Around Perth CBD, Northbridge and Elizabeth Quay
- Usually simplest
- Walk and use free CAT buses
- Check first
- CAT route and operating time
Transport
Getting Around Perth
Perth is straightforward to explore once you choose the right mode for the trip. Trains and buses cover the metropolitan area, free CAT buses serve central precincts, one Transperth ferry crosses to South Perth, and taxis and rideshare fill the gaps. A car is useful for some outer areas and day trips, but it is not essential for a city-based visit.
Current visitor information
Verified summary
- Visa, Mastercard and digital wallets can be used directly on Transperth at the standard cash fare. Tag on and off with the same card or device.
- The standard Go Anywhere fare is $3.50 and allows network-wide travel for up to three hours. Daily travel is capped at the $7.00 DayRider rate. Fares shown are effective from 1 January 2026.
- CAT buses are free. Bus trips entirely inside the CBD Free Transit Zone are also free. Free train travel inside the zone requires a SmartRider or contactless payment method and normal tag-on and tag-off.
- Airport Central Station serves T1 and T2. For T3 and T4, use Redcliffe Station and transfer to the free Route 292 shuttle.
- Routes, timetables, disruptions, fares, parking prices and commercial ride prices can change. Use the official live planners before departure.
Verified Stable official fact checked on the displayed date.
Check live Timetable, service availability or price that can change.
Before publishing Exact airport pickup fee omitted while official sources disagree.
Choose The Best Way
Start With The Trip, Not The Mode
Compare the whole journey, including walking, transfers, luggage and the return trip.
Perth Airport T1 or T2 to the city
- Usually simplest
- Airport Line from Airport Central
- Check first
- Your terminal and live train time
Perth Airport T3 or T4 to the city
- Usually simplest
- Route 292 to Redcliffe, then Airport Line
- Check first
- Shuttle and train connection
Perth to Fremantle
- Usually simplest
- Fremantle Line
- Check first
- Service updates and the walk from the station
Perth to South Perth or Perth Zoo
- Usually simplest
- Ferry to Mends Street, then walk or connect
- Check first
- Ferry timetable and walking comfort
Perth to Cottesloe Beach
- Usually simplest
- Fremantle Line plus a walk or local connection
- Check first
- Heat, walking distance and return service
Perth to Scarborough Beach
- Usually simplest
- Train to Stirling, then the free Surf CAT
- Check first
- Current CAT timetable
Kings Park from the city
- Usually simplest
- Blue or Purple CAT, walking, taxi or rideshare
- Check first
- Stop location and return time
Swan Valley or dispersed outer attractions
- Usually simplest
- Planned public transport, tour, taxi, rideshare or car
- Check first
- Distance between stops and return options
A late return, heavy luggage or several travellers
- Usually simplest
- Taxi or rideshare may be more practical
- Check first
- Live price, vehicle size and pickup point
There is no single best mode for every day. Compare total walking, transfers, waiting time, luggage and the return journey - not only the first leg.
On this page
Public Transport
Public Transport And Fares
Transperth operates Perth's metropolitan trains, buses and ferry. Its JourneyPlanner combines the modes and shows the current route, departure options and expected fare.
The Easiest Payment Choice For Most Visitors
For a short stay, contactless payment is usually the simplest option. Use an accepted Visa or Mastercard, or the same card through a digital wallet, at the validator when you start and finish each journey.
- Tag on and tag off for every trip.
- Use exactly the same physical card or the same phone or watch for both actions.
- A physical card and its copy in a digital wallet count as different payment methods.
- Present only one card or device to avoid card clash.
- Contactless travel is charged at the standard cash fare.
- Concession fares still require an eligible SmartRider.
- Contactless and SmartRider fares are automatically capped at the applicable Go Anywhere and DayRider limits.
Standard Fares
Fares effective from 1 January 2026:
| Fare | Cash or contactless | SmartRider 10% discount | SmartRider 20% Autoload discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Sections | $2.40 | $2.16 | $1.92 |
| Go Anywhere | $3.50 | $3.15 | $2.80 |
| DayRider | $7.00 | Automatic daily cap | Automatic daily cap |
| FamilyRider | $7.00 cash ticket | Not applicable | Not applicable |
A 2 Sections fare covers a one-way trip of 3.2 kilometres or less on one service. A Go Anywhere fare allows any combination of Transperth bus, train and ferry travel across the network for up to three hours.
The FamilyRider provides unlimited travel for a group of up to seven people, with no more than two standard-fare travellers. It is cash-only and has time restrictions. Check the current Transperth fare page before relying on it.
