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 four colour-coded routes in Perth CBD:
- Blue CAT: North-South loop connecting Elizabeth Quay in the south to Kings Park, UWA, and QEII Medical Centre in the north. Runs every 7 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. Operates 365 days a year.
- Red CAT: East-West service through the heart of Perth, from East Perth to 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. Also closed public holidays.
- Green CAT: Connects Leederville Station to Elizabeth Quay via City West. Weekdays only, excludes public holidays and weekends.
There’s also the Surf CAT (Route 420), which runs free from Stirling to Scarborough 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.
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 34 regular Transperth bus services.
Elizabeth Quay is another major hub, serving Blue, Yellow, and Green 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. Victoria Gardens Perth is a Yellow CAT stop. Kings Park is easily reached on the Blue CAT heading north from the CBD.
For the beach, the Surf CAT runs directly 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 on Saturday nights, NightRider buses run between 1am and 4am from the Fremantle area. 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). Route 532 provides bus coverage in 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
- 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 four main CAT routes (Blue, Red, Yellow, Green) 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 Blue CAT. It runs a direct North-South loop reaching Kings Park and operates every day of the year. From Perth CBD, board a Blue CAT heading north and you’ll arrive within 10-15 minutes.
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 buses run on Saturday nights from 1am to 4am from the Fremantle area at a flat $5 fare.
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. Serves 34 regular Transperth bus services.
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). Route 532 provides local bus coverage within Fremantle.