Adelaide → Alice Springs one-way car rental

1,530 km, 16–17 h. Compare fees, routes and total price.

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One-way car rental from Adelaide → Alice Springs

Straight up the sealed Stuart Highway into the Red Centre. Services are far apart, so plan fuel and overnight stops carefully.

Distance

About 1,530 km via the Stuart Highway.

Driving time

16–17 h without long breaks.

Minimum hire

Often 4 days or more.

Typical one-way fee

A$350–650, depending on supplier and season.

Some suppliers restrict outback travel or charge large one-way fees into the NT. Read the geographic limits in your agreement.

Indicative figures only. The final fee is shown before you pay.

Adelaide → Alice Springs route planner

Every stop with its distance from Adelaide, driving time, the leg that follows and a day plan.

The main sealed route north

Stuart Highway

Stuart Highway the whole way.

DistanceAbout 1,530 km
Driving timeAbout 16–17 h, over 2–3 days
Stops4 on the way
  1. A

    Adelaide Pick-up

    Head north on the Port Wakefield Highway.

    0 kmStart
    Next: Port Augusta · 310 km · about 3 h 30 min
  2. 1

    Port Augusta Fuel & coffee

    Last big town for a while. Fill up and stock water.

    310 kmAbout 3 h 30 min
    Next: Coober Pedy · 540 km · about 5 h 30 min
  3. 2

    Coober Pedy Overnight option

    Opal town with underground hotels. Overnight here.

    850 kmAbout 9 h
    Next: Marla · 230 km · about 2 h 30 min
  4. 3

    Marla Fuel & coffee

    Roadhouse and fuel.

    1,080 kmAbout 11 h 30 min
    Next: Kulgera · 185 km · about 2 h
  5. 4

    Kulgera Fuel & coffee

    First stop in the NT.

    1,265 kmAbout 13 h 30 min
    Next: Alice Springs · 265 km · about 3 h
  6. B

    Alice Springs Drop-off

    Return at the airport or in town.

    1,530 kmAbout 16 h 30 min

Approximate distances and times without long breaks. Driving times vary with traffic, roadworks and weather.

How Much Does a One-Way Car Rental Cost?

Your total is the rental price plus the one-way fee and any optional extras you choose. The exact amounts appear in your quote for your dates, car and locations.

Rental priceBased on your dates and car type
One-way feeShown before you payCharged for dropping the car in a different city
Optional extrasOptionalOnly what you choose to add
Typical one-way fee on this route A$350–650 indicativeFees vary by supplier, vehicle, locations and travel dates.
What affects the one-way fee?
  • The rental supplier
  • The vehicle category
  • Your pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Availability on your dates

How much is a one-way car rental fee in Australia?

A one-way fee is added when you drop the car in a different city. For Adelaide to Alice Springs it is usually higher than for short regional routes, and it changes by supplier and season.

CategoryDaily rate fromTypical one-way fee
EconomyA$39A$350–620
CompactA$46A$350–630
SUVA$68A$380–650
VanA$95A$420–700

Estimate your total

Indicative only. The final fee is shown before you pay. Relocation deals can reduce or remove it.

Adelaide → Alice Springs Driving Essentials

Four things worth knowing before you set off.

Keep Left

Australia drives on the left, including at roundabouts and when you pull back onto the road after a stop.

Watch Your Speed

Follow posted limits and changing road conditions. Speed limits vary by state, road type and area, so always follow the signs.

Plan Fuel Stops

Don't rely on finding fuel exactly when your tank is low. Fill up in larger towns, and check the fuel policy in your rental agreement.

Take Breaks

Long-distance driving requires regular rest. Share the driving if you can, and stop when you feel tired.

Important: Speed limits are determined by road signage and conditions; always follow the current posted limit.

Smart Tips for a Adelaide → Alice Springs Road Trip

Practical checks travellers often make too late.

Check the return location

Drop-off locations in Alice Springs may have different operating arrangements. Pick the one that suits your arrival.

Confirm the one-way fee

Don't compare only the daily rental rate. Compare the total price with the one-way fee included.

Check after-hours return

Particularly important if your arrival time is late. Confirm how and where to return the car and the keys.

Check kilometre limits

A 1,530 km trip can use a lot of your allowance once you add side trips. Check what your rental includes.

Allow extra time for stops

The direct drive is about 16–17 h. Stops, meals and fuel breaks add up, so plan your days to match.

Check vehicle restrictions

Some vehicle categories may have different one-way rules. Check before you confirm a category.

Photograph the vehicle at pickup

Record existing damage before leaving, and make sure it is noted on your paperwork.

Keep the rental agreement accessible

Keep a copy on your phone and the paper copy in the car, in case you are asked for it.

Traveller questions

Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.

How long does the drive from Adelaide to Alice Springs take?

About 16–17 h on the Stuart Highway, without long breaks.

Driving Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can I drop the car at Alice Springs?

Often yes, at an airport or city depot in Alice Springs. Confirm the drop-off hours and any surcharge.

One-way Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Are there tolls between Adelaide and Alice Springs?

No toll roads.

Costs & fees Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can I save money on the Adelaide to Alice Springs one-way fee?

Compare suppliers, flexible dates, both directions and relocation deals.

Costs & fees Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can I rent a car one-way from Adelaide to Alice Springs?

Yes. Many suppliers allow different pickup and drop-off locations, and a one-way charge may apply.

One-way Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

How much does a one-way rental cost from Adelaide to Alice Springs?

It varies by supplier, route, vehicle and dates. Any one-way charge is shown before you book.

Costs & fees Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Are tolls included on an Adelaide to Alice Springs one-way trip?

Usually not. Tolls are typically charged separately.

Costs & fees Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can I drive on unsealed roads on an Adelaide to Alice Springs one-way trip?

Many agreements restrict or exclude them. Check your conditions before you go.

Driving Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can I take a rental car on a ferry on an Adelaide to Alice Springs one-way trip?

Often restricted. Check terms, including for Tasmania ferries.

Driving Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

What is the excess on an Adelaide to Alice Springs one-way trip?

The maximum you may pay for damage unless you reduce it. It varies by supplier and vehicle.

Costs & fees Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can I add another driver on an Adelaide to Alice Springs one-way trip?

Usually, if they meet age and licence rules. A fee may apply.

Booking Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can I return the car after hours on an Adelaide to Alice Springs one-way trip?

Some locations allow it with a key drop. Confirm before you book.

Booking Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Can international visitors rent a car from Adelaide to Alice Springs?

Generally yes with a valid licence. An English translation or permit may be needed.

Booking Applies to: Adelaide → Alice Springs

Other one-way trips

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