One-Way Car Rental from Melbourne to Adelaide | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Melbourne to Adelaide

Can I rent a car from Melbourne to Adelaide?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Melbourne to Adelaide. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for AU residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. Debit cards are not universally accepted.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 10.85 - US$ 27.50 per day, depending on the rental provider.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
• Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

Notes: Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. Debit cards are not universally accepted.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 10.85 - US$ 27.50 per day, depending on the rental provider.

How much does renting a car from Melbourne to Adelaide cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 92/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 98/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 203-738	US$ 0.00-432.08	US$ 276-998	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 336-681	US$ 0.00-360.07	US$ 487-874	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 208-434	US$ 0.00-360.07	US$ 288-580	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 208-411	US$ 0.00-432.08	US$ 294-515	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 305-373	US$ 0.00-1190.31	US$ 472-617	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 488-493	US$ 196.40-360.07	US$ 764-764	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

Understand the one-way rental fee: Some car rental companies charge additional fees for dropping off the vehicle at a different location. Check the cost in advance to include it in your budget.
Consider cross-border restrictions: Ensure the vehicle you rent is allowed to cross state borders if your route includes travel between different Australian states.
Inspect vehicle condition: Thoroughly check the vehicle for any damage or mechanical issues before starting your journey and document any findings.
Know the drop-off location: Familiarize yourself with the exact return location in Adelaide to avoid confusion and save time at the conclusion of your trip.
Plan for different operating hours: Return locations might have varying operational hours, so align your schedule to ensure the vehicle is returned on time without incurring late fees.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book in advance: Advance planning helps secure availability and often provides better pricing for your rental.
Select appropriate vehicle type: Choose a vehicle that fits your travel needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for rugged terrains.
Understand the fuel policy: Be clear whether the vehicle should be returned with a full tank or will be refilled by the rental company at a higher cost.
Prepare for road conditions: Familiarize yourself with potential road types and weather conditions along the route for a safe travel experience.
Carry necessary documents: Ensure you have your driver’s license, rental agreement, and any additional permits required for driving in Australia.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
Easy online purchase before your trip

Learn More About QEEQ Insurance

Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze

Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
Automatic rebooking when prices drop

Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use nearby gas stations to avoid returning the car with less fuel.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price along the route is approximately $1.80 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated before starting the journey.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

Melbourne Parking

City center parking rates range from $5 to $10 per hour.

Street parking is limited during peak hours.

Consider using parking apps for real-time availability.

Adelaide Parking

Parking near the city center costs around $4 per hour.

Free parking is available in suburban areas.

Secure parking lots are recommended for long-term stays.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia - Comprehensive parking information.

EasyPark - Book parking spaces in advance.

Wilson Parking - Find and pay for parking in real-time.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Melbourne to Adelaide:

Great Ocean Road

Scenic Drive Approximately 12 hours

Experience stunning coastal views and charming seaside towns.

Torquay , Apollo Bay , Port Campbell , Warrnambool

Western Highway Route

Direct Drive Approximately 9 hours

Ideal for a swift and efficient journey.

Ballarat , Ararat , Stawell , Horsham

Murray River Route

Relaxed Drive Approximately 11 hours

A relaxing journey passing through lush vineyards and historical sites.

Echuca , Mildura , Renmark , Riverland

Must-Explore Sections along the Way:

12 Apostles Trip

Around 4 hours from Melbourne

Visit the iconic rock formations along the Great Ocean Road.

Ballarat History Tour

1.5 hours from Melbourne

Explore the history and charm of Ballarat including Sovereign Hill.

Barossa Wine Country

1.5 hours from Adelaide

Discover fine wines and culinary delights in Barossa Valley.

Grampians National Park

4 hours from Melbourne

Immerse in natural beauty and spectacular mountain trails.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Type Choice: Pick a vehicle suitable for your route's terrains and driving comfort.

Plan Stops and Accommodations: Arrange overnight stays ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.

Route Exploration: Research various route options and points of interest to ensure a tailored journey.

Budget and Costs: Plan your budget to include car rental, fuel, tolls, and accommodation expenses.

Refueling Tips: Locate fuel stations along your route to avoid last-minute searches.

Safety and Preparations: Ensure the vehicle is equipped with necessary safety gear and emergency contacts.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Select a car rental company that fits your budget, travel plans, and service expectations for a seamless one-way trip from Melbourne to Adelaide.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	Australia-wide	Free mileage , Variety of vehicle types , Easy online booking
Avis	$$$	Good	Urban and rural branches	Wide network , Competitive rates for long-term rentals
Europcar	$$	Very good	Major cities	Luxury car options , Flexible pick-up and drop-off
Budget	$	Moderate	Key transport hubs	Affordable pricing , Simplified process

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals

Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Centers at Melbourne and Adelaide

Operating Hours:

Car rental locations are generally open from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays with reduced hours on weekends.

Location and Accessibility:

Rental service desks are conveniently located within major transportation hubs, including airport terminals.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle services are offered from main arrival points to the rental centers.

Vehicle Pick-Up and Drop-Off:

Dedicated parking areas for rental vehicles ensure smooth transitions for picking up and returning cars.

Pro Tips for Melbourne Airport(MEL) Car Rentals

Plan your rental pick-up and return timings in alignment with operational hours to avoid inconvenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop the vehicle in Adelaide if I rent it in Melbourne?

Yes, many car rental companies offer one-way rental options that allow you to pick up a vehicle in Melbourne and return it in Adelaide. Be sure to confirm the availability with your rental provider.

Are there additional costs for one-way rentals from Melbourne to Adelaide?

Most rental companies charge a one-way fee in addition to the regular rental price. This fee covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location, and it can vary by company.

What is the estimated travel time from Melbourne to Adelaide?

The drive from Melbourne to Adelaide typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route, with distances covering approximately 726 kilometers.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card for the deposit and rental payment, and identification proof. Check with the rental company for any additional requirements.

Can I find gas stations along the route?

Yes, the route has several gas stations available. Key stops include towns like Ballarat, Horsham, and Tailem Bend where you can refuel.

Ready to Book Your Melbourne to Adelaide Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Explore One-Way Rentals from Melbourne to Adelaide