Wedged between two wind-swept peninsulas, South Australia’s cosmopolitan capital blends big-city energy and proximity to nature.
Picturesque surf beaches and imposing colonial-era buildings pepper the city. An easy drive away, dramatic coastlines, verdant leafy hills, and wildlife-rich islands beckon exploration. The most convenient and cost-effective way to bounce around the region is with our Adelaide Airport car rentals.
Don’t waste your holiday stuffing around with public transport or forking out for exorbitant taxi fares. Hop in a hire car from Adelaide Airport to explore the region your way.
BARGAIN CAR RENTALS RANGE OF VEHICLES AND SERVICES
Adelaide is ideal for a self-driven adventure. Smooth-flowing traffic and ample parking (at least outside the CBD) ensure hassle-free exploration. The best bit? Exploring Adelaide in a hire car needn’t hurt your hip pocket. At Bargain Car Rentals, our famously low rates blow the competition away.
Our well-stocked Adelaide hire car depot has an expansive selection of vehicles. From compact, fuel-efficient hatchbacks to spacious family sedans and large SUVs, we’ve got a cheap rental car at Adelaide Airport for everyone. And with only a short shuttle ride to our depot from the terminal, you can step off your flight and hop straight behind the wheel.
Want top-tier convenience and first-class service for a rock-bottom price? Reserve your car hire at Adelaide Airport with Bargain Car Rentals.
Adelaide Airport Commercial Vehicle Rental
Got a job coming up in South Australia? Ask about our Adelaide Airport commercial vehicle hire. We stock a range of robust work vehicles, from 8-or-12-seater people movers to one-tonne vans. Whether you’re managing a conference or construction project, our fit-for-purpose workhorses will get the job done. And with our famously low rental rates, you’ll come in well under budget, too.
ABOUT ADELAIDE AIRPORT
Adelaide International Airport (ADL) lies 6km from the city’s bustling CBD. Upon picking up your car rental at Adelaide Airport, a straight-shot cruise down Sir Donald Bradman Drive will get you to the western edge of the CBD in 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
FREE ADELAIDE AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS INFORMATION
We operate a shuttle service to and from the depot, available within business hours and up to 20 minutes prior to closing.
Pick-up from Adelaide Airport: After collecting your luggage, please call 1300 729 230 (+61 3 6165 0838 for International customers) and press option 1 to request the shuttle bus service to our near-airport location during the location’s operating hours.
From the Domestic Terminal: Proceed to Baggage Collection, then turn right at Baggage Claim #3 and exit the terminal building following signs to the Buses & Taxis Pickup Areas.
As you step onto the forecourt, to your left will be a curved path under a covered walkway. Follow this walkway and continue around to the left – please wait for our Shuttle next to the Taxi pick-up area.
From the International Terminal: On exiting International Arrivals, turn 180º making your way to the Domestic Baggage Claim area, then follow the directions as above for Domestic Arrivals.
Drop-off at Adelaide Airport: Please return the vehicle to our off-site depot located at 59 Galway Avenue, Marleston, and we will shuttle you back to the airport terminal, this service does not need to be booked but is only available within business hours and 20 minutes before closing.
Please allow enough time to wait for the shuttle to arrive (approximately 20 min).
ABOUT ADELAIDE
Some travellers disregard Adelaide in favour of more famous cities like Sydney or Melbourne. But South Australia’s thriving little capital has plenty to offer, from lush inner-city parklands to world-class museums and insightful historic sites.
Party animals will thrive in the lively after-dark action on Hindley or Rundle Street. Foodies will find ample fabulous eateries on O’Connell and Melbourne Street, plus the iconic Adelaide Central Market. More of a beach bum? Glenelg’s tree-lined strip is about as pretty as they come.
Bargain Car Rentals offers the cheapest rates for hire cars at Adelaide Airport. Although costs depend on seasons, car types, and availability, expect to pay $35 to $95 per day. Get an Adelaide Airport hire car quote online.
Bargain Car Rentals offers a wide range of hire cars at Adelaide Airport, from tiny hatchbacks to huge SUVs and everything in between. See our full range of Adelaide Airport hire cars.
As one of the only nationwide Australian-owned rental car agencies, we have a stellar reputation for providing quality vehicles at a wallet-friendly rate. See how you can save with a hire car at Adelaide Airport.
Looking for the best things to see and do in Adelaide? Here’s a list of the city’s top sites.
1. Adelaide CBD
Adelaide’s compact, skyscraper-strewn CBD sits wedged between vast leafy parklands. In the dead centre lies Victoria Square, a verdant, wide-open space hosting regular events. Stroll through Chinatown for bubble tea and dumplings, or shuffle around Rundle Mall for world-class shopping.
2. Adelaide Central Market
No trip to the CBD would be complete without a visit to Adelaide Central Market. Trading since 1869, this historic gourmet hangout hosts over 80 vendors. While most stalls contain farm-fresh produce and top-quality foodstuffs, you’ll also find several stalls whipping up tasty cooked-to-order fare.
3. Adelaide Botanic Garden
On the northeast corner of the CBD, this sprawling 125-acre garden hosts a myriad of rare species, including the critically endangered Wollemi Pine. Wander its lushly forested walking trails, stopping off at greenhouses and cafes. Don’t miss the sail-shaped Bicentennial Conservatory.
