Travelling from Adelaide to Sydney
Only a short trip from the Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains, Sydney is far more than a beachside business district. Unearth the wonder of regional New South Wales when you book flights from Adelaide to Sydney with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Adelaide to Sydney flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to this incredible destination.
Arriving at Sydney Airport
Once you arrive at Sydney Airport it’s an 8-kilometre journey to Sydney CBD. The most value friendly and by far easiest commute option to central Sydney is the 13-minute ride on Airport Link train. You can either purchase an Opal Card at the station (very handy to have for the rest of your travels in Sydney), or tap on with your Visa, Amex or Mastercard.
Other options include taxi, rideshare, and rental car.
You will arrive into Terminal 2 (T2) at Sydney Airport, from there make your way outside the terminal to the various transport services.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Sydney City)
- Taxi and rideshare: 25-45mins – approx. $55
- Airport Link Train: 13mins – approx. $18
Read more in our Sydney Airport Guide.
Departing from Adelaide Airport
Located a close 6km from central Adelaide, Adelaide Airport is best accessed by the local metro bus service, which operates from Glenelg, West Beach, and the City. You can purchase the ticket from the bus drivers.
Alternatively, travel to Adelaide Airport via taxi or rideshare – or self-drive and utilise the airport parking options. In non-peak hour the drive is approximately 15 minutes from Adelaide CBD. Naturally allow more travel time if you’re commuting to Adelaide Airport in peak-hour.
What time do you need to arrive at Adelaide Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at Adelaide Airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee or snack on your way to the departure gate, without feeling too rushed.
Read more in our Adelaide Airport Guide.
Sydney Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours in Sydney? Here’s our handy guide so you can fit in as many attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am - Coffee at Deckhouse Cafe
From Sydney Airport, hop on the Airport Link Train through to Circular Quay, and once you’ve dropped your bags off at your hotel make your way to Deckhouse Café, located on the foreshore of Woolwich Dock overlooking majestic Sydney Harbour, for a coffee pick-me-up.
9.30am – Harbour Bridge Climb
Time for your first Sydney adventure and one with the most impressive aerial views of Sydney. You’re booked on the 10am, 90-minute BridgeClimb - enjoy!
11.30am – Walking The Rocks
Next you will be walking the historic area of The Rocks. If visiting on Saturday or Sunday don’t miss a visit to The Rocks Markets, otherwise walk the cobblestone streets and explore the galleries (we love pop-art ‘Pop on the Rocks’), the luxury and emerging designer shops, and the unique homeware shops.
12.30pm – Lunch in Manly
Time to hop on the ferry at Circular Quay across to beachside Manly, for a spot of lunch. Option A is Fish Café for tasty seafood meals, this café/restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegan options, Option B is Hugos Manly - located on Manly Wharf, known for their fresh contemporary Italian cuisine.
2pm – Shopping on Oxford Street
You will be tempted to head to the beach, but there’s so much more to see today. Shopping is next on the itinerary, and today you’re off to Oxford Street in Paddington - explore the designer boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, and chocolatiers.
4pm – Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Back to the historic Rocks area, your next stop is the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), Sydney’s contemporary art haven, home to both permanent collections and seasonal exhibitions.
5pm – Catch a Show at the Lyric Theatre
You’re off to the theatre – something Sydney is renowned for. Catch the phenomenal musical “Hamilton” from March 2021 at Sydney Lyric Theatre in Pyrmont, or “Come From Away” at Capitol Theatre in the City.
8pm – Dinner at Automata
It’s dinner time, and tonight is a degustation with a difference at Automata in Chippendale, with its perfect mix of culinary finesse and urban grit. Casual too, you won’t be out of place in Nikes here.
11pm – A night cap at the Baxter Inn
The last stop for the day – we’re back to the City for a nightcap at The Baxter Inn, a sophisticated bar serving top-shelf whiskies, plus classic cocktails, where you can reminisce on your incredible day in the Harbour City.
Where to stay in Sydney?
Sydney offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, throughout the city, inner-city suburbs, and further afield.
