Getting There and Away

Capture the majestic Uluru rock formation glowing under the sunset. A natural wonder in Australia's Outback.
Jonas Schallenberg, Pexels

Perth is serviced by Perth Airport (PER) for air travel. Within the city, major transport hubs include Perth Station, Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, and Perth Busport. Ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Boat Harbour.

By Air:

Perth Airport (PER) is the primary gateway, with direct flights from various international locations and major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Domestic flights from Sydney typically take around four hours. Return flight costs can vary widely, with estimates ranging from approximately $209 to $296 USD, while one-way tickets may start from $108 USD.

From Perth Airport to City Centre:

  • Train (Airport Line):: This service connects the airport directly to Perth CBD. The journey from Airport Central (Terminals 1 & 2) takes about 18 to 20 minutes, while from Redcliffe Station (Terminals 3 & 4), it is around 17 minutes, requiring a free shuttle bus connection to the terminals. A single ticket is approximately AUD $5.00 to $5.10, with trains running every 12 to 15 minutes during peak and off-peak times, and every 30 minutes at night.
  • Bus (Transperth):: Regular bus services operate from the airport to the city. Route 380 connects Terminals 1 & 2 to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, and Route 40 serves Terminals 3 & 4 to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. The Route 935 also runs to the city. Fares are zone-based, and purchasing a SmartRider card offers discounted rates.
  • Taxi/Rideshare:: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber, Ola, and DiDi are available with dedicated pick-up zones at the airport. A trip to the CBD takes about 20 to 30 minutes and costs approximately AUD $30 to $40, plus a $4 airport fee.

By Train (Interstate):

The Indian Pacific offers a unique rail journey to Perth from Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide, crossing the Nullarbor Plain.

By Coach (Interstate):

Bus and coach services provide a budget-friendly option for long-distance travel to Perth, such as from Adelaide across the Nullarbor Plain.

Within Perth (Public Transport):

Transperth operates an extensive network of buses, trains, and ferries. A SmartRider card is recommended for discounted fares. The city centre also features a Free Transit Zone (FTZ) and free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses for convenient travel within the CBD.

By Car Rental:

Major car hire companies have branches at Perth Airport and in the city, providing flexibility for exploring at one's own pace.