Your guide to getting around Adelaide quick and easy.

By Ashlea Wheeler

Adelaide is an easy city to get around. The metropolitan area has a great range of options for public transport, driving, and walking. This practical information on Adelaide’s public transport system will make moving around the city very simple.

Public transport

To use public transport including buses, trains, and trams in Adelaide, it’s recommended that you purchase a metroCARD for use on the Adelaide Metro network. You can purchase a regular metroCARD, or a metroCARD Visitor Pass, which gives you 3 days of unlimited travel for one fixed fee. These cards can be collected from the ground floor arrivals area at Adelaide Airport, or from Adelaide Railway Station or the Adelaide Metro InfoCentre in the city.

If you choose a regular metroCARD, initially you’ll need to load it with some money to cover your fares. You can do this online, at metroCARD retail agents, or using ticket machines at train stations. To start your ride, tap your card on the reader when you board your selected mode of transport and be sure to tap off when you disembark.

Trains

Adelaide’s rail network is a great way to visit attractions outside of the city. From Adelaide Railway Station, you can catch the Outer Harbor line train to reach destinations such as historic Port Adelaide and the beachside suburb of Semaphore. Trains depart every 20-30 minutes throughout the day.

Trams

Adelaide has a useful tram service that operates through the city centre and inner suburbs. It’s most convenient for travel within the city and reaching the popular coastal suburb of Glenelg. The service runs every 10-15 minutes from around 7:00AM to midnight. The tram is free to use in Adelaide city centre between Entertainment Centre Station and South Terrace Station. It links with popular bus routes, and passes major attractions such as Rundle Mall, Adelaide Central Market, and West End.

Buses

Adelaide has a free City Connector bus service in the city centre. There are multiple bus loops including the 98A/98C loop and the 99A/99C loop which operate in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions and depart every 15-30 minutes, seven days a week. These buses are particularly useful for travel between Adelaide’s downtown hotels and attractions such as the South Australian Museum, Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Oval, and North Adelaide.

Getting to and from the airport

Public buses are an easy way to get to Adelaide Airport from the city. The JetExpress bus collects passengers from the city, stopping near many downtown hotels, and runs services to the airport approximately every hour. You can use the metroCARD to pay for this airport service, which costs the same as a regular bus fare within the city.

Accessible transport options

In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using a wheelchair or mobility device. Adelaide Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities and can help with baggage, getting around the airport, and getting on and off the plane. The majority of buses and trains have accessible options - check the Adelaide Metro website for information on using public transport before your trip.

Find more information about getting around Australia.