Adelaide Airport is conveniently located less than a 15-minute drive from the city center, which is also known as Adelaide CBD (Central Business District). To get from Adelaide Airport to the city, you can take a taxi, airport transfer, or bus. The fastest and most convenient option is to take an Adelaide Airport taxi or private transfer. Local taxis calculate fares with taximeters depending on the time of travel, traffic, and your exact destination.

For an even smoother arrival to your destination, consider booking an Adelaide Airport transfer in advance. That way, you can skip the taxi queue and go straight to your hotel. 

The cheapest transport option is Adelaide’s JetBus service, which takes around 20 minutes depending on the traffic conditions. The Adelaide Airport bus to the city route is economical but can be cumbersome with heavy luggage.

4 options to go from Adelaide Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€52 15min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€16 15min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Bus (No. J1)
€7.34 22min 05:00–23:30
Convenience
Read more
Bus (No. J2)
€7.34 22min 05:30–23:00
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Adelaide Airport to the city by taxi

Getting an Adelaide Airport taxi to the city is one of the fastest and easiest modes of travel, taking just 10-15 minutes. Taxis are available 24/7 and provide hassle-free door-to-door services. Several different taxi companies serve Adelaide Airport and you can find the designated taxi rank on the western side of the pedestrian plaza, just outside the airport.

Cost of taxi from Adelaide Airport to city

On average, you can expect your taxi from Adelaide Airport to the city to cost around €11-16 (AUD 18-25).

However, this is just an estimate. Adelaide Airport to city taxi costs are based on a taximeter and will vary depending on the exact drop-off point, traffic, and time of day. 

The fare for groups of up to four passengers on weekdays from 6:00 to 19:00 costs €1.18 (AUD 1.87) per kilometer, plus a base fare of €2.34 (AUD 3.70). 

Outside of those times, it’s €1.37 (AUD 2.16) per kilometer, plus a base fare of €3.10 (AUD 4.90). 

On top of the taxi fare, there is an additional €1.90 (AUD 3) levy for rides from the airport. 

The only way to guarantee a fixed taxi fare from Adelaide Airport to the city is to book one in advance.

Where do I get a taxi from?

To take a taxi from Adelaide Airport to the city center, you can head outside the airport and toward the west of the pedestrian plaza. There you’ll find the designated taxi rank. When you exit the airport, take a left to head towards the queue and keep an eye out for the line of taxis. You can’t miss it!

Convenience

A taxi from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide city is a comfortable, easy, and quick way to transport yourself and any accompanying travelers to your destination. This mode of transportation is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage, travel in a group, or arrive late at night.

Useful Tips

Flat rates for taxi rides are not offered unless you pre-book; rates will vary depending on the time of your ride, the destination, and the traffic conditions.
You can pay with a credit or debit card, but there may be a surcharge for doing so; be sure to check with your driver!
Make sure the taximeter is reset to the correct base fare before starting your journey.
Tips are not expected but always appreciated. You can round up your fare to tip your driver if you’re pleased with the service.

How to get from Adelaide Airport to the city by bus (J1)

The J1 bus from Adelaide Airport to the city is run by Adelaide Metro. It runs approximately every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 23:30 daily, with the trip to the city center taking around 22 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

How much is a bus from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide city?

The cost of a single adult ticket during peak hours (before 09:00 and after 15:00 Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday) is €3.67 (AUD 5.80). 

During off-peak hours (15:00 to 09:00 Monday to Friday, and all day Sunday, including holidays) a one-way ticket costs €2.47 (AUD 3.90). 

Keep in mind, if you plan to use public transport frequently during your stay, you may want to consider getting a metroCARD, which can help you save. 

Kids under the age of 5 can ride for free, whilst you can also purchase tickets at a discounted rate for kids under 14.

Cost
€3.67 (AUD 5.80)
Trip Duration
22 Min.
You may have to wait up to a half hour for the next bus.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The bus from Adelaide Airport to city runs from 05:00 to 23:30.

Where do I get a bus from?

To take the J1 Adelaide Airport to city bus, head to Stop 10 on Airport Road. The stop is within a couple of minutes’ walk from the airport exit. When you exit, diagonally cross the pedestrian plaza and turn left at the road, the bus stop will be about 50 meters along the road.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide city is a great option if you’re solo traveling or are budget-conscious. However, you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for the bus and it doesn’t run overnight. So if you’re arriving late, you’d have to pick a different mode of transport.

