Perth Airport sits about 12 km east of the city centre and, since the opening of the dedicated Airport Line, has one of the more straightforward transfers of any Australian airport. Two terminal pairs — T1/T2 and T3/T4 — are a short distance apart, so it's worth knowing which one you're using before you pick your route in.
The fastest way: the Airport Line train
Perth's Airport Line, part of the Transperth rail network, runs directly from stations serving the airport into Perth Station in the city centre in around 20 minutes. Airport Central station serves T1 and T2 with a connecting walkway, while T3 and T4 are linked to Redcliffe station a little further along the line — check which terminal you're using so you get off (or board) at the right stop.
Trains run frequently throughout the day, typically every 10–15 minutes at peak times and a little less often in the evenings, and the network runs late but not right through the night — check the current timetable if you're on a late flight. Fares are paid with a SmartRider card or contactless bank card tapped on and off, and are calculated by the number of zones travelled, which for the airport-to-city journey is a modest, predictable amount.
Transperth buses
Several Transperth bus routes also serve the airport precinct and can be a reasonable option if your accommodation is closer to a bus stop than a station, or if you're travelling between terminals and other parts of the metropolitan area rather than straight into the centre. Journey times are longer than the train, given road traffic and additional stops, and frequency is lower outside peak hours.
Fares use the same SmartRider/contactless system as the train, and transfers between bus and train within a set time window don't incur an extra zone charge, which makes combining the two straightforward if your final destination isn't right by a station.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxi ranks operate at all terminals, with metered fares to the city centre typically taking 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Ride-hailing apps also operate widely in Perth and generally undercut the metered taxi fare, with pickup zones clearly signed at each terminal. For late-night arrivals, larger groups, or travel to suburbs the train doesn't reach directly, a taxi or rideshare remains the simplest choice. See our guide to Australia overland if you're planning to combine Perth with a longer trip across the country rather than a single-city stay.
Car hire at the airport
All the major car hire firms operate desks across the terminals, and self-driving is a genuinely attractive option in Western Australia given how much of the state's appeal lies outside Perth itself — the Margaret River wine region, Rottnest Island's ferry departure points, and the vast distances further north are all easier with your own car. Driving in the city centre itself is straightforward, with reasonably priced parking near most hotels, though the Airport Line remains simpler for a same-day arrival with no onward driving plans. See our guide to driving in Australia for road-train country, distances and rules.
Getting between the terminals
Perth Airport's four terminals are spread across two sites a few kilometres apart, and a free shuttle bus connects them for passengers with a same-day connecting flight from a different terminal — worth knowing if you're transiting rather than heading straight into the city. If your only goal is the city centre, this doesn't affect your journey, but it's a common point of confusion for connecting passengers who assume all terminals sit side by side, as they do at many other airports.
Signage throughout the terminals clearly marks the walk to Airport Central or Redcliffe station, and both stations are fully accessible with lifts for travellers with luggage trolleys, prams or reduced mobility. The stations themselves are modern, having been purpose-built alongside the Airport Line's extension, so the transfer experience is considerably smoother than at older airport rail links elsewhere in Australia.
For early-morning departures, it's worth checking the first train of the day against your check-in requirements, since airlines generally recommend arriving a couple of hours before an international flight and the very first services can occasionally run a few minutes later than scheduled. A taxi or rideshare removes that uncertainty if your flight is particularly early.
Which option should you choose?
For most travellers heading into central Perth, the Airport Line train is the clear choice — fast, frequent, and cheaper than a taxi, with a simple fare system that also works for visitors via contactless card. Buses suit specific suburban destinations better than the city centre. Taxis and rideshare are worth it for late arrivals, heavy luggage, or when the train doesn't run at your arrival time; and a hire car pays off if Perth is your gateway to the wider south-west of Western Australia rather than your only stop.
If you're continuing across the country, our guide to Australia by train covers the long-distance lines including the Indian Pacific, which terminates in Perth. For the eastern seaboard's own classic route, see Sydney to Melbourne, and check Australia's ETA and eVisitor requirements before you fly if you haven't already.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Perth Airport to the city?
Yes — the Airport Line runs directly from Airport Central (for T1/T2) and Redcliffe (for T3/T4) stations into Perth Station in around 20 minutes.
Which terminal am I flying into, and does it matter for the train?
Perth Airport has two terminal pairs, T1/T2 and T3/T4, served by different stations a short distance apart on the Airport Line. Check your terminal before boarding so you use the right stop.
Can I just tap my bank card on Perth's trains?
Yes, contactless bank cards work the same way as a SmartRider card at Transperth gates and on buses, which is convenient for short visits without buying a dedicated transit card.
How long does a taxi take from Perth Airport to the city?
Around 20–30 minutes outside peak traffic, similar to or slightly slower than the train once you allow for the walk to and from stations.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transfer information: Perth Airport official site.
- Rail and fare details: Transperth (Public Transport Authority of Western Australia).