Cheap Adelaide to Melbourne flights (ADL to MEL)

Arriving at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne CBD and surrounding inner-city precincts are approximately 23 kilometres from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, with the easiest and best value commute option with Skybus. Skybus runs its three varying services 7 days a week – Melbourne City Express through to Southern Cross Station, Southbank Docklands Express to Melbourne’s harbour and the arts precinct, and St Kilda Express to St Kilda – Melbourne’s beachside playground.

Alternatively book car hire, a private bus transfer, taxi, or rideshare through to your Melbourne accommodation.

Transfer times and cost guide (to Melbourne City)

• Taxi: 20-40mins - $55 - $65
• Private Bus Transfer: 20-40mins - $18 - $25 per person
• Skybus: 20-40mins from $15 per person

Read more in our Melbourne Airport Guide.

Getting around Melbourne

Whether you're navigating through the capital's multiple attractions or planning a getaway down the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne is home to a wide variety of transportation options to help you explore the city and its surrounds. 

Tram

With over 31,000 services operating throughout the city every week, Melbourne's trams are the most popular form of transport amongst locals and visitors alike. Short trips within the CBD are free for all passengers, although myki passes are required for longer journeys beyond the city limits. For a detailed map of the network, including the Melbourne CBD Free Tram Zone, visit Public Transport Victoria's official website. 

Public Bicycle

Whether you choose to hire a bike from a Melbourne Bike Share docking station or activate one of the many eBikes that are available across town, it's easy to explore the city's bustling streets and laneways on two wheels. For more information on public bike hire in Melbourne, including safety tips for new riders, visit The City of Melbourne's website. 

Car Hire

If you're planning to explore the city's surrounds, there are a wide range of car hire options available on arrival at Melbourne Airport. For a great deal, be sure to take advantage of our exclusive partner offers by visiting our Car Hire Offers page before take-off.

Departing from Adelaide Airport

Located a close 6km from Adelaide CBD, Adelaide Airport is best accessed by the metro bus service, which operates from Glenelg, West Beach, and the City. You can purchase the ticket from the bus drivers.

Alternatively, commute to Adelaide Airport via taxi or rideshare – or self-drive, utilising the short-term and long-term airport parking options.

In non-peak times the drive is approximately 15 minutes from central Adelaide. Allow more time if you’re travelling to Adelaide Airport in peak-hour.

What time do you need to arrive at Adelaide Airport?

If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you arrive at Adelaide Airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee or snack on your way to the departure gate, without feeling rushed.

Read more in our Adelaide Airport Guide.

Melbourne Itinerary – What to do in a day?

Only have one free day in Melbourne? Here’s our handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of attractions and things to do without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.

8.30am - Touchdown and you're city-bound

From Melbourne Airport, board the Melbourne City Express Skybus through to Southern Cross Station, drop off your bags, then hop on the free City Circle Tram and listen to the audio commentary as you get your bearings in this magic city.

9.30am – Flat white and a walking tour

Jump off the tram at Bourke Street Mall and make tracks to Kit Expresso for a caffeine-fix and delicious pastry. You’re now sustained and ready to explore Melbourne City by foot. Take a walk (or tour) through graffiti street-art lined Hosier Lane, then on to the iconic Federation Square near Flinders Street Station.

10.30am – Marvel at the MCG

Next stop is for the sports fans – you’re off to the ‘G’ – the MCG. Hop on the tram at Flinders Street for the 4-minute journey to John Cain Arena. Enjoy the history and sports facilities on a guided tour.

12.00pm – Lunching in Prahran

Hail a taxi and we’re off to inner-city Prahran for lunch. Option A is Marbl Steakhouse with its stunning industrial interiors and outstanding menu, while Option B is Casa N.O.M Bar Y Restaurante, this Mexican restaurant offers weekly meal specials and an extensive cocktail menu including Pisco Sour – delish.

2pm – A spot of shopping

Shopping is next on today’s must-do-list, stroll down bohemian-feel Greville Street, full of funky streetwear and designer shops. Don’t miss Marcus and Burton for their cool designer homeware collections, and Fool Clothing Pty Ltd for their colourful Melbourne designed and made collections – not for those who wish to blend into the crowd! From here you’re an easy stroll to famous Chapel Street with its super cool vintage and international brands.

