How to get from Perth Airport (PER) to Elizabeth Quay

Opened in 2022, the Perth Airport Line is a game-changer for airport transfers. It provides a seamless, reliable, and affordable rail link directly into the city.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Station: Perth Airport Station is centrally located between Terminals 1 and 2. Follow the clear green “Train” signs from any arrivals hall. For T3/T4, take the free Terminal Transfer Bus (Route 935 or 940) to the station.
2. Purchase a Ticket:
   • SmartRider Card: The cheapest option ($5.00). Purchase at the vending machine at the station or online in advance.
   • Contactless Card/Phone: Tap your Visa/Mastercard or mobile wallet for a standard cash fare ($6.60).
   • Cash Ticket: Use the vending machine to buy a single paper ticket ($6.60).
3. Board the Train: Ensure you board a train bound for Perth City (final destinations: Perth Station or Elizabeth Quay). Trains run every 12 minutes during the day, every 20 minutes early/late.
4. Alight at Elizabeth Quay Station: This is the first city station after the airport. The journey takes precisely 18 minutes. Follow signs to your exit.

Fare Details & Zones:

Ticket Type	Fare (Zone 2)	Best For
Standard Cash Fare	$6.60 AUD	One-off travelers, no SmartRider
SmartRider Fare	$5.00 AUD	Anyone staying more than a day (saves 24%)
FamilyRider (Weekends/Public Holidays)	$14.70 AUD	Up to 7 people (2 adults max) for unlimited travel

Source: Transperth Fares Guide

Key Advantages & Considerations:

• Speed & Reliability: Unaffected by road traffic. The 18-minute schedule is highly reliable.
• Luggage: Ample space for suitcases and backpacks. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) for more space.
• Operating Hours: First train ~5:00 AM, last train just after midnight. Check the official timetable for exact times on your travel date.

While slower, the public bus network provides essential service when the train is not running and is the equal-cheapest public transport option.

Primary Bus Route: 380 (To Perth Busport)

This is the main public bus connecting all airport terminals to the city.

• Route: Services all terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) → Perth Busport (on Wellington Street).
• Travel Time: Approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes. Critical for flights between ~12:30 AM and 5:00 AM when the train is not operating.
• Final Leg to Elizabeth Quay: From Perth Busport, it’s a 15-minute walk south, or a short hop on any CAT (Central Area Transit) bus which is free.

Fares & Ticketing:

Uses the same fare structure as the train. A $5.00 SmartRider or $6.60 cash fare covers this bus journey and any subsequent connecting buses/trains within a 2-hour period.

Who Should Take the Bus?

• Travelers on extremely tight budgets who don’t mind a longer trip.
• Passengers arriving or departing between midnight and 5 AM.
• Those whose accommodation is closer to Perth Busport than Elizabeth Quay Station.

For direct, point-to-point service, taxis and rideshares are available 24/7 but come at a significantly higher cost.

Taxi Services

Official taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrivals hall of all terminals.

• Estimated Cost: $45 – $65 AUD to Elizabeth Quay.
• Travel Time: 20-40 minutes, highly dependent on traffic.
• Key Companies: Swan Taxis, Black & White Cabs. All are metered.
• Surcharges: A $2.00 airport booking fee applies to all taxi trips originating from PER.

Rideshare Services (Uber, Ola, Didi)

Designated pick-up zones are available. You must use the app to book and meet your driver.

• Estimated Cost: Typically $35 – $55 AUD (often 10-30% cheaper than taxis).
• Dynamic Pricing: Fares can surge dramatically during peak hours, bad weather, or when demand is high (e.g., early morning).
• Option to Pre-book: Some services allow scheduled pick-ups for early flights.

When is a Taxi/Rideshare the Right Choice?

• Traveling in a group of 3-4 where cost can be split.
• If you have excessive or heavy luggage.
• For late-night arrivals when public transport has ceased.
• If you have mobility issues requiring direct access.

If you plan to explore beyond Perth, renting a car at the airport is straightforward.

The Drive to Elizabeth Quay:

• Route: Take Tonkin Highway (State Route 4) south, then merge onto Graham Farmer Freeway (State Route 8) heading west into the city. Follow signs for Elizabeth Quay/City Centre.
• Distance & Time: Approximately 17 km. The drive takes 20-30 minutes outside of peak hour. Peak traffic (7-9 AM, 4-6:30 PM) can extend this to 50+ minutes.
• Tolls: There are no road tolls on this route.

Car Rental at PER:

All major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty) have desks in the arrivals halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Vehicles are parked in adjacent car parks.

Parking at Elizabeth Quay/Downtown Perth:

This is a major challenge and expense. On-street parking is limited and has strict time limits. Your best options are commercial car parks:

Car Park	Approx. Daily Rate	Distance to Elizabeth Quay
Wilson Parking - City of Perth	$30 - $55 AUD	5-min walk
CPP Queensgate	$25 - $50 AUD	10-min walk

Tip: Consider dropping luggage at your accommodation first, then parking.

Long-Term Airport Parking:

If you’re leaving Perth, consider the official PER Long Term Car Park, connected by a free shuttle to terminals. It’s often cheaper than city parking for multiple days.

This table summarizes all key data to help you decide at a glance.

Transport Method	Approx. Cost (One Way)	Travel Time to Elizabeth Quay	Key Advantage	Best For
🚆 Transperth Train (Airport Line)	$5.00 (SmartRider) - $6.60 (Cash)	~18 min	Best Overall - Fast, cheap, reliable	Most travelers, standard arrival times
🚌 Public Bus (Route 380 + walk)	$5.00 (SmartRider) - $6.60 (Cash)	~60-75 min total	Cheapest 24/7 option	Extreme budget, very early/late flights
🚕 Taxi	$45 - $65 AUD	20-40 min	Door-to-door, 24/7 availability	Groups, late night, heavy luggage
📱 Rideshare (Uber, etc.)	$35 - $55 AUD	20-40 min	Often cheaper than taxi, app convenience	Solo/duo travelers, non-peak times
🚗 Driving (Rental Car + Parking)	$50+ (Rental) + $30+ (Parking)	20-50 min	Ultimate flexibility for regional travel	Those exploring beyond Perth city

Verdict: For 90% of travelers, the Transperth Train is the unequivocal best choice. Only consider other options if you’re traveling outside train hours, in a large group, or have specific needs that justify the extra cost.

• Get a SmartRider Card Immediately: If you’ll use any public transport in Perth (buses, ferries, trains), this is your first investment. The 24% discount pays for itself in two airport trips. Buy it at the vending machine at the airport station.
• Download Essential Apps:
  • Transperth App: For real-time journey planning and timetables.
  • Uber/Ola/DiDi: Compare rideshare prices in real-time before booking.
  • Google Maps/Apple Maps: Excellent for walking directions from Elizabeth Quay Station to your final hotel.
• Beware of Peak Hour Traffic (for road options): If you land between 4-6:30 PM on a weekday, a taxi/Uber ride could take over 50 minutes and cost a small fortune. The train remains the steadfast, 18-minute alternative.
• Connection to Ferries (Rottnest Island, etc.): Elizabeth Quay is where you catch ferries to Rottnest Island and other destinations. If that’s your first stop, the train literally drops you at the ferry terminal’s doorstep.
• Free CAT Buses: Once in the city, remember Perth’s free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus network. If your hotel is a bit further from Elizabeth Quay, a free CAT bus can likely get you closer.