Search and compare car hire rates from Adelaide Airport
Hiring a car from Adelaide Airport is a great way to enjoy the city and its surrounding area. There’s plenty to see and do in Adelaide itself, but venture beyond the suburban limits and the possibilities are endless. Airport Rentals makes it easy to book a rental car in Adelaide in minutes. All you have a do is make a search with your preferred travel dates and then compare the results. You can sort by lowest price to see if there is a car hire deal available or choose to see results from specific companies. Once you have found the right vehicle, book quickly and securely.
About car hire at Adelaide Airport
Adelaide Airport is a busy facility with a dual international/domestic terminal and two runways. There are three levels, Ground Level, Level 1 and Level 2. The airport is located west of the city centre, approximately 15 minutes drive, depending on traffic. The car rental counters are located on the ground floor near the baggage claim area.
Car hire companies at Adelaide Airport
Airport Rentals partners with a range of car hire companies at Adelaide Airport, including on and off-airport brands.
On-Airport
On Airport means that the rental counter and car are are the airport.
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Europcar
Hertz
National
Sixt
Thrifty
Off-Airport
Off Airport means the rental counter and car are located at a nearby depot.
Ace Rental Cars
Apex Car Rentals
Bargain Car Rentals
East Coast Car Rentals
Jucy
Simba Car Hire
Picking up your Adelaide car hire
If you have hired a car from an on-airport car rental company, you will find their counters on the Ground Floor of the terminal building near domestic baggage claim. Make your way to their desk to check in, sign your rental agreement and get the vehicle keys.
Off-airport companies, like Bargain Car Rentals, will provide you with a free shuttle service to take you from the airport to their depot. Instructions will be provided once you have booked, but generally you will with need to call a phone number you have been provided, or head to a designated pick up area outside the terminal.
Adelaide Airport map
Returning your hire car to the airport
When it comes to time return your hire car, drive it back to the same location you picked it up from. If this is at the airport, drive back to Sir Richard Williams Avenue and then signs will guide you to the ground floor of the multi-level car park for on-airport returns. After parking the vehicle, renters can take the keys to the staff in the car park office.
If you are returning the car to an off-airport depot, drive to the depot, return the keys and then catch a shuttle back to the airport terminal. Make sure you check the rental vehicle for any personal belongings before you return the keys.
If you are returning the car after hours, you will need to have arranged this in advance. You can then park your car and leave the keys in the drop box located at the airport.
Rental cars available at Adelaide Airport
There is a wide range of Adelaide Airport rental cars available. From small economy vehicles, like the Kia Picanto, Toyota Corolla Hatch and Suzuki Swift, to SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX5 and Skoda Kamiq. There are also vans available to hire, like the Kia Carnival and Toyota Commuter, as well as premium and electric vehicles, such as the BYD Atto 3, Tesla Model 3, BMW iX3 and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
When you make a search, you can filter by car type to narrow down the car hire options and find the best car hire deal.
What to see and do in Adelaide and nearby
With the freedom of a rental car, you can create your own itinerary to see and experience Adelaide and more of South Australia. Take a look at the ideas we’ve collected below to decide where you’d like to go while you’re in town.
Glenelg
This historic beachside suburb offers all kinds of entertainment from museums to sailing cruises. It is known for great cafes and restaurants, iconic pier, and heritage architecture. There’s even an amusement park! Glenelg is just a 20-minute drive southwest of central Adelaide.
Hahndorf
This is a small town in the Adelaide Hills, just 25 minutes by car from central Adelaide. It is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and still displays its heritage with German bakeries, pubs, restaurants, smallgoods, and more. Visitors to Hahndorf also enjoy the boutique cellar doors, artisan cheese and chocolates, and the overall village charm.
McLaren Vale
If you’re visiting this famous wine region, we recommend booking some accommodation and a wine tour or other transport so you’re not having to drive—because you’ll want to taste the fruits of the area. It’s less than an hour by car from Adelaide and is also close to some fantastic beaches. Other wine regions of note nearby include Barossa Valley and Clare Valley.
Kangaroo Island
Drive your Adelaide Airport hire car the one and a half hours to Cape Jervis and get on a car ferry to visit Kangaroo Island, one of South Australia’s best nature-based destinations. The breathtaking beauty here includes native bushland, wildlife, pristine beaches, and sunsets. Plenty of adventure tourism is available as well as some great dining experiences. You could easily spend a few days or even a week on the island, which is a relatively large place boasting more than 500 kilometres of coastline.
Monarto Safari Park
For something a little different, consider this: the largest open-range safari park outside of Africa is located less than an hour from central Adelaide. Monarto is open every day of the year and offers an incredible experience with both exotic and native animals ranging from lions, tigers, and rhinos to Tasmanian devils and wallabies.
Other car hire locations in Australia
If you fancy starting your Australian car hire trip in another city, consider a Hobart car rental. Tasmania is full of wonders worth seeing and while you're in the area, take a tour to Launceston. Maybe Melbourne is more your speed? Or you could kick off a Sydney car hire adventure before heading on another road trip from Brisbane.
Car hire Adelaide Airport - Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a car at Adelaide Airport?
Compact hire cars start around $30AUD per day, while premium options can be around $150AUD or more per day. Factors that influence the price of a hire car at Adelaide Airport include the time of year, the supplier, and the type of vehicle. Make a search now for up to date pricing and availability.
What is the cheapest car hire agency at Adelaide Airport?
Off-airport suppliers are more likely to have cheap car hire than on-airport brands. Companies like Apex and East Coast are a great choice for finding car hire deals. You can also check our deals page to see if there are is a car rental deal available for your travel dates.
What car rentals are at Adelaide Airport?
There are plenty of options for rental cars from Adelaide Airport, including Economy, Mid-size, Large, SUVs, Commercial Vehicle hire, Electric and Premium vehicles. When you make a search, you can filter by car type to see the full range of vehicles available in each category.
Where can I find the Budget car rental counter at Adelaide Airport?
The Budget rental counter is found in the car rental area on the ground floor of the terminal building adjacent to the baggage claim area.
Can I get long term car rental from Adelaide Airport?
Yes, long term car rental is available from some car hire companies at the airport. If you want to rent a car for a month or more, enter your dates into our search and we'll find what's available. Longer terms can be also be a great way to save money.
Can I collect a car from Adelaide Airport and return it somewhere else?
Yes, most suppliers with depots around Australia will allow one-way rentals. It's important to note that this may incur an extra fee. You can choose different pick-up and drop-off locations when you do a search with Airport Rentals.
Is it cheaper to rent a car ahead of time or at the airport?
Booking your Adelaide Airport car hire in advance is highly recommended. Prices often rise closer to the rental period; without booking ahead you may end up paying more due to lack of supply.
Where is the nearest petrol station to refuel the car at Adelaide Airport?
There is a United Petroleum station on Sir Richard Williams Ave near the terminal.
Do I have to wash the car before I return it?
No need unless it's extremely dirty.
What is the highest-rated rental car at Adelaide Airport?
The most constantly booked type is Compact (Toyota Yaris or similar). Check out what our customers have to say from Airport Rental Reviews.
To discover other areas near or around Adelaide Airport, check out the following car hire locations:
