How to find a cheap car hire deal in Adelaide (ADL)
Searching for a cheap Adelaide rental car? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $217 a day, we compare the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
$51 is the cheapest daily price for a rental at Adelaide.
Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $352 and squeeze in a few road trips from Adelaide.
To get the cheapest price, book your ADL car hire around one week in advance.
Check out the offers available from Bargain Car Rentals, simba car hire and East Coast. These are a few of the top providers at Adelaide.
The coverage Bargain Car Rentals or another company offers for your Adelaide car hire can differ, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in ADL by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Adelaide that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices coming in at $118 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $167, this provider follows close behind.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $174 a day.
The Large rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type at ADL.
Compare car hire types from Adelaide (ADL)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Adelaide rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are great for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this ADL car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Adelaide big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group excursions, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different ADL car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Adelaide by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the exact rules for each supplier before booking your car rental in Australia.
Add a car seat to your ADL car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules can change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest approach.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you haven't driven before in Australia, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. In general that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Australia is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and excursions. Pay with your card when you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.
Drive smarter from the start
With a ADL car hire, you're the boss when it comes to where you go. If central Adelaide is your first port of call, it's around 6 kilometres northeast of the airport and a drive of about 20 minutes.
The drive from Adelaide to the centre during rush hour can take as long as 30 minutes.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, consider picking up a car hire in Adelaide instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Adelaide (ADL)
Begin with some of the most popular attractions in Adelaide, such as St Peter's Cathedral and Adelaide Oval. Whether you roll up in your rental or get there another way, you'll want to explore these highlights before you move on.
Gawler has plenty of appeal too. Get behind the wheel of your Adelaide car hire and drive 40 kilometres northeast to take in highlights like St George's Anglican Church.