Timetables

J1 JetBus

Useful Tips

You can check the timetable and use the journey planner on the Adelaide Metro website to better plan your trip.
The J1 and J2 buses make several stops in the city center, so you’d need to check which one is nearer to your destination.
Tickets or metroCARDs can be bought at the ticket vending machine at the bus stop. The machine takes coins, notes or Eftpos payments.
When boarding the bus, make sure you validate your ticket or metroCARD.

How to get from Adelaide Airport to the city by bus (J2)

The J2 Adelaide Airport to city bus follows the same route as the J1 bus but has a different final destination. It also runs every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 23:30 daily. In normal traffic conditions, the journey shouldn’t take longer than 22 minutes.

How much is a bus from Adelaide Airport to the city?

A single ticket during peak times is €3.67 (AUD 5.80). This applies to all journeys from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday.

The off-peak ticket is €2.47 (AUD 3.90) per person. This rate applies to all journeys from 15:00 to 09:00 Monday to Friday, all day Sunday, and public holidays.

Cost
€3.67 (AUD 5.80)
Trip Duration
22 Min.
There is a wait time of up to 30 minutes for a bus.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The bus from Adelaide Airport to city runs from 05:00 to 23:30.

Where do I get a bus from?

The bus stop for the J2 is located just outside of the airport. Leave the Arrivals Hall from the main exit and diagonally cross the pedestrian plaza. Then, turn left and walk about 50 meters down the road. You’re looking for Stop 10.

Convenience

Taking the J2 bus from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide city is one of the least convenient ways to travel — especially if you have young children or lots of luggage (or both). While it’s a good budget-friendly option, and the journey isn’t too long, there is up to a 30 minute wait for an available bus. Plus, you’ll need to arrange further transport to your hotel if the bus route doesn’t drop you there directly.

Useful Tips

The J2 service alternates with the J1 service. So if you miss the J1, you can always get the J2. The price is the same for both buses.
There aren’t guaranteed seats for all passengers.
Children under 5 travel for free.
The destination screen on the bus should say “Greenwith”.

How to get from Adelaide Airport to the city by private transfer

Taking an Adelaide Airport transfer to Adelaide city is the best way to travel.

As there is no shuttle bus from Adelaide Airport to city, you can arrange your own by booking with a trusted international company like Welcome Pickups. With a wide range of vehicles for every group size and top customer service, taking a private transfer is the way to ensure a stress-free arrival. 

At Welcome Pickups, we provide personalized services designed with travelers like you in mind with added perks like:

  •  Meet and greets
  • Trained English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Flexible cancelation

With everything planned ahead of time, you can relax on your journey to Adelaide Airport knowing that your transport is taken care of.

How much is a private transfer from Adelaide Airport to the city?

The price of a private airport transfer from Adelaide Airport to the city starts at €52. Here is a full breakdown of our fixed prices. 

  • Sedan (1-3 passengers) – €52 
  • Minivan (4-6 passengers) – €75 
  • Minibus (7-12 passengers) – €123

You can book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). Just enter your personal details, flight number, pick-up time, and number of passengers to get your personalized quote. This quote is all-inclusive, so there are no extra costs on the day. After paying for your transfer using our secure online payment system, you’re all booked!

Cost
€52
Trip Duration
15 Min.
*Booking your private transfer from ADL Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private transfer are available 24/7 from Adelaide Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Your friendly, professionally trained driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it so you can’t miss them. After welcoming you to Adelaide, your driver can help you carry your luggage as they guide you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Though local taxis provide a reliable service, there’s nothing more convenient than having an Adelaide Airport transfer driver waiting for you when you land. Plus, with 24/7 customer support, modern vehicles, and zero wait times, you’re guaranteed a top-quality, safe, comfortable service.

Useful Tips

Our modern sedans can seat up to 4 people, our larger minivans can take up to 8, and our spacious minibuses are for groups of up to 15.
A few days before you're due to fly, you will receive an email including your driver's name, details, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.
You do not have to tip your Adelaide Airport transfer driver, however, you can add a tip through the app if you really appreciate the service.
If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online or using the Welcome Pickups app.
If your flight is delayed, your driver will know as they’ll be monitoring your flight. They’ll adjust your pickup time accordingly so you don’t miss your transfer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from the airport to the city in Adelaide?

You can travel from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide city in three ways: taxi, airport transfer, or public bus. The most efficient way is to take a taxi or transfer as the journey is less than 15 minutes. There are two direct public buses from Adelaide Airport that will get you to the city in around 20 minutes.

How much is a taxi from Adelaide Airport to the city?

How far is the Adelaide Airport from the city?

Is there an airport shuttle from Adelaide Airport to city?

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Transfer Options in Adelaide