- Must visit
South Australian Museum
South Australia's flagship museum, strong in natural history, Aboriginal cultures, and Pacific collections with family-friendly displays.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Melbourne to Adelaide
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$69
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$69
Fastest journey on Sep 17
10 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
10 h 15 m
Buses on Sep 17
1
Distance
654 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Melbourne to Adelaide is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Melbourne to Adelaide will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Fast buses
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 1 buses from Melbourne to Adelaide, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 654 km distance in an average of 10 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 15 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 10 h 15 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.
FE808:15 PM10h15Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross)6:00 AMAdelaide, Cbd$691One-way0 transfers
- FE808:15 PM10h15Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross)6:00 AMAdelaide, Cbd$691One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Melbourne to Adelaide
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Melbourne to Adelaide among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $59 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, while a flight costs an average of $433.
Distance: 406 miles (654 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $433 Average price | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
11h 26m Average total duration 10h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide is a bus with an average price of $59 (€48).
This is compared to other travel options from Melbourne to Adelaide:
A bus is $375 (€305) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Melbourne to Adelaide costing on average $433 (€353).
The fastest way to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 39m.
Other travel options to Adelaide take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Melbourne and Adelaide including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Melbourne to Adelaide 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 $59 (€48) compared to roughly $103 (€84) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $44 (€36). The journey takes 10h 56m versus 8h 3m 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.
Melbourne to Adelaide Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Firefly Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Live departures
Melbourne to Adelaide bus times
The table below shows live departures for Melbourne to Adelaide buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE80 | 8:15 PM Melbourne, Spencer St (Southern Cross) | 10h15 | 6:00 AM Adelaide, Cbd | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Melbourne to Adelaide by train, bus, or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Melbourne to Adelaide
AustraliaAustralia
Buses from Melbourne to Adelaide run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) 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 10h 15m.
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 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 15m |
First bus 6:35 AM |
Last bus 8:15 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 Melbourne to AdelaideYou can travel by bus between Melbourne to Adelaide with Firefly Express for as low as $50 (€41). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Firefly Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Firefly Express Duration
10h 15m
Cheapest Firefly Express Price
$50 (€41)
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.
Complete guide to Adelaide
Things to do in Adelaide
Discover the best of Adelaide — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Adelaide trip today.
- Must visit
Art Gallery of South Australia
Leading art museum with major Australian, Indigenous, and international works in a prominent North Terrace cultural setting.
- Recommended
Migration Museum
Interactive migration museum exploring South Australia's diverse communities through personal stories, objects, and social history.
- Must visit
North Terrace
Adelaide's cultural boulevard lined with major museums, galleries, libraries, and elegant historic buildings.
- Must visit
Elder Park
Popular riverside green space for festivals, walks, paddle boats, and postcard views of the skyline and footbridge.
- Must visit
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Expansive botanic garden featuring heritage glasshouses, themed plantings, and tranquil paths near the cultural precinct.
Pie Floater
A South Australian pie floater is a meat pie served in thick pea soup with tomato sauce. It is an old Adelaide street-food classic once sold from pie carts.
- Vegetarian
Frog Cake
Frog cake is a small sponge cake filled with jam and cream, topped with fondant in a frog shape. It is an iconic South Australian bakery treat from Adelaide.
- Gluten-free
Barossa Mettwurst
Mettwurst is a seasoned, semi-dried German sausage brought by Barossa and Hahndorf settlers. Adelaide locals often enjoy it sliced with bread, cheese, and beer.
Restaurant Botanic
Award-winning fine dining in the city center, known for a long tasting menu that showcases premium South Australian produce in an elegant setting.
Shiki Japanese Restaurant
A lively market venue in Adelaide Central Market, famous for fresh oysters, seafood plates, and Champagne in a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Otto's Bakery
Historic bakery in the Adelaide Hills at Hahndorf, best known for traditional German cakes, pastries, breads, and a classic regional cafe experience.
Australian dollar (A$)
Moderate for Australia. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Sydney, while transit is affordable. Budget travelers can manage well with casual meals and public transport.
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$90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- A$4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not expected. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. No tip is needed for cafes or taxis, though rounding up is appreciated.
FAQs: Bus from Melbourne to Adelaide
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Melbourne to Adelaide 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 Adelaide, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Melbourne to Adelaide can start from as little as $50 (€41) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Melbourne to Adelaide is $59 (€48) ; 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 Melbourne to Adelaide is 10h 15m 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 Melbourne to Adelaide leaves at 6:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Melbourne to Adelaide leaves at 8:15 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Melbourne to Adelaide with Firefly Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Melbourne to Adelaide, you can count on Firefly Express for the best way to get you to Adelaide. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Melbourne and Adelaide and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Adelaide from Melbourne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Melbourne to Adelaide is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Melbourne and Adelaide including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Melbourne to Adelaide:
- 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 Melbourne to Adelaide 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 Melbourne to Adelaide.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Melbourne to Adelaide:
- 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 Melbourne to Adelaide:
- 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 Melbourne to Adelaide. 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 Melbourne to Adelaide with the following bus company: Firefly Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Melbourne to Adelaide with the following bus company: Firefly Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Melbourne to Adelaide with the following bus company: Firefly Express.
Since neither Melbourne nor Adelaide 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 Melbourne to Adelaide 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 Adelaide, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for taxi rides or tours to prevent overcharging scams. It is advisable to use licensed taxi services and official transportation apps. Travelers should also be aware of occasional scams involving fake charity collectors or street performers asking for money. Staying vigilant in nightlife districts and keeping personal belongings secure helps ensure a safe visit.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Melbourne
More options for your journey from Melbourne to Adelaide
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Adelaide and Melbourne
Most popular bus connections to Adelaide
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