In short
- 🚍 Network: Transperth — bus, train, ferry.
- 💳 Pay with: SmartRider.
- 🚕 Also: rideshare (Uber/DiDi) and taxis everywhere; hire a car for day trips.
- ✈️ From the airport: see Getting Here.
The network: Transperth
Perth's public transport is run by Transperth, covering bus, train, ferry. Plan any trip door-to-door with the official journey planner or Google Maps.
Tickets & how to pay: SmartRider
Tap on and off with a SmartRider card for the best fares; cash tickets are also available on buses and at stations.
See current SmartRider fares & details →
What it costs
Zone-based fares with free travel inside the central FTZ (Free Transit Zone) and on the CAT buses in Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup.
Getting in from the airport
Flying in? Taxis, rideshare and airport shuttles connect to the centre, and some cities add a direct train or express bus. The exact options, travel times and rough costs for Perth are in our Getting Here guide.
Airport transfers in Perth
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Taxis, rideshare & on-demand
Rideshare is well established in Perth — Uber is everywhere, often alongside DiDi, Ola or Bolt (which can be cheaper). Traditional taxis can be hailed, picked up at ranks or booked by app. For late nights or trips beyond the timetable, on-demand is usually the easiest option.
On foot & by bike
Perth's inner neighbourhoods are best explored on foot, and many areas have bike paths plus share-bike or e-scooter schemes. It's often the nicest (and cheapest) way to get between spots that are close together.
Prefer to drive? Hire a car in Perth
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Handy apps
- Transperth app
- Google Maps
Local tips
- The free CAT buses loop through central Perth and Fremantle every few minutes.
- Tap on with SmartRider to ride free inside the Free Transit Zone.
Getting around Perth — FAQs
What public transport runs in Perth?+
Perth is served by Transperth, covering bus, train, ferry. You can plan any door-to-door trip with the official journey planner or Google Maps.
How do I pay for public transport in Perth?+
Tap on and off with a SmartRider card for the best fares; cash tickets are also available on buses and at stations.
Can I use a contactless card on Perth transport?+
Perth mainly uses the SmartRider system; check whether contactless bank cards are accepted before you travel, or pick up the local card on arrival.
How much does it cost to get around Perth?+
Zone-based fares with free travel inside the central FTZ (Free Transit Zone) and on the CAT buses in Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup.
Do I need a car in Perth?+
For the inner city and main attractions, public transport plus the odd rideshare usually covers it — you won't need a car. A hire car earns its keep for day trips, the coast and spread-out areas beyond the network.
How do I get from the airport into Perth?+
Airport transfers, taxis, rideshare and (in some cities) a direct train or shuttle connect the airport to the centre — see our Getting Here guide for the specifics for Perth.
Is there Uber / rideshare in Perth?+
Yes — rideshare (Uber, and often DiDi, Ola or Bolt) operates across Perth alongside traditional taxis, which you can hail, rank or book by app.
Looking for somewhere to go? Browse the best things to do in Perth, see them on the map, or check the best time to visit.