When your car suddenly breaks down on a Melbourne road, or you’re involved in a minor accident, the first question that comes to mind is often the same: “How much does a tow truck cost in Melbourne?”
This guide breaks down the average towing cost range across Melbourne — including different vehicle types, time periods, and real-world data from reputable local sources. Let’s dive right in.
1. What Determines Tow Truck Cost in Melbourne?
Several key factors influence towing prices in Melbourne. Understanding them helps you recognise whether a quote is fair and where your money is actually going.
1. Distance
Most towing companies use a base rate plus a per-kilometre pricing system.
Industry data from 2024 shows:
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The average starting cost for the first 10 km in Melbourne is around AUD $150.
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For 50 km, prices typically range from AUD $300 to $350.
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Beyond that, additional kilometres can cost around $3–$4 per km depending on location and conditions.
According to Sheen Towing and LocalSearch Australia, regulated accident towing within metropolitan Melbourne can reach $221.40 for the first 8 km, plus $3.50 per km after that.
2. Vehicle Type
A small sedan is much easier to tow than a 4WD, van, or commercial truck.
Larger vehicles require heavier-duty flatbed tow trucks, more secure tie-downs, and additional labour — so expect a 20–30% increase compared with standard car towing Melbourne rates.
3. Accessibility and Condition
If your car is parked underground, in a narrow laneway, or severely damaged and unable to roll, extra charges are usually applied. Tow truck operators may need to use winches or specialised tools, which adds to the total cost.
4. Time and Day
Pricing varies by time slot:
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Weekday daytime: Standard rates.
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After-hours or weekend: +AUD $50–$100 surcharge.
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Public holidays or overnight emergency calls: Premium pricing due to limited staff availability.
That means a simple weekday tow could be $150, but the same job at 2 a.m. on a Saturday might cost closer to $250–$300.
5. Type of Service
Not all towing jobs are the same:
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Accident towing service: Involves insurance paperwork and safety procedures — slightly higher price.
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Trade towing service: Often used by mechanics, dealerships, and workshops — usually negotiated by volume.
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Car towing Melbourne: Everyday vehicle relocations or breakdown recoveries — usually the most affordable option.
6. Location and Travel Time
If your vehicle is in a remote suburb or outside Greater Melbourne, the driver’s travel distance (to reach you and to deliver your vehicle) will affect the quote. For instance, towing from Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne CBD will cost significantly more than within one local district.
2. Melbourne Towing Price Overview — Real-World Figures
Let’s visualise this data into understandable ranges:
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0–10 km (Standard sedan): around $150.
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10–50 km: typically $250–$350 depending on time of day.
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Over 50 km / Interstate towing: **$350 + **, often calculated per km beyond the included base distance.
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SUV / 4WD / Van: add roughly 20–30% on top of base rate.
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After-hours / Public holiday: add $50–$100 + surcharge.
For example, if you drive a small hatchback and need to tow it 40 km at night, expect roughly $300–$400 total.
If it’s a larger 4WD or light commercial vehicle, the same distance could be closer to $400–$500.
These prices are based on Melbourne market data from Sheen Group, Garden State Towing, and Reservoir Towing — the city’s leading towing companies.
📊 According to Sheen Group’s 2024 report, over 60% of city towing jobs fall within the $200–$350 range. This makes it one of the most affordable Australian metro areas for regulated towing compared to Sydney or Brisbane.
3. Understanding the “Towing Price Chart” in Practice
Think of a towing price chart as a guide — not a fixed number. The most accurate pricing always comes from a personalised tow truck quote that factors in your distance, vehicle type, and service time.
Still, the chart below offers an easy way to visualise what to expect:
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Short-distance city tow (0–10 km): $150 average
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Mid-range suburban tow (10–50 km): $250–$350 average
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Long-distance rural tow (50 km +): $350–$600 average
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Heavy vehicles (utes, vans, SUVs): 20–30% extra
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After-hours surcharge: $50–$100 extra
These figures are regularly referenced by insurance companies and towing operators across Victoria.
4. Why Choose 247 Car Towing
At 247 Car Towing, we keep pricing transparent and honest — so you never get hit with hidden fees.
Here’s what makes our service stand out among Melbourne tow truck providers:
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✅ Fast response — 24/7 availability across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.
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✅ Full coverage for all vehicles: sedans, SUVs, trade vans, and light trucks.
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✅ Upfront pricing: you’ll always get a free tow truck quote before we move your car.
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✅ Specialised equipment: safe loading systems for accident recovery and roadside breakdowns.
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✅ Trusted local team: We handle both accident towing service and trade towing service daily for private and business clients.
Whether it’s a weekday breakdown or a midnight emergency, we’re ready — anywhere in Melbourne, anytime.
5. How to Get a Free Tow Truck Quote
Before calling, prepare a few details so you can receive the most accurate estimate:
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Vehicle make and model — helps determine weight and type of tow truck needed.
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Current location and destination — postcodes or suburb names are enough for distance calculation.
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Vehicle condition — Is it drivable or completely broken down?
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Service time — daytime, night, or public holiday?
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Any special conditions — e.g., underground parking or accident scene access.
Then, simply call 247 Car Towing or submit your request online.
You’ll receive a free, no-obligation quote within minutes — transparent, fast, and fair.
🚗 Call now or request your free quote — we’ll get back to you within 15 minutes.
6. Real Scenario Examples
Scenario 1:
You’re driving a Toyota Corolla that stalls near Southbank. You need it towed to a workshop in St Kilda (about 8 km).
→ Expect around $150 during the day, $200 at night.
Scenario 2:
Your ute breaks down in Werribee and needs to be towed to Melbourne CBD (~35 km).
→ Expect $300–$350 standard, $400+ if weekend or after-hours.
Scenario 3:
A commercial van stuck in Dandenong on a public holiday needs long-distance towing to Geelong (~90 km).
→ Expect $500–$600, depending on accessibility and vehicle weight.
7. Towing Costs vs. Distance
A 2024 analysis by LocalSearch compared average towing costs across Australian cities. Melbourne ranked 3rd lowest in base towing cost per km — around $3.50 /km after the initial zone — whereas Sydney averaged $4.10/km and Brisbane $3.80/km.
This means Melbourne drivers typically enjoy slightly better rates, especially for short and mid-range towing distances.
8. Final Thoughts: Make Price Transparency Work for You
Now that you understand the tow truck cost Melbourne range, you’re in a strong position to negotiate confidently and avoid overpaying.
When you need a quick, reliable, and fully transparent towing service, contact 247 Car Towing — your local experts for everything from tow truck Melbourne to accident towing service.
💬 Ready to get a free estimate?
Call us now or request your tow truck quote online — it’s fast, transparent, and completely free.