Sydney CBD
Always electric, Sydney CBD is a great area to stay in to be close to cafes, restaurants, and key attractions around and close by, including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, and Taronga Zoo (via ferry), plus world class art galleries and museums. Choose to stay in Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, The Rocks, or for a quieter scene, Barangaroo.
Sydney's Inner West
For a bohemian artsy-vibe book a stay in Sydney’s inner west. There’s Newtown - a neighbourhood that relishes theatre, music, food, and design; and music-centric Enmore, home to the iconic Enmore Theatre.
Sydney's Eastern Beaches
For a beach stay, we recommend Sydney’s Eastern Beaches. Stay in Coogee – home to backpackers and a fun surfer vibe, or Bondi a famous beach suburb that features a hipster vibe, youth fashion, and incredible ocean views. For a fancier area, stay in Watson Bay - a more affluent beach precinct.
Sydney's Inner East
If you love to stay amongst galleries, vintage shops and cafés choose accommodation in Sydney’s Inner East. There’s Sydney’s famous neighbourhood Paddington with its designer boutiques and iconic terrace houses, Surry Hills – offering everything from coffee joints to bars, and Potts Point featuring wine bars and stunning art deco architecture.
Sydney's North Shore
For a more upmarket beach scene, book accommodation on Sydney’s North Shore at either Mosman - the hot-property spot also home to famous Taronga Zoo, Milsons Point - for stunning harbour views and Luna Park, or Balmoral Beach - great for the active-types with the nearby bushwalks and water sports.
Sydney's Northern Beaches
Each of Sydney’s Northern Beaches has their own neighbourhood style. Stay in Newport for its friendly neighbourhood beach feel; Manly - a scenic ferry ride away from the City, if you don’t mind a Sunday session and casual surf vibe; and if wanting a beach escape outside of the city drive 40 kilometres out of Sydney to stay in Palm Beach.
Sydney's South
In Sydney’s South - Rosebery offers an industrial vibe full of yoga studios, designer warehouses, and a hip foodie scene (even a gin distillery) – it’s ideal for young families and millennials. Alternatively stay in ‘The Shire’ - Cronulla - if surfing, footy and fishing is more your style.
When to visit Sydney?
Sydney is a fantastic year-round destination to visit, with a full and varied event calendar, and so much to see and do throughout the year.
The most popular time to visit Sydney is the Summer months (December to February), the city alive with festivals, events and sports.
Sydney peak season
The most popular time for Adelaide locals to visit Sydney is the Summer months (December to February), as Sydney is alive with events, festivals, sport, and musicals.
Sydney low season
Alternatively, book your flight from Adelaide to Sydney for Autumn (March to May) when it’s less crowded, and you’ll also bound to find a great value airfare too. Compared to Adelaide you may find the Winter months in Sydney (June to August) milder. September is also a great time to visit, nab an affordable airfare and enjoy a stunning Spring in Sydney.
Sydney hosts an array of key events that draws visitors throughout the year, including Vivid Sydney’s Festival of Light (August), Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (March), Sydney Royal Easter Show (April), and Sydney Comedy Festival (April/May).
What to pack for your trip to Sydney?
Sydney is generally warm year-round, with some cooler temperatures throughout the shoulder seasons, and during winter you may find it a little milder than back home in Adelaide. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a day bag for your urban adventures, a jacket, and smart shoes for nights out.
Must Packs
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- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, long-sleeved tops, medium-weight jacket
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Adelaide to Sydney - Quick facts
Plane |
Boeing 737-800 |
|---|---|
Airport |
Kingsford Smith Airport (T2) |
Airport transfer time |
25mins to city |
Average flight time |
1hr 50mins |
Timezone |
GMT +10/+11 |
Cabins |
Business, Economy X, Economy |
Frequently asked questions - Adelaide to Sydney flights
The average time for your flight from Adelaide to Sydney is 1 hour and 55 minutes direct, some flights longer involving a stopover.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 1,160 kilometres on your flight with Virgin Australia from Adelaide to Sydney.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 3 times a day direct from Adelaide to Sydney, and an additional 14 flights that include a stopover. Virgin Australia operate regularly scheduled flights from 6.05am to 5.45pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Adelaide to Sydney route. Find out more information on our fleet here.