Cheap Car Rental in Adelaide $37+/day - FREE Cancellation

Travel Information

Language

English

Currency

AUD

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

61

Average car rental price

$62.05 / per day

Average car rental length

7 days

Speed limit within town

50 km/h

31 mph

Speed limit out of town

80 - 100 km/h

50 - 62 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.8

Average gasoline price

$1.34 / 1 liter

Highest gasoline price

$1.56 / 1 liter

Lowest gasoline price

$1.14 / 1 liter

Why rent a car in Adelaide?

Adelaide is a great place to visit. Although not as famous as other Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, it has plenty to offer in terms of history, culture, and entertainment. Adelaide is also located near some of the most beautiful and unique nature in all of Australia, and all of it can be easily reached with a rental car.

One-Way Car Rentals in Adelaide

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Adelaide and drop off in another city include:

From Adelaide to Sydney - 56 offers from $24.68 per day
From Adelaide to Melbourne - 39 offers from $24.68 per day
From Adelaide to Cairns - 36 offers from $72.54 per day
From Adelaide to Canberra - 31 offers from $47.50 per day

Top ways to enter Adelaide

Adelaide Airport: By far the largest in South Australia and the fifth-busiest in the country, Adelaide Airport handled 8.4 million travelers in the 2017-18 financial year. The airport hosts a large number of domestic flights as well as flights to and from such destinations as New Zealand, Hong Kong, Qatar, Indonesia, and Singapore. Located just 6km (3.7 miles) southwest of the city center, the airport can be reached in about ten minutes.
Melbourne Airport: Although a whole day’s drive away, Melbourne-Tullamarine is technically the closest international airport to Adelaide. The second-busiest airport in the country handles around 35 million travelers every year offering flights to destinations not only in Australia, but also in Oceania, Asia, North America, and Europe. Located 720km (447 miles) southeast of Adelaide, Melbourne Airport can be reached in about eight hours. There are many daily flights connecting the two cities, so it might be a better idea to fly from Melbourne to Adelaide and to pick up a car after arriving in the latter.

City facts

Cooler than many other places in Australia (but still very warm), Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The average high temperature is 30°C (85°F) in January and February, the hottest months, and 15°C (60°F) in July. The summers, lasting from December to February, are typically dry, but winters (from June to August) are much more humid. Snowfall is unheard of in Adelaide itself but can occur in the nearby mountains.
With a population of 1.34 million people, Adelaide is the capital and largest city of the state of South Australia. Indeed, about 75% of the state’s inhabitants live in or near the city. Adelaide is also the fifth-busiest city in Australia, behind only Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, but ahead of the nation’s capital, Canberra. Adelaide has been frequently mentioned by The Economist and other outlets as the city with the highest quality of living in Australia and amongst the TOP 10 in the world. A person from Adelaide is called an Adelaidean.
Inhabited for centuries by the indigenous Kaurna people, Adelaide was originally called Tarndanyangga or ‘the place of the red kangaroo.’ British colonists settled in the area in 1836. Unlike many other British settlements in Australia, Adelaide was never the site of a penal colony; instead, it was settled by free immigrants. The city was named after Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, a European queen consort.

Top destinations and activities

Bicentennial Conservatory. Although located indoors, this is a truly unique nature area as it creates the conditions of the tropical rainforest of Northern Australia as well as its neighbors Papua New Guinea, Oceania, and Indonesia. The conservatory works hard to get every aspect of the rainforest right, including even a mist that falls from the roof. The conservatory is part of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens which also has many different attractions and unique plants from all over Australia and the rest of the planet.
South Australian Museum. A great natural history museum, it has collections of such varied topics as South Australian biodiversity, megafauna that used to inhabit the earth, meteorites, and even Australian Polar expeditions. The museum is also said to host one of the best collections of Australian Aboriginal and Pacific Islander art in the world.
The beaches. Adelaide is a famous beach destination, with many beautiful coastal stretches located right in the city center. Glenelg Beach is hip and busy, Henley Beach is family-friendly and has a lot of dining opportunities right on the coast, Semaphore Beach is surrounded by sand dunes, and Port Noarlunga Beach is a water sports paradise. With a rental car, you can also travel west or east along the coast to find more secluded spots just for yourself.
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Before the Europeans arrived in the mid-19th century, South Australia was already long inhabited by Indigenous Australians. The area of present-day Adelaide was inhabited by the Kaurna people who were neighbored by many other Aboriginal groups of surprising diversity. Celebrating this heritage, the Tandanya Institute is a great place to learn about indigenous culture, music, and society today.

