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South Australia

Cheap Car Hire in South Australia from $28

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in South Australia with a pick-up date of 12/1 and drop-off date of 14/1. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65
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South Australia car hires in 2024

Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car hire in South Australia. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on 19 December 2024.

Most popular company

Bargain Car Rentals

Most common car type

Mini

Average price per day

$78

Cheapest price per day

$28

What are the car hire prices for popular cities in South Australia?

Discover the price range for hiring a car in popular cities across South Australia, helping you budget and make informed decisions for your upcoming travel. There are 50 pickup locations in South Australia to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 19 December 2024.

Price

$37 - $168

Out of all the popular cities in South Australia, Adelaide is the cheapest city to rent a car in at just $37/day. Renting a car in Adelaide is 78% cheaper than renting one in Penneshaw where the per day rate is around $168. Other fairly inexpensive cities in South Australia to get a rental car in are: Port Lincoln ($58/day), Whyalla ($63/day), and Mount Gambier ($81/day). While these cities typically have cheaper prices than the rest of the country, travelers looking to rent a car in Adelaide should expect to spend around $37/day on their transportation. The most popular city to rent a car in South Australia is Adelaide.

What is the cheapest time to rent a car in South Australia?

Discover the most affordable period to rent a car in South Australia and save money on your trip. The monthly average price data is based on historical data over the last year and was last updated on 19 December 2024.

January

$53

February

$50

March

$68

April

$57

May

$49

June

$44

July

$42

August

$41

September

$50

October

$60

November

$58

December

$73

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in South Australia is August. The most expensive time to rent a car is December. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Popular car types in South Australia

Explore the most popular car models available for hire in South Australia and choose the one that suits your needs. The price data is sourced from various car hire companies and was last updated on 19 December 2024.

There are, in total, 3,284 car hire locations in South Australia that are operated by 98 companies. In the past week, small car is the cheapest car type users can hire (cheapest price last found: $28/day). Explore 7 car types currently offered from South Australia hire providers:

Economy

Economy

Compact

Compact

Intermediate

Intermediate

Standard

Standard

Full-size

Full-size

SUV

SUV

Full-size SUV

Full-size SUV

Mini

Mini

Passenger van

Passenger van

Pick-up truck

Pick-up truck

Premium SUV

Premium SUV

Compact SUV

Compact SUV

Supplier choice

Supplier choice

Intermediate SUV

Intermediate SUV

Standard SUV

Standard SUV

Luxury SUV

Luxury SUV

Compare available car types for hire in South Australia

Compare and contrast the various car types offered for hire in South Australia to find the perfect fit for your trip. Price data is based on averages over the last 12 months and was last updated on 19 December 2024.

Small cars

$44 - $85

All Car Types

$71 - $111

To hire a small car in South Australia, you would pay an average price of $60/day. July is the cheapest month to hire a small car in South Australia (~$44/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is March (~$85/day). In fact, July is about 27% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car hire for South Australia. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Australia, hiring a small car saves you 32% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Australia small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a medium car in South Australia, you would pay an average price of $71/day. August is the cheapest month to hire a medium car in South Australia (~$52/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is March (~$90/day). In fact, August is about 27% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car hire for South Australia. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Australia, hiring a medium car saves you 20% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Australia medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a large car in South Australia, you would pay an average price of $120/day. June is the cheapest month to hire a large car in South Australia (~$93/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$153/day). In fact, June is about 23% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car hire for South Australia. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Australia, hiring a large car is 27% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Australia large car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a SUV in South Australia, you would pay an average price of $83/day. June is the cheapest month to hire a SUV in South Australia (~$53/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$110/day). In fact, June is about 37% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV hire for South Australia. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Australia, hiring a SUV saves you 6% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Australia SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a van in South Australia, you would pay an average price of $137/day. July is the cheapest month to hire a van in South Australia (~$116/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is March (~$169/day). In fact, July is about 16% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a van hire for South Australia. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Australia, hiring a van is 37% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Australia van hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a pickup truck in South Australia, you would pay an average price of $142/day. February is the cheapest month to hire a pickup truck in South Australia (~$114/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$189/day). In fact, February is about 21% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a pickup truck hire for South Australia. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Australia, hiring a pickup truck is 39% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Australia pickup truck hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a luxury car in South Australia, you would pay an average price of $142/day. July is the cheapest month to hire a luxury car in South Australia (~$102/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is April (~$183/day). In fact, July is about 29% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a luxury car hire for South Australia. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Australia, hiring a luxury car is 39% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Australia luxury car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Kia Picanto$28/day
2
M
A/C
Kia Picanto
Kia Rio$28/day
4
4
M
A/C
Kia Rio
Kia Picanto$30/day
2
M
A/C
Kia Picanto