4pm – Appreciating the arts in Southbank

It would be so easy to keep shopping but there’s more to see today. Hop on the Yarra tram at Chapel Street across to the Arts Precinct in Southbank for time at Australia’s well known and loved, National Gallery Victoria (NGV), home to both permanent collections, and seasonal exhibitions and events.

5pm – See a show at the Arts Centre Melbourne

Time rest the feet and take in a show at nearby Arts Centre Melbourne. Performances vary throughout the year, with everything from comedy to music on offer.

8pm – Dinner with a view in St Kilda

It’s well and truly dinner time and tonight we’re off to Stokehouse in St Kilda, with its uninterrupted sea views and incredible seafood fare.

10pm – After dinner drinks and music at The Espy 

Next, we’re off for a post-dinner drink at The Espy (Hotel Esplanade) - the legendary seaside hotel and live music icon that hosts DJs, comedy nights, open mic and basement gigs. Mad musos will know that The Espy was once the home of SBS TV show "Rockwiz".

11pm – A nightcap to end the day at Peaches

Lucky last stop for our epic day in Melbourne – heading back to the City we’re off for a night cap at the fun 90s themed cocktail bar and rooftop Peaches on Swanston Street. Reminisce on the incredible day spent in Melbourne.

Where to stay in Melbourne?

Melbourne offers an incredible range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets - located in the CBD and surrounding inner-city suburbs, each with their own flavour.

Melbourne CBD

Always buzzing, Melbourne CBD is a central area to stay with key attractions such as Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium, and Princess Theatre all at your doorstep.

St Kilda

St Kilda is undoubtedly Melbourne’s hippest beach area to stay in. Located 7km from the city centre St Kilda is a seaside resort area alongside iconic Melbourne landmarks such as The Espy, Palais Theatre, and Luna Park.

Fitzroy

For a more alternative vibe, we recommend a stay in inner-city Fitzroy, just minutes from the city on tram #112. There’s fewer accommodation choose from in this area, so we recommend that you book your accommodation in advance. The area is knowns for its eclectic feel, local designer fashion, vintage clothing stores, cool cafes and bars.

Carlton

A quick 10-minute tram ride on line 6 from the city, and you’re in the vibrant Italian community suburb of Carlton. Start the day like a local, drinking expresso, take a walk in Carlton Gardens, eat gelato and authentic Italian pizza, and spend an afternoon at Melbourne Museum, or catching a film at Cinema Nova - the arthouse movie theatre.

Footscray

For a true cultural feel we recommend a stay in Footscray – home to a range of migrant communities. Enjoy the many tasty eateries, Footscray Market, and the Footscray Community Arts Centre.

South Yarra

If shopping is high on your Melbourne agenda you can’t go past a stay in South Yarra, home to famous Chapel Street, where you’ll pick up everything from vintage treasures at Chapel Street Bazaar, to international and local designer clothing.

Explore More with Our Melbourne Travel Guide

When to visit Melbourne?

Melbourne is a fantastic year-round destination, with a full event calendar, and so much to see and do throughout the year.

A popular time to visit from Adelaide is the shoulder season, between March and May, and September to November. You’ll find that during this time there are less tourists, temperatures are moderate, and often great value airfares and accommodation available.

Melbourne hosts key events that draw visitors throughout the year - Australian Open (February), Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March to April), Melbourne International Film Festival (August), Australian Moto Grand Prix (late October), and Melbourne Cup (November).

What to pack for your trip to Melbourne?

Melbourne is renowned for “four seasons in a day” so our advice is to pack lots of layers in the same colour scheme that will all work together. We also recommend that you pack an umbrella.

Bring comfortable walking shoes (or accidently leave them at home so you can go shopping for a new pair). It’s also handy to have a day bag so you can bring a coat to transition from daytime sightseeing, to evening events.

Must Pack

• Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
• Autumn: a light jacket
• Winter: jeans; waterproof boots; warm scarf, hat and gloves; long-sleeved tops; thick wool coats and varying jackets
• Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings