Getting around Adelaide with kids

Driving into the city with children means traffic, parking fees and the dreaded search for a spot big enough for the family car. Adelaide's public transport offers a genuinely good alternative, with free city trams and buses and some generous rules for children. For many kids, the tram or train ride is half the adventure.

This guide explains the rules that matter for families, based on Adelaide Metro's own information. Fares and rules can change, so check the Adelaide Metro website before you travel.

Free travel for children under 5

Adelaide Metro says children younger than 5 travel free when they're with a parent or carer, on all Adelaide Metro services. No ticket is needed.

Free kids with an adult Daytrip

This is the rule many families don't know about. Adelaide Metro says that on weekends, South Australian school holidays and public holidays, two children under 15 can travel free when they're with an adult who's using an adult Daytrip, bought through the Buy & Go app or loaded onto a metroCARD.

There are conditions. The free child travel doesn't apply if the adult is using a Singletrip on a regular or concession metroCARD, or a Seniors Card. If you're planning several trips in a day, a Daytrip can make sense anyway, and the free travel for two children is a bonus.

Student fares

For children who don't qualify for free travel, student fares apply. According to Adelaide Metro:

• children aged 5 to 14 can travel on a student fare and don't need to carry student ID;
• high school students aged 15 or older can travel on a student fare but must carry a physical South Australian government-approved student ID;
• interstate students aged 5 to 14 don't need ID for a student fare, but interstate students aged 15 and over must pay a regular fare;
• university and tertiary students aren't eligible for student fares but may be eligible for concession fares.

A student metroCARD can be bought for regular travellers. Adelaide Metro says the card costs $3.50 and needs a minimum $5 load before use.

The free city tram zone

Adelaide Metro says tram travel around the CBD is free within the zone between the South Terrace stop, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Festival Plaza and the Botanic Gardens. That covers much of what families want to see in the city, including North Terrace with the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery and the Botanic Garden. The Art Gallery says trams run frequently along North Terrace, and the Botanic Gardens say their tram stop is about 100 metres from the main gate.

If you stay on the tram past South Terrace heading towards Glenelg, you'll need a fare.

The Jetty Road tram at Glenelg

At the beach end, Adelaide Metro says the tram is free between the Brighton Road and Moseley Square stops. That's handy for hopping along Jetty Road to the beach and jetty. Travelling between Brighton Road and the city requires a fare.

Free city connector buses

Adelaide Metro runs free city connector buses that link city attractions, shopping, dining and services. It says:

• routes 98A and 98C run a larger loop around the city, extending to North Adelaide, every day;
• routes 99A and 99C run a smaller inner-city loop, Monday to Friday;
• buses start just before 7am and finish at 7.15pm, or 9.15pm on Fridays.

You don't need a metroCARD for free services.

Travelling with prams and young children

A few tips make public transport with little ones easier:

1. Travel outside peak times when you can, for more space.
2. Use the designated spaces for prams and wheelchairs, and give way to passengers who need them.
3. Fold the pram if the service is crowded and it's safe to do so.
4. Hold hands on platforms and at stops, and stand well back from the edge.
5. Pack light and keep snacks handy for delays.
6. Plan your route with the Adelaide Metro journey planner before you go.

A sample car-free day

• Catch a train or bus into the city (under 5s free; on weekends, two kids under 15 free with an adult Daytrip).
• Ride the free tram along North Terrace to the museum or gallery.
• Walk to the Botanic Garden for a picnic.
• Take the tram to Glenelg for an afternoon at the beach (fare required between South Terrace and Brighton Road).
• Ride home.

See free days out and beaches with kids for more ideas.

Driving instead?

If you do drive, check parking rules at your destination. At Adelaide Botanic Garden, for example, the gardens say parking is ticketed from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and free on Sundays and public holidays. Popular hills spots such as Waterfall Gully can have limited parking on weekends, so arrive early.

Buying tickets

Adelaide Metro offers several ways to pay, including metroCARDs and the Buy & Go app. If you're visiting Adelaide, or only travel occasionally, check the Adelaide Metro website for the option that suits you best. Remember that the free child travel with an adult Daytrip applies only when the adult is using a Daytrip bought through the Buy & Go app or loaded onto a metroCARD, and only on weekends, SA school holidays and public holidays.

Trains, trams and buses: which is best?

• Trams are ideal for the city and the Glenelg line, with the free city zone and free Jetty Road section at Glenelg.
• Trains connect Adelaide Railway Station, a short walk from North Terrace, with the suburbs.
• Buses cover much of metropolitan Adelaide, and the free city connector loops cover the CBD and North Adelaide.

Use the Adelaide Metro journey planner to combine them.

Teaching children to use public transport

Public transport is a great way to build children's independence. Start by explaining how to read timetables and route numbers, where to wait, how to signal a bus, how to tap on and off, and what to do if they miss their stop. Older children and teens can practise with you before travelling alone. Make sure they know who to ask for help, such as drivers or customer service staff, and have your phone number.

Accessibility

If you're travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid or pram, check the Adelaide Metro website for accessibility information about stations, stops and vehicles, and plan your route in advance. Allow extra time, especially at busy times.

Late finishes

Adelaide Metro says the free city connector buses finish at 7.15pm, or 9.15pm on Fridays. If you're staying in the city later, check the regular services home before you go.

Making the journey fun

For young children, the trip itself can be the highlight. Let them press the stop button, count the stops, spot landmarks out the window or guess which tram number will come next. A small snack and a book help with longer rides.

Key points

• Children under 5 travel free with a parent or carer.
• On weekends, SA school holidays and public holidays, two kids under 15 travel free with an adult Daytrip.
• Children aged 5 to 14 pay student fares without needing ID.
• City trams in the free zone and the 98 and 99 connector buses are free.
• The Jetty Road tram at Glenelg is free between Brighton Road and Moseley Square.