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Book Adelaide Airport Car Hire
There's nothing quite like the convenience of hiring a car from the Airport and DriveNow makes it easy to find all the very best deals for car rental at Adelaide airport on one website.
In partnership with Australia’s top rental brands we publish the latest available car rental rates at Adelaide airport to ensure you find the best price.
To maximise your choice our rental partners include operators who have branches at the airport making them more convenient as well as off-airport operators who often are cheaper and offer a shuttle service to their depots located in adjacent suburbs. Rental operators at Adelaide Airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT and Thrifty. Off-airport suppliers include Bargain Car rentals and East Coast Car Rentals.
All DriveNow’s rates on car hire at Adelaide Airport are drive-away with nothing more to pay except young driver fees and any optional extras you select when collecting your vehicle. So you know exactly what you are up for with no hidden fees or surprises.
No one likes paying fees and at DriveNow our booking service is absolutely free with no booking or administration fees and in many instances no credit card details required when booking. Simply present your credit card and pay when collecting your car at Adelaide Airport.
Our partners operate booths within the arrival halls close to the luggage reclaim area and for on-airport operators you’ll find your rental vehicle just across the road outside the terminal in the main car park area or via a shuttle bus for off-airport locations.
Thank you for considering DriveNow for your Adelaide Airport car hire needs. We are proud to be 100% Australian owned and operated. If you have any questions or need any help please contact us on the numbers on the bottom of this page or via email or online chat.
Why book a car rental with DriveNow from Adelaide Airport?
- 100% Australian owned and operated
- We partner with brands you know and trust
- Free booking service with no fees or charges
- Our system searches, finds and displays the lowest rental rates
- We’ve been comparing pricing on Adelaide Airport car hire since 2003
- Impartial and instant rate comparison allows you to easily compare rental brands and price
- Local Support - our Melbourne based Reservations team can be reached via phone, online chat, or email
FAQs when hiring a car from Adelaide Airport
How much does it cost to hire a car at Adelaide Airport (SA)?
How much does it cost to hire a car at Adelaide Airport (SA)?
Prices for Rental Car at Adelaide Airport (SA) generally range from $57 to $68 per day *
For a more more accurate estimate, tailored to the type of vehicle you are interested in, please refer to the following table:
| Vehicle Type | Price Range * |
|---|---|
| Compact | from $57 to $58 per day |
| Intermediate | from $57 to $60 per day |
| SUV | from $57 to $68 per day |
To get the most accurate rental price and availability for your Rental Car use the DriveNow search comparison tool
We obtain this data using our custom comparison tool that gathers prices directly from suppliers' systems using the following criteria
- Australian resident
- pick up from Adelaide Airport (SA) on 02 Jun 2026
- return to Adelaide Airport (SA) on 09 Jun 2026
How old do I need to be to rent a car in Adelaide?
How old do I need to be to rent a car in Adelaide?
With some exceptions you need to be over 21 to hire a car in Australia. If you are between 21 and 25 the rental car supplier at the collection point may ask you:
· To pay a Young Driver's Age surcharge to complete the rental agreement
· Be required to choose a particular insurance liability option
· To select a specific vehicle category that allows drivers to be under 25 years of age (some suppliers restrict certain vehicle categories to only 25+ hirers)
· Have your rental agreement denied and your booking cancelled if the driver does not meet the requirements of that rental branch (refer to the rental car supplier’s cancellation policy)
What type of licence do I need to hire a car in South Australia?
What type of licence do I need to hire a car in South Australia?
In Australia all drivers are required to hold a current full and valid driver’s licence for at least 12 months, without any restrictions. Probationary licences are not accepted. Your valid driver’s licence must be presented when collecting your rental vehicle along with the licenses of any additional drivers.
Driver licences must be in English or supported by a certified translation or international driving permit along with your licence. For non-English language-based driving licenses we always recommend to also carry an International Driving Permit.
