Perth Airport Guide

Perth Airport (PER) is Western Australia's main international and domestic airport, about 12 km east of the Perth CBD.

The airport has four terminals split across two precincts:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Most international airlines plus Virgin Australia mainline domestic. A small set of Qantas external-territory services also uses T1; check the flight record.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Domestic and regional services, including Jetstar domestic and selected Virgin Australia and regional operators.
• Terminal 3 (T3): Qantas and Airnorth; both international and domestic processing exists in this precinct.
• Terminal 4 (T4): Qantas domestic.

Critical layout note: The terminals are divided into two physically separate precincts:

• T1/T2 precinct on Airport Drive
• T3/T4 precinct on Brearley Avenue

The precincts are separated by about a 10–15 minute drive and are not linked airside. Perth Airport provides a free accessible terminal-transfer bus. The Airport Line is useful for access to each precinct but is not a direct terminal-to-terminal train: Airport Central is linked to T1/T2, while Redcliffe requires a transfer to Route 292 for T3/T4.

Perth Airport's T1/T2 and T3/T4 precincts are separate and not connected airside. A cross-precinct connection requires entering the public area and travelling by the airport transfer bus, taxi/rideshare, or a train-and-bus combination.

Terminal Layout

T1/T2 precinct: T1 contains separate international and domestic areas; T2 is domestic/regional. They are close on foot, but do not assume a shared secure zone between unrelated flights.

T3/T4 precinct: Qantas operates across T3 and T4, including international processing at T3, and Airnorth uses T3. The buildings are linked on foot.

Always use Perth Airport's flight/terminal finder. Several airlines operate from more than one terminal.

Getting Between Terminals

The airport's free terminal-transfer bus runs between the two precincts. Perth Airport currently publishes 20-minute intervals from 06:00 to 22:00 and 30-minute intervals overnight; consult the live transfer page in case the pattern changes. Taxi and rideshare pickup is also available at each precinct.

For public transit, Airport Line trains run between Airport Central and Redcliffe, but the stations do not both sit at terminal doors. At T3/T4, transfer between Redcliffe station and the terminal pickup/drop-off area on free Transperth Route 292. This is not the same service as the airport's precinct-to-precinct transfer bus.

Do not use a generic minimum-connection table. Ask the airline whether bags are through-checked and whether a secure transfer is provided; otherwise allow for arrival formalities, a landside precinct change, check-in cutoff, and new security screening.

International arrival process

If arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight:

1. Confirm whether the flight arrives at T1 International or T3 International.
2. Clear immigration.
3. Collect checked bags at the carousel
4. Clear customs and quarantine (Australia has strict biosecurity rules; declare all food items)
5. Confirm the domestic flight's terminal with the airport finder or airline.
6. Walk within the precinct or take the airport terminal-transfer bus to the other precinct.
7. Check in if bags not checked through
8. Clear security at domestic terminal

Build in additional time for a cross-precinct transfer and follow the airline's connection instructions.

Domestic to International

When connecting from a domestic flight to an international departure:

1. Arrive at your domestic terminal
2. If the international flight leaves from the other precinct, take the airport terminal-transfer bus or another landside option.
3. Proceed to T1 International or T3 International, as shown for the flight.
4. Check in at international counters
5. Clear security and immigration

For separate tickets, confirm the check-in deadline and leave time for a full landside transfer and security/border process.

Perth Airport is about 12 km east of the CBD. The Airport Line serves both precincts differently: use the Skybridge between Airport Central and T1/T2, or Route 292 between Redcliffe and T3/T4. Taxi, rideshare, and airport parking are also available. Check the precinct before choosing a station or pickup point.

Uber, DiDi, Ola, and Swan Taxis operate at Perth Airport.

