Getting Around Perth, Australia

Globetrotter
23 May 2023 - 4 min read

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, offers a stunning combination of city life and natural beauty. The city also boasts a diverse and modern culture. Tourists can enjoy numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including all-night music festivals during the summer.

Perth also has many must-see tourist destinations. The local government provides free buses called CAT for tourists to explore the city easily, and other transportation options are also available.

Travel Card in Perth, Australia

If you're visiting Perth's tourist spots, getting a Transperth Smartrider Card is wise. This card offers cheaper public transport and eliminates the need to buy tickets in advance.

The card is available for AUD10 at the Transperth Info Centre at the airport or station and various stores in Perth City. The card has a fixed balance that can be used to travel to different places.

To use the card, tap it when getting on and off public transportation.

Transportation Recommendations in Perth

Transwa Train

Routes: Transwa Train is a convenient way to travel between different cities in Western Australia. Four routes are available, three of which run daily and connect Perth to Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, and Merredin. The fourth route goes to Merredin, but it is only available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Fares: The transportation cost varies depending on the starting and ending stations. To find out how much your trip will cost, use the Fare Calculator feature provided by Transwa.
Tips: The ticket can be purchased online or at the station.

2. Transperth Train

General information: Perth has a train system called Transperth that connects the city to other locations within Australia. It’s a good option if you want to explore different places in the metropolitan area of Perth.
Routes: Transperth operated five train lines serving 72 stations in the Armadale/Thornlie, Fremantle, Joondalup, Midland, and Mandurah areas. Perth Station is a central hub, as all lines stop there, making it easy to change trains or transfers.
Fares: Transperth tickets range from AUD2.30 to AUD5, depending on the zone you travel through. If you have a SmartRider card, you can get a 10% discount.
Tips: Use a SmartRider card to receive a discount for train travel. Remember to tap the card when getting on and off the train.

CAT (Central Area Transit)

General information: Use the free CAT bus service to save time during your trip. It runs every 15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, has five different routes marked by color, and is operated by the government for convenience. Please choose your route from the options below.

The Color Code

Route

Blue

Starting from Perth Busport to Kings Park through Perth Station and Elizabeth Quay.

Green

Starting from Elizabeth Quay to Leederville through City West.

Purple

Starting from Elizabeth Quay to QEII Medical Center and UWA through Kings Park and Thomas ST.

Red

Starting from the Matagarup Bridge or East Perth to West Perth through Perth Station and Perth Underground Station.

Yellow

Starting from Claisebrook to West Perth through Perth Station.

Fares: Free of charge.
Tips: To ensure you arrive on time, check the bus route and schedule before boarding. Additionally, wait at the bus stop that matches the color of the bus lane.

Ferry

General information: Perth offers a ferry service that runs every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM. This service is helpful for those who prefer to travel by water, as well as for tourists.
Routes: The ferry travels along the Swan River from Elizabeth Quay Jetty to Mends Street Jetty.
Rates: The fare starts at AUD5 per person and may vary based on the distance.
Tips: To avoid waiting at the dock, check your ferry departure time beforehand.

Taxi

General information: Taxis are a popular way to get around Perth and other Australian cities. They are readily available at the airport and can take you to your hotel or the city center. However, remember that they are usually more expensive than other transportation options.
Fares: Taxis in Perth charge fares based on distance and travel time, which are calculated using a meter. A ride from the airport to the city center is around AUD38.
Tips: Always get price estimates before leaving. On Sundays, you may need to wait for a taxi or go to the taxi stand.

Bike Rental

General information: Renting a bike is a great way to explore Perth. The Swan River path is beautiful and popular with locals and tourists. Additionally, Perth has bike-friendly streets, which make for a comfortable and easy ride.
Rates: The rental price for a 12-hour period ranges from AUD5 to AUD10.
Tips: Don't forget to use safety equipment while riding a bicycle.

Car Rental

General information: Renting a car in Perth can be a convenient option if traveling with family or friends. It ensures a comfortable vacation with more privacy and personal space and the flexibility to explore the city.
How to rent a car in Perth: Consider renting a car using the Traveloka app to make your vacation easier. You can choose between two rental options: with a driver or without a driver.
Tips: Check the availability of cars to avoid running out of them. You can also rent a car for a longer period before coming to Perth.

Perth offers a plethora of transportation options, ensuring you can navigate the city with utmost convenience during your vacation. By carefully selecting the ideal mode of transportation, you can enhance your travel experience to a whole new level.

To simplify your journey even further, use Traveloka —an all-in-one— app that enables you to effortlessly book flight tickets, book hotel rooms, and arrange car rentals seamlessly. With Traveloka at your fingertips, your travel plans will be seamlessly organized, giving you more time to indulge in the wonders of Perth.

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