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

Home One-way Car Rentals Sydney to Adelaide

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.

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, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases, including Visa and MasterCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 per day, depending on the rental provider and age bracket.

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. Additional requirements include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving License (English version).
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, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases, including Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from US$5.92 to US$23.71 per day, depending on the rental provider and age bracket.

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 Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 256-3746	US$ 197.34-2990.12	US$ 322-3881	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 617-850	US$ 460.47-986.74	US$ 721-982	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 305-308	US$ 197.34-328.91	US$ 440-831	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 262-623	US$ 0.00-2990.12	US$ 334-651	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 293-3581	US$ 0.00-2990.12	US$ 414-3791	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Confirm the one-way rental surcharge, as this fee can vary depending on the rental company and route.
Drop-Off Location: Validate the availability of your designated drop-off location in Adelaide to ensure a smooth return process.
Geographical Restrictions: Verify whether the rental policy allows cross-border travel if your plans involve entering another state.
Vehicle Suitability: Choose a vehicle that suits the terrains and distances of the route, factoring in comfort and fuel efficiency.
Booking Timing: Reserve your rental early to secure the vehicle type you need and avoid last-minute hitches.

Smart Planning Tips:

Choose Scenic Routes: Consider taking the coastal or national park routes for a more scenic and enjoyable journey.
Plan Fuel Stops: Research fuel stations along your route to avoid running low on gas, especially in remote areas.
Know Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the major roads and highways linking Sydney to Adelaide to prevent getting off track.
Check for Weather Updates: Be informed about weather conditions to make necessary adjustments to your travel plans.
Inspect the Vehicle: Thoroughly check the car's condition before leaving Sydney and upon arriving in Adelaide.
Understand Roadside Assistance: Know the rental company's roadside assistance policies for unforeseen issues during your trip.

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.

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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.

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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 steady speeds to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

Sydney Parking

Consider using public transport to reach downtown areas to save on parking costs.

Parking in Sydney can be expensive, with rates averaging $20-50 per day in city centers.

Adelaide Parking

Look for street parking in less busy areas to save further.

Adelaide offers more affordable parking options, with rates starting at $10 per day.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and Wilson Parking can help users find or book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is equipped with an electronic toll pass if using toll roads.

Plan alternative routes to avoid tolls where possible.

The route from Sydney to Adelaide has minimal toll roads, primarily around Sydney exits.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main One-Way Driving Routes from Sydney to Adelaide:

Coastal Route via Princes Highway

Scenic Drive Approximately 15 hours

A picturesque route along the coastlines with stunning beach views.

Wollongong , Eden , Mount Gambier

Outback Route via Barrier Highway

Adventure Drive Approximately 14 hours

An adventurous trek through Australia's interior with unique landscapes.

Broken Hill , Burra , Jamestown

Direct Route via Hume and Dukes Highways

Efficient Drive Approximately 13 hours

The fastest route facilitating a smooth drive.

Wagga Wagga , Murray Bridge , Goulburn

Famous Roadtrips Along Sydney-Adelaide Corridor:

Sydney to Blue Mountains

2 hours

A short detour with stunning views and tranquil environments.

Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

6 hours including ferry

Explore the unique habitats and wildlife on Kangaroo Island.

Sydney to Canberra

3 hours

Visit Australia's capital with its numerous cultural and historic sites.

Adelaide to Barossa Valley

1 hour

A quick drive to one of Australia's premier wine regions.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Road Trip

Plan Your Route: Preselect your preferred route based on your interests and time availability.

Choose the Right Vehicle: Match the vehicle type to your travel group and the needed luggage space.

Familiarize with Stops: Identify rest stops and gas stations along your route.

Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, and a first-aid kit for emergencies.

Safety First: Ensure to follow traffic rules and adapt driving based on road conditions.

Understand the Costs: Know the rental costs, including insurance and one-way fees, to avoid surprises.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Sydney to Adelaide, consider factors such as pricing, vehicle variety, geographic coverage, and added benefits.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Hertz	$$	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Operates in most major locations. , Flexibility in booking options and premium service offerings.
Europcar	$	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
Budget	$$$	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆

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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

Details About Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental companies operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily at Sydney Airport.

Locations:

Car rental centers are located near the terminal buildings at both Sydney and Adelaide Airports.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttle services are available for transfers between the terminal and the car rental parking lot.

Other Information:

It is advisable to book in advance during peak travel seasons to secure a vehicle of your choice.

Double-check the fuel policy before booking as some companies may require the car to be returned with a full tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car in one location, such as Sydney, and return it to a different location, such as Adelaide. This service is ideal for road trips where returning to the starting location is inconvenient or not possible.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, one-way rentals often incur additional drop-off fees because the rental company must compensate for repositioning the vehicle. It's advisable to confirm this with the rental company when making your reservation.

How long does the trip from Sydney to Adelaide take by car?

The drive from Sydney to Adelaide typically takes about 14-15 hours, covering approximately 1,375 kilometers, depending on your chosen route and stops along the way.

What types of vehicles are recommended for this trip?

For a comfortable long-distance trip, consider renting a vehicle with ample space and convenience features, such as a sedan, SUV, or a van if traveling with a larger group.

Are there rest stops or accommodations along the way?

Yes, there are several notable towns and rest stops along the route, such as Wagga Wagga and Mildura, where travelers can refuel, dine, and find accommodations.

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