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Cheap Car Hire Adelaide Airport

Big savings on car Rental at Adelaide Airport

Compare the best Adelaide Airport car rental deals from over 15 rental brands. Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Jucy Rentals, Dollar, Apex and more.

  • Low prices
  • Huge choice of brands
  • No booking fees
  • No credit card fees*
  • Instant confirmations
  • Free cancellation on most cars
  • Free amendments on most cars
  • 24/7 customer service

* Some rental car suppliers may charge a credit card fee for amounts payable on arrival.

4WD rental

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Car Hire Options at Adelaide Airport

Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, is not so much a holiday hotspot as a hidden gem. Surrounded by stunning coastlines on one side and rolling hills on the other, whichever direction you choose an array of experiences awaits.

Hiring a rental car to explore Adelaide and venture further into South Australia really enables you to get the best out of your stay, particularly as so many of the area’s top attractions are located an hour or more outside of the CBD. Getting to these attractions quickly becomes expensive if you’re arranging alternative transport, and the city’s buses and trains are known for being infrequent and time-consuming to use. While Adelaide airport is reasonably close to the CBD (around 6 kilometres), the cost of a taxi into town can be $25 or more.

There are over 17 car rental brands at Adelaide Airport competing for your business. If you want to find the best deal that’s a lot of websites to check out...

To make things easy, our car rental comparison search engine hunts down the very best offers available from all car rental suppliers and lists them side-by-side for you. This lets you instantly compare and find the best deals.

Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, SIXT, Dollar, Keddy and National are all “on-airport” car hire companies and have counters located on the ground floor of the terminal, near the baggage claim area.

Other car hire operators, such as Ace, Apex, Jucy, and East Coast Car Rentals, are located close to Adelaide Airport and will transfer you between the terminal and their depot. Although this isn’t as convenient, shuttles are free and frequent and this is often the cheaper way to rent a car at Adelaide Airport.

Before you go to pick up your vehicle, make sure you have your booking confirmation voucher, a valid driver’s licence for each of the drivers, a credit card or cash for the bond and suitable ID.

On-Airport Rental Brands

“On-airport” means these rental companies have check-in desks within the airport terminal.

The big advantage of this for you is convenience and speed. Once you've checked in you can jump in your hire car and get going. No waiting around for transfer vans.

But it does come at a cost. The fees are higher than off-airport rental companies to offset the costs of being at the airport.

If you’re arriving on an international flight you’ll find rental counters next to the arrivals area on the ground floor of the international terminal.

Travellers on domestic flights can find counters are located on the ground floor of the car park building opposite the domestic terminal.

Use our price comparison search tool to find the best prices for these on-airport car hire brands at Adelaide Airport:

  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Europcar
  • Keddy
  • Alamo
  • SIXT
  • Hertz
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • National
  • Thrifty

Off-Airport Rental Brands

“Off-airport” companies don’t have check-in desks within the airport. This means you’ll need to make your way to their car hire depot to check in and collect your car.

Most provide free shuttle services and will collect you from the terminals. This gets arranged when you make your booking and you’ll need to let them know when you've arrived.

Some hire car depots are within the airport grounds and so only a few minutes drive. Others are off the airport grounds and so take longer to get to.

Off-airport car hire companies aren’t as fast or convenient as using on-airport car rentals. But the big advantage is they are usually much cheaper.

Use our price comparison search tool to find the best prices for these off-airport car hire brands at Adelaide Airport:

  • Ace
  • Apex
  • East Coast
  • Jucy

Maximum Choice. Best Deals.

  • All the best deals in one place from over 15 different rental brands at Adelaide Airport.
  • Instantly compare the best deals. No need to waste your time checking out multiple websites.
  • Easily filter results by price, brand, or type of vehicle.
  • And if you're finding it difficult to decide, check out the customer ratings to hear from those who've been there and done that.

Adelaide Airport Car Hire Tips

Ways to save money on Adelaide Airport car hire

Compare prices of on-airport and off-airport brands. If you're not in a big rush, hiring a vehicle from off-airport car hire depots can result in big savings.

