Perth → Adelaide one-way car rental

2,700 km, 27–30 h. Compare fees, routes and total price.

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One-way car rental from Perth → Adelaide

One of the world’s great road journeys: across the Nullarbor Plain on the sealed Eyre Highway. Allow at least four days and confirm your supplier allows the crossing.

Distance

About 2,700 km via the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor.

Driving time

27–30 h without long breaks.

Minimum hire

Often 6 days or more.

Typical one-way fee

A$450–900, depending on supplier and season.

Services can be 200 km apart. Carry water, fuel up at every roadhouse and avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night because of wildlife.

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

Perth → Adelaide route planner

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

The only sealed route east

Eyre Highway

Great Eastern Highway to Coolgardie, then the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor.

DistanceAbout 2,700 km
Driving timeAbout 27–30 h, over 4–6 days
Stops6 on the way
  1. A

    Perth Pick-up

    Leave early on the Great Eastern Highway.

    0 kmStart
    Next: Coolgardie · 560 km · about 6 h
  2. 1

    Coolgardie Overnight option

    Gold-rush town; Kalgoorlie is 40 km away.

    560 kmAbout 6 h
    Next: Norseman · 170 km · about 1 h 45 min
  3. 2

    Norseman Fuel & coffee

    Start of the Eyre Highway. Fill the tank.

    730 kmAbout 7 h 45 min
    Next: Eucla · 700 km · about 7 h 15 min
  4. 3

    Eucla Overnight option

    Old telegraph station near the SA border.

    1,430 kmAbout 15 h
    Next: Nullarbor Roadhouse · 195 km · about 2 h
  5. 4

    Nullarbor Roadhouse Sightseeing

    Head of Bight whale watching (Jun–Oct).

    1,625 kmAbout 17 h
    Next: Ceduna · 295 km · about 3 h
  6. 5

    Ceduna Overnight option

    Quarantine checkpoint. Overnight option.

    1,920 kmAbout 20 h
    Next: Port Augusta · 470 km · about 5 h
  7. 6

    Port Augusta Fuel & coffee

    Top of Spencer Gulf.

    2,390 kmAbout 25 h
    Next: Adelaide · 310 km · about 3 h
  8. B

    Adelaide Drop-off

    Return at the airport or CBD.

    2,700 kmAbout 28 h

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$450–900 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 Perth to Adelaide it is usually higher than for short regional routes, and it changes by supplier and season.

CategoryDaily rate fromTypical one-way fee
EconomyA$39A$450–870
CompactA$46A$450–880
SUVA$68A$480–900
VanA$95A$520–950

Estimate your total

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

Perth → Adelaide 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 Perth → Adelaide Road Trip

Practical checks travellers often make too late.

Check the return location

Drop-off locations in Adelaide 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 2,700 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 27–30 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.

Do rental companies allow the Nullarbor crossing from Perth to Adelaide?

Some do and some restrict it, and the one-way fee is high. Check the supplier’s geographic limits before you book.

One-way Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

How long does the drive from Perth to Adelaide take?

About 27–30 h on the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor, without long breaks.

Driving Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Can I drop the car at Adelaide after driving from Perth?

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

One-way Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Are there tolls between Perth and Adelaide?

No toll roads.

Costs & fees Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

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

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

Costs & fees Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

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

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

One-way Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

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

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

Costs & fees Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Are tolls included on a Perth to Adelaide one-way trip?

Usually not. Tolls are typically charged separately.

Costs & fees Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Can I drive on unsealed roads on a Perth to Adelaide one-way trip?

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

Driving Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Can I take a rental car on a ferry on a Perth to Adelaide one-way trip?

Often restricted. Check terms, including for Tasmania ferries.

Driving Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

What is the excess on a Perth to Adelaide one-way trip?

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

Costs & fees Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Can I add another driver on a Perth to Adelaide one-way trip?

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

Booking Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Can I return the car after hours on a Perth to Adelaide one-way trip?

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

Booking Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Can international visitors rent a car from Perth to Adelaide?

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

Booking Applies to: Perth → Adelaide

Other one-way trips

All one-way routes and fees