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Car rental in Adelaide - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

Pick-up location

Pick-up date

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Adelaide

Adelaide

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Adelaide

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Adelaide

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Adelaide

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Adelaide?

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a city celebrated for its festivals, food, and wine. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the ideal way to explore the city and its surrounding regions at your own pace.

Freedom to Explore. With a rental car, you're not tied to bus or train schedules. Discover the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, and Fleurieu Peninsula on your own terms.

Convenience and Comfort. Especially if you're travelling with family or have a lot of luggage, a car offers a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

Access to Remote Locations. Many of South Australia's natural attractions are best accessed by car, allowing you to experience the stunning landscapes beyond the city.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Adelaide

Before booking a rental car in Adelaide, be sure to check the fine print. Rental terms and conditions cover important details such as minimum age requirements, licence regulations, insurance coverage, deposit policies, mileage restrictions, and fuel guidelines.

Area

1,826 square kilometres (705 square miles)

Population

Approximately 1.4 million residents

Time Zone

Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), UTC+9:30

Ideal for

Long-term rental

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Adelaide require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsRentals typically include basic insurance. Optional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available. A security deposit is usually required and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Adelaide – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $12 / €11 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to February): Expect higher demand, prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (May to August): Often comes with discounts

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Adelaide?

Booking a car in Adelaide involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth rental experience. By comparing prices, selecting the right vehicle, reviewing rental terms, booking early, and having the necessary documents ready, you can secure the best deal and enjoy your trip.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Adelaide

Adelaide offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it perfect for exploration by car. Knowing local traffic rules, parking options, and fuel access will make your trip smoother.

As the capital of South Australia, Adelaide is known for its well-planned layout, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to world-renowned wine regions like the Barossa Valley. While Adelaide has public transport, renting a car is a great way to explore both the city and surrounding regions. However, be aware of parking regulations and traffic conditions.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Adelaide Central Market

    One of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Adelaide Botanic Garden

    A serene escape with diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.

  • Barossa Valley

    A world-famous wine region, about an hour's drive from Adelaide.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use secure parking facilities like UPark or Wilson Parking in the city centre.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available but may have time restrictions, especially during peak hours.

  • Park & Ride

    Use the Park & Ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city for easy access via public transport.

Gas Stations in Adelaide

  • Major Brands

    Find major brands like BP, Shell, and Caltex throughout Adelaide and its suburbs.

  • Availability

    Gas stations are readily available, but it's wise to fill up before heading to more remote areas.

  • Payment Options

    Most stations accept credit cards and cash.

Useful Tips for Visiting Adelaide

  • Plan for Traffic

    Avoid driving during peak hours to minimise delays.

  • Watch for Cyclists

    Be aware of cyclists, especially on designated bike lanes.

  • Contactless Payment

    Use contactless payment for parking and public transport.

  • Download Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and navigation.

Key Transportation Hubs in Adelaide

Major Bus Stations

Adelaide Central Bus Station

Located in the heart of the city, serving various regional and interstate routes.

Railway Stations

Adelaide Railway Station

The main railway station, offering suburban and regional train services.

Airports

Adelaide Airport (ADL)

Located approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) west of the city centre, serving domestic and international flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Adelaide?

Renting a car in Adelaide is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.

  • If you're from Australia, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors can use their home-country licence for a limited period, but may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and there may be surcharges for drivers under 25.

  • A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.

  • A passport or other form of photo identification may be required.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Adelaide as

4.3

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Adelaide was fantastic! Whizzed around efficiently for my business trip, exploring the city and hills with ease. Highly recommend.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 15.07.2025

Pretty chill vibe

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 27.10.2024

Having a car made exploring Adelaide so easy! We loved the Botanic Garden and the city's beautiful architecture. The Central Market was a bit overwhelming, though – so much to see!

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 24.02.2025

Pretty relaxed, really.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 15.09.2024

Kinda underwhelming, food's meh

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 16.09.2024

Pretty laid-back, really.

ML

Mia Lee

Reviewed: 10.09.2024

Adelaide felt surprisingly quiet after so many years. Renting a car made getting around easy, though the city's museums seemed a bit underwhelming.

EC

Evelyn Carter

Reviewed: 21.11.2024

Pretty decent, really.

AW

Ava Wilson

Reviewed: 06.11.2024

Pretty chill place

SB

Sophia Brown

Reviewed: 15.08.2025

Loved exploring Adelaide! Coastal drives were breathtaking; so relaxing.

IT

Isabelle Thompson

Reviewed: 27.08.2024

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