Rideshare pickup points:

• T1/T2: Designated pickup zone in the ground transport area, follow signs to rideshare
• T3/T4: Designated pickup zone outside the terminal building

Typical fares to common destinations:

Destination	Uber/Rideshare	Taxi
Perth CBD	A$30-45	A$40-55
Fremantle	A$45-65	A$55-75
Northbridge	A$30-45	A$40-55
Scarborough Beach	A$50-70	A$60-85

Taxi ranks are located outside arrivals at all terminals. Taxis are metered with an airport pickup fee. Credit cards accepted.

Peak hour note: Traffic on the Great Eastern Highway and Tonkin Highway can be heavy during morning (7-9am) and evening (4-6pm) rush hours.

Perth Airport Line Train

The Airport Line provides rail access between Perth and the airport area.

Stations:

• Airport Central: linked by Skybridge to T1 International, T1 Domestic, and T2.
• Redcliffe: not attached to T3/T4; change to the free Route 292 circular bus.

To use the train:

1. Follow signs to "Train Station" at your terminal
2. Tag on with a SmartRider, Visa/Mastercard contactless card or wallet, or buy the appropriate cash ticket
3. Board any city-bound train
4. Tap off at your destination

Use the Transperth journey planner for current first/last trains, frequency, fare, and planned works. With contactless payment, tag on and off using the same physical card or device.

Bus Options

• Route 292: free circular connection between Redcliffe station and T3/T4.
• Route 37: weekday service between Airport Central and Oats Street via Belmont Forum.
• Route 940: high-frequency service between Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and Redcliffe; change to Route 292 for T3/T4.

Check Transperth before travel because routes and timetables change.

Perth Airport offers multiple parking options at both precincts:

Short-term parking (T1/T2):

• P1 Short Term: A$6 per 30 min, A$79/day maximum
• P2 Short Term: A$6 per 30 min

Short-term parking (T3/T4):

• P3/P4 Short Term: A$6 per 30 min, A$79/day maximum

Long-term parking:

• Long Term Car Parks: From A$20/day (both precincts)
• Free shuttle buses run between long-term lots and terminals

Off-site alternatives:

• Several private operators offer parking from A$12-18/day with shuttle service
• Pre-book online for discounted rates (often 20-30% savings)

Pre-booking through the Perth Airport website typically offers significant savings compared to drive-up rates.

Perth Airport dining options vary by terminal:

Terminal 1 Domestic:

• The Local: Casual dining, Australian pub food
• Red Rooster: Fast food
• Coffee Club: Breakfast and coffee

Terminal 1 International:

• The Merrywell: Pub-style dining
• Jamie's Italian: Italian cuisine
• Bar Cupitt: Australian wine bar
• Dome: Perth's popular cafe chain
• Jus Burgers: Quality burgers

Terminal 3:

• Limited options; small cafe available

Terminal 4 (Qantas Domestic):

• Bar Amphora: Wine bar and bistro
• Cibo Espresso: Coffee and light meals
• Urban Providore: Australian cafe

For the broadest current selection, check Perth Airport's dining directory for the terminal shown on the flight; offerings change during terminal construction and airline moves.

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals:

• Network: "Perth Airport Free WiFi"
• Speed: Suitable for browsing, email, and light streaming
• Limit: Unlimited, requires acceptance of terms

For faster speeds, airport lounges offer premium WiFi.

SIM cards may be available at Terminal 1 International arrivals:

Carriers and locations:

• Telstra: Check the current T1 International arrivals directory
• Optus: Check the current T1 International arrivals directory
• Vodafone: Available at convenience stores

Typical prepaid prices:

• Telstra: From A$30 (30GB, 28 days) - best regional coverage for WA
• Optus: From A$30 (40GB, 28 days)
• Vodafone: From A$30 (40GB, 35 days)

Important for Western Australia travel: If visiting regional WA (Margaret River, Broome, Kimberley), Telstra offers significantly better coverage. For Perth city and surrounds only, all carriers perform well.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals:

• Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB: Major Australian banks available
• ATMs are available around T1 International processing areas
• T1, T3, and T4 have ATMs in the departure areas

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex: Check the current T1 International directory

For better exchange rates, use ATMs to withdraw cash or exchange money in the city. Australia is highly card-friendly with contactless payments accepted almost everywhere.

