Bus service reconnects Mildura and Adelaide after years without a direct route

A new bus service connects Mildura in north-west Victoria with Renmark and Adelaide in South Australia.

The Monty Express begins carrying passengers on October 12, nearly six years after the previous bus service on the route stopped.

Its 142-kilometre journey follows the Sturt Highway, with stops at Mildura, Renmark, Adelaide Airport and Adelaide Central Bus Station.

The service will initially run twice a week, leaving Adelaide on Mondays and Thursdays and returning on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Without a direct bus or flight, people travelling between Mildura and Adelaide have had to take long detours or pay more to fly via Melbourne or Sydney.

The service could also help Riverland residents reach Mildura and connect with its bus services and flights.

Under an agreement with the South Australian government, passengers cannot board in South Australia unless they are travelling to Mildura, to avoid affecting an existing coach route.