Adelaide car hire for the Barossa, Fleurieu and the Kangaroo Island ferry
Great value rental cars from Adelaide’s most trusted car hire providers
Cheapest rate today, by vehicle class in Adelaide
Economy Car
MG Core 3 or similar
View offerTravel 03 Sep - 06 Sep 2026
from AUD $43/day
Compact Car
Volkswagen Polo or similar
View offerTravel 03 Sep - 06 Sep 2026
from AUD $44/day
Special
Mystery Vehicle or similar
View offerTravel 03 Sep - 06 Sep 2026
from AUD $44/day
Intermediate Car
Toyota Corolla or similar
View offerTravel 03 Sep - 06 Sep 2026
from AUD $45/day
Standard Car
Skoda Scala Select or similar
View offerTravel 03 Sep - 06 Sep 2026
from AUD $48/day
Compact SUV
Mazda Cx3 or similar
View offerTravel 05 Sep - 12 Sep 2026
from AUD $50/day
Economy SUV
Mazda CX-3 or similar
View offerTravel 05 Sep - 12 Sep 2026
from AUD $51/day
Intermediate SUV
MG HS Vibe or similar
View offerTravel 03 Sep - 06 Sep 2026
from AUD $57/day
Standard SUV
Honda Crv or similar
View offerTravel 05 Sep - 12 Sep 2026
from AUD $57/day
Rental rate prices displayed are AUD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on September 02, 2026 by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, for the specified travel dates, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates. Rates include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 02 September, 2026
Booking tips for renting a car in Adelaide
Best time to book a hire car in Adelaide
According to our nationwide rental car trend data, Adelaide sees considerable shifts in the price of car hires across the year, with an average of $109/day in April clearly the most expensive month to rent a car. August meanwhile, with an average rate of $67/day is the cheapest month, the second most expensive period is November and January, and average rental car rates in January drop significantly.
Nationwide, an average savings of 12 per cent is possible by booking your rental car two weeks in advance (when compared to renting a car on the same day), and this means that regardless of when you’re planning to hire a car in Adelaide, arranging it in advance is a good idea.
How to find cheaper car hire in Adelaide
1. Consider an off-airport rental depot
According to our booking data, renting from an Adelaide Airport (ADL) off-airport rental provider can be over 40 per cent cheaper than renting at the airport itself. This represents a substantial saving, especially if you’re planning to rent your car for more than a few days. East Coast Car Rentals operates an off-airport depot that serves Adelaide Airport and it’s just a short drive from the terminal building.
2. Rent your car from an Adelaide CBD provider
While not as cheap as an off-airport provider, rental car depots in the Adelaide CBD are an average of $16 per day cheaper than renting from an on-airport provider. While this isn’t a huge saving for a rental of just a couple of days, for longer rentals your savings will accumulate quickly.
One-way car hires from Adelaide
Adelaide is a popular option for one-way rental car hires, especially for driving east to Mount Gambier or even Melbourne. If you’re planning a road trip north to Alice Springs and Uluru, be sure to check with your provider that you’re permitted to take the vehicle over the border. To search for a for one-way hire car, untick “Return to the same location” in the search form, select your drop-off point, and compare rates. A one-way fee may apply, but exact policies vary by provider and the distance involved.
Average car hire rates in Adelaide
Price range over the past 12 months for an intermediate car
Price range over the past 12 months for a compact car
Price range over the past 12 months for an economy car
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$43
$75
03 Sep
$43
$74
04 Sep
$43
$74
05 Sep
$43
$74
06 Sep
$43
$74
07 Sep
$43
$74
08 Sep
$43
$74
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$45
$93
03 Sep
$45
$84
04 Sep
$45
$84
05 Sep
$45
$84
06 Sep
$45
$84
07 Sep
$45
$88
08 Sep
$45
$84
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$48
$104
03 Sep
$48
$102
04 Sep
$48
$102
05 Sep
$48
$111
06 Sep
$48
$93
07 Sep
$48
$102
08 Sep
$48
$102
Price range over the past 12 months for an intermediate SUV
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$50
$413
03 Sep
$53
$413
04 Sep
$53
$413
05 Sep
$50
$413
06 Sep
$53
$413
07 Sep
$53
$413
08 Sep
$53
$413
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$56
$434
03 Sep
$57
$434
04 Sep
$57
$434
05 Sep
$57
$434
06 Sep
$57
$434
07 Sep
$57
$434
08 Sep
$57
$434
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$57
$404
03 Sep
$61
$370
04 Sep
$61
$370
05 Sep
$57
$415
06 Sep
$62
$481
07 Sep
$62
$481
08 Sep
$62
$370
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$86
$417
03 Sep
$112
$390
04 Sep
$112
$390
05 Sep
$86
$425
06 Sep
$102
$403
07 Sep
$112
$417
08 Sep
$112
$390
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
03 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
04 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
05 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
06 Sep
$59
$59
07 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
08 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$109
$337
03 Sep
$115
$331
04 Sep
$115
$331
05 Sep
$111
$331
06 Sep
$122
$331
07 Sep
$122
$331
08 Sep
$122
$331
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$152
$210
03 Sep
$156
$156
04 Sep
$156
$156
05 Sep
$152
$156
06 Sep
$156
$156
07 Sep
$152
$156
08 Sep
$156
$156
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$74
$99
03 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
04 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
05 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
06 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
07 Sep
$77
$87
08 Sep
$74
$74
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
03 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
04 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
05 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
06 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
07 Sep
$442
$442
08 Sep
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
02 Sep
$105
$118
03 Sep
$115
$115
04 Sep
$115
$115
05 Sep
$106
$115
06 Sep
$115
$115
07 Sep
$115
$115
08 Sep
$115
$115
Historical daily rate pricing information is data from actual bookings made using our search engine in the previous 12 months.
