Explore the best of South Australia in an Adelaide car rental
Secure a car hire Adelaide downtown to begin your adventures in South Australia.
Tucked alongside the St. Vincent Gulf in the southern part of the state, Adelaide offers something for everyone. Wine enthusiasts, history lovers and urbanites alike have plenty to explore in this exciting state capital - and the best part is, everything is just a short drive away in your car hire.
Start your Adelaide trip off on the right foot with a quick and easy car rental booking experience with Airport Rentals. A simple search on our sophisticated site will connect you to a wide selection of available vehicles across multiple brands. Scroll through and compare features, or use the handy filters to narrow down your search.
Finalise your reservation in a few clicks and enjoy instant confirmation on most vehicles. Need a hand? Our customer service team is just a phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A guide to driving in Adelaide
Once called Tandanya, the Place of the Red Kangaroo, Adelaide was the first incorporated city in Australia in 1840. With a population of just 2,000, it quickly grew to 162,000 by 1900. Today more than 1.3 million live in this South Australia city, making it the fifth-largest city in the country.
Adelaide Airport is just a quick drive west of the downtown region. Hop in your car hire heading west on Grote Street and continue onto A6/Sir Donald Bradman Drive. Turn left onto Sir Richard Williams Avenue to reach the airport grounds. The drive should take no more than 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
The speed limit in downtown Adelaide is 50 km/h and up to 100 km/h on the highways.
Abide by the posted speed limits as Australian highways are dotted with speed cameras.
Roundabouts are common, always give way to the right.
Look for parking spaces in the shade, especially when the temperature hits above 30 degrees Celsius.
Car hire Adelaide downtown: parking
With over 42,000 spaces, finding parking in downtown Adelaide should never be an issue. Both short and long term lots are available as well as Park ‘n’ Ride services. Expect to pay around AUD$2 per hour and be sure to check time limit restrictions before leaving your vehicle. Heading to the beach? Car parks located near the main beaches typically have a three-hour time limit.
Adelaide Downtown Information
Accommodation options in Adelaide
The accommodation choices are countless in downtown Adelaide. Here are a few recommended options.
Hostel 109 Flashpackers - A laid-back hostel with a shared kitchen and balcony located in the heart of the city.
InterContinental Adelaide - A 5-star hotel with three restaurants, situated minutes from the Torrens River and Elder Park.
Hotel Ibis Adelaide - A moderately-priced downtown hotel overlooking the Adelaide Hills.
WOMADelaide (March) - A four-day event showcasing international musicians, dancers, DJs, visual arts and more.
South Australia’s History Festival (April to May) - This massive community event is dedicated to telling the stories of the state’s history through a range of activities.
Dream Big Children’s Festival (May) - A week-long iconic arts festival designed for kids and families.
Must-see spots in Adelaide
Hit the road in your rental car to visit all of Adelaide’s top spots, including these awesome attractions.
Henley Beach - Directly west of the downtown, this beach is lined with fresh seafood restaurants, down-to-earth pubs and a unique blend of shops.
Adelaide Botanic Garden - 125 acres of gardens, greenhouses, pathways and cafes.
National Wine Centre of Australia - A public exhibition spotlighting the winemaking industry in South Australia.
Cleland Conservation Park - An expansive park featuring scenic viewpoints, wildlife and walking trails.
Are you visiting Adelaide during a holiday like Australia Day or Easter? Click through for bonus tips for your car hire booking process.