- 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, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 30
- Cheapest price on Oct 30
- $79
- Average ticket price on Oct 30
- $79
- Fastest journey on Oct 30
- 9 h 50 m
- Average journey duration on Oct 30
- 9 h 50 m
- Buses on Oct 30
- 1
- 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 $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Fast buses
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 1 buses from Adelaide to Melbourne, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct buses cover the 654 km distance in an average of 9 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest buses will take 9 h 50 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.
NFE817:45 PM 9h50 Adelaide, Cbd 6:05 AM Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross) $79 1 One-way 0 transfers
- NFE81
7:45 PM 9h50 Adelaide, Cbd 6:05 AM Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross) $79 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Adelaide to Melbourne
AustraliaAustralia
Buses from Adelaide to Melbourne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 8h 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
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance406 miles (654 km)
- Average bus duration10h 38m
- Cheapest ticket price$49
- Buses per day2
- Direct buses2
- Fastest bus8h 50m
- First bus6:35 AM
- Last bus8:15 PM
- Cheapest MonthJun
- Cheapest DayTue
- High SeasonApr - Jun
- Low SeasonOct - Dec
- Busiest DaySat
- Least Busy DayThu
- Best time to book14 days
Understand & plan this route
- Operators on this routeFirefly Express
- Departure & arrivalAdelaide, Cbd → Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross)
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
- Why book with Omio?Compare options, payment & support
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
Frequently asked questions about your Adelaide to Melbourne trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Adelaide to Melbourne.
Cheap bus tickets from Adelaide to Melbourne can start from as little as $49 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Adelaide to Melbourne is $60 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
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 2 direct buses a day from Adelaide to Melbourne with Firefly Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
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 Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Live departures
Adelaide to Melbourne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Adelaide to Melbourne buses for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:05 PM Adelaide | 11h45 | 8:50 AM Melbourne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, October 30 | |||||
| NFE81 | 7:45 PM Adelaide, Cbd | 9h50 | 6:05 AM Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Bus companies
Bus companies from Adelaide to Melbourne
Buses from Adelaide to Melbourne with Firefly Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Firefly Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Firefly Express Duration
8h 50m
Cheapest Firefly Express Price
$49
Firefly Express frequency
2 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Adelaide and Melbourne
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Adelaide to Melbourne, you can count on 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.
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 {providersWithBike}.
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.
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.
Plan your visit to Melbourne
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Melbourne.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most popular buses to and from Melbourne and Adelaide
Most popular bus connections to Melbourne
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