Travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide
Known as the City of Churches, Radelaide to others, Adelaide is renowned for its outstanding festivals and sporting events, its stunning coastlines, world-class wineries, exceptional food and wine, and a thriving cultural scene. Discover South Australia for yourself when you book flights from Brisbane to Adelaide with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Brisbane to Adelaide flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to this artsy destination.
Arriving at Adelaide Airport
Once you’ve landed at Adelaide Airport it’s only 6 kilometres to the city-heart of Adelaide.
For a great-value commute to the City, Glenelg or West Beach, catch the Adelaide Metro bus service, JetBus, offering either a single or day trip tickets which you purchase from the bus drivers.
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
Departing from Brisbane Airport
Located 12km from Brisbane City, Brisbane Airport is best reached by Airtrain, a 20-minute journey, running every 15-30 minutes. You can either tap on with your Translink go card or pre-book your Airtrain ticket online.
Alternatively other travel options to Brisbane Airport are taxi, rideshare, and shuttle bus – or the option to self-drive and utilise the airport parking.
In non-peak time the drive is approximately 20-minutes from Brisbane CBD, we recommend in peak times to allow additional time for travel to Brisbane airport.
Virgin Australia operates from Brisbane Domestic Airport for the flight from Brisbane to Adelaide.
What time do you need to arrive at Brisbane Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough time to grab a coffee before making your way to the departure gate for your flight to Adelaide.
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 – Barista’s breakfast at Leisurely Coffee
After a restful sleep at your hotel (we love the oh-so-funky and iconic The Franklin Boutique Hotel and also the boutique Sage Hotel) you’re ready to explore Adelaide. For breakfast, you’re off to Leisurely Coffee, a hidden gem on Gilbert Street – we recommend the ‘barista’s breakfast’ and renowned meals such as fried soft-shell crab in a toasted croissant.
10.00am –Adelaide Central Market
Next up is a visit to the renowned Adelaide Central Market - established in 1869 this market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, and a great place to pick up some Adelaide treats for yourself, or gifts for friends.
11.00am – Art Gallery of South Australia
No visit to Adelaide is complete without a visit to the impressive Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), housing 45,000 works of art. Here you’ll experience the current exhibitions and also take in the permanent collections such asLindy Lee: The Life of Stars and Elder Wing of Australian Art.
12.30pm – Culinary experience at Allegra OR Fishbank
For the vegan-folk, you’re in for a treat today at fine dining venue Allegra on Gilles Street, where you’ll experience a set 10-item menu showcasing a wholly plant-based seasonal menu. For the seafood fans, your culinary treat today is at Fishbank, based in central King William Street, who not only serve up incredible food but also make killer cocktails.
2pm – Explore Glenelg Beach
Hop on the tram to Glenelg, one of Adelaide’s most iconic beaches, an easy 20-minute ride from the city. Swim with the dolphins, go shopping in the boutiques, and visit The Bay Discovery Centre in the 1870s Town Hall to view the history exhibits (including a vintage swimwear collection), or simply take in the views at The Jetty Bar, Glenelg’s beachside hotel.
4.30pm – Adelaide Oval Roofclimb at Twilight
Time to watch the sky come to life as the sun sets over the City at Adelaide Oval Roofclimb. Enjoy the quirky stories from your guide, your 2-hour Twilight tour is booked for 4.30pm.
7.30pm – A Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant experience
After a freshen-and-frock-up at your hotel, you’re off to dinner, a short 15-minute drive away. A fine-dining culinary experience is in store at acclaimed Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, featuring breathtaking views over the Penfolds vineyards and Adelaide City, and a seasonally based distinguished menu. If joining Wednesday to Sunday night choose between the tasting menu paired with wine, or you can choose from the fine-dining selections.
9.00pm – A nightcap at Maybe Mae
Time for a nightcap, you’re off to Maybe Mae on Peel Street back in the City. Maybe Mae feature their signature locally-oriented, sustainably-focussed, deliciously-minded drinks menu with cocktail names such as Disco Highball.
Where to stay in Adelaide?
Adelaide offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles – from Adelaide City - to a stay in the vineyards.
Adelaide CBD
Adelaide City is a popular choice, as it’s close to all key attractions and events - Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Central Market, and South Australian Museum. Adelaide CBD offers the largest range of hotels, from boutique to decadent luxury.
Glenelg
If you like a beach-vibe on your trip to Adelaide, stay in beachside Glenelg, located west of the City centre. It’s relaxed slow pace is also a great choice for families. Jetty Road, the main drag, offers a great range of activities, shops, and restaurants. There’s a range of accommodation - our pick, for a bit of luxury, stay at Stamford Grand Adelaide located right on Glenelg Beach.
North Adelaide
For that perfect blend of city-vibe energy mixed with green space, North Adelaide is a great area to stay. Soak up the historic buildings, climb Montefiore Hill for spectacular views, and meander along O’Connell Street to find some great cafes. There’s a range of accommodation options, from value-friendly to quirky hotels such as Fire Station Inn.
Adelaide Hills
Only an hour from the City and you’ll reach the hilly towns of Adelaide Hills. This is a great base for hiking in the nearby forests, and a visit to vineyards too, Adelaide Hills features a range of accommodation, from budget to pure luxury.
McLaren Vale
If you’re visiting South Australia to experience their world-famous wines, then make sure to stay a few nights in the McLaren Vale vineyard region. This is the perfect base to visit the iconic and celebrated wineries including d’Arenberg, home to the quirky and acclaimed, d’Arenberg Cube.
When to visit Adelaide?
The best time to visit Adelaide is during Spring and Autumn, when daytime temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is rare, skies are blue, and on the whole less crowds.
Adelaide's peak season
Adelaide’s festivals, mainly running over the summer months through to March, truly draws the crowds to Adelaide. Experience the wonder of Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, and WOMAdelaide during this time. Summer (December to February) days in Adelaide are a dry heat, very different to the humidity at home in Brisbane, with temperatures often above 35 degrees. A peak and busy time to visit Adelaide, the city alive with incredible festivals and events.
Adelaide's non-peak season
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 visit South Australia to be part of the 5-day Barossa Vintage Festival.
Winter (June to August) in Adelaide is prone to rainy days, and temperatures sitting around 16 degrees, a little cooler again in Adelaide Hills. The perfect time to visit Adelaide if want to visit the museums and try a cheeky red at the nearby vineyards.
Spring (September to November) is a stunning time to visit Adelaide, the city alight with flowers, and the average temperature a comfortable 22 degrees (even to Brisbane folk).
What to pack for your trip to Adelaide?
Packing depends on the time of year, and how you’re planning to spend your time on your South Australian holiday.
For sightseeing and outdoor activities in summer, 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. It can get surprisingly cold in Adelaide, more-so than at home. 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
Brisbane to Adelaide - Quick facts
Plane |
Boeing 737-800 / Fokker 100 |
|---|---|
Airport |
Adelaide Airport (ADL) |
Airport transfer time |
10mins to city |
Average direct flight time |
2hr 55mins |
Timezone |
GMT +9:30 |
Cabins |
Business, Economy X, Economy |
Frequently asked questions - Brisbane to Adelaide flights
The average time for your flight from Brisbane to Adelaide is 2 hours and 55 minutes direct.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 1,620 kilometres on your flight from Brisbane to Adelaide.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 4 direct flights a day from Brisbane to Adelaide, and an additional 23 flights with a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 6.05am to 5.55pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Brisbane to Adelaide route. Find more on our fleet here.