Getting around Adelaide
Public transport
Adelaide Metro (tel: 1300 311 108, in Australia only; www.adelaidemetro.com.au) runs the bus, train and tram network. You can obtain single-trip and day-trip tickets on-board or from ticket vending machines within InfoCentres at Adelaide Railway Station and from metrocard agents. The rechargeable metrocard, which cannot be purchased onboard, allows you to preload credit for trips.
There is also an unlimited-travel 3-day Visitor Pass, as well as a 28-day pass. The 28-day pass offers a discount off the cost of 40 trips on the bus, train, and tram, and any trips you take beyond this number are free.
The O-Bahn is a unique guided busway. It travels up to 100kph (62mph) on custom-built tracks (inaccessible to other vehicles) between Adelaide City Centre and Tea Tree Plaza Interchange.
The free 99A and 99C City Loop buses run half-hourly on weekdays, serving the inner-city areas. The 98A and 98C connects the city with North Adelaide, running half-hourly every day. You can spot Adelaide’s carbon-neutral Tindo bus (the world’s first 100% solar-powered electric bus) on this route.
Tram rides between the Entertainment Centre and South Terrace are free. Bicycles can be carried on trains free of charge during off-peak times.
Taxis
Reliable taxi companies in Adelaide include Suburban Taxis (tel: +61 8 8400 6280; www.suburbantaxis.com.au), Adelaide Independent Taxis (tel: 13 22 11, in Australia only; www.aitaxis.com.au), and Yellow Cab Co (tel: +61 8 7087 9300; www.yellowcabgroup.com.au).
You can find staff-managed taxi ranks throughout the city, including near the Railway Station on North Terrace, by the Exeter Hotel on Rundle Street, and next to the Hilton Hotel on Victoria Square. It's not mandatory to tip taxis in Adelaide, but passengers frequently do to reward good servicee.
Driving
With its grid orientation and wide roads (originally designed so that horse-and-carts could perform U-turns), Adelaide is mostly gifted with jam-free traffic.
Free parking in the city is restricted, especially during weekdays, but there's plenty of ticketed parking available, both in council and private car parks as well as on the street. Adelaide has no toll roads.
Car hire
Reputable car hire companies include Avis (tel: +61 8 8114 3111; www.avis.com.au), Budget (tel: +61 8 8418 7300; www.budget.com.au), Europcar (tel: +61 8 8114 6350; www.europcar.com.au), Hertz (tel: +61 8 8231 2856; www.hertz.com.au) and Thrifty (tel: +61 8 8410 8977; www.thrifty.com.au).
Bicycle hire
Adelaide is a relaxing city to pedal around, with wide, flat streets and boulevards. Free bike hire is available at multiple locations across the city, courtesy of Adelaide City Council and BikeSA (tel: +61 8 8168 9999; www.bikesa.asn.au/adelaidefreebikes). Helmet, lock and map are included. Just show your photo ID and hop on your wheels.