Perth Airport handles millions of travellers a year. If you’re flying in or out, you’ll want to know what to expect, where to go, and how to get into the city quickly and cheaply. This guide covers everything from terminal layouts to transport options, parking, facilities, and the practical details that make airport travel smoother.
Understanding Perth Airport’s Four Terminals
Perth Airport operates four separate terminals split across two locations about 15 km apart. Getting the right terminal is the first step to a smooth journey.
T1 and T2: Domestic Terminals
T1 (Qantas precinct) is the primary domestic hub. You’ll find Qantas, QantasLink, Virgin Australia, and major international carriers here. T1 has the broadest range of facilities: multiple cafes (Aromas, Dome, Hudsons Coffee), restaurants (The Crafty Swan, Freshwater Bay Ale House), duty-free shops across two levels, and 24-hour ATMs with Travelex currency exchange.
T2 handles regional and budget carriers: Alliance Airlines, Airnorth, Regional Express, and Jetstar (which moved here in September 2024). It’s smaller and quieter, with essential services but fewer dining and shopping options.
T1 and T2 sit in the same precinct and are connected landside but not airside. Once through security, you cannot move between them without leaving and re-entering.
T3 and T4: International and Regional
T3 is Perth’s dedicated international terminal, 15 km from T1/T2. Qantas international flights and other international carriers depart from here. Duty-free shopping, a Qantas lounge, dining options, and Travelex currency exchange are all available.
T4 is a smaller regional terminal in the same precinct as T3, used for regional Qantas and charter services.
T1/T2 and T3/T4 are not airside-connected. If you’re transferring between precincts, use the free shuttle bus.
Getting Between Terminals: Free Shuttle Bus
The free 24/7 shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes between 6am and 10pm, and every 30 minutes between 10pm and 6am. Journey time is 8 minutes. Buses depart from the T4 Qantas forecourt and T3 arrivals forecourt and are wheelchair accessible with ramps and luggage storage. Taxis ($30-40) or rideshare ($25-35) are also available between precincts, but the free shuttle is reliable and recommended.
Getting to Perth City Centre
Airport Line Train: Cheapest and Fastest
The Airport Line train costs around $5 with a SmartRider card and takes 18 minutes to Perth Station. Trains run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours. This is the go-to option for budget-conscious travellers and those without heavy luggage.
Taxi
Taxi ranks are at the front of all terminals. Expect approximately $45 plus a $4.50 terminal fee (around $50 total). Journey time is 20-25 minutes. Taxis work well for groups or those with heavy luggage and are accessible for wheelchairs.
Uber and Rideshare
Uber costs from $32, with direct drop-off to your destination. Journey time is roughly 20 minutes. Dedicated rideshare pickup zones exist at each terminal. DiDi and other apps are also available. Book in advance during peak travel times to avoid surge pricing.
Airport Shuttle Coach
Shared shuttle services cost approximately $15-25 and take 30-45 minutes with multiple hotel stops. Worth booking in advance for better rates.
Car Hire
All major agencies (Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Budget) have counters at the terminals. A valid driver’s licence and credit card are required. From the airport, Perth CBD is approximately 12 km east on the Great Eastern Highway.
More details on airport transfers with a comparison table can be found here.
Parking Options
On-Site Long-Term Parking
- Standard: from $179.40 for 7-8 days at T1/T2 or T3/T4. One hour free, then charged.
- Undercover: from $345.80 for 7-8 days. Covered parking protects your vehicle from Perth’s sun.
Short-Term On-Site Parking
Free for the first 10 minutes, then charged at short-term rates. Ideal for drop-offs and pickups.
Off-Site Budget Parking
Several providers operate near the airport (Bay Airport Parking, NH Airlink, Skypark and others) at $92-142 per week. Off-site parking saves money but adds 10-15 minutes’ walk or a short transfer to the terminal.
Airport Facilities and Services
Dining and Cafes
T1 offers the widest choice: The Crafty Swan (pub-style food and local craft beers), Freshwater Bay Ale House (WA wine and beer), plus Aromas, Dome, and Hudsons Coffee. All terminals have convenience stores with light meals and snacks. T2, T3, and T4 have cafes and basic dining.
