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.
Table of Contents
What you need to rent a car in Adelaide
- Age. Most companies set the minimum at 21. A few will rent to 18–20 year olds, but expect heavy restrictions and a large surcharge. More importantly, see the note on under-25 fees below — it’s the single biggest hidden cost for backpackers.
- A valid driver’s licence. In South Australia you can drive on your overseas licence if it’s in English. If it isn’t, you need either an International Driving Permit or an official NAATI-accredited translation carried alongside your original licence.
- A credit card in the driver’s name. This is non-negotiable at almost every desk — debit cards are frequently refused for the security bond, and prepaid cards essentially never work. The bond is typically several hundred to a few thousand dollars, held until you return the car.
🪪 Official NAATI Translation of Your National Driver’s Licence
Getting an accredited translation is the fastest and most reliable way to drive legally in every Australian state. Our NAATI‑certified translators will translate your French, Belgian, Swiss, German, Deutsch, Italien, Spanish, Czech, Russian licence within 24 to 48 hours!
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!
Staying longer than a couple of weeks? Do the maths before you book a car. Beyond roughly three weeks, renting a campervan often works out cheaper once you count accommodation, and buying a vehicle and reselling it at the end frequently beats both, which is what most people doing a full Working Holiday end up doing.
🚐 Longer trip? Compare your options
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
The major operators all have a presence in Adelaide, at the airport and in the city:
- Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, Enterprise and Sixt — full-service, largest fleets, airport and CBD desks.
- Jucy — backpacker-focused, campervans as well as cars, often better value for younger drivers.
- Local and budget operators such as Access — cheaper rates on older vehicles, usually from suburban depots.
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.
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 |
How to keep the cost down
- Compare the CBD against the airport, don’t assume. Airport desks in Australia carry a premium location fee baked into the rate, so city depots are often cheaper — sometimes by enough to cover the tram fare into town several times over. Check both before booking.
- Book about a month ahead. Adelaide’s fleet is small compared with Sydney or Melbourne, and it empties fast around the Fringe and the Adelaide 500.
- Travel off-peak. March–May and September–November bring lower rates and better availability.
- Let the over-25 drive. See the surcharge note above — this is the big one.
- Rent for longer. Weekly rates are often barely more than five days, and the daily rate drops sharply past a week.
- Read the insurance excess, not just the daily rate. A cheap headline price frequently comes with an excess of several thousand dollars. Compare the excess-reduction cost against a standalone car hire excess policy, which is usually far cheaper than the desk’s version.
- Check the fuel and kilometre policy. Unlimited kilometres matter in South Australia, where the good drives are long ones. Full-to-full is almost always better than prepaid fuel.
- Look at one-way and relocation deals. If you’re heading to Melbourne or Perth afterwards, one-way fees can be steep — but rental companies also need vehicles moved back, and relocation deals sometimes go for a nominal daily rate with fuel included. Worth checking before you commit to a return trip.
- Inspect and photograph the car before you drive off, including the roof and wheels, and film a slow walk-around. Damage disputes at return are the most common complaint against rental companies in Australia.
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.
Plan your Working Holiday in Australia 📖 Free eBook
Plan your trip in Australia with this free 60-page ebook written by former backpackers who have traveled the length and breadth of Australia.
Inside, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your journey. This ebook will guides you through the entire process, from applying for your visa to booking your flights and understanding the administrative procedures upon arrival.
With detailed insights and practical advice, you’ll navigate each step of your journey with ease. So, get ready to embark on your Australian adventure fully equipped and informed!
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.
Related articles:
