Enjoy the ride from Melbourne to Adelaide with Redspot’s spot-on one-way car rentals! Our easy, flexible one-way car hire lets you steer from Victoria to South Australia (and vice versa) without backtracking. With multiple branch locations available, we’ll help you pick up, drop off, and get going quicker than your mate can say shotgun.
Can you rent a car from Melbourne to Adelaide?
Yes, absolutely! If you need to pick up your rental car from Canberra and return it in Melbourne, Redspot’s got your back (and your boot) with our flexible one-way rentals. Just contact our friendly team via phone, email, or online contact form to get your plans rolling.
One-way rental Melbourne to Adelaide
Steer your way with our convenient one-way rentals, letting you pick up and drop off your ride between any Redspot Melbourne and Adelaide branch with ease. Saving you time, effort and fuel costs – all in one go.
Simply go to the Extras section on your online booking form, check the ‘One Way Fee’ box, and you’re ready to go!
Fuel your trip to Adelaide with your choice of Redspot refuel options. Whether you prefer to pre-pay, post-pay, or fill it up yourself, we’ve got you covered. Not to mention our rental car accessories, from baby seat hire to Toll Pass Waivers, are designed for the smoothest of rides.
Unlimited km for standard passenger and leisure Redspot vehicles around Australia also means you can keep the adventure going for longer – distance is no issue. If you’re hiring a van, truck or ute, however, km restrictions may apply depending on your plans. Please get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to confirm, so you can get going with ease.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless specified. After-hours pickup available upon request (subject to availability).
Pickup in Melbourne:
- Melbourne Airport (Monday to Friday 6:30am – 12am, Weekends & Public Holidays 7am – 12am. After-hours drop off available.)
- Melbourne City (Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 1pm, Public Holidays closed. After-hours drop off available.)
- Coburg (Monday to Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2pm. Public Holidays closed. After-hours dropoff unavailable.)
Drop off in Adelaide:
- Adelaide Airport (Monday to Sunday & Public Holidays 8am – 10:30pm. After-hours drop off available.)
- Adelaide City (Monday to Saturday 8am – 4pm, Sundays & Public Holidays closed. After-hours drop off unavailable.)
- Beverley (Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm, Weekends & Public Holidays closed. After-hours drop off available.)
One-Way Rentals Made Easy – A Small Relocation Fee for Huge Convenience
Go further, without the detour! With Redspot’s flexible one-way rentals, you can explore Australia your way, no need to circle back. You’ll save on time, fuel, and effort, making the most of every journey on the open Aussie road.
To help us keep our fleet moving, a small relocation fee may apply. This fee covers the cost of relocating your vehicle back to its original location. But if your route helps us too, we may be able to waive it – simply contact our friendly team on 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find out.
How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide?
The most direct route from Melbourne to Adelaide goes inland, taking approximately 8 hours and 35 minutes (727.4 km) via National Highway A8.
Alternatively, take the Great Ocean Road if you want to swap country views for coastal vistas. This driving route will take 10 hours of driving time, but we recommend spending 2 to 5 days to really experience the rugged beauty, native wildlife, and charming seaside attractions that this journey has to offer. It’s one of Australia’s most iconic scenic drives for a reason!
Is it better to drive or fly from Melbourne to Adelaide?
Depends on your priorities! Flying is faster, but driving offers scenic views and the freedom to explore iconic road trips like the Great Ocean Road along the way. With a rental car, you can also skip airport baggage checks, queuing and public transport to the city centre.
Plus, when you’re travelling with kids, luggage, or lots of gear, driving can be way less stressful than navigating airports. We may be biased but we love the drive, but then again we have over 35 years experience in the Aussie car rental business!
Redspot Driver Facts.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21 (mine-spec and commercial vehicles included).
Maximum Age is No Barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light for leisure, commercial and mine-spec vehicles – one of the few Aussie companies that do!
Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Overseas visitors welcome:
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Family-friendly car hire:
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Credit Card Condition:
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Fuel Flexibility:
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Maximum age is no barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Toll-road Tricks:
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Meet Our Fleet
With over 5 branches across Sydney, it’s a breeze to find the right vehicle for your Brisbane road trip from Redspot’s versatile fleet. From sleek sedans to roomy SUVs for your whole crew, our fleet has the solution to your road trip needs.
Compact Car Hire
Tiny footprint, mighty drive. Rev up for adventure in a Redspot compact car hire, offering affordable, fuel-efficient rides perfect for solo travellers, couples, small groups and young families.
SUV Hire
Explore more with a Redspot SUV car hire, offering extra space, elevated comfort, and the power to tackle any terrain with ease. Great for outback roads and larger groups.
Sedan Hire
Hit the road in a Redspot sedan hire and enjoy roomy seating, excellent fuel efficiency, and a polished ride in a reliable 5-seater model we all know and love.
Baby seats and other accessories
We’ll have you fully loaded with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your Melbourne to Adelaide trip a smooth ride from start to finish!
Travelling with little ones? Check out our child seat hire to get your kids strapped in safely for adventure. Or discover our handy Toll Road Waiver, great for navigating the road to Adelaide with ease.
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on.
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 40 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
For over 35 years, Redspot has provided smooth rides for our local and international customers with top-notch leisure and commercial vehicles. Buckle up and explore their road-worthy experiences here:
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Super Package
More cover, less cost. Redspot’s Super Package gives you reduced damage liability and extra perks—perfect if you want more peace of mind without going all-out. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $1,950 to $2,750 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
6 Popular Stops from Melbourne to Adelaide
Rev up your trusty car hire and steer from Melbourne to Adelaide on the adventure of a lifetime. From epic coastal scenes on the Great Ocean Road to hidden sinkholes and verdant valleys, the road to Adelaide is calling.
Visiting loved ones, on a business trip, or unwinding on holiday? Redspot has the keys to your next drive. With easy pick ups in Melbourne to simple drop offs in Adelaide, what’s not to love!
Geelong
Kick start your trip with a stop in Geelong, Victoria’s second largest city and the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula. Famous for its scenic waterfront, vibrant culinary scene, and wildflower trails, you’re never too far from a coastal adventure.
The Great Ocean Road
Drive all 240 km of the legendary Great Ocean Road and unlock a string of unforgettable stops. From dramatic sea stacks and cliffside lookouts to hikes and sleepy surf towns, this coastal route delivers the full Aussie road trip experience. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and much more between.
Warrnambool
Buckle up and head to Warrnambool, a coastal community nestled along the Great Ocean Road between lush dairying country and the vibrant Southern Ocean. Learn the history behind the Shipwreck Coast and spot migrating whales (June to September) along the way.
Mount Gambier
Steer your way to Mount Gambier, where volcanic lakes, hidden gardens, and ancient caves shape a city like no other! Tucked into South Australia’s Limestone Coast, this lush wonderland invites visitors to dig deep and uncover the secrets beneath the surface (just like the Umpherston Sinkhole).
Coonawarra
Hop into a handy rental car and discover Coonawarra, the unofficial ‘Red Centre’ of South Australia. Famous for its bold red wines, this is the go-to spot for their world-famous cabernet sauvignon. Sort out your designated driver for this pit-stop, and maybe gift them a bottle to savour later as thanks!
Victor Harbour
A scenic 1-hour drive away from Adelaide takes you to Victor Harbour, famous for its seaside charm and rich maritime history. Relax on quiet beaches, try the local seafood, and go whale-spotting. Alternatively, hop on the town’s iconic horse-drawn tram to explore Granite Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much to hire a Redspot car from Melbourne to Adelaide?
This all depends on your plans. Vehicle type, booking duration, useful add-ons (e.g. baby seat hire, Toll Pass Waiver, etc.), seasonal factors and more will affect the cost of hiring a car from Melbourne to Adelaide. Check out our handy Redspot rental car booking tool to scope out the latest rates!
Is the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide worth it?
If you’re looking for stunning natural scenery from valleys and rivers to the outback and the Southern Ocean, yes! Home to world-famous coastal drives, charming countryside, and iconic Aussie wildlife, the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide is certainly one of the most memorable journeys you can take Down Under.
How far is the road from Melbourne to Adelaide?
It takes approximately 8 hours and 9 minutes (727 km) to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide, using the most direct route. This takes you to Adelaide via National Highway A8 (route includes motorway tolls).
How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road?
There are about 10 hours of driving time from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road. But why bypass all the gorgeous coastal scenery, native wildlife, scenic hiking trails, and seaside towns along the way? Make sure to factor in sightseeing and exploration along one of the world’s most stunning coastal drives over 2 to 5 days, or as long as your heart desires!
What are the road conditions between Melbourne and Adelaide?
Depends on the route you take from Melbourne to Adelaide, but the road conditions are generally well-maintained and easy to drive. If you take the inland route, take note of potential outback roads you may prefer to tackle with an SUV car hire.
In any case, make sure to stay updated on the latest traffic conditions via Victorian and South Australian government websites in case of roadworks, accidents, and other incidents that could impact your trip.
How far can you travel in a Redspot rental car?
For maximum freedom, there are no km limits for our standard car rentals including compact, sedans, hybrids, and SUVs.
However, as Australia is such a big and beautiful country (bigger than Europe in land mass!), there are some instances where we have to impose a km limit to help maintain our vehicles:
- If you need a van, truck, or ute for a business car hire
- If you head to remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your drive.
What is the oldest age to drive a rental car?
At Redspot, there’s no maximum car rental age limit for seniors in Australia! We say that age is just a number. That’s why we welcome anyone over 21 to rent with us and keep their adventures rolling.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Melbourne to Adelaide car rental.