Hiring a ute for one day in Melbourne costs from around $100. Both utes in Turbofleet’s fleet, the dual cab and the one tonne tray ute, start from $100 a day, and that single day rate is the same whether you are shifting furniture, doing a tip run, or picking up materials. What you actually pay depends on the day of the week, how far ahead you book, and any extras you add, but $100 is the realistic starting point for a one day hire.
The two utes you can hire, and which suits your job
Turbofleet runs two utes, and the right one comes down to what you are carrying.
| Ute | Best for | Key features | From (per day) |
| Dual cab ute | People plus a load | Tow bar, four doors, automatic | $100 |
| 1 tonne tray ute | Bulky or dirty loads | Open tray, 1 tonne payload, tow bar | $100 |
A dual cab ute suits jobs where you need to bring passengers as well as a load, since it has four doors and back seats. The one tonne tray ute is the better pick for bulky, long, or dirty loads, because the open tray takes green waste, building materials, or a fridge without any worry about the interior. Both drive like a normal automatic on a standard car licence.
If your load needs to stay dry or locked away, a van hire in Melbourne may work better than an open tray. For anything bigger than a ute can carry, compare a truck hire in Melbourne.
What the one day rate includes
The $100 starting rate covers the ute with the basics ready to go:
- Automatic transmission and power steering
- A tow bar for a box or plant trailer
- Pickup from Craigieburn or Ravenhall in Melbourne
Fuel, any damage excess reduction, and a one way drop off are usually charged separately, so ask what is included when you book so the quote matches what you pay. Confirm the kilometre allowance too, since a big day of driving can add a per kilometre fee on top of the daily rate.
What people hire a one day ute for
A one day ute is one of the most useful short hires, because it covers so many jobs without the cost of a truck. Common one day uses around Melbourne include:
- Moving a few large items or a studio flat
- Tip and green waste runs
- Picking up flat pack furniture or appliances
- Collecting building or landscaping materials
- Trade and gardening work that needs a tray for the day
Since you are only paying for a single day, the trick is to plan the whole job into one trip so you are not pushed into a second day. Write a load list, book the ute for the morning, and bring it back the same afternoon.
Is a ute the right choice for one day?
For a single day, a ute is usually the cheapest way to shift a load that will not fit in a car. It costs less than a truck when you do not need a fully enclosed space, and it saves your own car when the load is dirty, long, or heavy. A ute does have limits. If rain would ruin what you are carrying, an enclosed van protects it better. If you are clearing a whole room of furniture, a small truck can save you doing three or four trips, which our moving house guide for Melbourne explains. For most one day jobs around the house, the garden, or a trade site, the open tray and the $100 starting rate make a ute the practical pick.
What changes the price, and how to keep it low
A one day rate moves with a few things, and knowing them keeps you close to that $100 starting point:
- Day of the week: weekends and public holidays often carry a premium, so hire midweek where you can.
- How early you book: last minute hires cost more when utes are in demand, so reserve a day or two ahead.
- The ute you choose: pick the one that fits the load rather than paying for more than you need.
- Distance and return point: bring the ute back to the same depot on the same day, and plan your route to stay inside the daily kilometre allowance, since extra kilometres and one way drop offs add fees.
Booking direct with the depot rather than a third party also avoids booking fees. For more savings ideas that apply to utes, see our guide to finding genuinely cheap car rentals in Melbourne. If your plans might stretch past a day, compare car hire by the day in Melbourne so you know the daily rate either way.
Where to hire a ute for a day in Melbourne
Turbofleet hires utes from two Melbourne depots, Craigieburn in the north and Ravenhall in the west, both covering the surrounding suburbs, so a one day hire is easy to collect close to home. Staff check your licence and the booking details at pickup, and both utes drive on a standard car licence. See the range and dates on the ute hire Melbourne page, or browse the full Craigieburn fleet.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a ute for one day in Melbourne?
A one day ute hire starts from around $100 at Turbofleet, for either the dual cab or the one tonne tray ute. Weekends and last minute bookings can cost more.
Do you need a special licence to drive a ute?
No. Both utes drive on a standard Australian car licence, the same as a normal automatic car.
What is the difference between the two utes?
The dual cab carries passengers and a load with its four doors and back seats. The one tonne tray ute is better for bulky or dirty loads on an open tray.
Can I tow a trailer with a hire ute?
Yes. Both utes have a tow bar, so you can add a box or plant trailer. Check the towing limit and any trailer hire when you book.
