Car Rental at Adelaide Airport

Airport travel guide

The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is quite some distance from Sydney and Melbourne and doesn’t get as many tourists as Australia’s two largest cities. But those who give it a chance will discover a thriving city with an interesting past, culturally active present, and many things to see and do. This being Australia, impressive beaches and nature areas are also not far away. These are five of the most interesting attractions in and around Adelaide:

• Museums. Adelaide is home to an absolute wealth of interesting museums and while you probably won’t be visiting all of them, chances are that there are at least a few you will find really interesting. Some of the best ones include the Immigration Museum dedicated to the peoples from all over the world who have come to call Adelaide their home, the South Australian Aviation and Maritime Museums, the National Railway Museum, the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the National Wine Centre.
• Bicentennial Conservatory. Located in the very south of the country, Adelaide doesn’t get the same lush, tropical jungle that you can experience when visiting Northern Queensland or Australia’s neighbors like Indonesia. But the Bicentennial Conservatory’s glasshouses offer the next best thing, simulating a rainforest environment and giving home to truly impressive jungle flora. The conservatory is located inside the Adelaide Botanic Garden, itself a worthwhile place to visit.
• Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Australia is supposed to be all about the beach, but Adelaide is also home to one of the largest and nicest complexes of swimming pools in the country. Located in the Adelaide Park Lands area, itself a lovely place to visit, the aquatic center is very popular with families, especially during the cooler months of the year.
• Adelaide Hills. A lovely outdoor area just a short drive east of the city center, the Adelaide Hills are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Its attractions include a number of conservation parks, forests, wildlife refuges, famous local wineries, and the opportunity to spend a long, relaxing day outdoors.
• Kangaroo Island. One of the largest in Australia — and one of the most fascinating — this haven of wilderness is only a 45-minute boat ride from Adelaide, so it would be a shame not to visit if you’re in the area. It’s home not just to kangaroos — you can also be lucky enough to spot koalas, penguins, or fur seals, and that’s not to mention the stunning landscapes and beaches. Importantly, not every rental car company permits bringing a vehicle on a ferry to the island, so look up the rental conditions in advance. If you find one that does permit it, make sure to have an up-to-date map of the island, and a full tank, as there are not too many service stations around, and some parts of the island are very remote.

Top international routes

• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Brisbane
• Port Lincoln
• Perth
• Darwin
• Canberra
• Mount Gambier
• Gold Coast
• Denpasar

Main airlines

Jetstar Airways, Regional Express Airlines, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Tigerair Australia, and Cobham Aviation Services Australia

Terminals

The single Adelaide Airport passenger terminal, also known as T1, serves all domestic and international flights. It was opened in 2005, replacing the older terminal that was much smaller.

Location

Adelaide Airport is about 6 km (3.7 mi) west of the city center. Sir Richard Williams Avenue, Sir Donald Bradman Drive, and Grote Street are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Medium cars - from $16 per day
• Large cars - from $17 per day
• SUVs - from $17 per day
• Small cars - from $16 per day
• Vans - from $48 per day
• Station wagons - from $53 per day
• Convertibles - from $56 per day

Car rental desks

Some desks are inside the airport terminal, on the ground floor of the airport, while other rental companies offer free shuttle to their nearby facilities. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

You’ll find cafeterias, bars, and a restaurant serving Australian cuisine and wine. There are all kinds of shops, including duty-free outlets. You’ll also find ATMs, several currency exchanges, a pharmacy, a first aid center, baby changing rooms, a children’s play area, a prayer room, and a nearby hotel. The airport often hosts free concerts. 24/7 luggage lockers are on the ground floor of the airport, in the car park near the car rental area. The airport is well-equipped for travelers with reduced mobility, and special assistance can be provided, but you should contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service. Do keep in mind that the airport terminal is open from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Nearest gas station

Caltex Woolworths gas station, located at 130-132 Marion Road, can be reached in about eight minutes and is open 24/7. While some gas stations are even closer to the airport, travelers give this Caltex gas station the highest rating. There are many other gas stations near Adelaide Airport and in the city.

Popular one-way rentals

• Melbourne (732 km / 455 miles)
• Mildura (397 km / 247 miles)
• Geelong (711 km / 443 miles)
• Port Lincoln (651 km / 405 miles)