Getting around Adelaide

Public transport

Adelaide Metro (tel: 1300 311 108, in Australia only; www.adelaidemetro.com.au) runs the bus, train and tram network. You can obtain single-trip and day-trip tickets on-board or from ticket vending machines within InfoCentres at Adelaide Railway Station and from metrocard agents. The rechargeable metrocard, which cannot be purchased onboard, allows you to preload credit for trips.

There is also an unlimited-travel 3-day Visitor Pass, as well as a 28-day pass. The 28-day pass offers a discount off the cost of 40 trips on the bus, train, and tram, and any trips you take beyond this number are free.

The O-Bahn is a unique guided busway. It travels up to 100kph (62mph) on custom-built tracks (inaccessible to other vehicles) between Adelaide City Centre and Tea Tree Plaza Interchange.

The free 99A and 99C City Loop buses run half-hourly on weekdays, serving the inner-city areas. The 98A and 98C connects the city with North Adelaide, running half-hourly every day. You can spot Adelaide’s carbon-neutral Tindo bus (the world’s first 100% solar-powered electric bus) on this route.

Tram rides between the Entertainment Centre and South Terrace are free. Bicycles can be carried on trains free of charge during off-peak times.

Taxis

Reliable taxi companies in Adelaide include Suburban Taxis (tel: +61 8 8400 6280; www.suburbantaxis.com.au), Adelaide Independent Taxis (tel: 13 22 11, in Australia only; www.aitaxis.com.au), and Yellow Cab Co (tel: +61 8 7087 9300; www.yellowcabgroup.com.au).

You can find staff-managed taxi ranks throughout the city, including near the Railway Station on North Terrace, by the Exeter Hotel on Rundle Street, and next to the Hilton Hotel on Victoria Square. It's not mandatory to tip taxis in Adelaide, but passengers frequently do to reward good servicee.

Driving

With its grid orientation and wide roads (originally designed so that horse-and-carts could perform U-turns), Adelaide is mostly gifted with jam-free traffic.

Free parking in the city is restricted, especially during weekdays, but there's plenty of ticketed parking available, both in council and private car parks as well as on the street. Adelaide has no toll roads.

Car hire

Reputable car hire companies include Avis (tel: +61 8 8114 3111; www.avis.com.au), Budget (tel: +61 8 8418 7300; www.budget.com.au), Europcar (tel: +61 8 8114 6350; www.europcar.com.au), Hertz (tel: +61 8 8231 2856; www.hertz.com.au) and Thrifty (tel: +61 8 8410 8977; www.thrifty.com.au).

Bicycle hire

Adelaide is a relaxing city to pedal around, with wide, flat streets and boulevards. Free bike hire is available at multiple locations across the city, courtesy of Adelaide City Council and BikeSA (tel: +61 8 8168 9999; www.bikesa.asn.au/adelaidefreebikes). Helmet, lock and map are included. Just show your photo ID and hop on your wheels.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Clarion Soho Hotel

There are only 29 rooms at Clarion Soho Hotel, hence the focus on quality over quantity. With modern Manhattan interiors, commodious king-size beds, crisp white linen and Missoni cushions, comfort and style intertwine in the sleeping chambers. Each room also comes with 42-inch LCD TVs, DVD players with free DVD hire, luxury spa products, iPod docks and cable broadband internet. Don’t miss the restaurant with Tom Dixon feature lighting, Kartell chairs and a marble bar imported from Italy.

The Hotel Metropolitan

Doubling as a hotel and a pub, this historic location dates back to 1883, and is conveniently placed opposite the Adelaide Central Market and a short walk from the Adelaide Railway Station. Although the rooms are small, the amenities are numerous: a game room with complimentary snacks, outdoor dining and live entertainment, and an art gallery. The guest list is mature—you must be 16 or older to stay.

Hotel Ibis Adelaide

Located in the Central Business District, the Ibis Hotel boasts 311 fresh and modern rooms, a ground-floor restaurant and bar with world-class food, and balconies so guests can enjoy the fresh Adelaide air. Wi-Fi, online check-in and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet are complimentary.

Largs Pier Hotel

Luxury suites and motel rooms await at the Largs Pier Hotel. Built in 1882 and still dominating the seafront by Largs Bay Pier, this is the hotel where AC/DC and Jimmy Barnes played before they were famous. Heritage rooms are a sensory mix of lofty ceilings and cutting edge bathrooms, complete with king-size, four-poster beds. One suite also contains a dining room. The hotel is the site of the very first drive-through bottle shop in Australia.

Majestic Minima Hotel

This artsy hotel stands out not only for its green and silver modern-style exterior, but also its unbeatable location in the heart of North Adelaide. Each of Minima Hotel’s 46 rooms was painted by a local Australian artist, giving every room a unique feel and aesthetic. Guests can look at the website and request a specific room or be surprised when they walk through the door. Expect decorations ranging from abstract ocean scenes to neon sculptures to a blown-up aboriginal alphabet.

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

At the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, the guest experience is in the name—expect a gorgeous rooftop garden overlooking the city to compliment the usual amenities of a modern hotel, including free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and complimentary breakfast. The location is great for exploring downtown as well.

Introducing Adelaide

While you’re there

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