How to find a cheap car rental deal in Adelaide
Pick up a cheap rental car in Adelaide for around C$77 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, so you can easily compare prices and book.
C$30 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Adelaide.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? C$208 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Adelaide car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.
Browse the offers available with simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals and Sixt. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Adelaide car rental policy, whether you go with simba car hire or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car rental is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Adelaide.
Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car rental options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average C$78 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around C$81.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly C$69 a day.
After a car that works for most trips? The Compact rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Adelaide.
Flying to Adelaide? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car rental at Adelaide Airport. If you're flying to Adelaide through this airport, simply collect your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 6 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car rental types in Adelaide
Small: These cheap rental cars in Adelaide may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to maneuver around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Adelaide car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Adelaide that can handle the big jobs. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Adelaide car rental is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Adelaide.
Good to know
Age requirements vary by company (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Australia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Adelaide car rental reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest option.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Driving in Australia may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In Australia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a cab or ride-share instead.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) on your trip here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Adelaide for drivers
Offering parking, U City makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 0.64 kilometres from central Adelaide and also comes with Wi-Fi and a barbeque.
Mantra Meridien Adelaide gets the details right with accessible parking and features like express check-in and a laundry. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Adelaide and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car rental deal in Adelaide and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide Oval and Penfolds Winery are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Adelaide
You'll be well looked after at McLaren Vale Motel & Apartments and Mick O'Sheas, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Morphett Vale.
Gawler also has plenty to look forward to. Collect your cheap car rental in Adelaide and drive about 40 kilometres north to enjoy highlights like St George's Anglican Church.
Drift off to sleep in Whyalla Norrie at either Comfort Inn Whyalla or Eyre Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
