Adelaide Airport arrival guide for international students

Landing in a new country after a long flight is a lot to take in. This guide walks you through Adelaide Airport, from the plane to your first night, so you know what’s coming at each step.

The bus fare here is approximate. It was last checked on 2 Nov 2026 and fares do change, so check the official links under Sources before you travel.

Through arrivals: passport control, customs and biosecurity

After you leave the plane you go through passport control, collect your bags, then go through customs and biosecurity before you’re out in the arrivals hall (Tourism Australia). Our guide to arriving in Australia covers each step, including SmartGates, the passenger card and bringing medicines.

Meeting someone at the airport

If someone is meeting you on foot, the place to meet is the International Arrivals area, on the ground floor (Adelaide Airport).

If they’re collecting you by car, the place to meet is the Pick-Up zone between Terminal Car Park P1 and the pedestrian plaza. It’s kerbside only (Adelaide Airport).

Because it’s kerbside only, the easiest plan is for your driver to come in only once you’re ready. When you have your bags and you’re through biosecurity, send them something like this:

I’ve landed at Adelaide. Please meet me at the Pick-Up zone between Terminal Car Park P1 and the pedestrian plaza. It’s kerbside only.

Being picked up by car

Your driver should use the Pick-Up zone between Terminal Car Park P1 and the pedestrian plaza. It’s kerbside only (Adelaide Airport).

Here’s a made-up example of how it can go smoothly. Kofi’s friend from his course is collecting him. Kofi messages when the plane reaches the gate, then goes through passport control, collects his bags and goes through biosecurity. Only then does he send the message above and walk out to the Pick-Up zone. His friend pulls up at the kerb a few minutes later, and they’re away.

Getting from Adelaide Airport to the city

There are three main ways into the city. The bus fare is approximate and was last checked on 2 Nov 2026.

Bus

• About $4.40, about 25 minutes.
• Take Adelaide Metro bus J1 or J2 from Stop 10, at the front of the terminal. Tap and pay with your card (Adelaide Metro).

The bus suits you best if you’re travelling light.

Rideshare

• Usually more than public transport, depending on traffic and the time of day. Check the estimate in your rideshare app before you book.
• Follow the Rideshare signs.

Taxi

• Usually more than public transport, depending on traffic and the time of day.
• Follow the Taxi signs.

Which one should you choose?

• One suitcase, daytime, on a budget: the J1 or J2 bus, at about $4.40.
• Lots of luggage, travelling late, or very tired: a rideshare or taxi takes you to the door. It usually costs more than public transport.
• Someone’s collecting you: the Pick-Up zone between Terminal Car Park P1 and the pedestrian plaza, as above.

Paying for transport: metroCARD and contactless

You don’t have to buy a card before your first trip. You can buy a metroCARD from the machine at Stop 10, or tap and pay with your card (Adelaide Metro).

On Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams, you can use a metroCARD, or tap a debit or credit card or a digital wallet on the validator to pay a regular fare (Adelaide Metro).

If your card was issued overseas, check with your bank about international transaction fees before you rely on it for transport.

For more on getting a transport card, see our first week in Australia checklist.

SIM cards and Wi-Fi

Before a prepaid mobile service can be used, the provider has to check your identity, such as your name, date of birth and address. Bring your passport or other ID when you buy or set up the SIM (ACMA).

The terminal has a free Wi-Fi service. Session time and download limits may apply (Adelaide Airport).

Once you have an Australian number, watch out for scam texts. They often pretend to be your bank, your telco or a delivery company. Don’t tap links in texts you weren’t expecting: use the organisation’s own app or website, and never share passwords or one-time codes (ACMA).

Your first night

You made it. A few things worth knowing before you sleep:

• Emergencies: call Triple Zero (000). Calls are free. Say Police, Fire or Ambulance and give your exact location (Triple Zero Australia). From a mobile you can also dial 112, which reaches the same service (Triple Zero Australia).
• Feeling unwell but it’s not an emergency? The healthdirect helpline, 1800 022 222, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a registered nurse can speak with you. If English isn’t your main language, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be transferred (healthdirect).
• Non-urgent police help in South Australia: dial 131 444 (SA Police).
• Arriving in summer? Sip water even when you’re not thirsty, and avoid being outdoors between 11am and 3pm on very hot days (healthdirect).
• Check your clock. South Australia moves its clocks forward an hour for daylight saving from October to April, so the time difference with home may not be what you expect (Study Adelaide).
• Still looking for a room? Rental scams often use cheap listings, an owner who is overseas and can’t show the place, and a request for money upfront. See a place in person, or ask someone you trust to, before you pay anything (Scamwatch).

Tomorrow, start on the first week checklist. When you’re ready to look for work, our Australian CV guide is the next step.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get from Adelaide Airport to the city?

About $4.40 on the J1 or J2 bus (approximate, last checked 2 Nov 2026). A rideshare or taxi usually costs more and depends on traffic and the time of day.

Where should my friend pick me up?

At the Pick-Up zone between Terminal Car Park P1 and the pedestrian plaza. It’s kerbside only, so message them once you have your bags and you’re through biosecurity.

Do I need to buy a metroCARD at the airport?

No. You can tap and pay with your card, or buy a metroCARD from the machine at Stop 10.

Can I use my phone as soon as I land?

You’ll need ID for a prepaid SIM, so keep your passport handy. Until then, the terminal has free Wi-Fi.

What number do I call in an emergency?

Triple Zero (000). From a mobile, 112 reaches the same service.