Getting Around Perth
Perth has a reliable public transport system operated by Transperth, which manages trains, buses, and ferries across the metropolitan area. The network is complemented by extensive road infrastructure, and the city centre is reasonably walkable for visitors. You'll have multiple options for moving around depending on your destination and preferences.
Public Transport Overview
Perth's public transport system includes suburban trains, an extensive bus network, ferries, and free services in the city centre. Transperth provides journey planning through its website and mobile app, which offer real-time updates. Google Maps and Apple Maps also work well for navigation.
Paying for Public Transport
You have three payment options when using Perth's public transport:
- Contactless cards: Visa or Mastercard, including digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Always tag on and tag off to avoid default fares.
- SmartRider card: A reusable smart card costing $10 (which includes $10 travel value). Purchase at Transperth InfoCentres at major stations, including the airport, or other retail outlets. Additional value can be added at the same locations.
- Cash tickets: Paper tickets available from ticket machines at train stations and ferry jetties, or from bus drivers.
Standard fares are $2.40 for journeys under 3.2 kilometres (excluding transfers) or $3.50 for any journey under three hours (including transfers). Failing to have a valid ticket carries a $100 fine, which doubles monthly if unpaid, and can escalate to $20,000 plus court costs.
Free Transit in the City Centre
Perth offers free public transport in the city centre. Train passengers need a contactless card or SmartRider to access the Free Transit Zone—simply tag on and tag off with no fare deducted. Bus passengers do not need a card; just board any bus in the zone. Additionally, five Central Area Transit (CAT) bus routes (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, and Purple) are free for their entire route.
The Suburban Rail Network
The suburban rail network is efficient for reaching outlying areas. All services converge at Perth Station in the city centre. Eight lines serve different parts of the metropolitan area:
- Yanchep Line (northern Perth)
- Mandurah Line (southern Perth)
- Fremantle Line (western Perth)
- Midland Line (eastern Perth, connects to regional rail services)
- Ellenbrook Line (northeastern suburbs)
- Armadale Line (southeastern suburbs)
- Thornlie Line (southern suburbs)
- Airport Line (eastern suburbs, connects to Perth Airport)
During peak hours, trains run every 5–10 minutes. Off-peak and weekend services run every 15 minutes. Services typically start around 5 AM and finish around midnight. Additional services depart Perth at 1 AM and 2 AM on Saturday and Sunday mornings for people returning from nightlife in Northbridge. Weekend track work can cause partial line closures with bus replacements, though entire line closures are rare.
Buses
An extensive bus network serves greater Perth, with many routes acting as feeders to the main rail lines. High-frequency routes connect train stations and bus stations with 15-minute frequencies. The CircleRoute (routes 998 clockwise and 999 anticlockwise) connects train stations on every rail line and multiple bus stations, making it useful for navigating the network.
Ferries
Transperth operates ferry services as part of the public transport network. Cash tickets for ferries can be purchased from jetties.
Walking
The city centre is walkable for visitors, particularly around the main commercial and cultural areas. Many attractions and services are accessible on foot, and the Free Transit Zone means bus travel within the CBD is free if you need it.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available at Perth Airport and throughout the city. Ride-hailing services also operate in Perth, providing an alternative to traditional taxis.
Getting from Perth Airport to the City
Perth Airport has four terminals divided into two precincts. Terminals 1 and 2 are on the eastern side of the runway, while Terminals 3 and 4 are on the western side. A free shuttle bus operates between the two precincts, taking about 15 minutes.
By train: Terminals 1 and 2 have a direct rail link to the city with a flat $5 fare. For Terminals 3 and 4, Redcliffe Station is about a 15-minute walk away, or you can use a shuttle bus from outside the Terminal 4 entrance.
By public bus: Public buses serve the airport and connect to the city's main network.
By taxi or rental car: Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport.
Regional and Long-Distance Transport
For travel beyond Perth, Transwa operates regional train services including the Australind (to Bunbury), the Prospector (to Kalgoorlie), the AvonLink (to Northam), and the MerredinLink (to Merredin). The Indian Pacific passenger rail service connects Perth with Adelaide and Sydney. Long-distance coach services operate north and south from Perth, with Transwa and Integrity Coaches being the main operators.
Road Network
Perth has an extensive road network centred on three freeways and nine metropolitan highways, with no toll roads. The Mitchell Freeway connects the city centre to northern suburbs, the Kwinana Freeway serves southern areas, and the Graham Farmer Freeway (incorporating the Northbridge tunnel) provides a city bypass. If driving, be aware that weekday traffic congestion is worst during morning peak hours (typically 7–9 AM), when traffic can slow significantly. Weekend congestion is less predictable and often centres on beaches, shopping centres, and sporting facilities rather than roads into the CBD.