How to Travel from Adelaide to Melbourne: Your Ultimate Guide

Knowing the distance and travel options makes planning a trip between Adelaide and Melbourne much more manageable.

The distance and travel time can vary depending on whether you’re driving, flying, or considering a scenic road trip.

I’ll break down the options, including the quickest routes, must-see stops, and what to expect on the journey.

Continue reading to discover the travel option that best suits you!

🔍 Table of Contents

Getting to Melbourne from Adelaide: The Most Popular Routes

The iconic Great Ocean Road sign in Victoria, Australia, marking the start of this famous coastal drive. This gateway leads to some of the best places to stay on the Great Ocean Road, offering scenic views and unforgettable experiences along the journey.

Driving from Adelaide to Melbourne allows you to explore at your own pace, and there are a few different ways to get there.

The Fastest Route

The most direct route is via the Western Highway (A8) and National Highway M8, covering about 725 kilometres.

This route takes approximately 8 hours to drive and passes through towns such as Bordertown, Horsham, and Ballarat North.

The Scenic Coastal Route

The Great Ocean Road is an unforgettable drive if you have extra time.

This roughly 966-kilometre journey takes you past the Twelve Apostles, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside towns.

It adds a few hours to your trip, but it is well worth it for the views.

The Inland Route

For something different, the Mallee Highway offers a quieter drive through wheat fields and rural towns.

This route is approximately 800 kilometres long and is an excellent option for those seeking to experience Australia’s heartland of farming.

Flying Between Adelaide and Melbourne

If you’d rather skip the long drive, flying between Adelaide and Melbourne is the fastest and easiest option.

With regular direct flights running throughout the day, you can travel from one city to another in just one hour and fifteen minutes.

Major airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar, operate this route, departing from Adelaide Airport’s Terminal 1 and arriving at Melbourne Airport’s Terminals 1 or 3, depending on the airline.

The route covers around 640 kilometres, and if the weather’s clear, you might even catch a glimpse of the coastline from above.

Flights tend to be more frequent during peak travel seasons, so it’s advisable to check schedules in advance if you plan a trip.

Train Travel Options and Duration

If you’re looking for a relaxed journey with scenic views, the Overland train is an excellent option between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Running twice a week, the trip takes around 12 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the changing landscapes—from rolling wheat fields to quiet country towns.

The train leaves Adelaide in the morning and arrives in Melbourne by evening, making it an easy daytime trip.

You can book a Red Standard seat for a budget-friendly ride or upgrade to Red Premium for extra space and included meals.

Seats fill up fast, especially during holidays, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you plan to take the train.

Bus Services and Journey Times

A yellow bus on the streets of Adelaide, illustrating the public transport options available in Australia for the post 'Does Australia Have Good Public Transport?"

Taking the bus is a solid option for those seeking a budget-friendly way to travel from Adelaide to Melbourne.

The trip takes 11 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

Services run multiple times daily; overnight options are available for those who prefer to sleep through the journey.

Buses depart from Adelaide Central Bus Station and arrive at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, making it easy to connect to public transport on either end.

Most coaches have reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard toilets.

There are also a few rest stops so you can stretch your legs.

It’s a longer journey than flying, but much cheaper, making it an excellent choice for budget travellers.

Best Stops Along the Way

Whether you’re taking the coastal route for the breathtaking ocean views or the inland route for a faster journey through regional towns, there are plenty of great places to stop from Adelaide to Melbourne.

Coastal Route Highlights

If you have extra time and love scenic landscapes, the coastal route offers some of South Australia’s and Victoria’s most spectacular stops.

Robe

A charming seaside town known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and historic limestone cottages.

Take a stroll along Long Beach, enjoy fish and chips by the water, or explore the local wineries in the area.

Coorong National Park

This vast stretch of wetlands, lagoons, and dunes is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

You can take a short walk along the boardwalks or even try kayaking for a closer look at the diverse wildlife.

Mount Gambier

One of the most fascinating stops, Mount Gambier is home to Blue Lake, a crater lake that turns a vibrant cobalt blue each summer.

You can also explore the Umpherston Sinkhole, a lush sunken garden hidden in a collapsed limestone cave.

The Great Ocean Road

If you extend your coastal drive past Warrnambool, you’ll be rewarded with one of the world’s most famous coastal drives.

Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the rugged cliffs of Port Campbell National Park.

Fastest Route Highlights

If you’re looking for a quicker and more direct journey, the inland route offers numerous cultural and natural attractions to break up the drive.

Grampians National Park

A must-visit for nature lovers, the Grampians offer breathtaking hikes, waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art sites.

If you have time, consider visiting MacKenzie Falls or taking in the panoramic views from The Pinnacle Lookout.

Ballarat

This historic gold rush town allows you to step back in time at Sovereign Hill, an outdoor museum where you can pan for gold and watch blacksmiths at work. Ballarat also has stunning botanical gardens and a thriving café scene.

Horsham

An excellent stop for a quick meal and a stretch, Horsham serves as a gateway to the Wimmera region, renowned for its rural charm and surrounding national parks.

Little Desert National Park

If you’re travelling in spring, this park comes alive with vibrant wildflowers and unique native plants.

There are also plenty of short walking trails where you might spot emus and kangaroos.

Which Route Should You Choose?

If you’re short on time, the fastest route (8 hours) is your best bet.
If you enjoy stunning coastal scenery and don’t mind a longer drive (11+ hours), the coastal route is the way to go.
Want the best of both? Take the coastal route to Melbourne and return via the inland route for ocean views and regional highlights.

Seasonal Weather Considerations

A dramatic contrast of a brewing summer storm over Melbourne, with dark thunderclouds on one side and clear skies on the other, over the city's skyline. This striking image highlights the erratic nature of Melbourne's climate, underscoring the blog's topic of 'why Melbourne weather is unpredictable'.

The weather conditions between Adelaide and Melbourne vary throughout the year, so it’s worth considering the weather before planning your trip.

Summer (December to February) is hot and unpredictable, with Adelaide often exceeding 35°C and Melbourne experiencing sudden temperature changes.

Bring extra water and sunscreen if you’re driving, as regional areas can be scorching.

Autumn (March to May) offers mild temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, making it one of the best times to travel, whether exploring wineries in the Yarra Valley or hiking in the Grampians.

Winter (June to August) is cool and rainy, with Melbourne experiencing frequent wet and overcast days.

If you’re flying, be prepared for possible weather-related delays.

Road travellers should watch for wet conditions, especially along the coastal route.

Spring (September to November) brings mild temperatures but can be pretty windy, particularly in Melbourne and along the Great Ocean Road, which may impact driving conditions.

Time Zone Differences to Remember

Adelaide and Melbourne are in different time zones, with Adelaide running 30 minutes behind Melbourne.

Adelaide follows Australian Central Standard Time (ACST, UTC+9:30).

At the same time, Melbourne operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10:00).

During daylight saving time (October to April), Adelaide moves to Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT, UTC+10:30), and Melbourne shifts to Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT, UTC+11:00)—but the time gap stays the same.

If booking flights or planning meetings, keep the difference in mind to avoid mix-ups.

Final Thoughts

Travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne offers plenty of choices, each with its benefits.

If you’re short on time, flying is the fastest option, getting you there in just over an hour.

For those who love road trips, driving allows you to explore at your own pace, choosing a direct inland route or the breathtaking coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road.

Train travel offers a relaxed and scenic alternative, while the bus is the most budget-friendly option, ideal for those seeking to save money.

Seasonal weather, travel costs, and journey durations all affect the choice of travel method.

Whether you’re after efficiency, adventure, or affordability, planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey between these two vibrant cities.