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Melbourne to Adelaide from $9: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Melbourne, Australia
to
Adelaide, Australia

How to Get from Melbourne to Adelaide: 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.

$9 by busBest price
409 milesDistance
2h 49m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Melbourne to Adelaide 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
2h  49m
Estimated price
$75-269
Recommended
Company
Firefly Express and V/Line
Bus
Average Duration
10h  15m
Estimated price
$9-60
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 409 miles
Duration: 2h 49m

See more options

Company
Journey Beyond - The Overland
Train
Average Duration
10h  30m
Estimated price
$70-200
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
8h  4m
Estimated price
$90-140
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Melbourne to Adelaide

The journey from Melbourne to Adelaide offers a fascinating contrast between Melbourne's vibrant city life and Adelaide's relaxed charm and rich cultural experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Adelaide

Adelaide features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Glenelg
• Scenic beach and vibrant esplanade atmosphere.
• Great dining and shopping options along Jetty Road.
North Adelaide
• Charming historic architecture and leafy streets.
• Home to trendy cafes and small boutique shops.
Central Market
• Bustling hub of fresh produce and gourmet food.
• Ideal for food lovers and local artisans.

Best Times To Visit Adelaide's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Adelaide's attractions.

Adelaide Zoo
Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Weekdays are ideal to enjoy the exhibits in a quieter setting.
Botanic Garden
Late afternoon offers stunning light for photography and peaceful strolls.

Adelaide Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Adelaide boasts a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. Understanding the seasonal variations can help you plan outdoor activities and events, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Dining Recommendation in Adelaide

Try the iconic South Australian dish, Coopers Ale Battered Fish and Chips, at the casual yet vibrant The Fish Market in Glenelg, where fresh local ingredients take center stage. This experience contrasts with Melbourne's more eclectic dining scene by offering a laid-back atmosphere and a focus on regional flavors that highlight the coastal charm of Adelaide.

Melbourne - Adelaide operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Adelaide (ADL)

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
85-340
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Adelaide (ADL)

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
75-500
Website
qatarairways.com

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Adelaide (ADL)

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
80-650
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Adelaide (ADL)

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
65-310
Website
rex.com.au

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Adelaide (ADL)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
60-310
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Adelaide

Average Duration
10h 15m
Estimated price
35-60
Contact phone
1800 800 007
Website
vline.com.au

Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer St to 85 Franklin St

Average Duration
11h 50m
Estimated price
9-13
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Southern Cross to Adelaide

Average Duration
10h 30m
Estimated price
70-200

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

Traveling between Melbourne and Adelaide 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.

🚗 The scenic drive from Melbourne to Adelaide covers a distance of 729.0 km, offering breathtaking views of the Australian countryside along the way. 💸 Prices for the journey by car range from $90 to $140, providing budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore the coastal route between these two vibrant cities. 🏞️ With a driving time of approximately 8 hours and 4 minutes, embarking on this road trip allows for the perfect opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and hidden gems that lie between Melbourne and Adelaide
Average price
$90 - $140
🚆 The scenic train journey from Melbourne to Adelaide takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. Departing from Southern Cross station, the train operated by Journey Beyond - The Overland runs twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. 💸 Ticket prices for the Melbourne to Adelaide train vary from $70 to $200, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore different parts of Australia while enjoying the convenience and charm of train travel.
Departure Point
Southern Cross station
Arrival Point
Adelaide station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the V/Line train service, you'll find catering services that offer a variety of meals and snacks, ranging from light refreshments to more substantial options such as sandwiches, salads, and beverages. Catering staff will come around during the journey, so be prepared to place your order when they arrive at your seat.
• For your Melbourne to Adelaide train route, V/Line offers a range of seating options including Economy Class, which is comfortable and more affordable, and Premium Class, which provides additional legroom and amenities. Check V/Line's website for more details on seat selection and pricing: vline.com.au
• Different operators serve the Melbourne to Adelaide route, including V/Line (vline.com.au) and TheOverland (theoverland.com.au). Make sure to compare the services, schedules, and prices when booking your tickets.
🛫 Flying from Melbourne to Adelaide is a quick and convenient way to travel, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. 💸 The cost of a flight between Adelaide and Melbourne ranges between $75 and $269, making air travel a budget-friendly and time-saving choice for those looking to explore the vibrant cities of Australia.
Departure Point
Melbourne Airport
Arrival Point
Adelaide Airport
🚌 Experience a comfortable journey from Melbourne to Adelaide by bus. Departing from Southern Cross Coach Terminal, Firefly Express offers services twice daily, making the 10-hour and 15-minute ride a convenient option for travelers. 🛣️ For those looking for a longer scenic route, consider a trip with transfers. Route 1 takes approximately 20 hours and 42 minutes with a transfer in Sydney, adding an adventurous touch to your journey. Greyhound Australia and V/Line Coach are the agencies operating the buses for this route. 💰 Compare prices ranging from $9 to $60 for a direct trip or explore the longer but more adventurous route options to admire the picturesque landscapes along the way.
Departure Point
Southern Cross Coach Terminal station
Arrival Point
Adelaide station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Melbourne to Adelaide.

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The distance between Melbourne and Adelaide is 658.2 km by air but 729.7 km by road. Traveling by train, it typically takes 10 hours and 30 minutes to reach Adelaide from Melbourne. By plane, the journey can be completed in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. If you prefer to drive, it takes around 8 hours and 4 minutes to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide by car. Alternatively, taking a bus from Melbourne to Adelaide usually takes around 11 hours and 50 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Melbourne to Adelaide is by flying. It takes only 3 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $60 and $250. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which is cheaper but takes longer, with a travel time of 12 hours and 5 minutes and costs between $11 and $16.
The prices of a train between Melbourne and Adelaide can range from $65 to $200 depending on the class and type of ticket. For a bus journey between Adelaide and Melbourne, the prices can vary from $9 to $45 depending on the bus operator and the level of comfort.
To get from Melbourne to Adelaide without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The road distance between the two cities is 729.0 km, and it takes approximately 8 hours and 4 minutes to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide. Depending on the type of vehicle and the fuel efficiency, the cost of driving from Melbourne to Adelaide can vary between $90 to $140 for fuel expenses.
The best way to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes and ticket prices range from $65 to $200. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $60 and $250. If you prefer a more economical choice, you can take a bus which takes 11 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $9 and $45.
Yes, there is a direct link between Melbourne and Adelaide. The Journey Beyond - The Overland train operates twice a week, departing from Southern Cross and arriving in Adelaide in approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. There is also a Firefly Express bus service that departs twice daily from Melbourne and arrives in Adelaide in around 11 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight distance between Melbourne and Adelaide is relatively short, with a typical duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from $63 to $243.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Adelaide. With over 755 hotels to choose from, you can find something to fit any budget or preference. Prices start at $57, providing affordable options for travelers.