Traffic and parking

One of the largest road hazards in Australia is the wildlife. Use extra caution when driving in bad weather or after dark as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife happen.
Mobile coverage is very rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so use extra caution when traveling in rural areas.
Another great risk when traveling outside of main highways is the heat. The temperatures can reach extremes very easily, especially during the summer months and in inland areas. Always stay properly hydrated and set out your route in advance to be able to supplement your water supplies.
Laws regarding driving under the influence differ from state to state in Australia. In South Australia, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers with provisional licences. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a driver licence ban.
Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000.

Toll roads

There are currently no toll roads in South Australia. There are a number of toll roads in Australia, mainly in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

Most toll roads in Australia use an open toll system with mainline toll barriers. All toll roads in Australia use cashless payment system. You can purchase a prepaid pass for most toll roads. Some rental cars in Australia are equipped with an electronic transponder, the price of which is usually included in the rental price. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance.

Different toll roads are operated by different companies, so there is no nation-wide system in place.

Ideas for day trips

Adelaide Hills. Located near the city, the Adelaide Hills is a pretty area that offers an escape from the summer heat and is nice to visit year-round. A great place for a walk or a picnic, it also has attractions like the Mount Lofty Lookout, Belair National Park, and Cleland Conservation Park. The latter is a sanctuary for wildlife such as koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Located just 31km (19 miles) east of Adelaide, the hills take about 40 minutes to reach by car.
Victor Harbor. A scenic coastal town, Victor Harbor has attractions like the Steam Ranger Heritage Railway and the nearby Granite Island which has a colony of fairy penguins. The area is also near many surfing hotspots like Goolwa Beach, Port Elliot Beach, and Middletown Beach. Located 80km (50 miles) south of Adelaide, Victor Harbor can be reached in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Kangaroo Island. One of Australia’s largest islands, it is famous for its unspoiled nature, lighthouses, and, yes, lots of kangaroos (other unique wildlife like the echidna, platypus, fur seals, and sea lions also live there). The island can only be accessed by ferry, and while it is technically possible to bring a rental car on most boats, you should still ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Kangaroo Island is some 210km (130 miles) southwest of Adelaide and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach (including the ferry trip). While it can technically be visited as a day trip, it is best to leave aside at least a couple of days to see more.
National parks. Adelaide is very near a number of national parks and other protected areas; and while not among the largest in the country, they offer a great opportunity to explore the region’s nature. These include Belair National Park (which is the oldest national park in South Australia), Onkaparinga National Park just south of the city, Cleland Conservation Park, and Mount Crawford Forest Reserve. All of these fascinating nature areas are just an hour’s drive or less from the city centre of Adelaide.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Adelaide is the Toyota Yaris, although many travelers also go for the Toyota Camry and the VW Golf. The most popular rental car types are economy, intermediate, and compact.

Further destinations

Melbourne. The capital of Victoria and Australia’ second-largest city, Melbourne is a center of art, culture, and entertainment. Visitors love the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Aquarium, the National Gallery of Victoria along with countless other landmarks and attractions. Melbourne is 725km (450 miles) southeast of Adelaide and can be reached in about seven hours. There are plenty of attractions on the way, not least of which is the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic highways on the planet.
The Eyre Peninsula. A beautiful area with a somewhat remote and distinct fee to it, Eyre has endless pristine beaches, deep cliff caves, and Port Lincoln, a historical town that’s said to have the best seafood in the country. The area is also great for whale spotting and encounters with other aquatic wildlife. Port Lincoln is 650km (404 miles) west of Adelaide and can be reached in just under seven hours. You can explore the rest of the region from there.
Munga-Thirri-Simpson Conservation Park. A vast nature area, this conservation park is one of the best places to experience the Australian desert. Made up of endless dunes, Acacia forests, and dry lakes, the landscape is desolate but fascinating. Munga-Thirri is bordered by Kati Thanda Lake Eyre National Park and Witjira National Park. Important: The conservation park is not easy to access and has almost no human settlement nor gas stations. The destination should only be visited by experienced travelers who have previously visited a desert environment. It is best to book a tour or a guide or at the very least, to do a lot of research and prepare adequately. Also, keep in mind that the national park was closed to visitors for the summer of 2018-2019 because of extreme heat and the same might happen in upcoming summers.
Grampians National Park. Significantly more accessible than Munga-Thirri, Grampians is one of the largest national parks of the neighboring state of Victoria. Made up of sandstone cliffs, impressive waterfalls, and majestic views, the park is popular with hikers and climbers. The area is called Gariwerd by the Indigenous Peoples of the region, and you can learn more about them at the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre. Located about a five-hour drive from Adelaide, Grampians can be conveniently visited on the way to Melbourne. There are a number of guest houses and other types of accommodation around the park. Grampians is only an hour’s drive from the Little Desert National Park, another fascinating nature area.

