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South Australia

Cheap Car Hire in South Australia from $19

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 12/7 and drop-off date of 19/7. 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 2025

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 13 June 2025.

Most popular company

Simba Car Hire

Most common car type

Standard

Average price per day

$62

Cheapest price per day

$19

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 13 June 2025.

There are, in total, 3,289 car hire locations in South Australia that are operated by 101 companies. In the past week, small car is the cheapest car type users can hire (cheapest price last found: $19/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

People mover

People mover

Full-size SUV

Full-size SUV

Mini

Mini

Passenger van

Passenger van

Luxury

Luxury

Pick-up truck

Pick-up truck

Premium SUV

Premium SUV

Compact SUV

Compact SUV

Intermediate SUV

Intermediate SUV

Standard SUV

Standard SUV

Supplier choice

Supplier choice

Standard estate car

Standard estate car

Luxury SUV

Luxury SUV

Commercial

Commercial

Supplier choice pickup truck

Supplier choice pickup truck

Supplier choice SUV

Supplier choice SUV

Compare car hire deals in South Australia by type

Here are the best South Australia small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best South Australia medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best South Australia large car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best South Australia SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best South Australia van hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best South Australia pickup truck hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best South Australia luxury car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Mitsubishi Mirage$19/day
2
5
M
A/C
Mitsubishi Mirage
Mercedes-Benz A-Class$21/day
4
M
A/C
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Suzuki Baleno$22/day
2
M
A/C
Suzuki Baleno

Best car hire deals found in South Australia

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 $62. Data was last updated on 13 June 2025.
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 Marion. If these deals don't match what you're looking for, not to worry -- deals are updated on a regular basis.
Mitsubishi Mirage$19/day
2
5
M
A/C
Mitsubishi Mirage
Mercedes-Benz A-Class$21/day
4
M
A/C
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Suzuki Baleno$22/day
2
M
A/C
Suzuki Baleno

Cheapflights insights for South Australia car hires

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you hire a car in South Australia, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I hire a car in South Australia?

For the best savings on car hire in South Australia, make your reservation 5 days before pickup. The average price then is just $77/day – about 44% less than the yearly average.

What is the cheapest car hire company in South Australia?

In South Australia, the most affordable car hire company right now is Simba Car Hire, offering prices from just $16.17/day over the past two weeks. Another budget-friendly choice is East Coast Car Rentals, with rates starting at $20.79/day.

What is the best car rental company in South Australia?

Based on Cheapflights user feedback, the highest-rated car hire company in South Australia is Thrifty (rated 9.6/10 with 2 reviews). Avis (rated 9.0/10 with 4 reviews) is also highly rated by our users.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in South Australia?

At South Australia, the best time to hire a car is in August, with an average daily rate of just $69. Conversely, December is the priciest month, averaging $100 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.|1#In South Australia, the best time to hire a car is in August, with an average daily rate of just $69. Conversely, December is the priciest month, averaging $100 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.

January

$81

February

$88

March

$81

April

$88

May

$77

June

$74

July

$79

August

$69

September

$76

October

$81

November

$91

December

$100

What car do most people hire in South Australia?

Intermediate cars (Class Intermediate Car or similar) are the most popular option for those visiting South Australia. Compact cars (Class Compact Car or similar) are also a popular choice, followed by SUV cars (Subaru Forester or similar).

Which car hire company has the most locations in South Australia?

Both Sunnycars and Thrifty have 7 locations in South Australia, more than any other car hire company in the area.

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 27 pickup locations in South Australia to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 13 June 2025.

Out of all the popular cities in South Australia, Adelaide is the cheapest city to hire a car ($26/day). Other popular cities in South Australia to get a cheap car hire are: Mount Gambier ($54/day), Ceduna ($69/day), and Port Lincoln ($96/day).

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 13 June 2025.
  • 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 13 June 2025.
Book your reservation with one of the top car hire agencies located in South Australia, including those serving the greater Adelaide, Marden and Marion area. Check out reviews from past customers, confirm pickup locations, and other critical details before booking your reservation.

Thrifty

9.6
Wonderful
2 reviews7 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.6

Comfort

9.6

Overall

9.6

Pick-up/drop-off

9.6

Value

8.8

Avis

9.0
Wonderful
4 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Overall

9.0

Pick-up/drop-off

9.0

Value

8.3

Budget

8.8
Very Good
5 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.2

Overall

8.8

Pick-up/drop-off

8.8

Value

8.0

Sixt

8.6
Very Good
8 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.1

Overall

8.6

Pick-up/drop-off

9.1

Value

8.3

Simba Car Hire

8.2
Very Good
9 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.1

Comfort

8.4

Overall

8.2

Pick-up/drop-off

8.2

Value

8.4

Hertz

8.1
Very Good
9 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.1

Overall

8.1

Pick-up/drop-off

8.3

Value

7.4

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.0
Very Good
2 reviews3 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

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 13 June 2025.
  • 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 $57/day when booking a car hire in South Australia. The absolute best deal a user found was for $29/day from Simba Car Hire, booked on Jun. 8.

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

    Simba Car Hire is one of the top picks in South Australia. They can have you in a hire car for about $189 per week on average.

  • 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 39% on a month-long rental by booking with Simba Car Hire. Simba Car Hire is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in South Australia can cost you on average $810 a month or $27 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.

Car hires by fuel type in South Australia

Browse car hires by fuel type in South Australia. Currently, Hybrid cars are the cheapest to rent in South Australia. Deals were last updated on 13 June 2025.

Browse through car hire deals by fuel type in South Australia. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Hybrid being the cheapest ($7+).

Electric

Electric

Hybrid

Hybrid

Petrol/Diesel

Petrol/Diesel

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Plans change — we get it. And that’s why you can search and book car hire on Cheapflights from agencies that offer free cancellation