If you are on a mission to explore South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, you can choose between several means of transport; bus, train, tram, bicycle or car. Adelaide’s public transport system can take you to the main sights of the city, sometimes even for free. However, to completely immerse yourself in all that Adelaide and its surroundings has to offer it is best to get a car rental in Adelaide.
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How to Get a Cheap Car Rental?
To get a car rental in Adelaide, it is best to use a price comparison website. This way, you’ll definitely find a good deal for your car rental!
Why Rent a Car in Adelaide?
- Freedom & Flexibility: Visit the nearby Barossa Valley wineries, Fleurieu Peninsula beaches, and Flinders Ranges at your own pace.
- Cost-Effective for Groups: Split fuel and rental costs when travelling with friends or family.
- Convenience: Public transport to major attractions (like Glenelg Beach) is good—but to reach national parks, coastal drives, and hinterland towns, a car is essential.
Car Rental Companies in Adelaide
Throughout Australia there are several car rental agencies which not only provide a broad selection of rental vehicles but, the competition ensures high quality services at a reasonable price. The main car rental companies are:
- Europcar
- Thrifty
- Hertz
- AVIS
- Jucy
- Budget
- Access
Pickup & Drop-Off Locations
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): All major brands; free hotel shuttles link the terminal to car park.
- Adelaide CBD: Pick-up desks near North Terrace and Franklin Street; ideal if you fly into the city by train.
- Suburban Depots: Good rates but require taxi/Uber to reach—factor that cost in.
Requirements for Renting a car in Adelaide
- Be at least 19 (21 for most companies)
- A valid driver’s license. You may need an international license if your licence is not in English. The easiest way to get the international driver’s license is to apply for it in your hometown before arriving in Australia. This method is simple, free and fast. If you don’t have an international driver’s license, you will need to have your driver’s license translated by an official NAATI accredited translator.
- Have a credit card for payment and bond.
Rental prices
All offer airport and CBD pick-up/drop-off; rates below are approximate for a 5-day hire in peak season (compact sedan, inclusive of basic insurance).
| Provider | Approx. Rate (5 days) | Vehicle Types | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | AUD 400–500 | Economy to 4WD, SUVs | Loyalty discounts, wide airport fleet |
| Budget | AUD 380–480 | Hatchbacks, Sedans, SUVs | Weekend specials, one-way hires |
| Europcar | AUD 420–520 | Eco cars, Premium, 4WD | Long-term discounts, flexible cancellation |
| Hertz | AUD 450–550 | Compact to People-Mover | Gold Plus Rewards, partner deals |
| Thrifty | AUD 360–460 | Small SUVs, Wagons | Young-driver options (21+) |
| Enterprise | AUD 390–490 | Standard cars, Vans | Free pick-up in CBD, generous mileage policy |
| Sixt | AUD 430–530 | Luxury cars, Convertibles | Premium fleet, online price match |
Tips to get a cheap car rental in Adelaide
- Book the car at least one month in advance
- Off-Peak Savings: March–May and September–November often see lower rates and better availability.
- Use an online price comparison website
- Go to agencies near the airport. They offer the best prices.
- Rent a car for several days to get discounts.
- Consider all rental conditions (number of kilometers, petrol price, insurance etc.. so as not to have any unpleasant surprises at the end).
- Share the costs with others (a second driver is sometimes even included in the rental price)
- Choose a car with low fuel consumption and with as few options as possible so as not to pay hidden extras.
- If there are several of you, prefer the oldest person to drive the car (the younger you are, the higher the price).
- Be flexible in your booking dates because from one day to another the prices are not the same.
Visit Adelaide and surroundings
Visit Adelaide
Adelaide is a small town and it is quite easy to explore it by foot. We recommend you to do so to avoid traffic. The beating heart of cosmopolitan Adelaide, Rundle Street is a hub of al fresco eateries, cutting-edge fashion, and entertainment.
Located on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, National Wine Centre of Australia offers an interactive wine journey, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Adelaide Central Market is one of the oldest indoor markets in the world, here you can find fresh produce, flowers, and a variety of multicultural culinary treats.
Adelaide Festival Centre is a cultural hub which hosts a variety of arts events, from theater and ballet to exhibitions and readings. It’s an essential visit for arts and culture enthusiasts.
Also read: Best things to do in Adelaide
Adelaide’s beaches
South Australia boasts some of the best beaches in Australia and you can find some of them on Adelaide’s doorstep. We recommended taking a 30-minute drive to Glenelg, Semaphore or Henley beach during your stay. Here you will discover postcard perfect white sand, amazing blue hues, long esplanades and spectacular sunsets over the sea.
The Hills
Thirty to forty minutes beyond Adelaide city is the laidback “Adelaide Hills”. Here you will drive through kilometres of picturesque vineyards and the charming German influenced town, Hahndorf. You will also be greeted with panoramic views of Mount Lofty. It is easy to spend a full day exploring the hills, wine tasting and coffee sipping your way up, down and around.
Barossa Valley
Adelaide is said to be THE wine capital of Australia so what better way to find out for yourself then joining a wine tasting tour in the renowned Barossa Valley. Accompanying the 50 vineyards in the region is many award-winning restaurants to choose from in between the cellar door visits.
Fleurieu Peninsula
If you are a surfer visiting Adelaide, then the Fleurieu Peninsula is your destination of choice. Victor Harbour or Port Elliot to be exact which is just over an hour drive from the city. After a morning of rolling waves and dolphins, go for a stroll or tram ride across to Granite Island and explore the beauty of the Little Penguin reserve.
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Flinders Ranges
If being surrounded by kangaroos and mountains while camping is your kind of adventure, then take a road trip to the Flinders Ranges National Park. Located 5 hours North of Adelaide it is a popular destination to escape the bustling city life. There is plenty of hiking and driving options within the National Park therefore a few days is recommended.
Kangaroo Island
This island is the jewel of South Australia. After a two-hour drive south and another 45 minutes by ferry, you are on a beautiful pristine island. Kangaroos, seals, dolphins, whales, eagles, pelicans, crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches create magical moments.
Eyre Peninsula
Do you dream of thrills? Why not go meet the great white shark? The Eyre Peninsula is home to the Great White shark cage diving as well as many other underwater activities such as snorkelling with sea lions and swimming with dolphins. Port Lincoln is roughly 7 hours from Adelaide so plan a day just for driving.
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