From Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf to the spectacular Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges, or River Murray, it’s worth discovering Adelaide from top to bottom. The best way to do that at your own pace is by car. The beautiful scenery is experienced best when you are in control of the vehicle being operated, the schedule, and the itinerary – allowing you to take in the sights and properly enjoy the paradise you have found yourself in. Hiring a car is arguably the best way to see everything without spending big bickies on rideshare services. One of the key advantages of utilizing a car rental as opposed to taxis and buses is the enhanced flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on hiring a cheap and reliable car in Adelaide.
Compare Car Hire Prices from Top Brands
Booking through a third-party website that aggregates rates for all the major companies will give you the advantage of comparing options all in one place so that you can secure the cheapest car hire deal for Adelaide. These websites gather car rental deals from leading suppliers and put them in one place saving you effort and time. Their years of connections in the industry allow them to negotiate prices from some of the most reputed car hire companies in Australia including global brands such as Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Thrifty, Hertz, and Budget as well as local car hire providers including East Coast Car Rentals, Bargain Car Rentals, and Everything Fleet.
Choose the Right Vehicle
Each renter has a different requirement for their rental vehicles. From low-budget economy cars, convertibles, and SUVs to top-notch luxury cars whatever your plans might be you can easily find the car that suits your needs. Making use of handy filters, you can further narrow down your options by focusing on particular aspects such as size, specifications, and price.
Where to Pick up Your Car
With their branches across popular locations in the city the suppliers make it convenient for you to pick up your vehicle from the location that coordinates with your planned route. Though reserving a luxury car hire at popular locations such as Adelaide Airport will let you make your journey quick and hassle-free, off-airport locations such as the city center and train station might let you save more on rental costs as they have low rates due to reduced airport fees. We advise you to make use of the shuttle services from the airport to reach the branch of your preferred supplier.
Consider One-Way Car Hire
With so much to see beyond ‘the city of churches’, one-way car hire is an ideal transport choice for anyone planning to explore more of South Australia. This is a cost-effective option as a one-way deal will save you the effort of making a return trip to your initial pick-up location. The vast majority of suppliers allow one way but fees may apply depending on where in Australia you are going.
Drive from Adelaide to Melbourne along one of Australia’s most famous coastal routes with car hire and discover the abundance of scenic spots along the way.
It is advised to book your car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This will guarantee the availability of a wide selection of car hires and often lead to better rates. Early reservations weeks or months prior to your travel plans can result in noticeably lower rates. Each company has its own pricing structure, but daily rates typically go down for longer rental periods.
Tips to Enhance Your Car Hire Experience
To make your travels as comfortable and hassle-free as possible we have listed all the important points that the renter must bear in mind before hiring a car in Adelaide:
Documentation
When collating your car, you will need to provide a valid driver’s license, proof of identity such as your passport, and the rental confirmation voucher. In addition to this, you will also need to present a valid credit card. An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving Licence if the driver’s license you or any of the Additional Drivers hold is in a non-Latin alphabet.
Age Limits
The majority of suppliers allow you to hire a car when you are aged 25 or under so that you can travel to almost anywhere you want in Australia. Wanting to go on a road trip or a vacation in a car? Any driver aged 21 and above can rent a car in Adelaide and make a choice from a wide selection of available rentals.
Keep the Deposit in Mind
A rental deposit is taken as a safeguard by the supplier in case of any damage. The exact amount depends on the location and the supplier you choose, as well as the type of car. In almost all cases, you will require a credit card with the main driver’s name on it in order to pay the deposit. The security deposit is not taken out of your account but simply blocked, meaning your card is not charged. As long as there is no reported damage or extra fees that must be settled, the deposit will be unblocked from your account soon after you return the car.
Filter for What You Want
Based on your individual requirements you can customize your rental deal by opting for ‘Extras’ such as an additional driver, GPS navigation system, booster cushion, toddler seat, child booster seat, and infant seat. Although these add-ons have a small cost attached to them, they will surely make your journey stress-free and comfortable.
Know the Fuel and Mileage Policies
Avoid paying extra by knowing how much mileage is included with your Adelaide car hire. Some suppliers offer unlimited kilometres with rental deals making sure you can travel with total freedom without having to worry about adding extra miles. Additionally, look out for the fuel policy of the car hire company as some might require you to purchase a full tank of fuel and return the car empty. It might be worth finding a deal to return the vehicle with the fuel tank at the same level as when you collected it to avoid paying extra.
Best Road Trips Around Adelaide
Adelaide is a great starting point for road trips, as the region’s top destinations are within driving distance. There are several sites to explore in Adelaide. Right from museums and galleries to botanical gardens and gourmet restaurants, see and experience the best of this city with a rental car. These top picks are all located a short drive from the city, so they are perfect for day trips or overnight stays.
Barossa Valley
South Australia’s famous Boorsa Valley is just an hour by car northeast of the center of Adelaide. This beautiful region with its vivid green grape vines and tracts of forests, is home to four small towns namely Angaston, Tanunda, Nuriootpa, and Lyndoch. While your visit discover some of the region’s unmissable winery experiences, stone cottages, and Lutheran churches.
Kangaroo Island
Known as nature’s playground, Kangaroo Island is famous for its raw and rugged coastline, crystal clear waters, natural wonders, and wildlife. Plan your trip to this striking island and discover unique wildlife, mouth-watering food and wine, breathtaking scenery, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Situated on Adelaide’s Southern doorstep, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers the traveler a laid-back Mediterranean ambiance. Home to some of the best wineries the region stretches along the South Australian coastline from Christies Beach all the way to Goolwa Beach and up to Wellington on the northern side of Lake Alexandria and encompasses the inland regions as far north as Reynella.
Adelaide Hills
Wind your way through the Adelaide Hills in your rental car and have a fun-filled day trip. This rugged area situated east of the city is known for its cool climate wines, prominent European architecture as well as a hub for cultural activities, stunning natural attractions, and wildlife spotting opportunities. A mere 30-minute ride from the city, the region is relatively small and easily explored by a car.
Your road trip adventure in Adelaide does not need to be a costly affair. By implementing these money-saving hacks and partnering with Australia Rent Car for your car hire needs, you can make the most of your journey while staying within budget. For a seamless booking experience, let us be your trusted companion for all your rental needs. Whether you want to book a luxury car hire, trailer, spacious SUV models, economy cars, or 7, 8, or 9-seater vans and minivans, with us, you will be guaranteed a high standard of quality. Keeping up with the ongoing trends we aim to provide a balance of cost, convenience, and service to make your road trip memorable!
