You step off the plane at Perth Airport, and you need to get to your hotel in the CBD. Or maybe you’ve just moved to Perth and have no idea how to get to Cottesloe Beach. The good news: Perth’s public transport system is straightforward, affordable, and designed for people who’ve never navigated it before. Here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding Transperth: The Integrated Network
Perth’s public transport is operated by Transperth, a single unified system that combines trains, buses, and ferries. Think of it as three transport legs that all use the same ticketing system, the same payment methods, and the same journey-planning tools. The network spans eight train lines, 1,499 buses, and ferry services connecting 85 stations across Perth and the surrounding regions.
Payment: SmartRider, Contactless, or Cash
From January 2026, Transperth introduced a flat-rate fare system that simplifies how you pay. No more zone calculations.
The 2026 Fare Structure
- Cash: $3.50
- Concession: $3.15
- SmartRider Autoload: $2.80
- Family Rider: $7.00 (up to 5 people)
- Airport Line cap: $5.00
Most visitors find that getting a SmartRider card at Perth Airport or any Transperth InfoCentre pays for itself within a few journeys.
SmartRider Cards: How to Get One
Purchase a SmartRider card at Transperth InfoCentres (located in major stations and the CBD), selected retail outlets, or Perth Airport. The discount structure:
- SmartRider vs. cash: 10% saving
- SmartRider + Autoload: additional 20% discount (total 30% saving)
- Student SmartRider: free travel Monday to Friday
- Sunday travel: free for everyone with SmartRider
Contactless and Digital Wallets
Since early 2024, you can tag on with any Visa or Mastercard, or use Apple Pay and Google Pay. You’ll pay the full standard fare with no discount. For a week-long visit, SmartRider saves money; for a single day trip, contactless is fine.
Trains: Eight Lines Covering the City
Perth’s train network is the backbone of the transport system. Eight lines radiate from the city centre, reaching the airport, major suburbs, and outlying regions.
The Eight Train Lines
- Airport Line: Perth CBD to Perth Airport (18 minutes, $5 fare cap, trains every 12 minutes peak)
- Armadale Line: Perth CBD to Armadale
- Ellenbrook Line: Perth CBD to Ellenbrook
- Fremantle Line: Perth CBD to Fremantle (connects to Rottnest ferries)
- Mandurah Line: Perth CBD to Mandurah
- Midland Line: Perth CBD to Midland
- Thornlie-Cockburn Line: Thornlie to Cockburn Central
- Yanchep Line: Perth CBD to Yanchep
The Free Transit Zone
One of Perth’s best transport advantages is the Free Transit Zone in the CBD. Tag on and off at any station between City West and Claisebrook, and you travel completely free. Most visitors don’t discover this until partway through their stay.
More about trains including network map.
Buses: Local Routes and the Free CAT Network
Perth’s bus network includes 1,499 buses covering the entire metropolitan area. The standout feature for visitors is the CAT (Central Area Transit) network: four free colour-coded routes looping around central Perth every 5-15 minutes.
The Four Free CAT Buses
Red CAT (East-West): Queens Gardens in East Perth to Outram Street in West Perth, through the heart of the CBD.
Blue CAT (North-South): Barrack Street Jetty to Northbridge. Ideal for the ferry to Elizabeth Quay or exploring Northbridge’s restaurants.
Yellow CAT (East-West): East Perth through the CBD, with a stop near Victoria Gardens Perth.
Green CAT (North-South): Leederville Station to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. Note: does not run on weekends or public holidays.
All CAT buses (except Green CAT weekends) are always free and arrive every few minutes, making them the easiest way to get your bearings in Perth.
NightRider: Saturday Night Services
NightRider operates four bus routes (680, 697, 698, 699) from 01:00 to 04:00 on Saturday nights. These routes run hourly from key hubs including Fremantle and the city centre, with a flat $5 fare.
More about buses
Ferries: A Scenic River Crossing
The Swan River ferry connects Elizabeth Quay in the CBD to Mends Street Jetty in South Perth. It’s a 10-minute crossing operated throughout the day, accepting SmartRider, contactless, or cash at standard fares. The South Perth Foreshore is worth a visit on its own, and the ferry makes getting there easy. From Mends Street, Perth Zoo is an 11-minute walk.
More about ferries
Getting from Perth Airport to the CBD
The Airport Line is the direct connection from the terminal to the city centre: 18 minutes to Perth Central Station, $5 capped fare, trains every 12 minutes during peak hours. For the full breakdown of all airport transport options, including taxi, rideshare, and shuttle, see our full guide.
The Transperth Journey Planner App
Available on iOS and Android, the app offers real-time bus and train tracking, journey planning across all modes, map integration, and saved favourite routes. It removes all guesswork from getting around Perth. Call Transperth on 13 62 13 for telephone assistance.
Free Travel Opportunities
- Free Transit Zone: All train journeys within the CBD (City West to Claisebrook)
- CAT buses: All four routes, always free
- Sundays with SmartRider: Everyone travels free on Sundays
- Student SmartRider: Monday to Friday free travel
If you’re visiting on a budget, planning a full Sunday of exploration using SmartRider is a reliable strategy.
Top Tips for Getting Around Perth
Get a SmartRider at the airport and enable Autoload for the 30% discount. Always tag off at your destination. Download the Journey Planner app before you arrive. Use the free CAT buses for CBD exploration. For a classic Perth itinerary, take the Fremantle Line to Fremantle then catch a Rottnest Island day trip ferry from there. Explore WA Museum Boola Bardip at Perth Cultural Centre, easily reached by Blue CAT or train.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SmartRider or can I pay with my credit card?
You can tap any Visa or Mastercard, or use Apple Pay and Google Pay, since early 2024. You’ll pay the full standard fare. SmartRider with Autoload saves 30% and includes spending caps. For frequent use, SmartRider is more economical.
Is there free public transport in Perth?
Yes. The CBD Free Transit Zone covers all train journeys between City West and Claisebrook. All four CAT buses are permanently free. Everyone travels free on Sundays with SmartRider. Students travel free Monday to Friday with Student SmartRider.
How do I get from Perth Airport to the CBD?
The Airport Line train: 18 minutes to Perth Central Station, $5 capped fare, trains every 12 minutes during peak hours and every 15-30 minutes off-peak. Bus Route 40 also connects the airport to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, though the train is faster.
How do the 2026 fares work?
From 1 January 2026, Transperth introduced flat-rate fares: $3.50 (cash), $3.15 (concession), $2.80 (SmartRider Autoload) for any single journey anywhere on the network. Zone calculations no longer exist, making fares simpler and often cheaper for longer journeys.
Are there night services in Perth?
Yes. NightRider operates four bus routes (680, 697, 698, 699) on Saturday nights from 01:00 to 04:00, running hourly from key hubs. Flat $5 fare per journey.
Can I use the same ticket for trains, buses, and ferries?
Yes. Transperth is fully integrated. One SmartRider, contactless card, or cash payment works across all trains, buses, and ferries.
What happens if I forget to tag off?
You’ll be charged a default fare, which is higher than your actual journey cost. Always tag off to ensure you’re charged the correct, lowest possible fare.
Where can I get more information?
Visit transperth.wa.gov.au, download the Journey Planner app, or call 13 62 13. Transperth InfoCentres at major stations and in the CBD assist with SmartRider purchases and journey planning.