Getting around Perth is simpler than you might think. The city’s public transport network combines completely free CAT buses in the CBD with an affordable, extensive Transperth system that covers the entire metropolitan area. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Kings Park, a new resident setting up your commute, or someone visiting for the first time, this guide will get you oriented fast.
The Free CAT Buses Explained
If you’re spending time in central Perth, the CAT system (Central Area Transit) is your starting point. These buses are completely free to ride, making them the easiest way to explore the city’s main attractions without worrying about fares or payment cards.
The free CAT network includes these colour-coded routes:
- Blue CAT: North-South loop connecting Barrack Street Jetty to Northbridge, through the CBD. Handy for the ferry at Elizabeth Quay and for Northbridge’s restaurant strip. Operates 365 days a year.
- Red CAT: East-West service through the heart of Perth, from Queens Gardens in East Perth to Outram Street in West Perth. Every 5 minutes on weekdays, 10 minutes on weekends. Closed on public holidays.
- Yellow CAT: East-West option from Claisebrook Station through Perth CBD to West Perth. Every 6 minutes weekdays, 8 minutes weekends. Closed public holidays.
- Green CAT: Connects Leederville Station to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station via City West. Weekdays only, excludes public holidays and weekends.
- Purple CAT: Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to UWA and QEII Medical Centre via Kings Park Road and Thomas Street. This is the CAT route for Kings Park, not the Blue CAT. Runs roughly every 10-15 minutes from early morning.
There’s also the Surf CAT (Route 420), which runs free from Stirling Station to Scarborough Beach with 10-15 minute frequencies every day of the week, ideal for beach days.
Regular Transperth Buses and Fares
Beyond the free CAT network, Transperth operates regular buses covering Perth’s suburbs. The zone system was abolished in January 2026, replaced by a flat-rate Go Anywhere Fare across the entire network, including buses to and from the airport.
Fare Options
- Go Anywhere Fare: $3.50 with credit or debit card, or $2.80 with SmartRider Autoload. Valid for 3 hours of unlimited transfers across the entire network.
- DayRider: $7.00 for unlimited daily travel. Great for multiple journeys in one day.
- Family Rider: $7.00 for one adult and up to five children, unlimited travel all day.
The three-hour transfer rule is important to understand: pay once and hop between multiple buses without paying again, as long as you tap your card on boarding and disembarking within the three-hour window.
Getting a SmartRider Card
A SmartRider card gives you $2.80 per journey instead of $3.50, plus automatic daily spend protection. Pick one up at Perth Airport, any Transperth InfoCentre, or retail outlets across the city. Contactless payment via Mastercard or Visa is also accepted directly on bus readers since December 2025, though SmartRider still offers the best per-journey rate. Cash is not accepted on any buses.
Perth Busport and Major Interchanges
Perth Busport is the city’s underground bus station, located beneath Wellington Street between Roe and Milligan Streets. Three entrances provide access: Yagan Square, Queen Street, and King Street. Air-conditioned, with 160 seats, digital departure boards, and accessible facilities, it serves dozens of regular Transperth bus services.
Elizabeth Quay is another major hub, serving Blue, Yellow, Green and Purple CAT routes alongside regular buses. Perth Railway Station is a key interchange where buses connect with the metro rail network.
Getting to Popular Attractions
The free CAT buses connect directly to many of Perth’s key attractions. WA Museum Boola Bardip at the Perth Cultural Centre is served by the Blue CAT (note: general admission is now $15 adult / $10 concession, free for visitors 15 and under). Victoria Gardens Perth is a Yellow CAT stop. Kings Park is reached on the Purple CAT from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, not the Blue CAT.
For the beach, the Surf CAT runs directly from Stirling Station to Scarborough. Regular buses reach Cottesloe Beach. South Perth Foreshore is accessible via the Red or Yellow CAT routes.
Planning Your Journey: The Transperth App
Download the free Transperth Journey Planner app (iOS and Android) before exploring Perth. Enter your start point and destination, and the app shows all available routes, real-time arrival times, and connections. It tracks your bus in real time on a map, so you’ll know exactly when to get off.
Night-Time and Off-Peak Travel
Most regular Transperth buses operate until around midnight. For late-night travel, NightRider runs a handful of routes from the Fremantle area and the city centre in the early hours of Saturday night/Sunday morning; check current routes and times on the Transperth website as coverage is periodically adjusted. Off-peak, avoid weekday morning rush (7-9am) and evening peak (4-6pm) for quieter journeys.
Accessibility on Perth Buses
All Transperth buses are fully wheelchair accessible. Each bus has a kneeling function that lowers the vehicle approximately 120mm to street level. Built-in ramps, dedicated wheelchair spaces, and audio and visual passenger information systems are standard. The Transperth Bus Assistance service operates seven days a week.
Important Change: Fremantle CAT
The Fremantle CAT service ceased in October 2023. For Fremantle, the fastest option is the Fremantle Train Line (approximately 30 minutes from Perth CBD). Local bus routes also cover the Fremantle area.
Insider Tips
- Start with the free CAT buses to get your bearings in Perth’s CBD with zero payment hassle
- The Blue CAT is the most reliable choice for weekend and public holiday travel as it operates 365 days a year
- For Kings Park, take the Purple CAT from Elizabeth Quay, not the Blue CAT
- Always tap on and off with your SmartRider or contactless card to avoid default charges
- The three-hour transfer rule means one fare covers unlimited changes across the network
- Cash is not accepted on any Transperth bus; bring a card or SmartRider
- Download the Transperth Journey Planner app before you arrive for real-time tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CAT buses really completely free?
Yes. All CAT routes (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple and Surf CAT) are completely free to ride, with no payment required. This makes exploring Perth’s CBD very affordable, especially for families and budget-conscious travellers.
Which CAT bus goes to Kings Park?
The Purple CAT, not the Blue CAT. It runs from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to UWA and QEII Medical Centre via Kings Park Road, roughly every 10-15 minutes from early morning.
How do I pay for regular Transperth buses?
Use a SmartRider card ($2.80 per journey with Autoload), contactless Mastercard or Visa (since December 2025), or a DayRider or FamilyRider pass. Cash is not accepted on any Transperth bus.
Is there late-night public transport?
Regular buses operate until approximately midnight. NightRider runs limited routes from the Fremantle area in the early hours of Saturday night/Sunday morning; check the Transperth site for current routes, as coverage changes periodically.
Can I use a wheelchair or mobility aid on Perth buses?
Yes. Every Transperth bus has a kneeling function, built-in ramp, dedicated wheelchair spaces, and audio and visual information systems. The Bus Assistance service operates seven days a week for additional support.
Where is Perth Busport?
Perth Busport is the underground bus station beneath Wellington Street, between Roe and Milligan Streets. Entrances at Yagan Square, Queen Street, and King Street. Air-conditioned with digital departure displays and accessible facilities.
How does the 3-hour transfer rule work?
Pay one fare and you can transfer between buses, trains, and ferries within the three-hour window without paying again. Always tap your card when boarding and disembarking to keep the window active and ensure correct fares.
What happened to the Fremantle CAT?
The Fremantle CAT ceased in October 2023. For Fremantle, take the Fremantle Train Line from Perth CBD (approximately 30 minutes). Local Transperth bus routes provide coverage within Fremantle.