Next 7 days rates are obtained from searches in our reservation system for a 3 day rental duration, by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am on the indicated pick up date. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice.
Prices are in AUD and include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
While we make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and reliable data, the data is provided ‘as is’ and errors or other defects may occur. For more information, click here: Terms and Conditions.
Rates are in AUD and were last updated on 02 September, 2026
Which type of hire car in Adelaide is right for you?
Selecting the right Adelaide hire car will depend on a number of factors including the type of trip you have planned, how many passengers you’re carrying and how much luggage everyone has. Touring South Australia can involve longer drives and even ferry trips, so the following scenarios suggest some possible vehicle type fits, with options from all the major car hire providers.
| Best for | Vehicle type | Typical models | Why choose this vehicle type |
| Weekend Adelaide Hills & Barossa day-tripper | Compact car or compact SUV | Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Mazda CX3 | For a three- or four-day Adelaide break, a compact car or compact SUV is well suited to day trips into the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley. Both are easy drives from the Adelaide CBD and popular additions to any weekend itinerary. |
| Kangaroo Island getaway | Intermediate SUV | MG HS Vibe, Mazda CX5, Kia Sportage | An intermediate SUV is a practical choice for a Kangaroo Island road trip, offering extra clearance and luggage space ideal for island driving. Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty may allow their cars to be taken on the ferry to Kangaroo Island. |
| Airport arrival, city-based traveller | Economy or compact car | MG Core 3, Toyota Corolla, Kia Stonic | If you’re flying into Adelaide Airport (ADL) and staying mainly around the city centre, an economy or compact car keeps things both simple and affordable. An Adelaide Airport pickup is convenient, although off-airport depots often offer lower rates if you’re happy to take a shuttle transfer to the depot. |
| Family or group Fleurieu Peninsula road trip | People mover or standard SUV | Kia Carnival, Mazda CX-8, Honda CR-V | For families or groups heading south to McLaren Vale or the Fleurieu Peninsula, a people mover or standard SUV gives you useful extra boot and passenger space, and makes for a comfortable choice for winery visits, coastal drives and longer day trips. |
Adelaide Airport car hire
Are you flying into Adelaide?
Consider collecting your vehicle from the airport. We work with a range of car hire providers at Adelaide Airport (ADL).
Regional airports near Adelaide
Car rental depots in Adelaide
Three of Adelaide’s city depots — Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty — are located at 74 Blyth Street, while Avis and Europcar both sit on Adelaide’s main boulevard of North Terrace, less than a ten minute walk away.
Avis Adelaide City
4.7 (13)136 North Terrace (Opposite Intercontinental)
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:30, Sat 08:00–13:00, Sun 08:00–12:00
Budget Adelaide Downtown
4.7 (26)230 Pulteney St
Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00 (Fri to 18:00), w/e 08:00–14:00
Dollar Adelaide Downtown
N/A74 Blyth St
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, w/e 08:00–13:00
Europcar Adelaide City
N/A225 North Terrace
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–13:00, Sun 09:00–13:00
Hertz Adelaide Downtown
4.2 (5)74 Blyth St
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, w/e 08:00–13:00
Redspot Adelaide
N/A58 Frome Street, Adelaide City,
Mon–Sun 08:00–15:30
Thrifty Adelaide Downtown
4.8 (12)74 Blyth St
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, w/e 08:00–13:00
Car hire near Adelaide
Organising to pick up your hire car from Adelaide Airport or the CBD may be convenient, but either can be a costly choice. Suburban options like Beverley, Plympton, Regency Park, Salisbury and others may offer more affordable car hires.
