Transport

Adelaide offers a range of transport options to get you where you want to go. Take a look at the information and maps on this page to work out the best way to travel.

Getting around

Central Adelaide is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, but a range of public and private transport options are also available if you are looking to go further afield.

Tram

Jump on the tram for free travel between South Terrace and the Entertainment Centre, or buy a Metroticket and ride all the way to Glenelg in air-conditioned comfort.

See the Adelaide Metro website for more information.

Bike

Broad, flat streets, beautiful parks and a wealth of bike paths make Adelaide a very bike-friendly city. Many of the major streets have dedicated bike lanes, and there are plenty of places to lock up your bicycle safely.

Download the Adelaide Bike Map to get a better idea about what the city has to offer cyclists.

Adelaide City Council offers free City Bikes -- you just need photo ID such as a passport or driver's licence. You can hire them from the following locations:

Adelaide City Council Customer Centre
Adelaide Convention Centre
Adelaide Meridien
Adelaide Traveller's Inn
Adelaide Zoo
Backpack Oz
Bike SA
Golf Links Par 3 Shop (War Memorial Drive)
Rundle Street Market

The Bike SA website is another good resource for people interested in cycling in South Australia.

Note that in South Australia cyclists are required by law to wear a helmet. Further information about cycling rules can be found on the Government of South Australia's Cycling website.

Bus

Free

Take advantage of the free Connector Bus, which services the city and North Adelaide.

Linking major central sights and facilities, the fleet also includes "Tindo", the world's first photovoltaic solar electric bus.

» Download the Connector Bus timetable

The 99C is a free city loop bus running in clockwise and anticlockwise directions around the city, and is useful for getting to major tourist attractions and institutions.

See the Adelaide Metro website for more information.

Ticketed

Buses on Adelaide's public transport network offer access to a huge array of destinations within the city and beyond.

Metrotickets can be purchased either onboard or prior to the journey. If you're only taking a short trip, you may be able to use a cheaper 2 section ticket.

See the Adelaide Metro website for more information about ticketing, routes and timetables.

Adelaide Central Bus Station

Located at 85 Franklin Street, the Adelaide Central Bus Station is the city's hub for regional and interstate bus travel, as well as specialist tour operators. The modern, award-winning building houses a range of services and facilities, and is the home of Tindo, the world’s first solar powered electric bus. It also provides approximately 39 affordable housing units, urban spaces and a 550 space public car park.

The Adelaide Central Bus Station operates from 5am - 9.30pm, 7 days a week.

The station has two entry points and can be accessed via

For reservations, timetables and ticket information, please contact the relevant coach/tour operator.

Regional and interstate services

Tour and charter operators

Facilities

Car park at UPark Grote Street (above the Adelaide Central Bus Station)
Passenger drop off area on Bowen Street
Luggage lockers
Taxi rank
Public telephones and ATM
Refreshments
Toilets (accessible)

Train

Adelaide is serviced by 6 train lines, all converging on the Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace.

Metrotickets are required for travel, and are available at the station, or can be purchased prior to your journey from many newsagents, convenience stores and other shops around the city.

See the Adelaide Metro website for more information about ticketing, routes and timetables.

Taxi

There are plenty of cabs available particularly in the city's key entertainment districts. It's worth booking a taxi for the busiest periods, such as Friday and Saturday nights.

Taxi companies include:

Wheelchair accessible taxis are provided by Adelaide Access Taxis.

There are a number of supervised taxi ranks that provide a safe place to wait for a taxi after a night out in the city.

On Friday and Saturday nights (11pm – 4:30am), these ranks are operated by the Taxi Council SA and staffed with a concierge and a security officer. Each of the supervised taxi ranks is well lit and monitored by closed-circuit TV cameras.

Car

Adelaide's wide streets, low traffic congestion and ample parking make driving in the city largely hassle-free.

It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with local road rules. Please refer to the Driving in South Australia website for more information.

Hire

If you want to hire a vehicle, options include:

Car share

If you're staying in Adelaide for some time, and don't need a car every day, consider using the GoGet CarShare program, which allows members to book and use a car on a per-hour basis.

Supported by the Adelaide City Council, the program may save you money while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.

Parking

Both metered and free on-street parking is available in the city, so be sure to check the signs.

A range of commercial car parks also offer plenty of off-street spaces:

Arriving & Departing

by Air

Adelaide Airport is only 7km from the city centre. Catch a taxi (about $15) or the Adelaide Metro bus (J1 or J2) that runs every 15 min.

by Bus

The Adelaide Central Bus Station operates from 5am - 9:30pm, 7 days a week. With buses servicing regional areas and interstate destinations, the station is located in the heart of the city, near the Central Market food district. For general enquiries, please phone (08) 8221 5080. For specific travel information, please contact the relevant bus company.

The Skylink Airport Shuttle also operates from the Adelaide Central Bus Station, connecting passengers to international and domestic air terminals at the Adelaide Airport, and the Adelaide Parklands Terminal (Keswick Terminal).

by Train

Adelaide is a hub for three iconic train journeys: the legendary Ghan (Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin), the Indian Pacific (Perth - Adelaide - Sydney) and the Overland (Adelaide - Melbourne). Tickets can be booked through Great Southern Rail, and trains arrive and depart through Adelaide Parklands Terminal (Keswick Terminal).