South Australia is an accessible and welcoming state. Travel conveniently around the city on foot, by bus or tram and enjoy regional South Australia by car, coach or train. From Adelaide, we encourage you to extend your stay and visit any of our regions with ease.
Getting to South Australia
By car
From Melbourne drive to Adelaide in just under eight hours, or take the scenic route along the Great Ocean Road into South Australia. From Sydney, a trip is about 14 hours drive time.
By air
Adelaide is easily accessible from all Australian airports by all major domestic airlines. Approximate flight times from:
- Melbourne is an hour and a half
- Sydney is two hours
- Brisbane is three hours
View the airlines access page for routes, airlines and more information.
By rail
Great Southern Rail offers three interstate travel options to Adelaide: The Overland from Melbourne; The Ghan between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin and The Indian Pacific which runs between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
By coach
Travel by coach from Melbourne to Adelaide with Firefly Express.
Getting around Adelaide & South Australia
Internal flights
Once you arrive in Adelaide, getting around is easy. Within South Australia, Regional Express, and QANTASLink offer flights to regional centres.
Regional coaches
The main coach terminal in Adelaide is the Adelaide Central Bus Station. All coaches depart from and arrive at this terminal. Look at Greyhound Australia, LinkSA or Premier Stateliner.
Ferries
Less than two hours drive from Adelaide, the SeaLink ferry can transport you and your car across to Kangaroo Island. Alternatively, KIC (Kangaroo Island Connect) is an express ferry service that will get you to Kangaroo Island where you can either hire a car, van or RV near the ferry terminal in Penneshaw. There are three departures each day and extra services during peak times. Refreshments are available on-board.
Crossing the Murray River is easy with free vehicle ferries. Each operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless otherwise advertised.
If you are travelling west, you can take the Spencer Gulf Searoad vehicle and passenger ferry to connect you from the Yorke Peninsula to the Eyre Peninsula. The ferry cuts between the two peninsula's and saves you time on the lengthy round Gulf road trip, departing Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula and arriving at Lucky Bay on the Eyre. While the ferry schedule varies seasonally, there is usually one ferry a day operating for travellers. Fares range from $44 for walk on adult passengers and $198 dollars for a vehicle - with additional fees for caravans and motor homes.
Public transport with Adelaide Metro
Choose from trains, trams and buses with Adelaide Metro.
The Adelaide Metro Visitor Pass includes unlimited travel for three consecutive days as well as a visitor pack with maps and travel guides.
A tram ride through the city’s centre is free and will take you between the South Terrace tram stop and the Entertainment Centre at Hindmarsh.
Stay on the Glenelg-bound tram (fee applies) and you'll be at Adelaide’s premier beach in about 30 minutes. The tram stops along Jetty Road (travel along Jetty Road is free) and terminates at the beach.
To and from Adelaide Airport is easy with the Adelaide Airport Bus services.
Taxi & Uber
Get around the city easily with a taxi or Uber. You can be dropped off to and from the Adelaide Airport with both services.
Private tour guides & chauffeur
Enjoy a customised experience with one of Adelaide's many private tour guides, chauffeurs or other transport options.Take the stress out of travel and indulge in the personalised service and learn from the extensive knowledge of locals.
Ride a bike
With wide streets and beautiful Park Lands, the city is a great place to explore by bike. Turn down side-streets to discover hidden gems, enjoy the green spaces along the River Torrens and through the Park Lands Trail, and explore our city’s art and heritage.
Hire a car
There are numerous hire car companies that can help get you on the road. See the full list here.
Parking
During Tasting Australia, you can pre-book your parking from just $7 at UPark Topham or UPark Grote and enjoy all that Town Square has to offer. UPark is proudly owned and operated by the City of Adelaide, so each time you park your car at UPark, you help local events to thrive. Secure your spot at upark.com.au. View alternative parking options here.
