Cheap Car Rental in Adelaide

Tips for renting a car inexpensively in Adelaide

Looking for a cheap car rental in Adelaide? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal across the city. Whether you're exploring major neighborhoods or venturing into nearby rural areas, a quick comparison can save you time and money.

• Compare pickup locations – Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including off-airport savings.
• Slightly adjust pickup times and dates – Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
• Choose economy or compact cars – These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
• Book early – Especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays), advance booking helps secure lower prices and better availability.

Tips for Adelaide car rental

• Exploring Adelaide’s city centre is easy on foot and by tram — hire a car to explore surrounding areas like the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills.
• The South Road and South Eastern Freeway can get congested during peak hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM).
• Adelaide’s CBD is easy to navigate and offers wide streets, friendly for rental cars of all types.
• If you plan to travel to Kangaroo Island, make sure your Adelaide car rental company allows ferry travel.
• A larger vehicle with 4WD capabilities is recommended if you plan to go off the beaten path.
• Inspect your hire car thoroughly on pickup and take timestamped photos of any pre-existing damage.

Driving tips in Adelaide

• Drive in the left lane — overtake in the right lane.
• Give way to your right side when approaching roundabouts.
• A wave is used to let someone pass — avoid flashing headlights.
• Save your horn for emergencies, as it can be considered rude otherwise.
• Avoid parking in “No Stopping” and “No Parking” zones to avoid hefty fines.
• Use parking apps like Park Adelaide to find cheaper parking spaces in the city.
• Adelaide has many parking regulations — examine parking signs to avoid fines.
• Adelaide’s main roads include South Road, South Eastern Freeway, Port Wakefield Road, and the Northern Connector.
• Trusted petrol stations: OTR, Shell, BP, Ampol.
• Essential documents to keep on you: driver’s licence (IDP if required), rental agreement, and insurance documents.

Speed limits

Default speed limits in Adelaide are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 25 km/h in school zones, and 100–110 km/h on freeways. Speed and red-light cameras are common and often hidden, so ensure you stay within the speed limit at all times.

Road signs

Adelaide road signs conform to Australian standards, showing speeds in kilometres per hour, and road condition warning signs on country roads. Beware of animal crossing signs as kangaroos, wombats, and even emus are common outside the city. All signs are in English or understandable symbols.

Tolls and restricted zones

Good news for road trip lovers — Adelaide has no toll roads at all. Feel free to explore the entire city and surrounding state without racking up a giant toll bill. Just make sure to check local signage for clearways, bus lanes, and permit zones. Some areas only offer short-term parking, so read the signs carefully.

Discover Adelaide by car

While Adelaide boasts a highly walkable CBD, the real magic hides in the regions just outside the city. Adelaide car rental is the only way you’ll taste the world-renowned wine of the Barossa Valley, or see the rugged coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Just 30 minutes out of the city lie the Adelaide Hills, packed with wineries, the German village of Hahndorf, and wildlife parks. Head south for the hidden Second Valley Beach, or down to Cape Jervis, where you can catch a ferry to Kangaroo Island.

When to visit

Adelaide is a wonderful year-round road-trip destination. Spring (Sep.–Nov.) and autumn (Mar.–May) are ideal for milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer (Dec.–Feb.) is beautiful in the Adelaide Hills, but temperatures can reach well above 35–40°C, and Adelaide car rental companies have less availability.

Languages & communication

English is spoken widely in Australia. Adelaide is home to various multicultural and ethnic communities where many languages are spoken. Some areas have Indigenous place names and Indigenous communities. Road and street signs are in English, and an English speaker is unlikely to face any language barriers.

Currency & payments

Adelaide uses the Australian Dollar ($). Contactless payments are common, even for parking meters and petrol stations. Cash is often required for small-town stores and farmers’ markets. While ATMs are plentiful in the city, cash-out options in supermarkets and petrol stations are more common in regional towns.

Top driving routes from Adelaide

• Barossa Valley — World-famous wine region, local veggie markets, and heritage towns like Tanunda.
• Adelaide Hills — Gorgeous winding roads, cool climate, and German-settler heritage in Hahndorf.
• Fleurieu Peninsula — Vineyards, coastal cliffs, surf beaches, and the scenic drive to Victor Harbour.
• McLaren Vale — Olive groves, farm-to-table gourmet dining, and wine tastings.
• Kangaroo Island — Untouched beaches, dolphin sightings, native wildlife, and Flinders Chase National Park.
• Flinders Ranges — Ancient outback region, mountains and gorges, Aboriginal cultural sites, and quirky outback pubs like the Prairie Hotel.