Jumping into the driver’s seat of a rental car opens up plenty of opportunities for travellers, especially when you’re in a new city. However, finding a hire car provider that can help you make the most of your time away from home can prove to be a struggle, with no shortage of options available. While they may all offer you a set of wheels, there are a number of areas in which a provider can either help you on the road, or leave you spinning your wheels.
In this guide, Canstar Blue lists car hire companies in Adelaide, as well as popular pick-up and drop-off locations, and what vehicles and services you can expect, helping you to enjoy your time on the road.
Car Rental in Adelaide
If you’re looking to head south for your next trip, renting a hire car may prove to be a handy option to have. Here is a list of hire car companies that operate in Adelaide:
- Thrifty
- Hertz
- Avis
- Europcar
- Budget
- Redspot
- National
- Enterprise
- Firefly
- Sixt
- Alamo
- Dollar
- Sunny Cars
- East Coast Car Rentals
- Alpha
- Apex Car Rentals
- Koala Car Rentals
- Ace Car Rental
- Jucy
- Access Rent a Car
Car Rental at Adelaide Airport
Chances are you’ll be landing at Adelaide airport and need to line up a set of wheels to take you on the next stage of your journey. Here’s a list of hire car companies with a presence at Adelaide International and Domestic airport:
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Thrifty
- Enterprise
Pick-up and drop-off locations in Adelaide
Whether it’s your first time visiting the City of Churches, or you’re back again on business, having a convenient location to pick-up and drop-off the keys to your hire car can play a big part in your overall experience, as having to go out of your way can add time, and potentially stress, to your trip. While some hire car operators will have your car waiting for you as soon as you touch down at the airport, others may be further afield, which may require a bit more planning than anticipated. However, some providers allow you to select where you would like to pick-up and drop-off your rental car, helping to work around your travel schedule, and not the other way around, making it particularly handy if you’re heading one way.
Cheapest Car Rental in Adelaide
Along with location, price can be the deciding factor when it comes to signing on the dotted line for a hire car. While the final bill will depend on a number of factors, including what type of vehicle you’ve booked, any extras you’ve added, as well as whether or not you’ve returned your ride scratch-free, by looking into all your options, you may find a better deal, or a better fit, for your needs. It may also be worthwhile to keep an eye out for any promotions or discounts, as you may be able to land a deal for your next trip, helping to take some of the sting out of the final price tag.
Luxury Car Hire in Adelaide
If you’re looking to arrive in style while in Adelaide, a luxury car rental may be just the ticket for your next trip. If you’re looking to hop in something exciting or exotic, here is a list of car rental companies with luxury cars for hire in Adelaide:
- Thrifty
- Europcar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Avis
- Adelaide Hills Touring
- Prestige Gallery
About Hire Car Companies in Adelaide
Thrifty Car Rental Adelaide
With more than 200 locations throughout Australia, Thrifty lists the opening hours of all locations on its website. Similar to other providers, you can select from a range of vehicles, including small compact models, to larger SUVs and commercial vehicles. You can even hire a bus from Thrifty, making those school excursions or big group trips easier to manage.
Pick-up and drop-off locations can be selected when booking, making it easy to organise your hire car around your trip, and not the other way around. You can even add strollers, booster seats and GPS to your bookings, helping to make everyone on the trip more comfortable. And if it’s your first time in Adelaide, Thrifty even throws in a travel blog to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Thrifty Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide City
- Adelaide Airport
- Collinswood
Hertz Car Rental Adelaide
With more than 200 locations around Australia, Hertz is a popular option for those looking for a hire car or truck, with plenty of vehicle types available, including small cars, family vehicles and commercial vans. Hertz offers online check-in to speed up the process, allowing you to partly fill-in your details before you’ve arrived at your designated pick-up area, meaning you can get your journey underway sooner. You can also use the Pre-pay option to save at the checkout, although this is only available at select locations. You can additionally organise to drop your rental car off at a different location, making it easy for those on a one-way trip, or those whose plans change.