Car Rental Prices in Adelaide

Large cars - from $76 per day
Medium cars - from $74 per day
Premium cars - from $87 per day
Small cars - from $66 per day
SUVs - from $83 per day

Money-saving tips

Follow these tips to land a great rental car in Adelaide:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Adelaide is the cheapest in June when renting a car is about 62% cheaper than the yearly average.

What travel writers say

I visited Adelaide in the month of March when the city comes alive with endless events to attend. Our visit centred on attending Fringe Festival, an arts festival with endless entertainment, good food and great times. This was the highlight of our entire trip in South Australia! There’s also WOMAD music festival in March, the Adelaide Cup and a range of concerts and events on in the city during what the locals have dubbed “Mad March”.

BS

Brooke Saward

Hello! My name is Brooke. I’m originally from Australia but have long had an ongoing desire to travel the world and share my stories with others.

The majority of Australia is taken up with vast expanses of wilderness, making it ideal for a road trip that truly takes you away from it all. I’d suggest that one of the best road trips in Australia is the drive up through the “Red Center”, from Adelaide in the south up to Darwin in the north. This drive, which is almost 2,000 miles in length, will truly let you appreciate the vastness of this incredible country. There are multiple highlights along the way. These include Coober Pedy, an opal mining town where many of the inhabitants live underground, and the Devils Marbles, a series of boulders that are so-called because they look like a giant game of marbles.

LAJN

Laurence and Jessica Norah

Hi there! We're Laurence and Jessica Norah. We've been running this site since 2010 as full time professional travel bloggers.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Adelaide is browsing the vendor stalls at the Adelaide Central Markets. It is the largest covered market in the southern hemisphere with over 70 vendors selling fresh produce, meats and cheeses, seafood, baked goods, health food, and handmade items. If you aren’t looking to stock up on goods, the Adelaide central market is also a great place to grab a quick bite to eat. There are a variety of cafes and food stalls serving up multicultural cuisine. Located in the heart of the inner city, the Adelaide central market is easy to walk to from any part of town.

ABAJS

Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Top 20 Cities near Adelaide

Melbourne Car Rentals from $70.33 per day

641.7 km / 398.7 miles away
Avalon Car Rentals from $96.92 per day

632.4 km / 393.0 miles away
Canberra Car Rentals from $38.44 per day

964.3 km / 599.2 miles away
Albury Car Rentals from $55.07 per day

772.7 km / 480.2 miles away
Devonport Car Rentals from $65.47 per day

977.7 km / 607.5 miles away
Mildura Car Rentals from $47.91 per day

335.0 km / 208.2 miles away
Wagga Wagga Car Rentals from $57.62 per day

813.1 km / 505.2 miles away
Dubbo Car Rentals from $41.99 per day

978.1 km / 607.8 miles away
Broken Hill Car Rentals from $31.62 per day

426.0 km / 264.7 miles away
Port Lincoln Car Rentals from $39.27 per day

245.0 km / 152.2 miles away
Cooma Car Rentals from $57.56 per day

968.3 km / 601.7 miles away
Griffith Car Rentals from $55.37 per day

694.0 km / 431.2 miles away
Ballarat Car Rentals

551.3 km / 342.6 miles away
Parkes Car Rentals from $41.99 per day

916.6 km / 569.6 miles away
Bendigo Car Rentals from $52.61 per day

556.0 km / 345.5 miles away
Geelong Car Rentals from $50.44 per day

629.9 km / 391.4 miles away
Orange Car Rentals from $87.84 per day

990.4 km / 615.4 miles away
Derrimut Car Rentals from $84.98 per day

642.1 km / 399.0 miles away
Sale Car Rentals

845.8 km / 525.5 miles away
Portland Car Rentals from $35.24 per day

457.7 km / 284.4 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Adelaide

Adelaide North Car Rentals from $42.10 per day

1.7 km / 1.0 miles away
Adelaide Airport Car Rentals from $52.62 per day

6.6 km / 4.1 miles away
Mildura Airport Car Rentals from $47.91 per day

328.5 km / 204.1 miles away
Bendigo Epsom Car Rentals from $65.24 per day

552.3 km / 343.2 miles away
Avalon Airport Car Rentals from $96.92 per day

628.9 km / 390.8 miles away
Melbourne Airport Car Rentals from $70.33 per day

637.6 km / 396.2 miles away
Melbourne Hoppers Crossing Car Rentals from $63.80 per day

