The central business district of Adelaide, including Rundle Mall shopping precinct, North Terrace cultural boulevard, and the Central Market.

About Adelaide City Center (Rundle Mall)

Rundle Mall is Adelaide's premier shopping and social hub, a pedestrianized street stretching through the heart of the CBD. The mall features major retailers, boutique shops, and the iconic Rundle Mall Pigs bronze sculptures that have become an unofficial city symbol. It's the natural starting point for exploring Adelaide on foot.

Adelaide's city center is remarkably walkable, laid out in a grid pattern surrounded by parklands designed by Colonel William Light in 1837. From Rundle Mall, visitors can easily walk to the Central Market (one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest fresh produce markets), the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the Adelaide Oval — all within 15 minutes on foot.

The city serves as a gateway to some of Australia's finest wine regions. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills are each under an hour's drive, making Adelaide a top destination for food and wine tourism. The relaxed pace of life and excellent restaurant scene have earned it the nickname 'the 20-minute city.'

Nearby Landmarks

Rundle Mall Pigs Adelaide Central Market Adelaide Oval Art Gallery of SA

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AUD $25-30 (~$17-20 USD)
Time 15-20 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost AUD $18-24 (~$12-16 USD)
Time 15-20 min

Ground Transport area, follow ride-share signs

Step-by-Step Directions

Board at bus stop outside terminal. Runs every 15-30 minutes to city center via major hotels.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AUD $25-30 (~$17-20 USD) 15-20 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare AUD $18-24 (~$12-16 USD) 15-20 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, taxis are available 24/7 from the airport taxi rank (expect AUD 25-35 to the CBD). Uber and DiDi operate in Adelaide around the clock. The JetBus airport shuttle does not run after midnight. Adelaide is very safe for late-night arrivals — the CBD is compact and well-lit.

Luggage Tips

The short distance means any vehicle handles luggage easily. Taxis and rideshares accommodate standard luggage. The JetBus has dedicated luggage storage. If heading to Rundle Mall with heavy bags, note that the mall is pedestrianized — you'll need to walk the final block from the nearest drop-off point on Grenfell or Rundle streets.

Accessibility

Adelaide Airport is modern and fully wheelchair accessible. The JetBus (J1/J2) has low-floor boarding with wheelchair spaces. Rundle Mall itself is flat and fully accessible with tactile paving. Adelaide's CBD is one of Australia's most accessible city centers, with wide footpaths and accessible tram stops.