Local expert tips for hiring a car in Adelaide
Ferry travel to Kangaroo Island
Rental car self-drive trips from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island require a vehicle-ferry booking, and Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty may allow their cars to be taken on the ferry to Kangaroo Island. It’s prudent to confirm this with the provider before booking.
Parking in Adelaide
Adelaide has almost 10,000 free time limit spaces and 3,000 paid ticket parking spaces, but parking machines are cashless — payment is only possible with a card or by using a dedicated app.
Weather warning
Driving routes into the Adelaide Hills, for example Norton Summit Road and Piccadilly Valley, can face total fire-ban driving restrictions in summer. Be sure to keep abreast of weather conditions before heading off.
Festival season
The Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide all run in February or March annually, and these festivals can lead to a bump in demand for hiring a car — prices can rise and the availability of certain models may fall, so book early.
Campervan holidays made easy
If you need a campervan hire in Adelaide, we can help. Easily compare rental rates for 2-berth to 8-berth motorhomes from respected providers including Apollo, Britz, JUCY, and Mighty.
Save on fuel cost
It’s important to return your hire car with a full tank of fuel to avoid extra fuel fees. Find affordable fuel with our free fuel price comparison app.
Frequently asked questions
On hiring a car in Adelaide, South Australia
How much does it cost to hire a car in Adelaide?
For a rental period from 3 September to 6 September 2026, prices range from AUD $43 per day for an Economy Car to AUD $170 per day for a Premium SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in Adelaide.
What is the cheapest car rental in Adelaide?
The cheapest car rental in Adelaide for the rental period from 3 September to 6 September 2026 is a MG Core 3 or similar from Redspot costing AUD $43 per day. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
What is the best way to rent a cheap car in Adelaide?
Based on our data from over 28,000 rental car bookings in Adelaide over the last 12 months, booking your hire car 28 days beforehand can save you over 12 per cent.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Adelaide for a week?
A one-week car hire in Adelaide currently starts from AUD $295, equivalent to around AUD $43 per day, based on a 7-day rental from 5 September to 12 September 2026. Redspot’s MG Core 3 or similar is our cheapest option — enter your travel dates to compare live car hire rates in Adelaide.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in Adelaide?
The price of a minivan hired in Adelaide from 3 September to 6 September 2026 ranges from AUD $66 to AUD $331 per day before any added extras. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in Adelaide.
How much does it cost to hire an Electric Car in Adelaide?
An electric rental car hired in Adelaide from 6 September to 9 September 2026 costs AUD $59 per day before any added extras. As rates can vary depending on the depot location, please enter your travel dates in the search form to compare live rates, rental car provider options, and depot location.
What is the highest-rated hire car in Adelaide?
The highest-rated rental car in Adelaide is Kia Sportage or similar, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.
What is the best car rental company in Adelaide?
Thrifty is our highest-rated car hire provider in Adelaide, scoring an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Adelaide?
Redspot is the cheapest car rental company in Adelaide, with rates from AUD $43 per day based on our rolling weekly search data. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental in Adelaide?
The per-day rates of some rental cars may fall if you book for a longer rental period. Prices often change around daily, three-day, five-day and seven-day periods, meaning per-day rates can fall for longer bookings, though vehicle selection may be more limited — compare a few durations before you commit.
Will it be easy to collect my rental car in Adelaide?
Three of the city depots — Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty — share one desk at 74 Blyth St, and Avis and Europcar both sit on North Terrace a short walk away, so most are within easy reach of Adelaide CBD’s accommodation.
Are there toll roads in Adelaide?
No, there are no toll roads in Adelaide, nor in the state of South Australia.
What is the speed limit in Adelaide?
The speed limit in Adelaide is 50 km/h in urban areas unless signposted otherwise, and 100 km/h on most highways outside the city centre.
What’s a good day trip from Adelaide?
The Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley wine region are just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Adelaide and are one of the most popular day trips in a rental car.
Can I take a hire car to Kangaroo Island?
Kangaroo Island requires a vehicle-ferry booking with SeaLink for the Cape Jervis to Penneshaw trip. Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty may allow their cars to be taken on the ferry to Kangaroo Island, but it’s a good idea to confirm this with them at the time of booking.
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Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think
- 01 Jul 2026steven m.Booked: Toyota Kluger or similarAdelaide Downtown
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- 17 Aug 2026sol w.Booked: Mystery Vehicle or similarMelbourne Airport
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- 03 Aug 2026desmond p.Booked: Mystery Vehicle or similarNewcastle Airport
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