For more information on licence requirements and other things to consider when travelling, visit Drivers Licence
Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Yes. Additional excess liability reduction is optional. DriveNow recommend you consider all options when collecting your vehicle. Some travel insurance policies & credit card company insurance cover include car hire excess option and not the car insurance itself.
Check with your travel insurer or credit card provider as to what you are covered for. In the event of an accident, you will still be required to pay the full excess amount to the car rental supplier and then submit a claim to your insurer. As a general rule travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Excess amounts, additional cover and security bond amounts will only be available at the time of vehicle collection from the rental company, as the costs of these may vary based on the customer’s and booking details. Please contact your rental location to confirm prior to pick-up if you have any questions.
For further information on insurance options with Prosura, contact DriveNow or visit Insurance And Excess Reduction
Is entering a flight number important when booking a car rental at an airport?
Is entering a flight number important when booking a car rental at an airport?
Yes your arrival flight number is important information for the car rental company if you are collecting a vehicle from an airport. Your flight number will indicate to the rental car company which terminal you will be arriving at (Domestic or International Terminal).
If you experience a flight delay and the rental company is aware of your flight details, they are more likely to hold the vehicle for you. Without arrival flight details in your reservation and if you haven’t collected the vehicle at the booked time, they may treat your reservation as a ‘no-show’ and release the vehicle to another customer.
If no flight details are entered into your reservation, we cannot guarantee the rental car supplier will hold the vehicle for you, especially during busy holiday periods.
Which car rental providers operate at Adelaide Airport?
Which car rental providers operate at Adelaide Airport?
There are 9 car rental brands with onsite branches at Adelaide Airport in both the Domestic and International Terminals. These include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt and Thrifty. Brands which are offsite from Adelaide Airport are Bargain Car Rentals and East Coast Rentals.
Can I request additional items on the booking page?
Can I request additional items on the booking page?
Yes. You can select additional items in Step 2 on the booking page or include them in the comments box of the booking page.
· Child, Booster & Infant Seats – Select at the time of booking
· GPS - Select at the time of booking, if doing a one-way rental you will need to request in comments box
· Excess Liability Reduction – Request at the time of pick-up with the rental branch staff
· Additional driver - Request at the time of pick-up with the rental branch staff
· Snow Cover Package - Request at the time of pick-up with rental branch staff
For further details, check out the DriveNow optional extras page - Inclusions Exclusions And Optional Extras
Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Yes. A security bond amount will be required when you collect your vehicle and will be applied to your credit card. It is important you have sufficient credit on the card to cover this.
The amount on the security bond can vary due to a number of different factors including; the total amount of your rental cost, credit card type, age of the renter, type of vehicle, location of residency, length of the reservation, insurance options taken and if collection is from an airport, city, regional location or franchised owned branch.
The security bond is released when the vehicle is returned and without any damage. The release of the bond and the return of your funds are subject to your credit card’s terms and conditions (for example how long it takes for the bond to be credited back to your card).
For further information on security bonds and car hire, check out - Handbook
Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
No. DriveNow does not charge booking fees or service charges when making a booking through our website.
Are pets permitted in rental vehicles?
Are pets permitted in rental vehicles?
No. Rental companies preclude pets being carried in their vehicles.
Are rental vehicles allowed to tow?
Are rental vehicles allowed to tow?
No. All of our suppliers do not permit towing with their vehicles.
Can the prices change overnight?
Can the prices change overnight?
Yes. DriveNow is a comparison web site with live pricing fed directly from our rental partners. As such pricing can change at the discretion of the rental provider and as vehicles are booked by other customers. However once you have made your confirmed booking the rates are locked in for the booking dates you have selected.
Booking in advance is always recommended to secure the best rate, generally the earlier you book the cheaper the rate.
To understand the pricing, visit Understanding Pricing
Do I need to book in advance?
Do I need to book in advance?
Where possible it is recommended that you book in advance. During peak periods such as long weekends, Easter, Christmas and School Holidays, vehicles sell out well in advance.