Tips for hiring a car in South Australia

Browse helpful tips for hiring a car in South Australia including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on 19 December 2024.
  • South Australia has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Air conditioning is standard in most hire vehicles, so visiting in summer doesn’t require much extra thought. However, if you’re visiting in winter, consider a vehicle with good wet-weather tyres and handling. It’s also important to check the local weather forecast before setting out on any road trips.
  • When venturing beyond the city limits in South Australia, be on high alert for kangaroos, especially around dawn and dusk when the animals are more active. If you spot a kangaroo or wallaby on the side of the road, it’s highly likely that there are more in the vicinity, so proceed with caution. If one jumps in front of your path, avoid swerving abruptly or using high beams to scare them away. Instead, simply decelerate and, if you can do so safely, apply your brakes so the animal can pass.
  • Australia has strict child car seat laws, and these apply even if you’re only driving from the airport to your accommodation. So if you’ll be picking up a hire vehicle in South Australia, be sure to bring a car seat or booster suited to your child’s age and size or book one with your hire agency. As a general guide, Australian laws state that infants must use rear-facing car seats, while children under seven years of age must be secured in a car seat or booster.
  • In South Australia, as with all Australian states and territories, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.05%. Driving with a BAC above this limit can lead to large fines, licence suspension and potential criminal charges, so it’s best to abstain from drinking alcohol before driving. Hiring a car in South Australia is not just about enjoying the journey but also about making it a safe one.

Top hire agencies in South Australia

Explore the leading car hire agencies in South Australia known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car hire companies in South Australia. Reviews were last updated on 19 December 2024.
Book your reservation with one of the top car hire agencies located in South Australia, including those serving the greater Adelaide, Marden and Kingscote area. Check out reviews from past customers, confirm pickup locations, and other critical details before booking your reservation.

Thrifty

9.5
Wonderful
2 reviews13 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.5

Comfort

9.5

Overall

9.5

Pick-up/drop-off

9.5

Value

8.5

Avis

9.0
Wonderful
4 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Overall

9.0

Pick-up/drop-off

9.0

Value

8.3

Budget

8.6
Very Good
4 reviews5 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.6

Pick-up/drop-off

8.6

Value

8.0

Sixt

8.6
Very Good
9 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

9.0

Overall

8.6

Pick-up/drop-off

9.0

Value

8.3

Hertz

8.3
Very Good
9 reviews12 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.3

Overall

8.3

Pick-up/drop-off

8.5

Value

7.6

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.0
Very Good
2 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Overall

8.0

Pick-up/drop-off

7.3

Value

9.3

Ace Rental Cars

7.6
Good
3 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

6.8

Overall

7.6

Pick-up/drop-off

7.2

Value

8.0

Europcar

7.2
Good
7 reviews5 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.8

Overall

7.2

Pick-up/drop-off

7.4

Value

7.6

Best South Australia car hire deals found

Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car hire deals in South Australia. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect hire option for your needs. There are currently 8 hire car agencies in South Australia with an average daily rate of $80. Data was last updated on 19 December 2024.
These are some of the most attractive deals we've found on car hires within the South Australia region, including options close to Adelaide, Marden and Kingscote. If these deals don't match what you're looking for, not to worry -- deals are updated on a regular basis.
Kia Picanto$28/day
2
M
A/C
Kia Picanto
Kia Rio$28/day
4
4
M
A/C
Kia Rio
Mazda CX-30$28/day
4
M
A/C
Mazda CX-30

Car hire FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car hires in South Australia, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 19 December 2024.
  • Should I hire a car in South Australia?

