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Elizabeth Quay, Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Getting around Perth
With free public transport within the city centre, getting around Perth is quick and easy.
By Mark Sariban
Perth is an easy city to get around via public transport, and the city’s great weather means walking and biking are options all year round. Here’s how to get around Perth with ease.
Transport in Perth
Rottnest Cruises, Rottnest Island, WA © Tourism Western Australia
Perth has an extensive public transport system of buses, trains and ferries. To use the network, it’s recommended that you purchase a Transperth SmartRider card. You can purchase a SmartRider card at Perth Airport, Transperth InfoCentres and SmartRider retail outlets. Your SmartRider card entitles you to a fare discount and a daily maximum spend.
- Before using Perth’s public transport options, you’ll need to load the SmartRider card with some money to cover your fares.
- To start your ride, tap your card on the reader when you board your selected mode of transport and be sure to tap again when you disembark.
Perth is serviced by Perth Airport (PER) to the east of the city centre. There are several options for reaching the city from the airport’s T1/T2 and T3/T4 terminals.
- From the T1 and T2 terminals, take the Airport Line train from Airport Central Station to the city. You can use the SmartRider card to pay for this airport service.
- From the T3 and T4 terminals, take the Route 292 bus to Redcliffe train station. Then take the Airport Line train or a Route 940 bus to the city. You can use the SmartRider card to pay for this airport service.
- You’ll find taxi ranks and rideshare pick-up areas at the front of each terminal – simply follow the signage. The journey from the airport to the city takes around 20 minutes.
In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using mobility devices, as well as services for hearing and vision impaired travellers.
- Perth Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities and can help with baggage, getting around the airport, and getting on and off the plane.
- The majority of buses, trains and ferries have accessible options – check the Transperth website for information on using public transport before your trip.
Getting around Perth on public transport
Ferry, Elizabeth Quay, Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Perth’s rail network is a great way to visit attractions across the city and reach the surrounding suburbs. Within the city centre, there is a Free Transit Zone for trains travelling in the area between City West, Elizabeth Quay and Claisebrook stations. To take advantage of the free fares, you must tap on and off with a SmartRider card.
You can also use bus services without paying a fare in the Free Transit Zone. Be sure to tap on and off with your SmartRider card. Use the Transperth JourneyPlanner to map your route.
- You can also use a free Central Area Transit bus to get around the city.
With a SmartRider card, you can catch a public ferry across the Swan River. From Elizabeth Quay Jetty, a ferry departs for Mends Street Jetty every 15–30 minutes. This is a great way to get to Perth Zoo.
Getting around Perth by car
High St, Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Driving in Perth is easy and safe, but you may find it’s easier to use a combination of taxis, rideshares and public transport to get around town.
If you do opt to rent a car at the airport or in the city, you may want to check whether your hotel charges a daily parking fee.
- The City of Perth operates numerous off-street car parks across the city.
Perth is serviced by several major taxi companies, including Swan Taxis, 13cabs and Black & White Cabs.
- You can hail a taxi on the street or at taxi ranks in built-up areas.
- Supervised taxi ranks operate on Friday and Saturday night on William Street in the city centre, and on Melbourne Street in Northbridge.
- You can also book a taxi by phoning individual companies, downloading their apps or using the GoCatch app.
Tip: Female travellers can also book a ride with Shebah, a rideshare service with all-women drivers catering to women. (Adult men can use the service if they need to transport a child who requires an approved child safety seat.)
Read next
Best hotels and accommodation in Perth
Other forms of transport in Perth
Rottnest Express Ferry, Western Australia © Rottnest Express
The Perth Explorer hop-on, hop-off bus is another great way to see Perth’s attractions. You can purchase a one-day ticket or two-day ticket.
The Little Ferry Co runs a regular electric private ferry service along Swan River between Elizabeth Quay, the On the Point dining and entertainment precinct and Optus Stadium.
- You can also travel to Rottnest Island from Perth via two private ferry services, the Rottnest Express or the SeaLink ferry.
A great way to see Perth is on a cruise on the Swan River, a beautiful waterway winding its way through the city centre.
- Captain Cook Cruises operates scenic cruises on the Swan River as well as longer journeys to the nearby port city of Fremantle.
- Wild West Charters offers daily Swan River tours as well as cruises to Carnac Island, off Fremantle.
With separated bike paths and a network of routes along the banks of the Swan River and through the city centre, it’s easy to get around Perth by bicycle.
