Getting to Adelaide

There are many options available for travel to Adelaide. The most common way for tourists to arrive is by air from their home country. There are, however, numerous bus and train routes from major cities in Australia. There are also domestic flights available, although these are more expensive than travelling by road and rail. Car hire is very popular and many people choose to drive these exceptionally long routes by themselves. The main thing to ensure when you drive is that you take sufficient breaks.

By car

Driving across Australia is fairly straight-forward. Although routes are long and often mundane, many people choose to hire a car and drive across the country.

Adelaide is linked with Sydney by the M5 and the Hume Highway. Driving time is approximately 20 hours, so you will need to stop half way. If you are travelling from Melbourne, you can take the Great Ocean road or Prices Highway, with a shorter journey time of 8 hours. If you are driving from Perth, follow the Great Eastern and Princes Highway. This is a much longer journey of approximately 34 hours. To arrive from Alice Springs, take the Stuart Highway, which will lead you directly to Adelaide, taking about 17 hours.

By rail

Adelaide’s main railway station, Keswick Interstate Rail Passenger Terminal, can be found just outside the city centre. Here, you can catch trains which connect to routes all across the state.

The Indian Pacific runs from Sydney to Adelaide, taking 28 hours. This service also runs from Perth, taking 36 hours. The Ghan runs from Darwin through Alice Springs and reaches Adelaide after about 24 hours. The Overland runs between Melbourne and Adelaide, taking just 12 hours. Visit: www.gsr.com.au for information on all of these routes.

All trains are extremely comfortable and good value for money. Most routes however are slower than taking the bus. This is important to remember if time is an issue for you.

By bus

The central bus station offers services which run between Adelaide and all other state capitals and major towns. The trip time from Melbourne takes approximately 11 hours; from Sydney, about 25 hours; and from Alice Springs, approximately 21 hours. Coaches are an affordable and comfortable way to travel around the country.

By air

Located just six kilometres outside the city centre, Adelaide Airport is South Australia’s largest airport. Facilities are impressive and flights depart every day for destinations around the world such as: Canada, China, Europe, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Airport facilities include: ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants, bars, shops and car hire. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for.

Adelaide International Airport

Adelaide is home to the largest airport in Southern Australia. You will find excellent connections with worldwide cities as well as national destinations. The airport is a modern facility and the major gateway into this part of the country. The airport has three large terminals, with a shuttle service connecting all three.

The airport offers excellent facilities including: bureaux de change, ATMs, public telephones, free internet access and numerous bars, restaurants and cafés. For last minute shopping, you will find newsagents, clothing stores, gift and duty-free shops, and for families with children, there is also a children’s playroom. Car hire is available from Arrivals through all of the major international car hire companies.

For passengers travelling with disabilities, you will find lifts, ramps and specially adapted toilets. There is designated parking for those in possession of a valid disabled persons’ badge and TDD telephones are available for those with hearing difficulties.

Adelaide International Airport transportation

Airport buses depart on a regular basis and can be found outside all of the terminal buildings. They travel to the city centre as well as to the surrounding suburbs. They operate every 30 minutes during the day and night, offering a fast and convenient way to travel into the nearby city centre.

Arriving passengers will not be short of taxis to take them to their hotels. Airport taxis can be found at designated taxi ranks outside of the airport, in the forecourt area. Taxis are an extremely convenient way to transfer to your hotel and are relatively good value for money. The airport taxis are metered and begin at a basic fare. Additional charges are often added for travelling late at night as well as travel on public holidays. If you require special assistance, taxis for disabled passengers can be booked at the airport information desk.

Many of the top hotels in Adelaide offer a courtesy shuttle bus service for their guests upon request. These services should however be arranged in advance of arriving at Adelaide Airport.