Travelling from Sydney to Adelaide
Historically known as the City of Churches - or Radelaide more recently to some - Adelaide is a city offering something for everyone. Bursting at the seams with its gastronomy and award-winning vineyards, vibrant arts and music scene, and a stunning coastline.
Experience it all when you book flights from Sydney to Adelaide with Virgin Australia.
Arriving at Adelaide Airport
Once you’ve landed at Adelaide Airport it’s only 6 kilometres to the heart of Adelaide CBD.
For a great-value commute to the City, Glenelg and West Beach, jump on the Adelaide Metro bus service, JetBus, with either the single trip of day trip 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.
Departing from Sydney Airport
Located 8km from Sydney CBD, Sydney Airport is best accessed by the convenient 13-minute train ride on the Air Train service. Use your Opal Card, or tap on with your credit card - Amex, Visa or Mastercard.
You can also commute to Sydney Airport via shuttle or public bus, taxi or rideshare. Alternatively, self-drive and utilise the short-term and long-term airport parking options available.
In non-peak hour the drive is approximately 25-minutes from the centre of Sydney, however be mindful of congestion in peak hour and allow more time for the commute during these times.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 2 (T2) for your domestic flight to Adelaide.
What time do you need to arrive at Sydney 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 spare time to grab a coffee on your way to the departure gate, without feeling too rushed.
Read more in our Sydney 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 – Barista’s breakfast at Leisurely Coffee
Upon arrival from your Sydney to Adelaide flight hop on the handy JetBus to Adelaide CBD, and once you’ve dropped your bags at your hotel (we love Sage Hotel, and arty The Franklin Boutique Hotel) you’re ready to explore Adelaide. For breakfast you’re off to Leisurely Coffee located on Gilbert Street – sample the ‘barista’s breakfast’ and one of the amazing meals, such as a croissant filled with softshell crab and chili scramble.
10.00am –Adelaide Central Market
Next up you’re off to renowned Adelaide Central Market, established in 1869 this market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. A thriving hub of culture and food, this is the place to pick up a few delicious local treats - from croissants to cheese.
11.00am – Art Gallery of South Australia
You’re off to explore Adelaide’s impressive Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), housing 45,000 works of art. Soak up the current exhibitions and ongoing collections that include Lindy Lee: The Life of Stars, and Elder Wing of Australian Art.
12.30pm – Culinary experience at Fishbank OR Allegra
Seafood lovers will find food heaven at Fishbank in central King William Street. They also make killer cocktails such as ‘Now you Sashimi’, made from vodka, mandarin, pickled ginger, yuzu and wasabi. For the vegans you’re off to a fine-dining treat at Allegra on Gilles Street, a wholly plant-based menu with a set 10-item experience showcasing local seasonal produce.
2pm – Explore Glenelg Beach
Next up you’re on the tram to one of Adelaide’s most iconic beaches, Glenelg, an easy 20-minute ride. Choose between a swim with the dolphins, a shop in the boutiques, visit The Bay Discovery Centre in the 1870s Town Hall to view the history exhibits (including a vintage swimwear collection) - or simply relax over a wine at The Jetty Bar, Glenelg’s renowned beachside hotel.
4.30pm – Adelaide Oval Roofclimb - Twilight
Time to watch the sky come to life as the sun sets over Adelaide. Discovering the city from the iconic Adelaide Oval Roofclimb, you’re booked on the 2-hour Twilight Climb at 4.30pm. Enjoy the quirky stories from your guide and the stunning sunset.
7.30pm – A Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant experience
Time for a freshen up back at the hotel before dinner, a short 15-minute drive away. Tonight’s culinary fine-dining treat is at the legendary Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, with its breathtaking views over the Penfolds vineyards and Adelaide City, a phenomenal menu that changes alongside the seasonal produce. If joining Wednesday to Sunday night choose between the tasting menu with optional wine-matching, or outstanding fine-dining selections.
9.00pm – Drinks at Maybe Mae
Time for a nightcap or two, back in the City on Peel Street, at Maybe Mae. Renowned for their sustainably focussed, locally oriented, deliciously minded drinks menu, with fabulous names such as Rhude Boi and Disco Highball.
Best day trips from Adelaide
You’ll find plenty of attractions to fill a weekend in Adelaide’s CBD, but the rural and coastal regions that surround the city are worth a trip in their own right. And with everything from cellar doors to secluded islands on the city’s doorstep, it’s easy to explore. Take a drive through the Adelaide Hills to sample local wines and seasonal produce, or venture further to McLaren Vale, where vineyards, beaches and wilderness combine. Looking for an offshore escape? Get away from it all on Kangaroo Island, or visit the resident penguins of Granite Island, just a stone’s throw from Victor Harbour.
For more travel inspiration before you fly, check out our Adelaide travel guide.
Where to stay in Adelaide?
Adelaide offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles – from Adelaide City to the urban beach suburb of Glenelg.
Adelaide CBD
Adelaide CBD is a popular spot to stay, central to all the key attractions such as Adelaide Botanic Gardens, South Australian Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Central Market, and Adelaide Oval for the Aussie Rules fans. Adelaide City Centre has the largest range of hotels, from niche boutique to luxury.
Glenelg
Fantastic for families, or those who love a relaxed beach-vibe, stay in beachside Glenelg, located west of the City centre. The main street, Jetty Road, offers a great range of shops, restaurants and activities. There’s a range of accommodation options here, we’re partial to the luxurious Stamford Grand Adelaide located right on Glenelg Beach.
North Adelaide
For a perfect mix of city vibes and greenery, North Adelaide is a great area to stay for families, with the city at your doorstep and plenty of green space to enjoy. Climb Montefiore Hill for spectacular views, marvel at the historic buildings, 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 uniqueFire Station Inn.
Adelaide Hills
If you’d like a city break stay in Adelaide Hills, just an hour from the City you can enjoy the quaint hilly towns – a great base for exploring the nearby forests, and vineyards too. Adelaide Hills features a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury.
McLaren Vale
If you’re coming to South Australia for their incredible wine, then you’re best to consider a stay in the outskirts of Adelaide in the McLaren Vale region. A great base to visit the iconic wineries including d’Arenberg, home to the Instagram hot-spot, d’Arenberg Cube.
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 travellers in droves to Adelaide. You’ll experience the wonder of Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, and WOMAdelaide during this time. Summer (December to February) days in Adelaide are a dry heat, with temperatures often above 35 degrees. A prime and busy time to visit Adelaide, the city alive with festivals and events.
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 abloom with flowers, jacarandas showering the streets in purple, and the average temperature sitting at 22 degrees.
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
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Sydney to Adelaide is 2 hours and 10 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 1150 kilometres on your flight from Sydney to Adelaide.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 6 direct flights a day from Sydney to Adelaide, and up to 40 flights with a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 7.15am to 8.15pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Sydney to Adelaide route. Find more information on our fleet here.