How Much Does Towing Cost in Melbourne? A Price Guide

Author : Mobile Doctor | Published On : 14 Aug 2026

Towing costs in Melbourne typically range from $80 to $250 for a standard local tow, depending on distance, vehicle type, and time of day, with long-distance or specialised transport costing significantly more. Below is a breakdown of what affects towing costs and what to expect when booking a tow.

Average Towing Costs by Situation

These figures are general guidance. Actual pricing depends on the specific provider, vehicle, distance, and circumstances of the job.

What Affects Towing Costs

Distance

Most towing companies charge a base callout fee plus a per-kilometre rate once the vehicle has been loaded. Longer distances naturally increase the total cost, and long-distance or interstate towing is generally quoted separately from standard local rates.

Time of Day

After-hours, overnight, or public holiday towing is typically priced higher than standard business-hours callouts, reflecting the cost of maintaining 24/7 emergency availability.

Vehicle Type and Towing Method

Larger or heavier vehicles, and those requiring flatbed towing due to damage or drivetrain considerations, generally cost more than a straightforward wheel-lift tow of a standard vehicle. Motorcycles and specialised loads like forklifts or containers are priced differently again, reflecting the specific equipment required.

Accessibility of the Vehicle

A vehicle that's easy to access, such as one on a straightforward roadside shoulder, is generally quicker and cheaper to tow than one in a difficult location, such as a car park, tight laneway, or an accident scene requiring careful manoeuvring.

Whether It's an Accident or Breakdown

Accident recovery can involve additional considerations, coordinating with police or insurers, careful handling of a damaged vehicle, which may be reflected in the overall cost compared to a routine breakdown tow.

How to Avoid Unexpected Costs

• Ask for an upfront quote before the truck is dispatched, including any callout fee and per-kilometre rate

• Clarify after-hours pricing if the breakdown happens outside standard business hours

• Confirm what's included, such as whether loading, unloading, and short-term storage are part of the quoted price

• Check if your insurance covers towing, since some policies include a towing benefit that can offset the cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Is towing more expensive at night?

Generally yes. After-hours and overnight towing usually carries a higher rate than standard daytime callouts, reflecting the cost of 24/7 availability.

Does my insurance cover towing costs?

Many comprehensive car insurance policies include some level of towing coverage, though the amount and conditions vary by insurer and policy. It's worth checking your policy or calling your insurer to confirm before assuming it's covered.

Why do some tow companies charge more than others for the same distance?

Pricing can vary based on the provider's overheads, equipment, availability, and whether they specialise in certain vehicle types or emergency response times. It's worth getting a clear quote upfront rather than assuming all providers charge the same rate.

Is long-distance towing priced per kilometre or as a flat rate?

This varies by provider, but long-distance towing is commonly priced with a combination of a base rate plus a per-kilometre charge, since costs scale with distance, fuel, and time involved.

For an accurate cost, it's best to call directly and describe the situation, vehicle type, location, and whether it's an emergency or a scheduled move, since general averages can only provide a rough guide. Providers such as Car Towing  Melbourne, which offers 24/7 emergency towing and scheduled transport across Melbourne, typically provide an upfront quote based on the specific details of the job before dispatching a truck.