But you will have to take extra time with the shuttle transfer. Transfers are usually free, but limited to opening hours, so check when you book.


Don’t hire a bigger vehicle than you require and consider if you really need all the extras you’ll be offered, such as a GPS. Google Maps on your phone will normally do the trick, provided phone data charges aren’t an issue.

With lengthy distances and long travel times between major cities, petrol stops are likely to be frequent. Fuel prices can vary widely from place to the next, so if you want to spend less at the pump use a mobile app like MotorMouth to find the best prices.

Driving in Adelaide

Driving a car in Adelaide, as you’ll quickly discover as you leave the airport, is reasonably relaxed considering it’s the capital city of South Australia. Adelaide lacks the bustling, stressful vibe of bigger cities, the roads are reasonably open and traffic is reasonably light — though it’s best to avoid the city roads at peak travel times if you can.


Unless otherwise signposted, the speed limit in urban and suburban areas is 50km/h — 100km/h when you are driving on a highway. When driving your hire car, all occupants must wear seatbelts or an approved child restraint (a child safety seat or booster seat depending on the child’s size).


Adelaide Airport is located on Sir Richard Williams Avenue, about 6km west from the city centre. If you are driving into the city from the airport, you should normally get there within 15 minutes. As you leave the airport, follow the signs towards the A6, a major highway that will take you to city. 


If you take the Grote Street exit you will arrive at the Central Market Arcade, and here you will find several hotels and hostels. But pay attention when turning into a street, as many of the connecting streets in this area are one-way.


You’ll find plenty of parking in Adelaide, with both short-term and long-term parking spaces on offer. And unlike other states, there are no toll roads in South Australia — if you are travelling interstate, however, you should check with your hire car provider to make sure your car has an e-Tag for automatic toll payment.

Return with a full tank

Remember that it’s a good idea to return your rental car with a full tank of petrol when you’re finished with it. Top-up costs tend to be higher than you’d expect, and it’s frustrating to be stung with extra expenses at the end of a holiday. 


Here's a Google Map showing locations of petrol stations near Adelaide Airport. You’ll see there’s a United Petroleum station conveniently located right next to the airport, as well as plenty of options en route.

Saved a lot of time thanks. Booked the car we wanted at a good price.

Fran Marshall Australia

Quick and easy to find what we wanted. Will recommend you to our friends.

Peggy Thomas USA

Excellent customer service. Thank you for your help.

Sophie Lynch Australia

Attractions AROUND Adelaide

Adelaide, South Australia

Adelaide is truly a city of contrasts, and quickly gaining a reputation as the lifestyle capital of the country. It’s developing fast, growing on an already formidable reputation for wine and food, and the region’s numerous nature attractions continue to build in popularity.

As you’d expect for a city located between towering hills and vast expanses of ocean, the most well-known activities on offer are based around water activities and exploring nature. It’s safe to say wine lovers will want a return trip too – with the world-famous Barossa Valley just outside of town, it’s a playground for anyone with a penchant for good vino.

With the majority of Adelaide’s main attractions located a considerable driving distance from the CBD, car hire is highly recommended for any visiting travellers.

Glenelg Beach

glenelg beach, adelaide

Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, at sunset

No visit to Adelaide is complete without a journey to the sunny seaside village of Glenelg. Hop into your rental car, take a short drive out of town, and you’ll soon find yourself amongst charming heritage buildings, vibrant shops and plenty of sunny spots to stop for a bite to eat. There’s hundreds of boutique stores to enjoy, stocking all manner of stylish goods for you to take home as souvenirs. In summer, there’s nearly always something entertaining going on — festivals are common, and there’s even an amusement park!

The beach itself is gorgeously white, as most Aussie beaches typically are, and perfect for a spot of relaxing. If you’re more of an active type, there’s always the option to swim or snorkel with wild dolphins if you head over to the marina. If you’re a history or culture lover there’s galleries and museums waiting to be explored, and if nature’s your thing there’s plenty of highly rated walking trails around the area. The Federation Trail passes by historical cottages and war installations and also includes Tjilbruke Spring — a place with sacred meaning to the local Aboriginal people. For something easier, stroll the boardwalk to Marino Rocks or explore the Kingston Park coastal reserve.

