The cost of the free transport will be absorbed by the state government, the SANFL, the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority and the Adelaide and Port Adelaide football clubs.

This comes after the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority rejected South Australian Government claims that it should help pay for the Footy Express services.

Adelaide chief executive Andrew Fagan said the club would not "pass on the levy" to members next year. "Instead, we will absorb the extra costs ourselves."

However, he said, the base 11-game membership would increase by $10, while a three-game membership would increase by $5.

"There will be in most cases a minimal rise in prices, which were planned and established well before the Public Transport Levy.

"This reflects the higher cost of staging and attending matches in the heart of our city, and Adelaide Oval is no doubt one of the best sporting venues in the world."

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said his club was committed to saving members from the financial burden of the free transport, but confirmed membership packages would increase next year, with details to be released in coming days.

"Our first year at Adelaide Oval has taught us many things including that the cost of playing footy at Adelaide Oval and the cost of going to the footy at Adelaide Oval is higher than it was at AAMI Stadium. This is understandable given the city location and the world class facilities on offer."

South Australia transport minister Stephen Mullighan said more than half of the AFL fans who watched football at the Oval this year used public transport.