This is particularly true for specialty vehicles such as 12-seaters, People Movers, luxury & sport cars along with 4WD’s which all sell-out quickly and early. Customers should consider booking 3-4 months in advance to secure the best rate and avoid the disappointment of missing out due to supply being exhausted.
Can I be guaranteed a particular rental vehicle?
Can I be guaranteed a particular rental vehicle?
No. No rental supplier will guarantee that a particular make, model or colour will be available for a specific reservation. You will notice that vehicles are always designated “or similar” as specific makes & models within a vehicle category may vary in availability and features such as passenger seating, luggage capacity, equipment, mileage and engine size.
Vehicle types, images and specifications displayed online are given as a guide only, they are simply an example of the type of vehicle that the rental company includes within that Vehicle category. You will be booking a particular category rather than a specific vehicle model.
Are there any Road Restrictions when hiring a car?
Are there any Road Restrictions when hiring a car?
Yes. Check with the staff at the rental branch where you collect your vehicle before departing. Failure to adhere to restrictions will invalidate all insurance cover.
Rental companies do impose restrictions on vehicle usage and these may include driving only on maintained sealed roads with strictly no off-road use and not taking the vehicle on a ferry.
Rental companies reserve the right to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions (such as Outback Australia and the Northern Territory during the Wet Season). There may be certain exceptions to this, your chosen rental company can advise you when collecting your vehicle.
For all the tips on car hire, visit the DriveNow Handover - Handbook
What costs can l expect when l collect my rental vehicle?
What costs can l expect when l collect my rental vehicle?
At the time of collection you will be required to pay for your rental by credit card. At this time you will have the option to add additional items such as GPS hire, child seats, additional drivers, age surcharge, excess liability reduction, windscreen damage cover, premium roadside assistance, snow cover and toll passes.
In some countries the car rental supplier may add to your total rental cost a credit card surcharge fee to cover the cost of processing the credit card payment. This amount will depend on the credit card type used. American Express and Diners Cards often attract a higher % fee.
For all the handy tips when picking up your car, visit the DriveNow Handbook - Handbook
Visiting Adelaide
Gateway to South Australia, Adelaide Airport is the 5th busiest airport in the country and also one of the newest having been completely rebuilt in 2005 with brand new domestic and international terminals housed within a single building. The airport is just 6 km from the city-centre and easily accessible via Sir Donald Bradman Drive in under 20 minutes.
A few must see attractions in South Australia would include: The Barossa Valley - probably Australia's premium wine region, Port Augusta, the diverse Fleurieu Peninsula, the sublime and always surprising Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Hills, Simpson Desert, Lake Eyre - be lucky and experience it full of water, Mt Gambier and the Murray River. Whilst some of these locations are off road and therefore out of reach to the average rental car there's so much to see and experience in this huge state - twice the size of France, you'll never be challenged in finding something new.
What's more year-round big blue skies mean average winter temperatures of 16°C and 28°C in summer, makes Adelaide a perfect gateway to exploring the beautiful south.
Breeze through Car Rental at Adelaide Airport with DriveNow
While it’s certainly important to know what you’re getting in to when spending time in Adelaide Airport, getting out of it and getting your holiday or work trip started is really what you’re there for. With Adelaide Airport car hire from DriveNow, you can do exactly that without many of the hurdles that come with other car rental options.
DriveNow has partnered with some of the biggest and best brands in the world to give you access to hundreds of quality vehicles. With rides from Budget, Thrifty, Avis, and more, you’ll be able to rent a car at Adelaide Airport with the backing of a trusted supplier. You’ll also have the help of our more than 15 years of experience helping Australians get their hands on hire car keys.
All you have to do is decide which features are most important to you, whether it be size, price, or something else. Then you’ll get to compare the cars available that fit the bill, giving you a clear picture of your options. Then you just pick which one you want and that’s that! Pick up the keys for your hire car when you land at Adelaide Airport and get ready to roll.
