All City Guides

🌊 Getting Around Perth

Explore Western Australia's sun-drenched capital by train, ferry, bus, and bike. With free CBD transport and stunning Swan River crossings, Perth is a breeze to navigate.

Main Transport Options

Transperth Trains

Five rail lines connecting Perth CBD to the coast, airport, and outer suburbs

Free in CBD · A$3.40–$13.20 by zone

  • •Joondalup Line: north to the coast
  • •Mandurah Line: 72 km south along the freeway
  • •Forrestfield-Airport Link: direct to Perth Airport
  • •Free Transit Zone covers the Perth CBD

Pro Tip: Trains are free within the Perth Free Transit Zone!

Transperth Ferries

An iconic ferry crossing the Swan River between Elizabeth Quay and South Perth

A$3.40 (2-zone fare)

  • •Elizabeth Quay to South Perth: 7-minute crossing
  • •Every 20–30 minutes throughout the day
  • •Stunning views of Perth skyline and Kings Park
  • •SmartRider and contactless accepted

Pro Tip: Take the ferry at sunset — Perth's skyline reflected in the Swan River is stunning!

Buses & CAT Services

Comprehensive bus network plus free CAT buses looping through the CBD

Free CAT buses · A$3.40–$13.20 by zone

  • •Free Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green CAT buses in the CBD
  • •300+ bus routes across Greater Perth
  • •High-frequency routes on major corridors
  • •Night Network services on Fri & Sat

Pro Tip: The free CAT buses cover the entire CBD, Northbridge, East Perth, and West Perth!

Cycling & E-Scooters

Perth's sunny climate and flat riverside paths make it ideal for cycling

A$1 unlock + A$0.38/min (e-scooters)

  • •Swan River loop: 20 km sealed path along the river
  • •Dedicated bike lanes across the CBD
  • •Lime e-scooters available citywide
  • •Rottnest Island is car-free — bikes are the only way

Pro Tip: Cycle the Swan River path from Elizabeth Quay to Matilda Bay — flat, beautiful!

Passes & Tickets

SmartRider

Perth's reusable smartcard for all trains, buses, and ferries — 25% cheaper than cash

Best for: Everyone — essential for savings
  • ✓25% off standard fares
  • ✓Auto top-up available
  • ✓2-hour transfer window included

Contactless Payment

Tap your bank card or phone across the Transperth network

Best for: Visitors without a SmartRider
  • ✓Standard cash fares apply
  • ✓Daily caps available
  • ✓No registration needed

DayRider

Unlimited all-day travel across the entire Transperth network

Best for: Day trips and heavy travel days
  • ✓A$13.20 unlimited all zones
  • ✓All modes included
  • ✓Buy on SmartRider or cash

Navigation Apps & Tools

Transperth App

Official app — journey planner, real-time arrivals, and SmartRider balance

Google Maps

Reliable multi-modal routing with Transperth integration

Moovit

Real-time transit tracker with delay alerts and route suggestions

Citymapper

Smart route planner with walking, transit, and rideshare options

Most Instagrammable Transport Spots

Elizabeth Quay Ferry

The Swan River ferry with Perth's glass skyline towering behind you

Train over Narrows Bridge

Mandurah Line crossing the Swan River with Kings Park bushland as backdrop

Blue CAT Bus at Northbridge

Free retro-styled bus cruising past street art and neon-lit laneways

Rottnest Island by Bike

Pedal past turquoise bays and quokkas on this car-free island

Perth Station at Night

Heritage station lit up with modern Yagan Square glowing behind it

Insider Tips

  • 1The Free Transit Zone covers all train stations in the Perth CBD — ride between them for free
  • 2Free CAT buses cover the CBD, Northbridge, and East Perth — use them everywhere
  • 3SmartRider saves 25% on every trip compared to cash
  • 4The 2-hour transfer window means you can switch between bus, train, and ferry on one fare
  • 5Perth Airport station opened in 2022 — no more expensive taxi rides from the airport
  • 6Rottnest Island ferries from Fremantle are not Transperth — book separately

Important Information

Emergency Contacts

  • • Australian Emergency: 000
  • • Transperth Info: 13 62 13
  • • Police Assistance Line: 131 444
  • • Perth Visitor Centre: +61 8 9483 1111

Safety Tips

  • • Perth is one of the sunniest cities on Earth — sunscreen is non-negotiable
  • • The 'Fremantle Doctor' sea breeze arrives most afternoons — bring a light layer
  • • Stay hydrated — summer regularly exceeds 40°C
  • • Check Transperth app for disruptions, especially during school holidays