Perth Airport sits about 12 to 17 km east of the CBD. You have five solid ways to make that journey, each suited to different budgets, luggage loads, and timelines. Here’s what works, the costs, and who each option is best for.
Quick Overview: Transport Options at a Glance
| Transport Mode | Cost (One-Way) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Line Train | $4-5 | 18 minutes | Budget travellers, solo visitors |
| Taxi | $45-59 (day); $55+ (night) | 20-25 minutes | Families with luggage, late arrivals |
| Uber/Rideshare | $32-45 (includes $4 fee) | 20 minutes average | Predictable pricing, door-to-door |
| Shared Shuttle | $24-30 per person | 25+ minutes | Budget-conscious, hotel guests |
| Car Hire | $19-52/day + parking and fuel | 20-30 minutes | Multi-day stays, road trips, families |
Airport Line Train: Fastest and Cheapest
The Airport Line train is the standout option for speed and value. At $4-5 per journey, the trip from Airport Central Station to Perth Station takes 18 minutes, quicker than fighting Perth traffic. Trains run from 6am to midnight, every 12-15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes at night.
Terminals Served
- Airport Central Station: Connected via Skybridge to Terminals 1 and 2. Fastest option for these terminals.
- Redcliffe Station: Serves all terminals. Terminals 3 and 4 require Bus 292 (adds a few minutes).
Payment
Standard single tickets cost $5 from the ticket machine. A SmartRider card ($10 upfront plus credit) reduces the fare to $4 per airport trip, and Sunday travel is free. For stays longer than two days, a SmartRider pays for itself quickly.
Pros and Cons
No traffic, reliable timing, straight to Perth Station in the CBD. The trade-off: limited to train station destinations and services end at midnight. Heavy luggage across multiple bags makes the train less practical. For CBD-bound travellers travelling light, it’s the clear choice.
Taxi: Reliable Door-to-Door Service
Taxis are available 24/7 and go directly to any address in Perth. Exit through Arrivals and follow Taxi Rank signs. Taxis queue at fixed ranks outside all terminals. A mandatory $4 airport surcharge applies to all fares.
Expect approximately $35-40 during the day plus the $4 surcharge (around $45-59 total). Night fares from approximately 6pm jump to $55 or more. Peak-hour traffic can add 30 minutes and push costs higher.
We find taxi or shuttle services work best for families with young children. Taxis and shuttles offer door-to-door convenience without the challenge of managing luggage, children, and prams on the train.
Uber and Rideshare: Digital Convenience
Rideshare apps like Uber offer predictable upfront pricing and door-to-door pickup. Base fares start at $32, with a $4 airport fee on all pickups. Surge pricing during peak demand can push the total to $40-45. Each terminal has a dedicated rideshare bay separate from the taxi rank. Allow 5-10 minutes for your driver to arrive during quiet periods; longer during peak times.
Shared Shuttle Bus: Budget Group Option
Shared shuttle services cost $24-30 per person and take 25 minutes or more depending on hotel stops. Book online in advance or look for operators in the Arrivals hall. Luggage assistance is usually included. This option suits solo budget travellers and hotel guests, but multiple stops mean timing isn’t guaranteed.
Car Hire: Freedom and Flexibility
Major operators (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Thrifty) have desks at Perth Airport. Daily rates start at $19-52 depending on vehicle type. Factor in CBD parking ($8-20 per day) and fuel. From the airport, head west via Great Eastern Highway toward the city, 20-30 minutes in normal traffic.
Car hire makes sense for stays of more than two days, day trips to the Swan Valley wine region or Perth Hills, or group travel where rental costs are shared. For a one-night city stop, the daily rental and parking charges quickly outpace train or taxi.
Tips for Specific Situations
Heavy Luggage
Luggage trolleys ($4) are available at all terminals. If you have multiple bags, taxi or Uber beats the train. Baggage wrapping ($15-25) is available at Terminals 1 and 4 for added protection on long-haul bags.
Late-Night Arrivals
Train services end at midnight. After midnight, taxi (available 24/7, night fares $55+) and Uber (available 24/7, watch for surge pricing) are your options. Both are reliable; just budget accordingly.
First-Time Visitors
The train is straightforward: follow signs from Arrivals, buy a ticket or tap your SmartRider, board, exit at Perth Station. If you prefer less navigation, a taxi or Uber removes the guesswork entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Perth Airport to the city?
The Airport Line train: 18 minutes from Airport Central Station to Perth Station in the CBD. Trains run every 12-15 minutes during peak hours.
What is the cheapest option?
The Airport Line train at $4-5 per journey. SmartRider card holders pay $4. This is cheaper than taxi ($45-59), Uber ($32+), and shuttle ($24-30 per person).
Does the Airport Line serve all terminals?
Airport Central connects via Skybridge to Terminals 1 and 2. Redcliffe Station serves all terminals, with Bus 292 connecting to Terminals 3 and 4.
How much does a taxi from Perth Airport cost?
Approximately $35-40 during the day plus a mandatory $4 surcharge (total around $45-59). Night fares are $55 or more. The taximeter calculates all fares.
Is Uber available at Perth Airport?
Yes. Dedicated rideshare bays are outside each terminal. A $4 airport fee applies to all rideshare fares. Pricing starts from $32 and varies with demand.
What is the SmartRider card?
A rechargeable card for all Transperth services (train, bus, ferry). Costs $10 for the card plus credit. Benefits include $4 capped airport fares and free Sunday travel. Worthwhile for stays of more than two to three days.
What if I arrive after midnight?
Train services end at midnight. Taxis and Uber operate 24/7. Night-time taxi fares are $55+; Uber may show surge pricing. Both are reliable options for late arrivals.
Is car hire worth it?
For one-night stays, no. For multi-day visits with day trips planned, yes. Rates from $19-52 per day plus parking and fuel. Agencies are at the airport, and the CBD is 20-30 minutes’ drive.
How far is Perth Airport from the city?
12-17 km east of the CBD. By train: 18 minutes. By taxi or Uber: 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. By car: 20-30 minutes.
Are shared shuttles reliable?
Yes, but multiple hotel stops mean journey times vary. Best for hotel guests and budget travellers who don’t have tight timing. Pre-booking is recommended.