Travelling to Adelaide from Melbourne
Bursting at the seams with arts and culture, exceptional food and wine, and stunning surrounds, Adelaide is a cosmopolitan coastal city offering something for everyone. Immerse yourself in South Australia when you book flights from Melbourne to Adelaide with Virgin Australia.
How far is Melbourne to Adelaide by plane?
You will travel over 640 kilometres on your flight from Melbourne to Adelaide.
What is the Melbourne to Adelaide flight time?
The average time for your flight from Melbourne to Adelaide is 1 hour and 25 minutes direct.
How many Melbourne to Adelaide flights are there each day?
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 5 direct flights a day from Melbourne to Adelaide, operating regularly scheduled flights from 8.10am to 6.10pm.
What aircraft do we fly on our Melbourne to Adelaide route?
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Melbourne to Adelaide route.
Departing from Melbourne Airport
Located some 23 kilometres from central Melbourne, Melbourne Airport is best and most affordably accessed by the Skybus service which runs regular services, 24-hours a day, from various central city locations including Southern Cross Station.
Another travel option to Melbourne Airport is via taxi and rideshare - or self-drive utilising the Melbourne Airport parking facilities.
In non-peak hour the drive time is approximately 25-minutes, however you’re best to allow plenty of time during peak times should traffic be congested.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 3 (T3) for your Virgin Australia Domestic flight to Adelaide.
What time do I need to arrive at Melbourne Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you arrive at Melbourne Airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, and have your bags dropped at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee before your flight.
Landing at Adelaide Airport
Once you’ve landed at Adelaide Airport it’s only 6 kilometres to the heart of Adelaide CBD.
If you’re looking for a great-value commute to the City, Glenelg or West Beach, catch the Adelaide Metro bus service, JetBus, with either the single trip or day trip ticket purchased from the bus drivers.
Alternatively travel to Adelaide City and surrounds via taxi, rideshare, or rental car.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Adelaide City)
- Taxi and rideshare: $20 – 15 mins
- JetBus: $25 pp for 3-day visitor pass, or single trip purchased on bus – timing varies by route
Read more in our Adelaide Airport Guide.
Adelaide Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours in Adelaide? Here’s a handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of essential attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Breakfast at Leisurely Coffee
After a good night’s sleep at your hotel (we love the artsyThe Franklin Boutique Hotel and boutique Sage Hotel) you’re ready to explore Adelaide. For breakfast, head to Leisurely Coffee, a hidden gem on Gilbert Street with its ethos to ‘connect and share’. Try the ‘barista’s breakfast’ and their renowned fried soft-shell crab in a toasted croissant, wow!
10.00am –Adelaide Central Market
Next up is a visit to the famous Adelaide Central Market. Established in 1869 this market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, and the place to pick up a few delicious local treats for yourself, or gifts.
11.00am – Art Gallery of South Australia
Ready for a culture hit? - make tracks to Adelaide’s impressive Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), housing 45,000 works of art. Explore the current exhibitions and ongoing collections that include Elder Wing of Australian Art and Lindy Lee: The Life of Stars.
12.30pm – Lunch at Allegra OR Fishbank
For the vegans, you’re booked in for a fine dining treat today at Allegra on Gilles Street, a set 10-item experience showcasing a wholly plant-based menu that best represent the season. For the seafood lovers you’re off to Fishbank in central King William Street, who also make killer cocktails such as ‘Now you Sashimi’ - made from vodka, mandarin, pickled ginger, yuzu and wasabi.
2pm – Glenelg Beach
Hop on the tram for an easy 20-minute ride to one of Adelaide’s most iconic beaches, Glenelg. Spend the afternoon shopping in the boutiques, having a swim with the dolphins, visiting The Bay Discovery Centre in the 1870s Town Hall to view the history exhibits (including a vintage swimwear collection), or relaxing over a wine at The Jetty Bar, Glenelg’s beachside hotel.
4.30pm – Adelaide Oval Roofclimb - Twilight
You’re off to iconic Adelaide Oval Roofclimb to watch the sky come to life as the sun sets over the City. Booked on the 2-hour Twilight Climb at 4.30pm, enjoy the quirky stories from your guide and the stunning sunset.
