In short
- 🚍 Network: Adelaide Metro — bus, train, tram.
- 💳 Pay with: metroCARD — or just tap a contactless card/phone.
- 🚕 Also: rideshare (Uber/DiDi) and taxis everywhere; hire a car for day trips.
- ✈️ From the airport: see Getting Here.
The network: Adelaide Metro
Adelaide's public transport is run by Adelaide Metro, covering bus, train, tram. Plan any trip door-to-door with the official journey planner or Google Maps.
Tickets & how to pay: metroCARD
Tap on with a metroCARD, or tap a contactless card/phone on most services. A single fare covers all transfers within two hours.
Good news for visitors: you can tap on with a contactless debit/credit card or phone, so there's no need to buy a local card for a short stay.
See current metroCARD fares & details →
What it costs
A single flat fare (with cheaper off-peak and concession rates) covers two hours of travel across bus, train and tram.
Getting in from the airport
Flying in? Taxis, rideshare and airport shuttles connect to the centre, and some cities add a direct train or express bus. The exact options, travel times and rough costs for Adelaide are in our Getting Here guide.
Airport transfers in Adelaide
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Taxis, rideshare & on-demand
Rideshare is well established in Adelaide — Uber is everywhere, often alongside DiDi, Ola or Bolt (which can be cheaper). Traditional taxis can be hailed, picked up at ranks or booked by app. For late nights or trips beyond the timetable, on-demand is usually the easiest option.
On foot & by bike
Adelaide's inner neighbourhoods are best explored on foot, and many areas have bike paths plus share-bike or e-scooter schemes. It's often the nicest (and cheapest) way to get between spots that are close together. For ideas, browse our walks in Adelaide.
Prefer to drive? Hire a car in Adelaide
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Handy apps
- Adelaide Metro app
- Google Maps
Local tips
- The Glenelg tram runs free through the city centre between the Entertainment Centre and South Terrace.
- Free Connector buses (98/99) loop the CBD and North Adelaide.
Getting around Adelaide — FAQs
What public transport runs in Adelaide?+
Adelaide is served by Adelaide Metro, covering bus, train, tram. You can plan any door-to-door trip with the official journey planner or Google Maps.
How do I pay for public transport in Adelaide?+
Tap on with a metroCARD, or tap a contactless card/phone on most services. A single fare covers all transfers within two hours.
Can I use a contactless card on Adelaide transport?+
Yes — on most services you can tap on with a contactless debit/credit card or phone, so there's no need to buy a local card for a short stay.
How much does it cost to get around Adelaide?+
A single flat fare (with cheaper off-peak and concession rates) covers two hours of travel across bus, train and tram.
Do I need a car in Adelaide?+
For the inner city and main attractions, public transport plus the odd rideshare usually covers it — you won't need a car. A hire car earns its keep for day trips, the coast and spread-out areas beyond the network.
How do I get from the airport into Adelaide?+
Airport transfers, taxis, rideshare and (in some cities) a direct train or shuttle connect the airport to the centre — see our Getting Here guide for the specifics for Adelaide.
Is there Uber / rideshare in Adelaide?+
Yes — rideshare (Uber, and often DiDi, Ola or Bolt) operates across Adelaide alongside traditional taxis, which you can hail, rank or book by app.
Looking for somewhere to go? Browse the best things to do in Adelaide, see them on the map, or check the best time to visit.