Car Hire Adelaide Airport

Complete the search form below to find cheap car hire at Adelaide Airport

car Rental from AVIS
car Rental from Budget
car Rental from Europcar
car Rental from Hertz
car Rental from Thrifty
car Rental from Firefly
car Rental from Eastcoast
car Rental from Keddy By Europcar
car Rental from Dollar
car Rental from Enterprise

Reasons to DriveNow

  • Price Guarantee
  • Book Direct
  • Compare
  • No Hidden Fees
  • No Booking Fees
  • Trusted Since 2003
Reviews 887 • Excellent • 4.4
TrustPilot 4.5 stars

Adelaide Airport Car Hire made easy with DriveNow

Find all the best deals on Adelaide Airport car rental with DriveNow

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 including Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar and Redspot we publish the latest available rental pricing to help you find the best rate.

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.

We believe our rental pricing for Adelaide Airport and elsewhere should always be the best available and back that that belief with the DriveNow lowest price guarantee to ensure you of the cheapest deals.

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 all operate booths within the arrival halls close to the luggage reclaim area and you’ll find you rental vehicle just across the road outside the terminal in the main car park area.

Thank you for considering DriveNow for your Adelaide Airport car hire needs. We are proud to be 100% Australian owned and operated and unlike some overseas based websites our Reservations team are Australian based, in Melbourne. So 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.


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.

  • Car Hire rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,992 ratings.

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.

Why Use DriveNow for Car Hire at Adelaide Airport?

  • Familiar and trusted Australian car rental partners
  • In most instances, no deposit or credit card is required when booking. Pay on pick-up
  • Comparing car rental since 2003
  • Compare rates and vehicles from all Australia’s top rental brands
  • 100% based, owned and operated in Australia

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

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

Barossa Valley

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

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

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.