Shopping
Duty-free shops are at T1 (levels 1-2) and T3 (level 1). All terminals stock souvenirs, books, electronics, and cosmetics. T1 also features Australian Made retailers and specialist WA merchandise stores.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Travelex is open 24/7 at all terminals. For better rates, order foreign currency online before arrival and collect at the airport. Eight 24-hour ATMs are at T1. Travel cards like Wise and Revolut are also good alternatives to avoid airport exchange fees.
Lounges
The Aspire Lounge offers paid access from $75 per adult (book online). Airline lounges for members include: Virgin Australia Lounge (400-seat capacity, all-day dining, barista, showers, free WiFi), Qantas Business Lounge (showers), Qantas Club, Singapore Airlines Lounge, and Emirates Lounge (bar, buffet, work desks, showers).
WiFi and Services
Free WiFi is available throughout all four terminals. Power sockets are distributed across seating areas. Postal, fax, and photocopying services are also available.
Accessibility Support
When booking your flight, advise your airline of any assistance needed. Wheelchair accessibility is available throughout all terminals. The free inter-terminal shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and luggage storage. Perth Airport participates in the Sunflower lanyard program, supporting passengers with hidden disabilities: staff wearing Sunflower badges are trained to provide discreet assistance from check-in through to departure gate.
Hotels Near Perth Airport
For long layovers or early departures, several hotels are within 5 minutes’ drive:
- Ibis Budget Perth Airport: from $99 per night near T1/T2. Budget-friendly with essential amenities.
- Sanno Marracoonda: 5 minutes’ drive, with bar and restaurant on-site.
- Airport Apartments by Vetroblu: 0.9-1.9 km away, free parking included.
- Perth Ascot Central: 5 minutes’ drive, comfortable mid-range option.
Essential Travel Tips
- Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international
- Check your airline’s terminal before leaving home: T1 (Qantas, Virgin), T2 (Jetstar, Rex, regional), T3 (international)
- Get a SmartRider card if taking the train to the city ($5 fare, 18 minutes)
- Order foreign currency online before arriving for better rates than airport exchange
- Book rideshare in advance during peak times to avoid surge pricing
- The free shuttle between terminal precincts runs 24/7 and is wheelchair accessible
- Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals: connect early to check flight status
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal does my airline use at Perth Airport?
T1: Qantas, QantasLink, Virgin Australia, and major international carriers. T2: Jetstar (since September 2024), Regional Express, Alliance Airlines, Airnorth. T3: International departures. T4: Regional Qantas and charter. Always check your booking confirmation for the most current information.
How do I get between T1/T2 and T3/T4?
Use the free 24/7 shuttle bus (every 20-30 minutes, 8-minute journey), departing from the T4 Qantas forecourt and T3 arrivals forecourt. Taxis ($30-40) and rideshare ($25-35) are alternatives.
What’s the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city?
The Airport Line train: around $5 with SmartRider, 18 minutes to Perth Station in the CBD. Faster and cheaper than taxi ($50) or Uber (from $32).
How much does airport parking cost?
On-site long-term standard from $179.40 for 7-8 days; undercover from $345.80. Off-site budget parking from $92-142 per week. Short-term: free for first 10 minutes.
Are there lounges I can access without a membership?
Yes. The Aspire Lounge offers paid day access from $75 per adult. Book online for best availability.
Is currency exchange available at Perth Airport?
Yes. Travelex is open 24/7 at all terminals. For better rates, order online before travelling and collect at the airport counter.
What accessibility support is available?
Advise your airline when booking. Wheelchair assistance, accessible shuttle buses, and Sunflower lanyard support for hidden disabilities are all available. Staff provide assistance from check-in to the departure gate.
When should I arrive at the airport?
2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international. Build in extra time if you’re unfamiliar with the airport or travelling with young children.
Is free WiFi available?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout all four terminals. Connect when you arrive to check gate information and stay in touch.
Are there hotels within walking distance of Perth Airport?
The closest hotels are a short drive (5 minutes) rather than walkable. Ibis Budget Perth Airport is the most affordable option near the domestic terminals, from $99 per night.