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Adelaide to Melbourne from $14: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Adelaide, Australia
to
Melbourne, Australia

How to Get from Adelaide to Melbourne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$14 - Bus, TrainBest price
657.7 kmDistance
1h 52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Adelaide to Melbourne with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
1h  52m
Estimated price
$76-269
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
12h  20m
Estimated price
$14-19
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 657.7 km
Duration: 1h 52m

See more options

Company
Firefly Express
Bus
Average Duration
9h  50m
Estimated price
$35-60
Company
Journey Beyond - The Overland
Train
Average Duration
10h  35m
Estimated price
$70-200
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  3m
Estimated price
$90-140

Traveling From Adelaide to Melbourne

Traveling from Adelaide to Melbourne offers a refreshing contrast between Adelaide's laid-back charm and Melbourne's vibrant, artsy atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and attractions.

Fitzroy
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
• Home to eclectic cafes and shops.
Southbank
• Features stunning views of the Yarra River.
• Offers a lively dining and entertainment culture.
Carlton
• Famous for its Italian heritage and cuisine.
• Hosts the historic Melbourne Museum and gardens.

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Timing your visits to Melbourne's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Federation Square
Visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Enjoy a peaceful stroll in early spring or late afternoon on weekdays.
Queen Victoria Market
Shop early on Wednesdays or Thursdays for fewer crowds and fresh produce.

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by four distinct seasons that can change quickly. Spring and autumn offer mild days for exploring the city's attractions, while summer's warmth and occasional rain can influence outdoor plans.

Dining Recommendation in Melbourne

Try the vibrant and innovative dishes at Chin Chin, where the menu draws on Thai street food with a modern twist, showcasing bold flavors and fresh local ingredients. This bustling eatery's lively atmosphere and creative culinary approach offer a striking contrast to Adelaide's more laid-back dining scene.

Adelaide - Melbourne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Adelaide and Melbourne, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 19m
Estimated price
85-340
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
65-310
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
75-550
Website
qatarairways.com

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
75-600
Website
rex.com.au

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
60-310
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Adelaide to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
35-60
Contact phone
1800 800 007
Website
vline.com.au

Bus from 85 Franklin St to Bendigo Station/Railway Pl

Average Duration
9h 45m
Estimated price
8-12
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Adelaide to Southern Cross

Average Duration
10h 35m
Estimated price
70-200
Contact phone
1800 800 007
Website
vline.com.au

Train from Bendigo to Southern Cross

Average Duration
1h 58m
Estimated price
5-7

Adelaide to Melbourne: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Adelaide and Melbourne offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne, covering a distance of 730.6 km. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of choosing from a range of prices, typically between $90 to $140, for your journey from Adelaide to Melbourne by car. 🌅 Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way, with a driving time of approximately 8 hours and 3 minutes to reach your destination in Melbourne.
Average price
$90 - $140
🚆 Traveling from Adelaide to Melbourne by train is a scenic journey that departs twice a week on Thursday and Sunday. The direct train operated by Journey Beyond - The Overland takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes to reach Southern Cross station in Melbourne. 🎫 Tickets for the Adelaide to Melbourne train route range from $70 to $200, offering a comfortable and convenient way to travel the 808 km distance between the two cities. 📍 Arriving in Melbourne passengers will disembark at Southern Cross station after a leisurely 11-hour and 25-minute journey on the high-speed train from Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Travelers can contact Journey Beyond at 011 61 1800 703 357 or visit their website for more information on this scenic train route.
Departure Point
Adelaide station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train from Adelaide to Melbourne operated by V/Line and The Overland, you'll find onboard catering services that include a café car where you can purchase snacks and beverages. Look out for local wines and gourmet sandwiches that showcase the region's produce.
• The trains on this route typically offer a variety of seating options, including First Class for a more luxurious experience with wider seats and complimentary meals, Business Class with good legroom and refreshments, and Economy Class which is budget-friendly. It's advisable to book early, especially for First Class as seats can be limited.
• Upon arriving at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, you can conveniently leave your luggage at the station’s storage facility (located on the ground floor) if you plan to explore the city. There are clean restrooms available, but no showers. To get to the city center, take the tram routes 35 (City Circle) or trams numbers 86 and 96 that depart from the station. These trams are free in the central business district.
🛫 Start your journey from Adelaide Airport to Melbourne Airport with a quick 1 hour and 15-minute direct flight. Various airlines, including Regional Express, Qatar Airways, and Jetstar, provide convenient flight options for this route. ✈️ The total duration of the flight from Adelaide to Melbourne is approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes, making it a swift and efficient way to travel between these two vibrant Australian cities. 💸 Flight prices between Melbourne and Adelaide can range from $76 to $269, offering a range of options to suit different budgets.
Departure Point
Adelaide Airport
Arrival Point
Melbourne Airport
🚌 **Direct Bus from Adelaide to Melbourne**: Firefly Express operates a direct bus service from Adelaide to Melbourne, with departures twice daily. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes, bringing you to the Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne. 🛤️ **Route 1 with Transfers**: For a longer but scenic journey, you can take a bus via Bendigo, Nhill, Ballarat, and Melton to reach Melbourne. This route includes 2 transfers and takes about 14 hours and 38 minutes, covering a distance of 698 km. V/Line Coach operates these services. 🌄 **Route 2 with Transfers**: Another option is to travel from Adelaide to Melbourne via Albury, Swan Hill, Bendigo, Donald, and Ballarat with 2 transfers. This route covers a distance of 1,154 km and takes approximately 22 hours and 35 minutes. V/Line Coach services operate on this route.
Departure Point
Adelaide station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross Coach Terminal station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Adelaide to Melbourne.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Adelaide and Melbourne is approximately 658.2 km by air and 729.8 km by road. The typical travel times vary by mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes to reach Melbourne from Adelaide, while taking a bus and then a train takes around 12 hours and 20 minutes. By plane, the travel time is much shorter, with a duration of approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes. Lastly, driving by car from Melbourne to Adelaide takes around 8 hours and 3 minutes, and taking a bus takes around 11 hours and 45 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Adelaide to Melbourne is by bus and train, with prices ranging from $12 to $19. This option takes approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes. However, for a quicker journey, flying is the most time-efficient option, taking only 3 hours and 5 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $60 to $250.
The prices for a train journey between Adelaide and Melbourne can range from $65 to $200, depending on the class and type of ticket selected. For those looking for a more affordable option, taking a bus between the two cities typically costs between $37 and $42.
To travel from Adelaide to Melbourne without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 730.6 km between the two cities. It takes approximately 8 hours and 3 minutes by car. The prices for hiring a car to make this journey range from $90 to $140.
The distance between Adelaide and Melbourne is 658.2 km by air, 729.8 km by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: It takes 3h 5m to reach Melbourne from Adelaide by plane, 10h 35m by train, and 11h 45m by bus.
Yes, there is a direct link between Adelaide and Melbourne. The train operated by Journey Beyond - The Overland departs twice a week, taking approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes to reach Melbourne's Southern Cross station. Additionally, there is a direct bus service provided by Firefly Express, which operates daily and takes around 11 hours and 45 minutes.
The flight between Adelaide and Melbourne typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The prices for flights between these two cities can range from $63 to $246, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are several options for accommodations near Melbourne with over 1744 hotels available. Prices for these hotels start at $80 per night.