SmartRider
A Standard SmartRider is reusable and non-refundable. It currently costs $20, which includes $10 of travel value, and gives a 10% fare discount. A 20% discount applies with Autoload.
SmartRider can suit a longer stay or frequent travel. Contactless is often simpler for a short visit because it has no card purchase cost or setup, although it does not receive the SmartRider discount.
Cash
Cash tickets can be bought from ticket machines at train stations and ferry jetties. Those machines also accept cards. Cash can be paid to a bus driver, but no change is given, so carry the exact fare.
Free Travel
CAT buses: CAT services are free. No ticket is required.
Bus Free Transit Zone: A bus journey is free when it starts and finishes inside the signed Free Transit Zone. Look for the FTZ logo at the stop.
Train Free Transit Zone: Train travel is free between City West, Elizabeth Quay and Claisebrook stations when the journey starts and finishes inside the zone. You must use a SmartRider or contactless payment method and tag on and off normally.
Every Sunday Free: Transperth bus, train and ferry travel is free on Sundays for passengers using contactless or a SmartRider that does not have a negative balance. Tag on and off as normal. The offer does not cover late-night services after midnight on Saturday, and cash passengers still need a ticket.
Rail
Trains
Perth's train network has eight lines: Airport, Armadale, Ellenbrook, Fremantle, Mandurah, Midland, Thornlie-Cockburn and Yanchep.
Visitor-useful examples include:
- Airport Line for the airport precinct and connections east of the city.
- Fremantle Line for Fremantle and stations used to reach Cottesloe.
- Yanchep Line for northern suburbs and the Stirling connection to Scarborough.
- Mandurah Line for southern suburbs and Mandurah.
- Armadale and Thornlie-Cockburn lines for south-eastern and cross-suburban connections.
- Midland and Ellenbrook lines for eastern and north-eastern connections.
Perth Station and Perth Underground are connected central stations but serve different lines. Read the station and platform shown in JourneyPlanner instead of assuming every train leaves from the same building.
Check live Use the official system map for orientation and JourneyPlanner for the actual trip. Check service updates for planned closures, replacement buses and event changes.
Bus
Buses And Free CAT Buses
Regular Transperth buses fill most gaps between railway stations, beaches, attractions and suburbs. Route numbers, stops and frequencies can change, so use JourneyPlanner rather than copying an old route from a blog.
Central Area Transit services are the easiest visitor buses to recognise because they are free and colour-coded:
- Blue CAT connects the central city with Kings Park via Perth Station and Elizabeth Quay.
- Green CAT links Elizabeth Quay and Leederville via City West from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
- Purple CAT links Elizabeth Quay with the QEII and UWA area via the western side of Kings Park.
- Red CAT runs an east-west central route. Event extensions and route changes may apply.
- Yellow CAT links Claisebrook, Perth Station and West Perth.
- Surf CAT runs between Stirling Station and Scarborough Beach.
Check live CAT routes have different operating days, hours and intervals. Use the current official CAT timetable and the information at the stop.
River
Ferry
The Transperth ferry crosses the Swan River between Elizabeth Quay Jetty and Mends Street Jetty in South Perth. The crossing is around 10 minutes and is useful for South Perth, the foreshore and Perth Zoo.
The ferry is part of the normal Transperth fare system. Use cash, SmartRider or contactless. Check the current ferry timetable and availability before building a fixed connection around it.
This public ferry is not the same as commercial ferries to Rottnest Island or Swan River cruises.
Airport
Perth Airport Transport
Check the terminal on the booking confirmation before choosing a route. Perth Airport has two separate terminal precincts, and the correct train station depends on the terminal.
T1 and T2
Use Airport Central Station
Take the Airport Line to or from Airport Central Station. The station connects to T1 and T2 by Skybridge.
Check: Your terminal and the live train departure.
T3 and T4
Use Redcliffe Station And Route 292
Take the Airport Line to or from Redcliffe Station, then use the free Route 292 airport shuttle.
Important: Redcliffe Station is not attached to T3 or T4.
Route 940 also connects Elizabeth Quay Bus Station with Redcliffe via Great Eastern Highway, where passengers can transfer to Route 292. JourneyPlanner will show whether this is useful for the chosen time and destination.
Taxi Or Rideshare From The Airport
Taxi ranks are in front of the terminals. Rideshare pickups use dedicated bays close to each terminal; follow terminal signs and the location shown in the app.
