How much does a tow truck cost in Melbourne?

There's no set price for a breakdown tow in Melbourne, because operators set their own. Some publish a guide, and those figures are a useful starting point, but your trip could come in higher or lower. Here's what's published, what's different about towing in Melbourne, and how to find out what your own tow would cost.

What Melbourne operators publish

Few operators put prices online, so there isn't much to go on. One Melbourne operator's guide says a standard tow within 10 km may start from around $140 to $150 during business hours, and that towing within 50 km may cost between $200 and $300. It also says longer distances and after-hours work can increase the price.

Read those figures as one business's guide, not a market rate. It doesn't tell you what your own trip will cost, or what other operators would charge for it. The real number depends on the job, and a price is only real once an operator has quoted your pick-up, drop-off and vehicle.

Don't confuse it with accident towing fees

If you search for towing prices in Victoria, you'll also find official figures. Those are for accident towing. The March 2026 determination sets a base fee of $279.10 including the first 8 km for towing a crash-damaged vehicle under 4 tonnes from an accident scene in a controlled area, including the Melbourne region. They don't apply to a breakdown. Transport Victoria describes trade towing as deregulated, which is why breakdown prices vary. Our guide to towing costs across Victoria has the full table.

What's different about towing in Melbourne

• Crossing town. A tow from Werribee to Ringwood is a very different job from one across a couple of suburbs. Distance often counts both ways: the trip itself, and how far the truck travels to reach you.
• Toll roads. A trip that makes sense on CityLink or EastLink may have tolls added. Ask whether they're included in your price.
• Traffic. The same trip can take much longer in peak hour, which may matter if an operator allows for time as well as distance.
• Basement and multi-level car parks. Low height limits and tight ramps can rule out some trucks or add work to the job. Tell the operator before they set out.
• Inner-city streets. Clearways, permit zones and narrow laneways can make loading harder. A photo showing where the vehicle is helps an operator quote properly.
• Where it's going. Workshops close, and a tow after hours may need to go to your home or wait at a yard. Storage can add to the bill, so ask.

What makes a Melbourne quote go up or down

Not sure which truck you'll need? Here's how to choose between a tilt tray and other tow trucks.

How to get a real price for your tow

You've got three main options:

1. Use your roadside cover, if you have it. Check your membership, car insurance or new car's after-sales service first. See whether car insurance covers towing.
2. Ring around. Call a few operators, give each one the same details, and write down what they say. Ask for the total, including GST and every kilometre.
3. Send one request on RoadM8. On RoadM8 you enter your pick-up, drop-off and vehicle, and independent tow operators can quote. Quotes are listed with the lowest first, and your card isn't charged until you've accepted one.

You can start from your part of Melbourne, too. Try the western suburbs, the northern suburbs, the eastern suburbs or the south east. Quotes depend on who's available near your pick-up at the time.

Don't just pick the lowest number

The lowest quote can still be the wrong choice if the truck is a long way off and you're stuck somewhere exposed. Before you accept, look at the distance and how long the operator says they'll take. Then check that the price covers the whole trip. Our guide to choosing a tow truck company lists the questions to ask.