It’s easy to see why Glenelg simply continues to grow in popularity. With so much to do, what’s not to like?


Kangaroo Island

young woman feeding a kangaroo on kangaroo island

Feeding a kangaroo on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Admittedly, Kangaroo Island is a little further from central Adelaide comparative to most tourist attractions, and a tad trickier to get to — but that’s the magic of getting yourself set up with car rental for your holiday!

Kangaroo Island offers a uniquely memorable and not-to-be-missed opportunity to observe Australia’s weird and wonderful wildlife, against a truly beautiful scenic backdrop. As you’d expect, there are kangaroos aplenty — but that’s just the beginning. Sea lions, penguins and a variety of seabirds teem along the island’s 509 kilometre coastline, while koalas, wallabies, and echidnas roam the land. There’s a huge amount of biodiversity on offer due to the wildly varying landscapes all encapsulated on the island — beaches, sand dunes, bush, cliffs and wetlands. You’ll need to stay at least overnight to have a decent look around the island’s main hotspots, but a stay of several days is recommended. There’s plenty of accommodation options available, and visitors are often overheard commenting that they didn’t realise the island was quite so vast or so full of life.

Two vehicle and passenger ferries make frequent trips to and from the island from Cape Jervis, which is around a two-hour drive from central Adelaide. You’ll be able to take your rental car over to the island – provided it’s covered by your insurance policy — though booking ahead is essential. The majority of the main roads are sealed, but there’s also numerous unsealed roads leading to more private spots. Again, just make sure you check your car hire policy to ensure you’re not restricted from driving on them.

When you’re finished exploring for the day, you’ll be relieved to know the island’s not all rough and rugged. There’s plenty of renowned wineries around, and no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat and reflect on the day’s happenings.

The Barossa Valley

barrossa valley vineyard

Murray Street Vineyard in the Barossa Valley, South Australia

Wine lovers all over the world know the prestige carried by the Barossa name. It’s perhaps Australia’s most famous wine-producing region, and also one of the oldest. Visitors to the area are often struck by its classic charm and old-world atmosphere, and the foodie scene is fast acquiring its own fame. Great wine is best accompanied by great food, and there’s no shortage of fresh, delicious seasonal produce around to supply the award-winning restaurants dotted throughout the valley.

The Barossa Valley is best explored (and sampled!) over several days if possible. Travelling by rental car allows you to make the most of your stay by exploring at your own pace and fitting as much into your time in the Barossa Valley as you’re comfortable with. Take your time and sample slowly, or move fast and experience all you can — it’s up to you!

One of the first and perhaps the most famous commercial vineyards to open in the area was Jacob’s Creek, and other big names include Seppeltsfield and Penfolds. Many of the 150 or so vineyards are open to the public, and many others will open by appointment if you call ahead. Two particularly great times to visit are during Adelaide's annual Cellar Door Wine Festival in February, and Aussie Wine Month in April.


Fleurieu Peninsula

entrance to deep creek conservation park on the fleurieu peninsula, south australia

The Deep Creek Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula

There’s something for everyone to enjoy on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Just 45 minutes from Adelaide — an easy drive by rental car — it’s a hub for all kinds of fun on land and sea.

Visually, it's a varied but vibrant mix of rolling hills, national park forestry, wild seascapes and laid-back townships. In terms of activities, there’s simply too many to list. Visit world-class wineries, hit the surf, soak up the sun, explore the wilderness and wander through the art galleries. Sample the fare at a variety of orchards and roadside stalls — from cheeses and oils through to nuts and berries. There’s an exhaustive array of options on offer, but the vibe of the area is wonderfully relaxed and refreshing. It’s the sort of place where hours can easily slip by as you sit in the sand and simply take in all that’s around you. If you’re lucky you might spot some of the local wildlife as well. Little penguins and migrating whales are a common sight, and if you’re keen to get up close and personal there are great spots for sailing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Last Updated on November 9, 2023