With cheap car hire at Adelaide Airport, as well as Sydney Airport, Gold Coast Airport, and other major locations around Australia, you’ll always be able to find a ride wherever your holiday takes you without any major headaches. Tick something off your to-do list so you can spend more time planning the rest of your trip to Adelaide with DriveNow car hire.
An Introduction to Adelaide Airport
Airport Information
Address: 1 James Schofield Drive, Adelaide Airport SA 5950
Code: ADL
Telephone: +61 (0)8 8308 9211
Location: The airport is located 6km west of central Adelaide
No. of Terminals: 1
Timezone: GMT +9:30
The Early Days
Adelaide Airport as we know it today is one of the more contemporary airports in Australia. With a massive reconstruction finished in 2005, the airport today is the country's 5th busiest and also one of the newest having been completely rebuilt with brand new domestic and international terminals housed within a single building. The current version is the main gateway into South Australia and welcomes millions of passengers to the state's capital each year. But it wasn’t always this way for travellers.
Many might not realise that Adelaide Airport’s history stretches all the way back to the 1920s. The first thing that resembled an airport for greater use was a Commonwealth Government aerodrome that was created in 1921 and used for airmail services.
But it quickly became apparent that the city needed bigger, better aeronautical services for its growing community. Thus, Parafield Airport was obtained and built in 1927. But even that wouldn’t be enough, and in 1941, South Australian government was ready for something even bigger.
Parafield Airport is now used as a flight training centre, with commercial airfare operating out of Adelaide Airport. Source: Peripitus
In 1947, work began on yet another site, this one located in West Torrens, known to many as West Beach. In 1955, regular transport services began operating out of the new airfield. After getting by with a lean-to serving as the only passenger terminal, the Commonwealth built what it thought was going to be nothing more than a temporary passenger terminal. But that structure served travellers for nearly 50 years.
The New Adelaide Airport
Things have continued to progress for the airport and those who use it as a gateway into the City of Churches. The 2016 calendar year represented the first time Adelaide Airport saw more than 8 million passengers come through its gates. With this rising use, there are plans for even more terminal expansion to enhance customer experience and boost the retail options for travellers.
Renting a Car at Adelaide Airport and Hitting the Road
The stunning Barossa Valley is just one of the many destinations open to you when you rent a car at Adelaide Airport.
As swell as the Adelaide Airport is, when you arrive in town you want to get your things and get the show on the road. Here are a few things to know about hiring at car at Adelaide Airport.
What to Know When it’s Time to Rent a Car at Adelaide Airport
Getting the lay of the land when it comes to car rental at Adelaide Airport can help save you valuable time, giving you a few extra minutes to enjoy your holiday or saving you the stress and embarrassment of showing up late for your departing flight.
Luckily for you, renting a car at Adelaide Airport is easy, especially if you use the convenient comparison services of DriveNow. After you’ve made your reservation and arrived at your destination, make your way toward baggage claim to grab your luggage. The carousels are located on the ground level of the airport’s single terminal. Next to these carousels is where you’ll find car rental desks. Some of the biggest and best agencies in the world offer cheap car rental at Adelaide Airport, including Budget, Europcar, Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty.
Car rental desks are located on Level 0 near baggage claim for maximum convenience. Whilst the rental cars themselves are parked on the ground floor of the multi-level car park, providing easy escape for your getaway and simple return on your way to your departing flight.
Once you have your hands on the keys of your Adelaide Airport hire car, you’ll be able to set off in any direction you please, whether you’re spending some time in town or setting off straightaway for other delicious destinations.
From Adelaide Airport to the City Centre
If you’re staying in Adelaide for a bit to check out the city—and why wouldn’t you?—it’s not too hard to hop in your car hire from Adelaide Airport and head to the CBD.
Pretty much all you have to do is cruise up to Sir Donald Bradman Drive and hang a right. You’ll stay on that for a little more than 4km (2.5 miles). Then it’s simply a left onto R1/West Terrace/A21 before a quick right onto Franklin Street. Just about 1km (.62 miles) on that and you’ll find yourself in the Adelaide CBD.