4. Adelaide Oval
You don’t have to be a sports fanatic to appreciate Adelaide Oval, one of Australia’s most iconic stadiums. If you can’t catch a match, tour the 53,000-seat facility or brave the vertigo-inducing RoofClimb.
5. Port Adelaide
Northwest of the CBD, this rejuvenated port district hosts intriguing historic sites and museums. Transport enthusiasts will love the Maritime, Aviation and Railway museums. Pop-up markets, heritage-listed pubs, and eclectic galleries complete this charming 1800s-era district.
6. South Australian Museum
Over five action-packed storeys, South Australia’s flagship museum spans aboriginal culture to European and natural history. Many visitors feel the highlight is a life-like 11-metre model of a real-life giant squid. Entry is free.
7. Art Gallery of South Australia
Next to the museum, the (also free) Art Gallery of South Australia houses the state’s finest contemporary art collection. This world-class exhibition spans some 47,000 works, from paintings to photographs and clothing to ceramics.
8. Glenelg Beach
South Australia’s most iconic beach is Glenelg, a pine-fringed stunner southwest of the CBD. Laidback pubs and healthy-eating cafes line the waterfront, as well as amusement arcades and a big, lofty Ferris wheel. Swing into the Bay Discovery Centre to learn more about this seaside district. Don’t fancy driving? Take the historic Glenelg-CBD tram.
9. Adelaide Gaol
One of Australia’s longest continually-running prisons (1841-1988), the Adelaide Gaol provides a sombre insight into the state’s grisly history. At least 66 inmates hung here—join an after-dark ghost tour if you dare.
10. National Wine Centre of Australia
South Australia’s famous vineyards pump out the most sublime wine in the country. But you don’t have to hit a winery to learn about the state’s burgeoning industry. This modern, well-presented space hosts educational exhibits and a classy tasting room.
While there’s plenty to keep you busy inside the city, some of South Australia’s best natural attractions lie outside town. And the best way to reach them is with a slick Bargain Car Rentals ride.
1. Adelaide Hills
Thirty minutes from the city centre, this leafy undulating region is a classic weekend escape (great to visit at any time). Scenic sites like Cleland Conservation Park, Mount Lofty, and Belair National Park lure hikers and bikers in droves. Foodies will prefer regional wineries and charming gourmand hamlets like Hahndorf.
2. Southern Beaches
While Glenelg is Adelaide’s most iconic beach, it’s not the only spot to pull up a towel. Stunning yet uncrowded stretches line Adelaide’s southern coastline. Favourites include Hallett Cove, as well as Christies, Maslin, and Port Willunga Beach.
3. McLaren Vale
South Australia’s world-class wine industry is the state’s biggest tourism drawcard. Located 40 minutes south of the city, this sensational wine-growing region is among the most accessible of them all. Don’t miss the avant-garde d’Arenberg vineyard.
4. Barossa Valley
A leisurely hour-long drive out of town gets you to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most celebrated wine-growing regions. Swing by the Barossa Farmers Market for top-shelf foodstuffs to line the stomach before sipping some world-famous Barossa Shiraz.
5. Clare Valley
White wine lovers should drive further north towards Clare Valley, a crisp, cool-climate region producing the state’s best translucent drops. Cycle the 35-kilometre Riesling Trail (or some of it), stopping off to guzzle the good stuff at numerous wineries enroute.
6. Yorke Peninsula
On the other side of St Vincent’s Gulf, this remote peninsula hosts striking rural scenery and atmospheric seaside towns. Don’t miss Edithburgh and Marion Bay. The dreamy Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park sits at the tip.
7. Fleurieu Peninsula
Heading south from the city leads you to the Fleurieu Peninsula, a lush agricultural land home to rows of pristine beaches. Summer holiday hotspots like Victor Harbor and Port Elliot never fail to impress.
8. Kangaroo Island
A quick SeaLink car ferry from Cape Jervis whisks you to Kangaroo Island, a classic South Australian destination. From historic settlements to wildlife-rich parks and coastlines, this remote island has it all.
9. Limestone Coast
Heading southwest towards Victoria takes you past the Limestone Coast, a windy stretch home to rugged seaside towns like Beachport, Kingston SE, and Robe. Wine lovers should detour inland towards Coonawarra.
10. Eyre Peninsula
This vast, arid peninsula is worth the detour for its glistening aquamarine beaches. Don’t miss Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln national parks.
11. The Flinders Ranges
If time permits, the spell-binding Flinders Ranges National Park is worth the 5-hour (one-way) drive. More outback adventures await further afield.
The best time to visit Adelaide is during March-May (autumn) and September-November (spring). Expect temperate weather, lower prices, and thinner crowds during these pleasant shoulder seasons.
Summer is the peak travel season, especially during the lengthy Christmas and New Year’s break. Aside from the high prices and maddening crowds, South Australia can get scorching hot in summer. Thankfully, all Bargain Car Rentals vehicles have excellent A/C.
What’s the cheapest season to visit Adelaide?
The most affordable time to hire a car in Adelaide is during winter due to lower demand. Expect average temperatures between 8-16°C and frosty mornings in highland zones.