    Hiring a car in South Australia is ideal for those who want to explore the state’s diverse landscapes on their own time. With a wide array of vehicles available for hire, you can choose one that suits your needs, whether you’re on a family trip or a solo adventure. With your hire car, you can avoid peak times when visiting world-renowned attractions like the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Zoo, Art Gallery Of South Australia and South Australian Museum. You’ll also unlock beautiful places like Glenelg Beach that are best reached by car. Best of all, you won’t have to figure out timetables or complex public transport routes. Your only task will be to explore the beautiful landscapes and attractions SA has to offer!

  • What is driving like in South Australia?

    Driving in South Australia is a unique experience due to how diverse the landscape is. From the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the leafy streets of inner city Adelaide to the silent expanse of the outback, you’ll find an abundance of beauty as you traverse the state. The quality of roads is generally good, even in regional areas. Indeed, South Australia is known for its scenic drives and rural road trips. Interestingly, unlike other Australian states, South Australia has a ‘no toll road’ policy. This blend of thoughtful convenience and open-road adventures makes driving in South Australia a great way to explore the state’s attractions at your own pace.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in South Australia?

    To be eligible to hire a vehicle in South Australia, you generally need to be at least 21 years old with an open, unrestricted driver's licence. Drivers aged between 21 and 25 should be aware that a young driver fee may be applied to the hire. Each company has its own policy, but if they do apply the surcharge, it’s generally applied daily, so it can make a significant difference to your overall hire price. To ensure you’re aware of this and other policies, it’s a good idea to compare different hire agencies through Cheapflights. This is a great way to ensure you get a good deal on the type of vehicle you want.

  • What is the cheapest hire car found in South Australia?

    In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $59/day when booking a car hire in South Australia. The absolute best deal a user found was for $31/day from Bargain Car Rentals, booked on Dec. 16.

  • What car hire company is typically the cheapest in South Australia?

    According to our data, users have found the cheapest deals when booking a rental car in South Australia from the following companies over the past two weeks: Simba Car Hire ($28/day), Yesaway ($30/day), and Europcar ($42/day).

  • Which car hire company is considered to be the best in South Australia?

    Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, MINI Car Rentals (10.0 rating), EverythingFleet (10.0 rating) and YesDrive Car Rental (10.0 rating) seem to be the best car hire companies in South Australia.

  • What are petrol prices like in South Australia?

    The average price of petrol in South Australia is $1.69/litre over the past month, costing you anywhere between $76 and $109 to fill up a car’s fuel tank.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in South Australia for a week from Bargain Car Rentals?

    Bargain Car Rentals is one of the top picks in South Australia. They can have you in a hire car for about $389 per week on average.

  • How far in advance should I hire a car in South Australia for the best price?

    Hiring your favourite car model can become more difficult the closer you are to your desired travel date. It’s ideal to book early to have that peace of mind. An early booking can save you up to 46% in South Australia - we recommend booking at least 7days in advance.

  • Can I rent a car for a month in South Australia?

    Yes, hiring a vehicle in South Australia for a month is certainly possible.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in South Australia for a month?

    You can potentially save up to 63% on a month-long rental by booking with Bargain Car Rentals. Bargain Car Rentals is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in South Australia can cost you on average $1,668 a month or $56 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.

Small car hires in South Australia

Find small car hire deals in South Australia from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. small car hires in South Australia cost an average of $41 per day. Price data was last updated on 19 December 2024.
Kia Picanto$28/day
2
M
A/C
Kia Picanto
Nissan Micra$29/day
2
M
A/C
Nissan Micra
Kia Picanto$29/day
2
M
A/C
Kia Picanto

Car hires by fuel type in South Australia

Browse car hires by fuel type in South Australia. Currently, Petrol/Diesel cars are the cheapest to rent in South Australia. Deals were last updated on 19 December 2024.

Browse through car hire deals by fuel type in South Australia. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Petrol/Diesel being the cheapest ($18+).

Electric

Electric

Hybrid

Hybrid

Petrol/Diesel

Petrol/Diesel

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