When returning your rental vehicle to one of our locations please ensure to re-fuel your hire car to the agreed level. Allow an additional 10 to 20 minutes prior to the flight check-in time for car rental return during peak periods.
Adelaide Airport
Monday:06:00-23:00
Tuesday:06:00-23:00
Wednesday:06:00-23:00
Thursday:06:00-23:00
Friday:06:00-23:00
Saturday:06:00-23:00
Sunday:06:00-23:00
Where is the branch located?
Collection from the rental desk on the lower level of the Adelaide Airport Terminal, directly opposite baggage claim. Alternatively, please proceed to the main customer office, across the pedestrian plaza in the lower level of the multi-storey car park.
Adelaide Airport Information
If returning your vehicle outside of business hours simply park in a marked bay adjacent to the customer office, lock the car. Proceed to the Adelaide Airport Terminal and place keys in drop box on the right-hand side of the desk (directly opposite baggage claim).
N/A – All flights are met by staff.
If you are running late and you won't be able to collect your rental car at the allocated time, it is important to get in touch with the branch you are collecting from so that we can make alternate arrangements.
Car Rental Adelaide Airport
Your South Australian adventure begins the moment you land at Adelaide Airport. This guide will take you to the city centre to the iconic Adelaide Hills to the stunning Barossa Valley, uncovering the best of Adelaide along the way.
Adelaide is a city of contrasts, where heritage charm meets modern sophistication. Known as the City of Churches, the Festival City, and the Gourmet Capital of Australia, it offers world-class food and wine, stunning parklands, and a relaxed coastal vibe. With a Thrifty rental car. you can experience the best of Adelaide—from city streets to rolling vineyards, stunning beaches to outback landscapes—all at your own pace.
Staying Central: Exploring Adelaide’s Heart
Adelaide Central Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise
For a true taste of Adelaide, start at the Adelaide Central Market. Operating for over 150 years, it’s the largest undercover market in the Southern Hemisphere and a must-visit for fresh produce, artisan cheeses, gourmet coffee, and international street food.
Art, Culture, and History
Art lovers can explore the Art Gallery of South Australia, home to over 45,000 artworks, from classic European paintings to contemporary Indigenous masterpieces. For a deeper dive into Aboriginal culture, visit Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, which showcases visual art, music, and performances.
Rundle Mall: Adelaide’s Shopping Hub
For a retail therapy fix, head to Rundle Mall—a pedestrian-only shopping strip filled with major fashion brands, department stores, and quirky arcades. Don’t miss Adelaide Arcade, a heritage-listed shopping precinct brimming with boutique stores, cafés, and historic charm.
Adelaide Oval: A Sports Fan’s Dream
If you love cricket and Aussie Rules Football, take a behind-the-scenes tour of Adelaide Oval, one of Australia’s most iconic stadiums. For the best views of the city, try the Oval RoofClimb experience, where you’ll see panoramic landscapes from the rooftop.
Glenelg Beach: City Meets the Sea
For a coastal escape without leaving the city, drive 20 minutes west to Glenelg Beach. Known for its soft golden sands, lively foreshore, and boutique shopping, it’s perfect for sunset strolls, water sports, and seafood dining along Jetty Road.
Day Trips: Exploring Beyond the City
Adelaide Hills: A Slice of Europe
A 40-minute drive east takes you to the Adelaide Hills, where rolling vineyards, charming villages, and German heritage await. Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, is a highlight, offering craft shops, artisan bakeries, and traditional Bavarian fare.
Barossa Valley: Australia’s Wine Capital
For wine lovers, the Barossa Valley is an 80km drive north and home to some of the world’s best wineries. Visit Penfolds, Jacob’s Creek, and Seppeltsfield for wine tastings, fine dining, and breathtaking vineyard views. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, stop by the Barossa Farmers Market for fresh local produce and gourmet treats. Just remember to always have a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
Fleurieu Peninsula: Coastal Bliss
Just 40km south of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers pristine beaches, world-class wineries, and stunning nature reserves. The McLaren Vale wine region is a must-visit for wine tasting and gourmet dining, while Victor Harbor is the perfect spot for whale watching, coastal hikes, and family-friendly fun.
One of the most unique stops is the d’Arenberg Cube, a five-story architectural wonder with wine tasting rooms, surreal art installations, and a sensory wine experience.
Kangaroo Island: Untamed Wilderness
For an unforgettable wildlife adventure, take a ferry from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island. This untouched paradise is home to stunning beaches, native bushland, and unique wildlife experiences. Walk among sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, swim with wild dolphins, or unwind at Emu Bay Lavender Farm.
Discover Adelaide with Thrifty
Adelaide is a city full of surprises, from world-class wineries to coastal escapes and cultural gems. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of the CBD or venturing into the countryside, a Thrifty rental car gives you an affordable and quality ride that’ll unlock Adelaide.