Event-based data transfer scheduling using elastic network optimization criteria is provided. Bandwidth optimization criteria corresponding to different types of data transfer event scenarios are maintained, and based on recognizing a data transfer event scenario, a bandwidth optimization criteria is selected based on a type of the data transfer event scenario. A schedule for transferring data from a source to a target across the elastic network is determined according to the selected bandwidth optimization criteria, and the elastic network is used in transferring the data to the target storage location, where the using includes dynamically configuring elastic network bandwidth allocation from an elastic network service provider and initiating transfer of the data to the target storage location according to the schedule.