Perth is one of the easier Australian airports to reach the city from, if you leave from T1 or T2. From T3 and T4 it takes an extra step.
From T1 or T2
Airport Central station is on the Airport Line. Follow the signs along the skybridge to T2 or to T1 Domestic and International. The train takes 18 minutes to Perth Station in the CBD. Transperth SmartRider cards can be bought at Smarte Carte on the ground floor of Terminal 1 International, and give a 10% discount on cash fares.
From T3 or T4
Redcliffe station is on the same line, 15 minutes from Perth Station and three minutes from Airport Central. It is not connected to T3 and T4. Take Bus 292, a circular service between Redcliffe station and the terminals' pick-up and drop-off area, which runs every 12 minutes at peak. Allow for the bus on top of the train.
First and last services
All from Transperth's published timetables, so check your date before you rely on them.
- Airport Central to Perth, Monday to Friday: first train 5:30am, last 11:35pm. On Friday nights there are two more, at about 12:35am and 1:20am.
- Perth to Airport Central, Monday to Friday: first train leaves Perth Station at 5:09am and reaches Airport Central at 5:27am. The last arrivals at Airport Central are around 12:18am.
- Sunday: the first train from Airport Central to Perth is 7:35am and the last is 11:35pm.
- Bus 292: the first Monday-to-Friday bus leaves Redcliffe station at 5:31am and the last at about 12:22am. It runs every 12 minutes in the morning and late-afternoon peaks, every 15 minutes in between, and every 30 minutes from about 9:30pm. Weekend buses start later (Saturday 5:53am, Sunday 7:23am) and run every 15 minutes in the day and every 30 minutes late in the evening.
Other buses
- Bus 940 runs daily between Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and Redcliffe station via Great Eastern Highway.
- Bus 37 runs between Airport Central and Oats Street Station via Belmont Forum, Monday to Friday.
Is the city a good place to stay?
For a midday flight from T1 or T2, often yes. The train is simple and the city has more hotels and restaurants. For a flight before about 6am, or an arrival after the last train, a hotel with a shuttle is easier. Trains are not 24 hours: the first leaves Perth at 5:09am on weekdays and the last Airport Central departure is 11:35pm, bar the Friday-night extras. Check the timetable for your date before you decide.
From T3 and T4 the extra bus makes the city less appealing for an early start. See the early flight and late arrival lists.