From Adelaide Airport to the Barossa Valley
While there are plenty of incredible destinations that open up to you when you rent a car at Adelaide Airport, one of the most popular places to visit in South Australia is the famous Barossa Valley. Its incredible scenery is matched only by the wonderful wineries found within, with the region providing an exciting environment in which to eat, drink, and be merry.
To get there, you’ll want to hop in your hire car at Adelaide Airport and head northeast. You’ll only need to spend 70-80 minutes in your rental before you’ve made it. The journey along the A1, M20, and A20 to Tanunda will put you in the heart of the area. The rest is up to you!
The Nuts and Bolts of Adelaide Airport
Whether you’re flying into South Australia or find yourself making a trip to Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport or another major air transit centre around the country (or elsewhere in the world!), there are some pieces of info that you’d like to have in your back pocket before travelling. Here are some important facts to arm yourself with before you travel.
Wi-Fi at Adelaide Airport
Being able to tap into the Wi-Fi at an airport can be as much a vital power as a luxury. Whether it’s being able to notify friends, family, colleagues, or others that you’ve arrived safely or getting connected to figure out what your next move is, being able to get in touch with others is important. Just as key is being able to survive a dreaded delay or wait to board by cruising your favourite social media sites or streaming video from your mobile device’s apps.
Luckily for users who want to hop online, Adelaide Airport internet is free to access and available throughout the terminal. Open your phone or other mobile device’s wireless network settings and choose the network called Adelaide Airport Free Wi-Fi. Then all you have to do is open a browser and fill in the login details and you’ll be ready to rock and roll online.
Adelaide Airport Lounges
Qantas is just one of the popular airlines with a lounge at Adelaide Airport. Source: Pascal Renet
Sometimes having access to a lounge can make all the difference to your travel plans. An optimal place to wait out an unfortunate layover, a comfortable seat, some quality drink, and platefuls of tasty food at your lounge can help reward you for a bit of airline loyalty.
Adelaide Airport has lounges from some of the world’s biggest carriers, including Qantas, Virgin, Rex, and Singapore Airlines. This provides thousands of travellers an environment in which to hang out and get their bearings while waiting for departure time to arrive.
Currency Exchange
Arriving from overseas or getting ready to take off for an international journey? Get your currency in order so you’re not scrambling around trying to find the right coin or note for whatever situation befalls you on your travels. Adelaide Airport gives you the power to exchange your AUD or other money for cash from more than 50 other countries around the world.
Family Friendly Areas
Travelling with the kiddos can be incredibly rewarding, but having young children around isn’t always the easiest. While we can help you rent a car from Adelaide Airport so you have one less headache to deal with, unfortunately we can’t offer you any prime babysitting help to keep the young ones smiling.
However, Adelaide Airport is proud to offer several areas that can help you keep the kids occupied during tricky airport waits. Sip a latte and watch the kids expend some energy before being cooped up on a plane at Hudson’s Coffee, which has a children’s play place next to it. Or pick up some materials to keep your child occupied while in the air.
Some of the Best Shopping Options at Adelaide Airport
MAC Makeup is just one of a variety of fine fashion and accessory stores found in Adelaide Airport. Source: TitanOne
While you won’t confuse Adelaide Airport’s retail options for a London high street or Beverly Hills, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find the stores you need to satisfy your shopping fix. Whether you’re after some new clothes to add to your luggage, some luggage itself, or other bits and pieces, here are some of the best shopping spots in Adelaide Airport.
Electronics
When you’re on the road (or in the air), having the right electronics at your side can be absolutely vital. Work trips can be sabotaged by a dead computer battery or a malfunctioning tablet that keeps you from tapping away at documents or presenting to clients and colleagues. Long flights can feel that much longer when you don’t have your favourite mobile device on which to watch shows, play with apps, or listen to podcasts and music. And, of course, travelling without headphones can be unthinkable for some. Even being able to have your phone charged up to play tunes or provide directions when you’re cruising around in your Adelaide Airport car rental is quite important.