638.5 km / 396.7 miles away
Melbourne Tullamarine Car Rentals from $72.34 per day

641.6 km / 398.7 miles away
Melbourne Campbellfield Car Rentals from $70.70 per day

646.9 km / 402.0 miles away
South Melbourne Car Rentals from $57.23 per day

654.2 km / 406.5 miles away
Melbourne Richmond Car Rentals from $97.78 per day

657.5 km / 408.6 miles away
Melbourne Brighton Car Rentals from $49.15 per day

660.9 km / 410.7 miles away
Melbourne Bayswater Car Rentals from $59.75 per day

679.9 km / 422.5 miles away
Melbourne Dandenong Car Rentals from $46.80 per day

682.3 km / 423.9 miles away
Melbourne Frankston Car Rentals from $47.02 per day

683.1 km / 424.5 miles away
Griffith Airport Car Rentals from $55.37 per day

687.7 km / 427.3 miles away
Albury Airport Car Rentals from $55.07 per day

767.2 km / 476.7 miles away
Wagga Wagga Airport Car Rentals from $57.62 per day

807.1 km / 501.5 miles away
Canberra Airport Car Rentals from $62.63 per day

964.4 km / 599.2 miles away
Dubbo Airport Car Rentals from $41.99 per day

971.5 km / 603.7 miles away

Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Adelaide?

Car rental prices in Adelaide vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.

Average Rental Price in Adelaide

$58.42

January

$57.00

February

$58.40

March

$85.99

April

$64.62

May

$66.63

June

$59.00

July

$52.60

August

$68.09

September

$62.94

October

$73.19

November

$71.66

December

The best month to rent a car in Adelaide is August (when prices for an Economy class start from $52.60). This is 19% cheaper than the yearly average and 39% cheaper than renting in April (when rental prices start at $85.99 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.

What’s the usual rental length in Adelaide?

Travel lengths vary from month to month: in March, travelers rent a car for an average of 8 days in February, the average rental period is 6 days.

Average Rental Length in Adelaide

7

January

6

February

8

March

6

April

7

May

6

June

7

July

6

August

6

September

7

October

7

November

8

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Adelaide?

The most popular month for renting a car in Adelaide is January, and the least popular is July.

Popularity of Car Rental in Adelaide by Monthly Searches

152%

January

115%

February

120%

March

102%

April

68%

May

79%

June

67%

July

72%

August

78%

September

95%

October

110%

November

142%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	5
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	SIXT, EastCoast Car Rentals, Jucy, Europcar, Alamo
Popular car categories	SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars, Small cars
Lowest price	$37 per day
Cheapest supplier	SIXT

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Jucy	Toyota Corolla	5	3	Medium cars
SIXT	Toyota Yaris	5		Small cars
EastCoast Car Rentals	Mitsubishi Lancer	4	2	Medium cars
SIXT	Mitsubishi ASX	4	2	SUVs
SIXT	Mitsubishi Outlander Aut.	5	3	SUVs
EastCoast Car Rentals	Suzuki Swift	5	1	Small cars
SIXT	MG HS Aut.	5	3	SUVs
SIXT	Kia Carnival	5	3	Vans
Alamo	Toyota Yaris	4	2	Medium cars
Jucy	Toyota Corolla	5	2	Large cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

KL

Australia

Toyota Yaris

March 16, 2023

with the car, we (a family of 4 adults) went to Monarto Safari and Kayaking.

ME

Australia

Suzuki Swift

March 2, 2023

Hahndorf is a must visit. McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley are beautiful and very friendly, eateries are everywhere and superb.

LV

Australia

Toyota Yaris

February 24, 2023

Family gathering. Visited the Adelaide hills which was fantastic.

GE

Australia

Toyota Corolla Sedan

January 23, 2023

Family visit

HK

Australia

Mitsubishi Lancer

January 19, 2023

Long lost cousins were our tour guides. Will be back!

CS

Australia

Nissan Juke

January 4, 2023

perfect weather !

GF

France

Hyundai Kona

November 24, 2022

great !

