How to get from Adelaide Airport to the City

Adelaide Airport (ADL) is the gateway to South Australia. The state’s major airport is located just six kilometres from the city centre. You’ll be a stone’s throw away from vibrant Rundle Street, the electric atmosphere of Adelaide Oval and the buzzing Central Market from the moment you step off the plane.

And if you’re looking for the best ways to get into the City, keep reading to find out how to get there from Adelaide Airport by bus, taxi or Uber.

Bus from Adelaide Airport to the City

The easiest way to get from Adelaide Airport to the city centre by public transport is via bus, as no trains or trams service the airport. The trip takes approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

The J1 and J2 buses run from Adelaide Airport to the CBD and vice versa. A one-way adult fare costs $4.05 during peak time when paying by metroCARD or using Tap and Pay with a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. In off-peak periods, a one-way bus fare costs just $2.25 with the above payment options. If you’re using a Singletrip MetroTicket, you can expect to pay $5.90 one-way during peak time, or $4 off-peak.

The bus stop at Adelaide Airport is located outside the terminal to the left, just past the taxi rank. Buses depart Adelaide Airport daily every 15-30 minutes until 11:30 pm.

For individual passengers, a bus is the cheapest way to get from Adelaide Airport to the city centre. Do note that this option takes slightly longer than a taxi or rideshare, and buses may not provide ample storage for large baggage.

Taxi from Adelaide Airport to the City

The taxi zone at Adelaide Airport is located outside the terminal to the left. A taxi from Adelaide Airport to the City centre costs around $25 and takes just under 15 minutes, though this can vary during peak periods.

Taxis operate on a meter, and you don’t need to pre-book one before arriving at Adelaide Airport.

A taxi is certainly one of the quickest ways to travel from Adelaide Airport into the City, and it’s also cost-effective if you’re travelling in a group or with luggage in tow.

Adelaide Airport Rideshare pickup zone

Adelaide Airport has a dedicated rideshare pickup zone. This means that if you’re ordering an Uber, Ola, DiDi or another rideshare, these services are not permitted to collect you from the main passenger pickup zone.

Instead, make your way towards the left end of the main pickup zone and cross at the set of lights. You’ll see signage directing you to the rideshare pickup area, or simply follow the short path.

Uber from Adelaide Airport to the City

An Uber from Adelaide Airport to the city centre costs around $20-$27, depending on traffic and your destination in the CBD. By linking your Uber and Qantas Frequent Flyer accounts, you can pocket Qantas Points when travelling to and from Australian airports. There’s a flat earn rate of one Qantas Point per $1 spent on eligible rides.

Ola from Adelaide Airport to the City

Ola also services Adelaide Airport, with a trip to the City setting you back roughly $20-$27. As of May 2023, the Ola and Velocity Frequent Flyer partnership has ended, meaning passengers can no longer earn Velocity Points – or any frequent flyer points – with the rideshare provider.

Summing up

Adelaide Airport’s close proximity to the city centre means you can be exploring its charm in no time. Before your next visit, plan how you’ll make your way into the CBD from Adelaide Airport – whether it be by bus, taxi or Uber.

Want to know what you can expect when you fly out of Adelaide Airport? Have a read of our reviews of the Virgin Australia Lounge, Rex Lounge and Penfolds Wine Bar and Kitchen.

Featured image: @finnyc, Unsplash

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