Perth Airport offers duty-free and retail shopping:

Duty-Free (international departures):

• Heinemann Duty Free: Main retailer (liquor, cosmetics, fragrances)
• Good selection of Australian wine, particularly Western Australian wines from Margaret River
• Australian souvenirs and gifts

Notable stores:

• Discover Western Australia: Australian souvenirs (check the current airport directory)
• RM Williams: Australian leather goods
• The West Australian Store: Local products

Domestic terminals have limited retail options focused on convenience stores and travel essentials.

Perth Airport has several lounge options:

Priority Pass Lounges

• Aspire Lounge (T1 International): Comfortable seating, hot food, bar. Can be busy during peak departure times.

Airline Lounges

Terminal 1 International:

• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge: Star Alliance Gold, SQ Business Class
• Emirates Lounge: Emirates Business/First Class passengers

Terminal 3 International:

• Qantas International lounge facilities: Confirm eligibility and current opening details with Qantas

Terminal 1 (Virgin Domestic):

• Virgin Australia Lounge: Velocity Gold/Platinum, VA Business Class guests

Terminal 4 (Qantas Domestic):

• Qantas Club: Qantas Club members, Business Class, Oneworld Sapphire
• Qantas Business Lounge: Premium offering with hot food and barista coffee
• Qantas Chairman's Lounge: Invite-only

Terminal 3 (QantasLink):

• Limited lounge access; passengers can use T4 lounges (connected airside)

The Qantas Business Lounge at T4 is well-regarded for domestic travel, with quality food and an excellent coffee selection.

At the airport:

• Perth Airport Novotel: Connected to T1 via covered walkway (from A$170/night)
• Convenient for early departures from T1/T2 precinct

Near the airport:

• ibis Styles Perth Airport: Short drive, shuttle available (from A$130/night)
• Hyatt Place Perth Airport: Near T3/T4 precinct (from A$180/night)
• Sanno Hotel: Budget-friendly option (from A$110/night)

For T3/T4 departures: Hotels near the domestic terminals precinct are limited; consider the Perth CBD for more options if time permits.

Day rooms and showers:

• Some lounges offer shower facilities
• Novotel offers day-use rooms (check availability)

Perth is Western Australia's capital and the gateway to some of Australia's most spectacular natural landscapes:

Perth City (20-35 min from airport):

• Elizabeth Quay: Waterfront precinct with restaurants and bars
• Kings Park: 400-hectare bushland park with panoramic city views, free entry
• Fremantle: Historic port city with markets, cafes, and craft breweries (30-40 min from airport)
• Northbridge: Entertainment district with restaurants, bars, and nightlife

Beaches (30-50 min from airport):

• Cottesloe Beach: Perth's most popular beach, sunset views over the Indian Ocean
• Scarborough Beach: Surf beach with restaurants and bars
• City Beach: Family-friendly, close to the CBD

Day trips:

• Rottnest Island: Home to quokkas, pristine beaches. Ferry from Fremantle (25 min). Plan a full day.
• Swan Valley: Wine region 30 minutes from the CBD, excellent for wine tasting and lunch
• Pinnacles Desert: Unique limestone formations, 2-hour drive north

Longer journeys from Perth:

• Margaret River: Premium wine region and surf coast, 3-hour drive south
• Broome: Gateway to the Kimberley, 2.5-hour flight
• Ningaloo Reef: Swim with whale sharks, 2-hour flight to Exmouth

Getting around Perth:

• SmartRider card works on trains, buses, and ferries throughout the Transperth network
• Perth's free CAT buses (Central Area Transit) loop around the CBD
• The city is relatively spread out; a car is useful for exploring beyond the CBD

Best for short layovers (5-6 hours): Take the Airport Line train to Perth Underground, walk to Elizabeth Quay, explore Kings Park for city views, grab coffee at a local cafe in the CBD, and return via train. Allow 4+ hours minimum after clearing customs and before returning to the airport.