience of using a car without the high costs of owning one. You can rent a car for a few hours or a whole day and return it to a nearby designated car share space when you’re done, so you don’t need to worry about finding parking or paying fees. Melbourne has nearly 600 car share spaces, with cars available in the city centre and surrounding suburbs.
How it works:
- Register online with a car-sharing service.
- Book a vehicle via the service’s website or app.
- Collect the car from a nearby location and start your journey.
- Once your journey is complete, simply return the car to the same designated space or an approved spot, as instructed by the service.
Rideshares
Rideshare companies also operate in Melbourne, along with specialised rideshare operators.
Rideshares are popular in Melbourne for their affordability and convenience. Whether you need a ride to campus, work, or a social outing, rideshare apps make booking easy.
How to book:
- Download the rideshare app of your choice (e.g., Uber, Ola, Didi) on your smartphone.
- Create an account and set your payment preferences.
- Use the app to book rides anytime, anywhere.
- Once your journey is finished, the fare will be automatically charged to your chosen payment method through the app, so you don’t need to handle cash.
Rideshare safety tips
- Confirm your ride details: Check the licence plate, car model, and driver photo in the app before entering the vehicle. If using a PIN, verify it with the driver first.
- Use the right vehicle: Only get into the car assigned to you in the app. Avoid accepting rides from people offering services outside the app, especially at airports.
- Keep your PIN private: Never share your PIN or personal information with anyone.
- Ask for help if needed: If you have concerns or feel unsafe, contact the rideshare company immediately for assistance.
Taxis
Taxis are available anywhere in Victoria. In busy areas like Mebourne’s CBD, you can hail a taxi on the street or head to one of the many cab ranks. Alternatively, you can book a taxi online or by phone with any of the state’s cab companies.
How to catch a taxi:
- Hail a taxi directly from the street (available in busy areas).
- Use a dedicated taxi rank.
- Book a taxi online or by phone with a taxi company for added convenience.
Report an issue
Customers can lodge complaints and report issues with Commercial Passenger Vehicles (CPV) to Safe Transport Victoria. CPVs are vehicles used to transport passengers for a fare, including taxis, rideshares and hire cars. These vehicles must be registered and meet strict safety and legal standards in Victoria, and their drivers must hold valid accreditation to ensure passenger safety and service quality.
You can report issues relating to:
- fare calculation (drivers not using the meter or using it incorrectly)
- inappropriate driver behaviour
- safety or accessibility concerns
- touting (being harrassed to use a service).
Whether you're an international student exploring Melbourne or travelling across Victoria’s stunning landscapes, taxis, hire cars, and rideshares ensure convenient and flexible transportation. Register for car-sharing services online, download rideshare apps or simply hail a taxi for reliable travel.
For more information about other transport options such as trains, trams, and buses in Melbourne, visit the Transport Victoria website.
Page last updated:
