Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Adelaide
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Adelaide
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Adelaide
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Adelaide
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Adelaide as
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.
Pretty chill vibe
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!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 15.09.2024
Kinda underwhelming, food's meh
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
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.
Evelyn Carter
Reviewed: 21.11.2024
Pretty decent, really.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Pretty chill place
Sophia Brown
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
Loved exploring Adelaide! Coastal drives were breathtaking; so relaxing.
Isabelle Thompson
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
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Adelaide was fantastic! Whizzed around efficiently for my business trip, exploring the city and hills with ease. Highly recommend.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 15.07.2025