- Must visit
National Gallery of Victoria
Australia's oldest and most visited public art museum, known for major international and Australian collections across two city sites.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Adelaide to Melbourne
Showing times and prices for Aug 01
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
9 h 50 m
Average duration
10 h 48 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
654 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Adelaide to Melbourne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Adelaide to Melbourne will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Adelaide for Melbourne on Sat, Aug 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct buses cover the 654 km distance in an average of 10 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest buses will take 11 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
NFE716:35 AM11h45Adelaide, Cbd6:50 PMMelbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross)$521One-way0 transfers- NFE817:45 PM9h50Adelaide, Cbd6:05 AMMelbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross)$601One-way0 transfers
- NFE817:45 PM9h50Adelaide, Cbd6:05 AMMelbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross)$601One-way0 transfers
- NFE716:35 AM11h45Adelaide, Cbd6:50 PMMelbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross)$521One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Adelaide to Melbourne
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Adelaide to Melbourne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $51. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, and a train costs an average of $226.
Distance: 406 miles (654 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $153 Average price | $231 Average price | $110 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 40m Average total duration 10h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 18m Average total duration 10h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Adelaide to Melbourne is a bus with an average price of $70 (€57).
This is compared to other travel options from Adelaide to Melbourne:
A bus is $83 (€68) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Adelaide to Melbourne costing on average $153 (€124).
A bus is $161 (€131) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Adelaide to Melbourne costing on average $231 (€188).
The fastest way to travel from Adelaide to Melbourne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 20m.
Other travel options to Melbourne take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 10m.
Train takes on average 10h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Adelaide and Melbourne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Adelaide to Melbourne among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $70 (€57) compared to roughly $110 (€90) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $41 (€33). The journey takes 10h 10m versus 8h 0m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Firefly Express, Firefly Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Adelaide to Melbourne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Live departures
Adelaide to Melbourne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Adelaide to Melbourne buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFE81 | 7:45 PM Adelaide, Cbd | 9h50 | 6:05 AM Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
| NFE71 | 6:35 AM Adelaide, Cbd | 11h45 | 6:50 PM Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Adelaide to Melbourne by train, bus, or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Adelaide to Melbourne
AustraliaAustralia
Buses from Adelaide to Melbourne run on average 1 times per day, taking around 10h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:35, the last at 20:15. The fastest bus covers the 406 miles (654 km) distance in 9h 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 406 miles (654 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 6:35 AM |
Last bus 8:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Firefly Express from Adelaide to MelbourneYou can travel by bus between Adelaide to Melbourne with Firefly Express for as low as $51 (€42). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Firefly Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 50m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€42)
Firefly Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Each passenger is entitled to 45kg of luggage, consisting of two suitcases or lockable carry bags of 20kg each, placed in the luggage compartment.
Additional luggage
Extra pieces of luggage are charged at $20 per item, each not exceeding 20kg.
Luggage storage
Luggage is stored in the bus's luggage compartment, with assistance from drivers for loading.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Passengers can bring drinks and snacks; hot foods, hot drinks, and glass bottles are not permitted.
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Firefly buses are equipped with air conditioning, onboard toilets, and reading lamps to ensure passenger comfort.
Bikes
Standard bicycles (max. 25kg) can be carried for an additional fee of $30, subject to space availability.
Pets
Only guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance animals with proper accreditation are permitted onboard.
Complete guide to Melbourne
Things to do in Melbourne
Discover the best of Melbourne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Melbourne trip today.
- Must visit
Melbourne Museum
Leading museum of natural history and culture, famous for dinosaur skeletons, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Centre, and family-friendly exhibits.
- Recommended
ACMI
Interactive museum focused on screen culture, video games, film, television, and digital innovation in the heart of Federation Square.
- Must visit
Federation Square
Cultural square anchoring central Melbourne, home to major institutions, public events, and one of the city's best-known meeting places.
- Must visit
Southbank Promenade
Historic riverside promenade lined with arts venues, public spaces, and skyline views, ideal for an easy central city walk.
- Must visit
Hosier Lane
Lively laneway famous for ever-changing street art, making it a classic stop for photos and a quick taste of Melbourne's creative side.
- Vegetarian
Smashed Avocado On Toast
A Melbourne cafe staple of toasted sourdough topped with seasoned smashed avocado. It reflects the city's influential brunch culture and produce-driven dining.
- Vegetarian
Croissant
A crisp, buttery croissant prized in Melbourne's French-inspired bakeries. It is a local breakfast favorite and showcases the city's strong pastry scene.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Flat White
Melbourne is known for expertly textured espresso drinks, especially the flat white. Its coffee culture is central to daily life and local identity.
Maker & Monger
Iconic market deli for large continental sandwiches, cheeses, and cured meats. Casual, busy, and beloved for quality produce and quick lunches.
Attica
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by the Yarra River, known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in a refined contemporary setting.
Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
Historic Italian institution on Lygon Street, famous for generous pasta, steak, and old-school hospitality in a lively classic dining room.
Australian dollar (A$)
Moderate for Australia: stays are a major cost, dining is mid-priced, and public transport is reasonable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- A$15-25 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- A$30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- A$100+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- A$4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Restaurants may round up or leave 5-10% for great service. No tip is expected at cafes; taxis can be rounded up.
FAQs: Bus from Adelaide to Melbourne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Adelaide to Melbourne by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Melbourne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Adelaide to Melbourne can start from as little as $51 (€42) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Adelaide to Melbourne is $70 (€57) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Adelaide to Melbourne is 9h 50m to travel the 406 miles (654 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Adelaide to Melbourne leaves at 6:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Adelaide to Melbourne leaves at 8:15 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Adelaide to Melbourne with Firefly Express, Firefly Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Adelaide to Melbourne, you can count on Firefly Express, Firefly Express for the best way to get you to Melbourne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Adelaide and Melbourne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Melbourne from Adelaide is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Adelaide to Melbourne is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Adelaide and Melbourne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Adelaide to Melbourne:
- Firefly Express
- Firefly buses are equipped with air conditioning, onboard toilets, and reading lamps to ensure passenger comfort.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Adelaide to Melbourne for bus company Firefly Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Firefly Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Adelaide to Melbourne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Adelaide to Melbourne:
- Firefly Express
- Each passenger is entitled to 45kg of luggage, consisting of two suitcases or lockable carry bags of 20kg each, placed in the luggage compartment.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Adelaide to Melbourne:
- Firefly Express
- Extra pieces of luggage are charged at $20 per item, each not exceeding 20kg.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Adelaide to Melbourne. The following conditions apply:
- Firefly Express
- Only guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance animals with proper accreditation are permitted onboard.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Adelaide to Melbourne with the following bus company: Firefly Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Adelaide to Melbourne with the following bus company: Firefly Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Adelaide to Melbourne with the following bus company: Firefly Express.
Since neither Adelaide nor Melbourne are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Australia and Australia. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Adelaide to Melbourne among Omio's users.
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Travelers generally find using cards more convenient due to widespread acceptance and security, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or remote areas.
In Melbourne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas and on public transport. Common scams include overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's important to use official transportation services and be vigilant when handling personal belongings, especially in busy tourist hotspots and nightlife districts.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Adelaide to Melbourne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Melbourne and Adelaide
Most popular bus connections to Melbourne
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