Getting to Adelaide
There are many options available for travel to Adelaide. The most common way for tourists to arrive is by air from their home country. There are, however, numerous bus and train routes from major cities in Australia. There are also domestic flights available, although these are more expensive than travelling by road and rail. Car hire is very popular and many people choose to drive these exceptionally long routes by themselves. The main thing to ensure when you drive is that you take sufficient breaks.
By Car
Driving across Australia is fairly straight-forward. Although routes are long and often mundane, many people choose to hire a car and drive across the country.
Adelaide is linked with Sydney by the M5 and the Hume Highway. Driving time is approximately 20 hours, so you will need to stop half way. If you are travelling from Melbourne, you can take the Great Ocean road or Prices Highway, with a shorter journey time of 8 hours. If you are driving from Perth, follow the Great Eastern and Princes Highway. This is a much longer journey of approximately 34 hours. To arrive from Alice Springs, take the Stuart Highway, which will lead you directly to Adelaide, taking about 17 hours.
By Rail
Adelaide's main railway station, Keswick Interstate Rail Passenger Terminal, can be found just outside the city centre. Here, you can catch trains which connect to routes all across the state.
The Indian Pacific runs from Sydney to Adelaide, taking 28 hours. This service also runs from Perth, taking 36 hours. The Ghan runs from Darwin through Alice Springs and reaches Adelaide after about 24 hours. The Overland runs between Melbourne and Adelaide, taking just 12 hours. Visit: www.gsr.com.au for information on all of these routes.
All trains are extremely comfortable and good value for money. Most routes however are slower than taking the bus. This is important to remember if time is an issue for you.
By Bus
The central bus station offers services which run between Adelaide and all other state capitals and major towns. The trip time from Melbourne takes approximately 11 hours; from Sydney, about 25 hours; and from Alice Springs, approximately 21 hours. Coaches are an affordable and comfortable way to travel around the country.
By Air
Located just six kilometres outside the city centre, Adelaide Airport is South Australia's largest airport. Facilities are impressive and flights depart every day for destinations around the world such as: Canada, China, Europe, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the USA.
Airport facilities include: ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants, bars, shops and car hire. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for.
