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Your Guide to a Smooth One-Way Car Rental from Melbourne to Adelaide

Explore the journey from Melbourne to Adelaide with ultimate ease and insider tips!

Document required for international visitors
  • 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 1-3 years depending on the rental provider.

    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. If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and AMEX. Some providers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old depending on the rental provider. Young drivers (18-25 years) may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$20.89 per day, with some providers capping the total fee for the rental period.
  • 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 1-3 years depending on the rental provider. Additional requirements include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

    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. If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.

  • 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, MasterCard, Diners Club, and AMEX. Some providers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old depending on the rental provider. Young drivers (18-25 years) may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$20.89 per day, with some providers capping the total fee for the rental period.
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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

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 187-673US$ 0.00-986.74US$ 282-787Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 341-661US$ 0.00-394.69US$ 442-742Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 193-506US$ 131.56-361.80US$ 289-451Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 191-416US$ 0.00-361.80US$ 279-577Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 314-314US$ 0.00-1196.04US$ 491-491Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understand one-way fees: Rental companies may charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. Ensure you know this fee in advance.
  • Check drop-off location options: Verify the available drop-off locations in Adelaide and choose one appropriate for your travel itinerary.
  • Inspect the vehicle: Before setting off, thoroughly inspect the rental car for any damages to avoid disputes upon drop-off.
  • Fuel requirements: Understand the fuel policies such as full-to-full to avoid additional charges at the end of your rental.
  • Mileage limitations: Some rentals have mileage limitations. Check these terms if your route includes long distances.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book early to secure the best deals: Prices and availability may vary, so booking in advance ensures better rates and vehicle choice.
  • Plan for enough travel time: Account for stops and sightseeing on your journey to arrive at the drop-off location timely.
  • Chart your route ahead: Research route options, and install relevant map apps to assist you during the trip.
  • Check driver's license requirements: Ensure your driver's license is valid and meets Australian driving requirements for rental purposes.
  • Have the rental company's contact details handy: In the event of emergencies or questions, having their assistance readily available is beneficial.
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
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

United Petroleum Adelaide Airport - 1 Sir Richard Williams Ave, Adelaide Airport SA 5950, Australia

bp - Tapleys Hill Rd &, W Beach Rd, West Beach SA 5024, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Remove excess weight from the vehicle.

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Melbourne Parking

Consider using public transport to reach the city center and avoid high parking fees.

Parking in Melbourne can be expensive. Look for early bird specials in city parking lots.

Adelaide Parking

Use council-provided parking maps to locate free parking zones.

Adelaide offers a mix of free and paid parking; check local signage for details.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and Secure Parking can help you find and book parking spaces in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

No toll charges will apply along this route.

Enjoy a toll-free journey!

The route from Melbourne to Adelaide does not include toll roads.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Exploring Scenic Routes from Melbourne to Adelaide:
Great Ocean Road
Scenic Coastal Route 8-10 hours (1-2 days drive)

This route takes you through breathtaking coastal scenery including beaches, cliffs, and historical landmarks.

Torquay , Lorne , Twelve Apostles , Port Campbell , Warrnambool
Grampians to Adelaide
Nature and Culture 9-11 hours

An inland journey offering views of mountain ranges, unique flora and fauna, and cultural attractions.

Ballarat , Halls Gap (Grampians) , Horsham , Bordertown , Hahndorf
Coastal via Coorong
Combination of Coast and Towns 9-12 hours

Travel alongside picturesque lagoons and relax in quaint coastal towns.

Warrnambool , Port Fairy , Robe , Kingston SE , Coorong National Park
Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan departures accordingly: Start early to maximize daylight hours and better manage unexpected delays.

Familiarize with local driving laws: Ensure compliance with traffic regulations to avoid fines and stay safe.

Verify vehicle insurance coverage: Double-check the provided policy for potential issues like off-road driving exclusions.

Take advantage of navigation tools: Utilize GPS or smartphone apps for efficient route and stopover identification.

Refuel ahead on rural routes: Plan fuel stops due to sparse station availability in remote areas.

Minimize costs through careful planning: Look for deals and avoid spontaneous expenditures on high-demand routes.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

A guide for selecting the best car rental company for your one-way journey from Melbourne to Adelaide, focusing only on providers that offer a one-way rental service.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$$ExcellentHigh Wide variety of car models , Strong international presence , 24/7 customer support
Avis$$$Very goodHigh Efficient online booking system , Various customer reward programs , Premium vehicle options
Europcar$$GoodModerate Affordable pricing for one-way rentals , Good variety of economy options , Multiple locations across Australia
Budget$$GoodHigh Competitive rates for one-way fees , Extensive coverage in urban and rural locations , Discounts for frequent users and corporate accounts
QEEQ

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

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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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

Essential Information About the Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers in Melbourne and Adelaide operate from 6:00 AM to midnight, with selected locations offering 24/7 service.

Rental Car Center Locations:

In Melbourne, rental offices are located at the Tullamarine Airport and the city center. In Adelaide, locations include Adelaide Airport and downtown centers.

Shuttle Services Availability:

Free shuttles are available between major transportation hubs and the rental offices in both cities.

Pickup and Return Process:

Clear signage and designated spots at both airports make picking up and returning a vehicle straightforward.

Ensure that you've reviewed one-way rental fees and fuel policies for a smooth experience on your drive between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental and is it available from Melbourne to Adelaide?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental vehicle from one location and return it to another. This service is available from Melbourne to Adelaide, often subject to an additional one-way fee to cover logistics.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way car rental on this route?

Yes, most rental companies charge a one-way fee for returning the car to a different location from where it was picked up. This fee varies by rental provider.

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

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card for security deposit, and, if applicable, an international driving permit if your license is not in English.

Can I add additional drivers for the car rental on this route?

Yes, most rental companies allow additional drivers to be added to the rental agreement. Additional charges may apply, and the extra driver must meet the age and license requirements.

What are the driving conditions between Melbourne and Adelaide?

The route from Melbourne to Adelaide includes highways and country roads. While generally in good condition, it is advisable to check for any local advisories or construction before traveling.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