Adelaide Metro runs buses, trains and trams across Adelaide and surrounding areas, making it a practical way to get around central Adelaide and travel farther afield. From a four-star aparthotel, Adelaide Railway Station is about a 12-minute walk away, giving you a central point to connect with train and tram services.
- Services: buses, trains and trams
- Free city-loop buses: routes 98A, 98C, 99A and 99C
- Free tram zone: between South Terrace, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Festival Plaza and the Botanic Gardens
- Payment options include Tap and Pay, metroCARD and the Buy & Go app
The Adelaide Metro network at a glance
Adelaide Metro’s city network combines free inner-city bus loops with train and tram connections. Its city map shows the four free-loop routes alongside tram stops and Adelaide Railway Station, so you can use it to orient yourself before choosing a route.
The connector buses link city attractions with shopping, dining, education and services. Routes 99A and 99C take a smaller loop through the inner city on weekdays; routes 98A and 98C follow a larger loop through the city and continue to North Adelaide every day.
The connector service generally starts just before 7:00 am and finishes at 7:15 pm, with Friday services running until 9:15 pm. For a walkable day around the centre, you can combine these bus connections with a one-day Adelaide walking route.
Buses, trains and trams for central Adelaide
Free city buses are useful for getting between central Adelaide destinations, while trains and trams connect the city with other parts of the network. The city tram free zone covers the area between South Terrace, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Festival Plaza and the Botanic Gardens.
Check the route map for the stop closest to your destination, then match it to the service you need. If you are visiting the Adelaide Central Market, you can plan the market visit around other central-city stops rather than treating it as a separate trip.
Fares, tickets and payment
You can pay for Adelaide Metro travel with Tap and Pay, a metroCARD or a ticket bought through the Buy & Go app. Tap and Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit or debit cards and smart devices on buses, trains and trams; each card or device can buy only one Tap and Pay ticket.
The Buy & Go app offers Singletrips and Daytrips, along with 14- and 28-Day Passes and a 3-Day Visitor Pass. It can store up to five tickets at a time.
Cash-paying passengers need a metroCARD, which can be recharged at the Adelaide Metro InfoCentre in Adelaide Railway Station, at most Adelaide Metro vending machines and at more than 270 metroCARD retailers across South Australia.
Paper MetroTickets are no longer available for purchase or use on Adelaide Metro services. The InfoCentre is inside Adelaide Railway Station, and its listed daily contact hours are 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Ticket options and operating details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Getting to the beaches by tram
The GLNELG tram route links Glenelg with Royal Adelaide Hospital and runs through central Adelaide on its way to the coast. In the city, it serves stops including Victoria Square, King William Street and North Terrace; farther along, the route continues via Brighton Road, Morphett Road, Marion Road, South Road, Greenhill Road, South Terrace and Port Road.
For a beach trip, stay on the GLNELG route to Glenelg. The tram is free between Brighton Road and Moseley Square stops on Jetty Road, giving you a fare-free section at the Glenelg end of the line. Limited peak services also serve the Entertainment Centre.
Using Adelaide station from the hotel area
Adelaide Railway Station is the central connection point for the city’s train services and a useful place to find the Adelaide Metro InfoCentre.
Allow for the walk when planning a train connection, and head to the station if you need to recharge a metroCARD with cash. For an arrival by air, the route from Adelaide Airport to BreakFree Adelaide is a separate part of planning your journey.
FAQs
Are Adelaide city buses free?
The city connector buses on routes 98A, 98C, 99A and 99C are free. The 98 routes extend to North Adelaide every day, while the 99 routes take a smaller inner-city loop on weekdays.
Is the tram free in central Adelaide?
The city tram free zone lies between South Terrace, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Festival Plaza and the Botanic Gardens. There is also a free section between Brighton Road and Moseley Square on Jetty Road.
Can you pay for Adelaide Metro with a bank card?
Yes. Tap and Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit or debit cards and smart devices on buses, trains and trams. Only one Tap and Pay ticket can be bought per card or device.
Where can you get help with a metroCARD?
The Adelaide Metro InfoCentre is in Adelaide Railway Station, where you can recharge a metroCARD with cash. Recharges are also available at most Adelaide Metro vending machines and more than 270 retailers across South Australia.