An airport pickup fee is added to taxi and rideshare trips from the terminals. Check the current amount on the Perth Airport transport page or in your booking app.
Before publishing The exact amount remains intentionally omitted because current Perth Airport pages disagree. Re-check the official airport source when planning.
Taxi and rideshare can be practical with heavy luggage, children, limited mobility, a very early or late flight, or a group that can share the fare. Compare the live total with the public transport route at the time of travel.
Transferring Between Terminal Precincts
T1/T2 and T3/T4 are separate precincts. Use Perth Airport's free and accessible terminal transfer bus, taxi or rideshare rather than trying to walk between them. Check the airport's current transfer timetable if the connection is time-sensitive.
On Demand
Taxis
Perth taxis can be booked, taken from a rank or hailed where it is safe and legal to stop. Rank-or-hail trips must use the meter and cannot exceed regulated maximum fares. For a pre-booked taxi, the fare must either be metered within the regulated maximum or be a contract fare agreed before the trip and confirmed in writing.
Before the trip:
- Ask how the fare will be calculated if it is not clear.
- Confirm that the vehicle suits the number of passengers, luggage, child-seat needs or mobility equipment.
- Keep the receipt and booking-service details in case an item is lost or a complaint is required.
- At the airport, follow the signs to the official terminal taxi rank.
Do not rely on a sample airport-to-city taxi price. Traffic, time, provider charges, route and airport fees can change the total.
Road
Driving, Parking And Car Hire
A car is usually unnecessary for a compact CBD, Northbridge, Fremantle or inner-river itinerary. It can be useful for the Swan Valley, outer beaches, several dispersed attractions in one day, or travel beyond metropolitan Perth.
Visitors may drive on a current and valid interstate or overseas licence and must carry it. If an overseas licence is not in English, carry the original licence with an approved English translation or an International Driving Permit.
Vehicles travel on the left in Western Australia. Follow posted limits and local parking signs.
For city parking, use City of Perth Parking's live bay availability and current location pages. Rates, free periods, promotions, event restrictions and payment methods change, so they are not reproduced as evergreen copy.
Car hire counters are available in the Perth Airport terminal precincts. Confirm the collection terminal, after-hours process, insurance excess, fuel policy, additional-driver charges, child restraints and toll or administration terms before booking.
Active Transport
Walking, Cycling And E-Scooters
Central Perth, Northbridge, Elizabeth Quay and the riverfront are walkable, but heat, rain, wind and limited shade can materially change the experience. Check the forecast, carry water and allow more time for children or anyone with reduced mobility.
Bikes On Transperth
- Manual and powered bikes are not allowed on buses, including train-replacement buses, unless folded, placed in a fit-for-purpose carry bag, and no larger than 120 cm x 68 cm x 40 cm.
- Bikes can travel on trains outside the restricted peak direction and times.
- Bikes are not permitted to enter Perth, Perth Underground or Elizabeth Quay stations during the published peak periods.
- Bikes can be taken on the ferry, with limited rack space.
Read the current Transperth cycling rules before combining a bike and public transport.
E-Scooters And Other ERideables
Western Australian rules apply to personal eRideables:
- The rider must be at least 16.
- An approved helmet is required.
- Only one person may ride a device.
- The limit is 10 km/h on footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
- The limit is up to 25 km/h on bicycle paths, shared paths and permitted local roads where safe.
- Road use is limited to eligible carriageways with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Roads with a dividing line or median, and one-way roads with more than one marked lane, are excluded unless an eligible bike lane applies.
- Give way to pedestrians and follow local no-ride and no-parking areas.
Check live The City of Perth has suspended shared e-scooter hire until further notice. Privately owned compliant eRideables remain subject to WA rules. Check the City's current e-scooter page before expecting a hire service.
Accessibility
Accessible Transport
Transperth provides accessibility information by mode, station and stop.
- All buses operating on the Transperth network are accessible and can kneel or deploy a ramp, but not every bus stop is accessible.
- Trains have marked wheelchair spaces. Station access differs, so check the facilities page for both the origin and destination.
- The Transperth ferries and Elizabeth Quay and Mends Street jetties are wheelchair accessible.
- Mobility aids must fit Transperth's published size and weight limits.
- Priority seats are available on buses, trains and ferries.
For special assistance at a train station, call Transperth on 1800 800 022 at least one hour before travel. The Transperth InfoLine is 13 62 13.
