Getting to South Australia
Nearly every journey begins in Adelaide — an airport minutes from the city, and some of the country’s most famous trains pulling out of its station.
How to Reach South Australia
Nearly every South Australian journey begins in Adelaide — the state capital and transport hub, with an airport minutes from the city and some of the country’s most famous trains pulling out of its station. Whether you fly in, drive across the border or ride the Ghan through the heart of the continent, Adelaide is the natural front door to the whole state.
Ways to Arrive
Adelaide Airport
About 15–20 minutes from the city, with frequent flights from all mainland capitals plus some international and regional services.
The Ghan & More
Adelaide is a hub for the Ghan (to Alice Springs and Darwin), the Indian Pacific (Perth and Sydney) and the Overland (Melbourne).
Driving In
Roughly 8–9 hours from Melbourne and 13–14 from Sydney — a great option for a wider road trip.
Interstate Coaches
Long-distance coach services link Adelaide with interstate and regional centres.
Onward into the State
- Hire a car at the airport for the wine regions, coast and outback
- Regional flights reach Port Lincoln (Eyre Peninsula), Kangaroo Island and Coober Pedy
- The SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island departs Cape Jervis, about 1.5 hours south
- Guided tours handle the driving to the wine country and beyond
- Check current flight, train and ferry timetables before you plan
Next, see getting around South Australia and where to stay.
Getting to South Australia — FAQ
How do you get to South Australia?
Most visitors arrive through Adelaide Airport, about 15–20 minutes from the city, with frequent flights from all mainland capitals and some international and regional services. You can also drive from the eastern states, or arrive by long-distance train.
Can you get to South Australia by train?
Yes — Adelaide is a hub for iconic long-distance rail. The Ghan runs north to Alice Springs and Darwin, the Indian Pacific crosses to Perth and Sydney, and the Overland connects Melbourne. These are scenic, occasional services — check current timetables.
How far is Adelaide from Melbourne by road?
About 8–9 hours’ drive; Sydney is roughly 13–14 hours. Many visitors fly in and hire a car to explore the wine regions, coast and outback.
Do I need a car in South Australia?
Not for Adelaide itself, which is walkable with free city transport. Beyond the city, a car (or a guided tour) is the best way to reach the wine regions, coast and outback. See getting around.
Is Adelaide the main gateway to South Australia?
Yes — Adelaide is the state capital and transport hub, central to the Barossa, McLaren Vale, the Fleurieu and the Adelaide Hills, and the departure point for Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges and the outback.
South Australia, Planned Around You
Adelaide, the wine country, Kangaroo Island and the outback — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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