Hiring a car in Adelaide: Everything you need to know

Planned a trip to Adelaide? Deciding on how best to get around? The best way to do this is to hire a rental car!
It’s the only way to see as much as you can possibly can in a short time. Tour companies are great, but having the flexibility to go where you want, for how long you want and take that odd detour or stop into a cute winery as you drive past is by far the best way to make the most of your trip (just make sure you have a designated driver).
Which car hire company do you choose?
We booked our car through Hertz Australia. The booking process is easy to use, we found it hassle free and their prices are competitive. We are also Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members, so booking through Hertz is a no brainer for us! Keep reading for information on the Gold Plus Rewards.
What is the best car to hire in Adelaide?
When you’re looking online at your rental options, you probably start looking at the cheapest option. That can often be fine, but you need to remember you will be driving around Adelaide and possibly the countryside and coastline of South Australia. You will have luggage (and probably more than one small bag) and you will no doubt be leaving luggage in the car from time to time while out and about exploring some of the magical beaches or walks.
So, with this in mind, it is important to take note of how many suitcases can fit into your car and how many of you will be travelling.
We hired a larger 4WD vehicle and when we arrived, received the keys to a nearly brand new Nissan X-Trail! The boot was large enough to fit our large suitcase and a small suitcase (you could fit two large suitcases in easily) so no one could see these when we parked the car out in public.
The car had a built in sat nav which made it a breeze getting around.
Is it worth taking the full insurance?
When you get the price for full insurance, you are probably frustrated that it is just about the same price as the car hire itself… BUT we always take out full insurance (particularly in Europe – read more here) and the last thing you want on a trip is an excess when something goes wrong. Remember, it’s called an accident for a reason!
The piece of mind, for us, is absolutely worth it.
What to see in Adelaide
When it comes to planning your itinerary, have a look at our South Australia for a few more ideas or click here to go straight to our What to do in Adelaide post.
Here is a short driving highlights video for you to enjoy!
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program
Hertz has this wonderful program called the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. It isn’t like most gold status rewards programs- this one is free to join.
The benefits include:
- Choose a car you like better on the spot
- Receive vehicle updates or select an upgrade right on your phone
- Pay no additional driver fees
- Redeem your points on hertz.com.au anytime
Plus plenty more. Â To join this great program, click here.
Where to stay in Adelaide
We stayed at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide. The hotel is very centrally located and has onsite parking. Click here for our full review of the hotel including a short video!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous
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