For wheelchair-accessible taxi requirements, use Transport WA's current disability transport page to find the metropolitan wheelchair accessible vehicle booking service. Book ahead and state the wheelchair or mobility-device needs, passenger-transfer requirements and required restraints. The Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme has eligibility rules and is not a general visitor discount.
Destination Shortcuts
Popular Visitor Journeys
Use these as starting points, then check the live journey and return options.
Perth CBD And Northbridge
Walk for short trips and use CAT buses when the route fits. The Free Transit Zone can help with longer central hops, but check the different bus and train rules before travelling.
Perth City and Northbridge, Elizabeth Quay, Perth Cultural Centre and Perth walking routes.
Fremantle
The Fremantle Line is the usual public transport backbone. Check the walking distance from Fremantle Station to each stop rather than treating the whole area as one attraction.
South Perth And Perth Zoo
The ferry from Elizabeth Quay to Mends Street makes the river crossing part of the day. Check the ferry timetable and the onward walk or connection.
Cottesloe And Scarborough
Cottesloe commonly uses the Fremantle Line plus a walk or local connection. Scarborough commonly uses a train to Stirling followed by the free Surf CAT. Beach weather and the return journey matter as much as the outbound route.
Swan Valley
Public transport can reach parts of the area, but attractions are dispersed. A tour, taxi, rideshare or car may be more practical for several stops. Plan the return before drinking alcohol.
Rottnest Island
The island ferry is a commercial service, not the Transperth ferry. Compare departure ports, ferry check-in, parking or train connections and the final return service.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my bank card on Perth public transport?
Yes. Transperth accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard, including digital wallets. Tag on and off with the same card or the same device. Contactless is charged at the standard cash fare.
Do I need a SmartRider as a visitor?
Not necessarily. Contactless is simpler for many short visits. A Standard SmartRider currently costs $20, including $10 travel value, and receives a 10% discount. It can make more sense for frequent or longer-term travel.
Are Perth CAT buses free?
Yes. CAT buses are free. Routes have different operating times and frequencies, so check the current CAT timetable.
Is all public transport free in Perth city?
No. CAT buses are free. Other buses are free only when the trip starts and finishes inside the signed Free Transit Zone. Train travel inside the central zone is free only when using SmartRider or contactless and tagging on and off.
How do I get from Perth Airport to the city?
From T1/T2, use Airport Central Station. From T3/T4, take the free Route 292 shuttle to Redcliffe Station and then the Airport Line. Taxi and rideshare are available from signed terminal pickup areas.
Is Uber available in Perth?
Yes. Uber operates in Perth and has dedicated airport pickup arrangements. Availability and prices vary, so check the app when ready to travel.
Is Perth easy without a car?
Yes for many city, Northbridge, Fremantle, South Perth and selected beach itineraries. A car or tour becomes more useful when several stops are dispersed, particularly in outer areas and on regional day trips.
Can I take a bike on a Perth train?
Yes outside restricted peak directions and times. Bikes also face station-entry restrictions in central Perth during peak periods. Check the current Transperth cycling rules before travelling.
Is Perth public transport wheelchair accessible?
Vehicles have substantial accessibility features, but individual station and bus-stop access differs. Check both ends of the journey and request train-station assistance ahead when needed.
Methodology
Official Sources
This guide was desk-researched by Alex Osk using current official transport, airport, road and City of Perth information. Fares, terminal instructions, accessibility details, payment rules and contact details were compared manually on . Live journeys, disruptions, commercial prices and parking can change after that check.
The exact airport taxi and rideshare pickup fee is not published because current Perth Airport pages disagree. The amount should remain omitted until the official sources are consistent.
- Transperth JourneyPlanner
- Transperth service updates
- Transperth visitor information
- Transperth fares
- Transperth ticket conditions
- Transperth contactless payments
- Transperth Standard SmartRider
- Transperth CAT timetables
- Transperth network map
- Transperth accessibility
- Transperth items and bicycles
- Transperth contact information
- Perth Airport public transport
- Perth Airport terminal information
- Perth Airport taxis
- Perth Airport rideshare
- Perth Airport terminal transfers
- Perth Airport car hire
- Perth Airport accessibility and transport
- WA taxi rank-or-hail fares
- WA on-demand passenger information
- WA disability transport information
- WA visitor driving licences
- WA visitor road rules
- WA eRideable rules
- City of Perth e-scooter information
- City of Perth Parking
Review schedule
Review this guide quarterly and after a fare, payment, train line, airport connection, CAT route, pickup area, eRideable rule, accessibility policy or major navigation change.