If the flight is the main reason for the trip, staying near the airport at West Beach usually makes the morning easier. If you want restaurants, shopping and a day of sightseeing on either side of the flight, the city gives you more to fill the time with. Here’s how to weigh it up.
Travel time to the terminal
Best Western Adelaide Airport at West Beach is just 2km from the terminal, about a 5-minute drive. The Adelaide CBD sits roughly 7km out, so you’re looking at a 15 to 20 minute trip depending on the time of day and traffic.
For a mid-afternoon flight the difference is small. For a 6am departure, the shorter and more predictable trip is worth a lot. You know exactly how long it takes and you’re not anxiously watching the clock in a taxi.
Getting there for an early flight
If you’re staying at Best Western Adelaide airport, from our West Beach location you can book the hotel shuttle, which runs from 4:40am on weekdays and 6:30am on weekends.
From the city, an early flight means booking a taxi or rideshare in the dark, or catching an airport bus at whatever time it happens to run. If your flight is before the weekend shuttle starts at 6:30am, check a taxi time instead. A taxi from the property takes about 5 minutes.
Parking
At Best Western Adelaide Airport, guests get free off-street parking overnight. If you’re leaving the car for the length of a trip, our property also has long-term parking, so you’re not paying airport rates while you’re away.
City hotels usually charge for parking, and over several nights that adds up. If you’re driving to your stay and leaving the car behind, this is often where the airport option works out easier on cost.
A quiet night before you fly
All 31 rooms at Best Western Adelaide Airport have double-glazed windows and soundproof doors, built for a property this close to an active airport. You get the airport location without the runway noise.
City accommodation varies. A central address can mean street noise, late-night foot traffic and early rubbish trucks, which is less than ideal if you’re up at 4am the next day.
What’s nearby either way
West Beach has the coast a 15-minute walk from the property and Harbour Town shopping centre about 10 minutes on foot, so there’s something to do if you arrive early or have time before checkout. For more on the area, see things to do near Adelaide Airport.
The city has more restaurants, bars and sights within walking distance, which suits a longer stopover. If you’ve got a full day between flights, our guide to making the most of a layover in Adelaide covers what fits into the time.
So which should you choose?
Most guests who choose West Beach are business travellers on weekday stays, catching early flights and wanting a short, reliable run to the terminal. It works the same way for anyone with an early departure, driving and leaving a car, or after a quiet room close to the airport.
The city makes sense if you want to spend a day exploring on foot and you’re not fussed about driving. If you go that way, plan the airport trip ahead so an early departure doesn’t catch you out.
Book your stay near the airport
Book a room at Best Western Adelaide Airport and contact Reception to add the shuttle booking, or ask about it when you check in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 2km, roughly a 5-minute drive.
Yes. It runs from 4:40am on weekdays and 6:30am on weekends, and costs $14 per person (prices subject to change). Bookings are made at reception, at latest, the evening before.
It depends on the room, but staying near the airport can reduce the extra costs, since parking is free overnight and long-term parking avoids airport rates.
No. All rooms have double-glazed windows and soundproof doors, designed for a property this close to the airport.