Well, don’t stress because you’ll be able to pick up key equipment at the airport before you take off or on the way to picking up the keys to your cheap Adelaide Airport car rental. Tech2Go is a staple in many of Australia’s biggest airports, and this one is no different, with a location on Level 2 of the terminal. Grab the goods you need to make your trip a smooth one quickly and easily.
Makeup, Perfume, and Skin Care
Need to add some items to your makeup kit? Whether you actually need to or not, you can find a brand new blush, fantastic foundation, or other magnificent materials that can help you look and feel your best at several outlets in ADL.
MAC is one of the most popular names in cosmetics in Australia, and you’ll find an outlet on Level 2 that can hook you up with all of your essentials. Victoria’s Secret is another global brand with a presence on the terminal’s second level. And Aelia Duty Free can also hook you up with some goods while saving you a few bucks along the way.
Clothing
Finding something new to spruce up your look for your upcoming meetings or just adding a fun new piece to your wardrobe because you want to can be easy with the great retailers open in Adelaide Airport. Witchery stocks quality women’s clothing, while Victoria’s Secret can give you the lounging pieces you need to feel comfortable when you clock off for the evening. Seed Heritage and Rip Curl have even more Aussie classics for a variety of travellers to enjoy, while Purely Merino’s name drops a strong hint about the inventory found within.
Where to Eat and Drink in Adelaide Airport
Being able to find a quality bite to eat or a refreshing drink while waiting for your flight can help ease the pain of a long layover or a slowly crawling clock. While doing laps around the terminal is a great way to kill some time, sometimes you just want to be able to make a beeline for somewhere, whether it’s to grab something quick before you board or set up shop for a bit while you wait.
Here are some of the best eating and drinking options in Adelaide Airport.
Takeaway Favourites
When you’re on the road away from home, sometimes a taste of the familiar can be just what you need. Adelaide Airport has some of Australia’s most popular staples, including Hungry Jack’s (Level 2), Krispy Kreme (Level 0), and Subway (Level 0). Since the airport has just one terminal, you’re never going to be too far from a quick combo meal that can help keep you from having to face a flight on an empty stomach.
Quick Café Stops
Need to put a bit of pep in your step? Some people can’t function without an all-important hit of coffee in the morning. Others just like to have a quick java in the afternoon for one reason or another. Regardless of when or why, you’ll be happy to hear that Adelaide Airport has the how under control. There are quick coffee stops on each level of the terminal.
Villa and Hut Kafe (Level 2) has coffees, teas, juices, and quick bites to eat. Muffin Break (Level 2) has much of the same, as does Hudsons Coffee (Level 2). All of these place can get you a cup of joe and a quick snack that can get you ready to face the first day of your Adelaide trip or settle you before your next flight.
Restaurants
If you have a bit of time to kill and want to sit down and relax somewhere, Adelaide Airport has a couple strong options that fit the bill. This is doubly true if you don’t mind tipping back a bit of Coopers, the pride and joy of the Adelaide beer scene. The largest Australian-owned brewery, Coopers calls the city’s suburb of Regency Park Home.
The Thomas Cooper Bar and Coopers Ale House provide comfortable places to sit down and have a drink or get a plateful of quality pub food while you wait out your departure time. Coopers Ale House is a great place to post up if you want to sink a few schooners of some of Australia’s favourite beer and watch a bit of sport on the telly. The open plan of the restaurant and long tables mean you won’t be cramped for space if you’re towing around some carry-on luggage. You’ll find this watering hole on Level 2 of the terminal.
Alternatively, you can go for something a bit different and hit the Thomas Cooper Bar on Level 0. This outdoor spot looks like something more out of a hip neighbourhood than an establishment you’d find at the airport. But this breath of fresh air is a great place to spend some time. Grab your favourite Coopers style or a wine and escape for a bit. Things can be even better if you’re hungry, as the Thomas Cooper Bar features an executive chef who has put together a menu that honours the best of traditional Australian BBQ fare.