SS

Canada

Mitsubishi Lancer

November 11, 2022

Two Hands Cellar Door and shout out to Izway Wines

NA

Australia

Hyundai i30

October 26, 2022

Note you can order GPS at the counter when you pick up the car. My Lofty wildlife park is a must. So is Hahndorf as well as the beach such as Glenelg. Great city!

GF

Australia

Kia Carnival

October 1, 2022

Visited family in Cowell

RH

Australia

Toyota Yaris

September 26, 2022

Didn't visit anywhere except family for a wedding, but did visit Glen Ewen Estate,lovely place for a reception or function

MN

Australia

Toyota Corolla

February 12, 2022

Drive though the Barossa Valley, have lunch. Drive to Renmark along the Murray, and take time to stop and enjoy the scenery

RA

Australia

Toyota Corolla

December 31, 2021

For this city you need a vehicle to visit the jetties/beaches, outskirt towns and winery locations.

GB

Australia

Toyota Corolla

May 18, 2021

Adelaide, Victor Harbour, Goowla

EI

Israel

Toyota Corolla

November 13, 2019

We want to extend the rental period we got cheaper prices over the internet so we rent the extension period with other company . Maybe I really don't know it will be wise to offer it in more competitive prices . But not conclusive depend upon many variables. Any way it was great thanks

DR

Australia

Toyota Corolla Sedan

May 10, 2019

An excellent city to visit. Much quieter than Melbourne and Sydney. Very easy to drive around and the gateway to Australia's best wineries and lovely grape growing centres. Most of the wineries are spectacular to visit.

RH

Australia

Mitsubishi ASX

February 17, 2019

Adelaide Hill’s a delight to drive through

AN

Poland

Toyota Corolla

January 9, 2019

Marina Pier and Gelong is really easy reach by the car. Adelaide is really nice City, with good Food (Marcelina Pizza) and drink! Also don't Forget about the pigs on the Queen Street:):)

VV

Australia

Nissan Micra

December 28, 2018

Adelaide is unique. Comparison with other cities is not only silly but futile as well. Plaese have a good holiday

RB

United Kingdom

Holden Malibu

December 12, 2018

Adelaide is an easy place to drive around, with the outer suburbs having easy to navigate arterial roads and the CBD is a simple grid. Car rental isn't expensive and whilst the bus service is generally not too bad, you'll save time and possibly even money (depending on the amount of driving).

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company

Thrifty

9.45 / 10

Lowest rated company

Firefly

8.43 / 10

Total number of reviews

35

Total rental companies

14

Average daily price

$62.05

Lowest daily price

$33.75

Total cars available

129

Top 14 Suppliers in Adelaide in 2023

Thrifty

Exceptional 9.4 / 48 reviews

2 locations

$59 - $111

EastCoast Car Rentals

Exceptional 9.3 / 65 reviews

1 location

$64 - $74

Hertz

Exceptional 9.2 / 14 reviews

1 location

$61 - $93

Jucy

Exceptional 9.2 / 50 reviews

1 location

SIXT

Exceptional 9.2 / 109 reviews

3 locations

$49 - $118

Alamo

Exceptional 9.2 / 35 reviews

1 location

$76 - $116

Budget

Exceptional 9.1 / 20 reviews

2 locations

Europcar

Exceptional 9 / 40 reviews

3 locations

$42 - $139

National

Excellent 8.9 / 2 reviews

1 location

$116 - $131

Avis

Excellent 8.8 / 5 reviews

1 location

$70 - $103

Enterprise

Excellent 8.7

3 locations

$61 - $116

Keddy

Excellent 8.5 / 5 reviews

2 locations

$61 - $90

Dollar

Excellent 8.4

2 locations

$61 - $122

Firefly

Excellent 8.4

1 location

Car Rental in Adelaide

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in Adelaide?

One-Way Car Rentals in Adelaide

Top ways to enter Adelaide

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in Adelaide

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 20 Cities near Adelaide

Top 20 Locations near Adelaide

Map of Car Rental Locations

Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Adelaide?

What’s the usual rental length in Adelaide?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Adelaide?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 14 Suppliers in Adelaide in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers

Car Rental in Adelaide

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in Adelaide?

One-Way Car Rentals in Adelaide

Top ways to enter Adelaide

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in Adelaide

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 20 Cities near Adelaide

Top 20 Locations near Adelaide

Map of Car Rental Locations

Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Adelaide?

What’s the usual rental length in Adelaide?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Adelaide?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 14 Suppliers in Adelaide in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers

Adelaide, Australia