7.30pm – Dinner at Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant
After a freshen up back at your hotel, you’re a short 15-minute drive away to dinner. Tonight’s fine-dining culinary treat is at the acclaimed Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, featuring breathtaking views over the Penfolds vineyards and Adelaide City, and a distinguished menu that changes with the seasonal produce. If joining Wednesday to Sunday night choose between the tasting menu with optional wine-matching, or one of their outstanding fine-dining selections.
9.00pm – Drinks at Maybe Mae
Time for a nightcap, you’re off to Maybe Mae back in the City on Peel Street. Renowned for their locally-oriented, sustainably-focussed, and deliciously-minded drinks menu with absolutely-fabulous cocktail names such as Disco Highball and Jazzy Sprit
Where to stay in Adelaide?
Adelaide offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles – from Adelaide CBD to the relaxed beach suburb of Glenelg.
Adelaide CBD
Adelaide CBD is a popular pick, close to all of Adelaide’s key attractions such as Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, South Australian Museum, Adelaide Central Market, and Adelaide Oval. Adelaide CBD also offers the largest range of hotels too, from boutique to luxury.
Glenelg
If you like a relaxed beach-vibe, also fantastic for families, stay in beachside Glenelg, located west of the City centre. Jetty Road, the main drag, offers a great range of shops, restaurants and activities. There’s a range of accommodation options here, our pick, for a bit of luxury, stay at Stamford Grand Adelaide located right on Glenelg Beach.
North Adelaide
For that perfect mix of green space and city vibes, North Adelaide is a great area to stay for families, with the city right at your doorstep. Soak up the historic buildings, climb Montefiore Hill for spectacular views, and find some delicious food along O’Connell Street. There’s a range of accommodation options, from budget to affordable luxury hotels such as the quirkyFire Station Inn.
Adelaide Hills
Just an hour from the city and you’ll reach the quaint hilly towns of Adelaide Hills. A great base for exploring the nearby forests, and vineyards too, Adelaide Hills features a range of accommodation options, from budget to decadent luxury.
McLaren Vale
If you’re visiting South Australia to experience their incredible wine, then you’re best to book at least some of your stay in the outskirts of Adelaide in the McLaren Vale region. A great base to visit the iconic and celebrated wineries including d’Arenberg, home to the Insta-hot-spot, d’Arenberg Cube. Explore more with our Adelaide Travel Guide.
When to visit Adelaide?
The best time to visit Adelaide is during Spring and Autumn, when daytime temperatures are comfortable, skies are blue, rainfall is rare, and there’s generally less crowds.
Peak Season
Adelaide’s iconic festivals, running over the summer months through to March, draws the crowds to Adelaide. Experience the wonder of Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, and WOMAdelaide during this time. Summer (December to February) days in Adelaide are a dry heat, similar to those at home in Melbourne, with temperatures often above 35 degrees. A prime and busy time to visit Adelaide, the city bursting with incredible events and festivals.
Non-Peak Season (with the exception of school holidays)
Autumn (March to May) is a great time to visit Adelaide, with temperatures in the low-mid 20s, sunny days, and the city alight with the stunning autumn colours. A great time to plan your holiday to South Australia to experience the renowned 5-day Barossa Vintage Festival.
Winter (June to August) in Adelaide is prone to rainy days, with temperatures sitting around 16 degrees, a little cooler in Adelaide Hills. The perfect time to visit the phenomenal museums and try a cheeky red at the world-famous nearby vineyards.
Spring (September to November) is a stunning time to visit Adelaide, the city lights up with flowers, jacarandas showering the streets in a purple hue, and the average temperature a comfortable (almost warm) 22 degrees.
What to pack for your trip to Adelaide?
Packing for Adelaide depends on the time of year, and how you’re planning to spend your time on your holiday.
For outdoor activities and general sightseeing in summer, we recommend that you pack t-shirts, shorts, swimwear, comfortable shoes and plenty of sunscreen. For outdoor dining bring a frock or two, and a light jacket, and for the gents a short sleeve shirt and long pants.
If travelling in the cooler months swap shorts for jeans, pack a wind-proof fleece, warm jackets, and your favourite scarf. You’ll also need an umbrella or rain jacket during the wetter winter months.
Other must-pack items are sunglasses, your camera, a portable battery for your phone, headphones, and cables.
Must Pack
- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, scarf, long-sleeved tops, medium-heavy weight jacket, wind-proof fleece
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Discover why South Australia’s capital is always in season. Book flights from Melbourne to Adelaide with Virgin Australia today.