Prices for Hertz car hire can be found once you’ve entered in your trip details and locations, making it easy to budget for your trip, with additional extras such as sat navs also available through the booking and checkout process.
Hertz Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
- Adelaide Downtown
- Keswick
- Klemzig
- Plympton
- Regency Park
Avis Car Rental Adelaide
With more than 100 locations around Australia, global-brand Avis provides an extensive range of cars, including small cars, sedans and SUVs. Avis also offers trucks to help you move, or for when you’ve got a big job ahead of you. For those who are going to multiple locations, you can select where you would like to pick up and drop off your rental, making it easier to work around your schedule instead of worrying about where you should drop the keys off to.
Costs are outlined after you’ve entered in your travel dates and locations, with optional extras available as you progress through the booking process. Avis allows for drivers to pre-pay their booking, with Rapid Return also available for those who don’t want to wait around while dropping off their rental.
Avis Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide City
- Adelaide Airport
Europcar Car Rental Adelaide
Available in over 140 countries around the globe, Europcar is well-known in the hire car scene, with more than 100 locations in Australia. Bookings can be made online or through the Europcar app, making it easy if you’ve left it to the last minute. With a fleet that consists of small cars, sedans, as well as 4WDs and vans for all your transport needs, Europcar offers a number of extras to help make your time behind the wheel more enjoyable, including GPS and child seats.
Opening hours for each location are provided on the Europcar website, and you can check to see if you can drop your rental off at a different location online, with quotes available for those looking to budget their next trip. Loyalty programs and rewards are also available for those who are constantly traveling, making it handy for those who spend plenty of time on the road. Looking for a cheap deal? Europcar’s subsidiary, Keddy, is also available at select Europcar locations, so be sure to keep an eye out if you’re looking for a bargain.
Europcar Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
- Adelaide City
- Clovelly Park
- Gepps Cross
- Hahndorf
- Mount Barker
- Victor Habour
Budget Car Rental Adelaide
Budget is available at over 200 locations across Australia, and offers a range of cars for you to choose from, including smaller models for when you’re travelling on your own, or SUVs for those who have a crew with them. Rates and prices are outlined as you book your car, with options broken down into each car type, such as ‘compact’ cars like the Suzuki Swift, as well as ‘full size’ for those looking for a Holden Commodore or something similar.
Additional extras such as GPS, child safety seats, and even snow cover can also be added to your order, with Budget also allowing users to prepay at a discounted rate for those who have their plans locked in early. For those who are frequently travelling, Budget offers Fastbreak, which allows you to pick up and drop off your ride a little quicker and easier. While only available at select locations – and you have to be a Fastbreak member – it may be a handy option for those in a rush.
Budget Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
- Adelaide CBD
- Marleston
- Queenstown
- Wingfield
- Salisbury
- Reynella
Other Hire Car Companies in Adelaide
Redspot Car Rental Adelaide
A smaller operator in comparison to its competitors, Redspot has been in operation since 1989, and offers a number of vehicles for drivers to choose from, including the smaller Kia Rio all the way to the Holden Colorado ute, as well as other commercial vehicles such as vans and trucks. Redspot offers a number of pricing tiers to choose from, including Bare Bones, Middle of the Road and Top Dog, each with different included extras and cover, helping you to personalise your journey and preferences.
Redspot Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
- Beverley
National Car Rental Adelaide
Operating under the Enterprise brand, National allows you to reserve a hire car for either yourself or a friend, helping to make the organising phase of your next big trip easier. With a wide range of vehicles available to hire, including smaller models such as the Kia Rio as well as larger models like the Subaru Forester or Mitsubishi Outlander, you can load up on extras and policies during the checkout to ensure you get the most out of your trip. You can also sign up to the Emerald Club for bonuses and discounts.
National Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
Enterprise Car Rental Adelaide
Enterprise looks to focus more on short-term car rentals, making it a handy option for those who are just looking to get around town for the day or two. Offering a number of vehicles for your driving preferences, Enterprise’s fleet includes small cars, such as the Hyundai i20, with larger models, such as the Toyota Camry, also available. Users can choose where to pick-up and drop-off their rentals, with rates and fees shown during the booking process to ensure that you aren’t left with a surprise when you drop the keys off.
Enterprise Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
- Beverley
Firefly Car Rental Adelaide
Firefly is available around major and capital cities of Australia. Owned by Hertz, Firefly has been in operation since 2013, and has a number of cars available for hire, including the Suzuki Swift for those after a small model, or the Toyota Kluger and Kia Carnival for those who need something a little bigger. Extras such as GPS units and child seats are also available through the reservation process, allowing you to find out how much you’re spending before you pick up the keys.
Firefly Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
- Downtown Adelaide
Sixt Car Rental Adelaide
The first car rental service in Germany, Sixt has been operating for over 100 years, and has expanded to cater for a global audience. In Australia, Sixt offers a number of models for your rental needs, whether you need a small Hyundai i20 or a large Toyota Commuter to ferry the crew around. Prices and extras are outlined during the booking process, meaning you can budget for your trip, as well as ensure you have a few comforts while on the road.
Sixt Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
Alamo Car Rental Adelaide
Originating in America, Alamo has expanded on a global scale and currently operates under Enterprise Holdings along with Enterprise and National car rentals. Offering small models for the solo traveller or large SUVs and people-movers for when you’re taking the whole crew, Alamo has plenty of hire vehicle options available for your motoring needs, with extras available through the booking process.
Alamo Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
Dollar Car Rental Adelaide
Another American brand, Dollar Car Rental currently operates under Thrifty, with the brand available across 70 countries globally. Cars available include the Hyundai Getz for those looking for something small to zip around in, while Mitsubishi Outlanders are also available for those looking for a bit more room to play with. Rates and fees are shown when you book, with Dollar Car Rental also detailing the breakdown of their fees so you know what you’re paying for.
Dollar Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide CBD
- Adelaide Airport
- Collinswood
Sunny Cars Rental Adelaide
Founded in Germany, Sunny Cars operates on a global scale, and is available in major and capital cities around Australia. A variety of vehicles and packages can be purchased to suit your style and budget, with Sunny Cars accepting payments through PayPal as well as major credit cards, making it easier for those budgeting their trip. You can filter your car results to suit what you need, but be careful when booking online as prices first appear in euros – so be sure you don’t get caught when converting to Aussie dollars!
Sunny Cars Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide CBD
- Adelaide Airport
East Coast Car Rentals Adelaide
East Coast Car Rentals may not be as well-known as other providers when it comes to picking up a rental, but still offers a number of vehicles for your needs. Prices are shown on a per day basis, with extras such as baby seats, portable DVD players and GPS also available, meaning it still offers plenty to consider when your next trip to Adelaide comes around.
East Coast Car Rentals Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide CBD
- Adelaide Airport
Alpha Car Rental Adelaide
Another small provider operating in major cities, Alpha Car Rental offers a vehicle range that includes small cars such as Hyundai i20, as well as vans, utes and even a three-tonne truck for those who are looking to take a few things with them. Extras are available for purchase through the online booking process, including GPS units, child seats as well as tyre and windscreen protection in case you encounter some wild weather. With opening hours available on their website, Alpha Car Rental also offers a quick guide to Adelaide if it’s your first time visiting.
Alpha Car Rental Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
Apex Car Rental Adelaide
Operating in major cities around Australia and New Zealand, Apex Car Rentals provides a number of models for drivers to choose from, from the Hyundai Accent to the Hyundai iMax for those looking to drive the whole family around. Its prices are outlined during checkout, both as a total cost, as well as a day-by-day cost, with extras such as roadside cover and booster seats also available through the Apex Car booking process. Furthermore, Apex offers no additional fees for under 25-year-old drivers or additional drivers, potentially making it a handy option for younger travellers.
Apex Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
Koala Car Rentals Adelaide
Adelaide owned and operated, Koala Car Rentals offers a number of vehicles for your trip, with prices outlined as a daily cost, making it handy for those looking to stick to their budget. Models include the Hyundai Accent for those after something small, while the Mitsubishi ASX and Kia Carnival are also available to take off the lot for those needing a bit more room. GPS units and child booster seats are available as extras, with an unlimited kilometres option additionally available for those looking to take their wheels further afield. If it’s your first time in Adelaide, Koala Car Rentals also offers some hints and tips to make the most of your time in and around the South Australia capital.
Koala Car Rentals Locations in Adelaide
- Mile End
Ace Car Rental Adelaide
A New Zealand company, Ace Rental Cars expanded into Australia in 2003 and currently operates under Hertz. Vehicles include compact models such as the Toyota Corolla, plus SUVs such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, with the Super Saver option coming with a ‘Mystery Vehicle’ if you’re looking to be a bit adventurous. Ace Rental Cars also offers a free shuttle bus from drop-off points for those who need to get to the airport, making it very convenient when you need to catch a flight.
Ace Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
Jucy Car Rentals Adelaide
While it may be more well-known for its bright green and purple campervans, Jucy additionally offers cars for all your rental needs. The New Zealand company is available from major Australian cities, with locations and opening hours on the Jucy website. Small, medium and large cars are for hire, along with extras such as GPS and baby seats. Jucy also provides a ‘relocation’ deal for those heading one-way for their travels.
Jucy Car Rentals Locations in Adelaide
- Plympton
Access Rent a Car Adelaide
South Australian-owned and operated, Access Rent a Car offers plenty of vehicles to suit all sorts of travellers, including small options such as the Kia Picanto, all the way through to larger vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with delivery vans additionally available for those looking to take plenty of gear with them. GPS units and child seats are also available via the checkout, with a breakdown of potential surcharges and extras also outlined online, meaning there’s no bill shock at the end of your trip. Access Rent a Car also offers a collection and delivery service, meaning if you’re not close to one of its location, they can deliver your car to you, making it easy for those in a new city.
Access Rent a Car Locations in Adelaide
- Adelaide Airport
- West Hindmarsh
Other car hire options
If you’re still not sure about which car rental provider to go with, there are other options that may suit your journey and budget. Providers such as Discover (formerly known as Atlas Choice) and AutoEurope are available for drivers to book through, acting as a middleman between motorists and providers. They work by renting a car from an established operator before leasing it out to you, which means they don’t have the overheads of looking after a large car fleet, which may mean it’s a cheaper option for you to consider.
If you’re looking for something completely different, you may also want to consider Carhood and Car Next Door, which allow you to rent someone’s car, or lease your own car out for someone else. It works by pairing those looking to rent a car with someone who is leaving their car at the airport for a few days, providing a cheap alternative for those looking to explore Adelaide, while giving those travelling outside of Adelaide a chance to make some money.
Which hire car provider should I use?
Drivers aren’t short on options when it comes to hiring a car in Adelaide, although having too much choice can sometimes make the final decision a lot harder! Which provider you decide to choose will ultimately come down to what you want and need for your trip, as one operator may be better located for your journey, while another provider may offer the vehicle you’ve been eyeing off.
Price and locations will generally play the biggest part in your decision, as getting to your rental car may leave you pressed for time, and not shopping around may leave your wallet feeling lighter than it should be. Similarly, looking into all of your options when it comes to selecting a provider, including the smaller operators, may find you driving away with a deal.
If you’re not sure which provider may be the best option for you, check out our Hire Cars Ratings to see which brand came out on top on customer satisfaction.
Picture credit: Ivanko80/shutterstock.com, Casper1774/shutterstock.com, IJzendoorn /shutterstock.com, g-stockstudio/shutterstock.com
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