Perth International Airport

Perth Airport (PER) is Western Australia's primary international and domestic gateway, serving over 14 million passengers annually. Located approximately 12 km east of the Perth CBD in the suburb of Perth Airport, it connects Western Australia to major Australian cities and international destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

The airport has four terminals split across two precincts:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Virgin Australia domestic operations, Alliance Airlines, and regional services
• Terminal 2 (T2): International terminal handling all overseas flights
• Terminal 3 (T3): Qantas regional services (QantasLink)
• Terminal 4 (T4): Qantas domestic operations and Jetstar

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

• T1/T2 precinct (Central Precinct): Located on the airport's east side
• T3/T4 precinct (Qantas precinct): Located on the airport's west side, approximately 4 km away

The two precincts are not connected airside. Transfers between T1/T2 and T3/T4 require traveling between buildings via shuttle bus, taxi, rideshare, or the new Airport Line train.

Within each precinct, terminals share security screening facilities and are connected airside:

• T1 and T2 share common facilities and are connected
• T3 and T4 are connected via a walkway

Perth Airport is 12 km east of the Perth CBD. Travel times to popular areas:

• Perth CBD (Elizabeth Quay, Murray Street): 20-35 minutes
• Fremantle: 30-45 minutes
• Northbridge: 20-35 minutes
• Scarborough Beach: 35-50 minutes
• Rottnest Island Ferry Terminal (Fremantle): 35-50 minutes

Transport options include the Perth Airport Line train (fastest to city center), taxi, rideshare (Uber, DiDi, Ola), and public bus. The new Airport Line train opened in 2022 and provides the most efficient connection to the CBD.

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 Perth Airport Line (Forrestfield-Airport Link), opened in October 2022, provides fast rail access to the CBD.

Stations:

• Airport Central (serves T1/T2)
• Redcliffe (serves T3/T4)
• Connects to Perth Underground (city center) via Elizabeth Quay

Fare to Perth CBD:

• Adult: A$5.20
• Concession: A$2.10
• Use a SmartRider card or contactless payment

Journey time: Approximately 18 minutes from Airport Central to Perth Underground

Frequency: Every 12 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes off-peak

Hours: First train approximately 5am, last train around midnight (check Transperth timetables)

To use the train:

1. Follow signs to "Train Station" at your terminal
2. Tap on with SmartRider or contactless card
3. Board any city-bound train
4. Tap off at your destination

The Airport Line is significantly cheaper and faster than a taxi to the city center during peak traffic.

Bus Options

Route 40 operates between the airport terminals and connects to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station in the city:

• Fare: Standard Transperth fare (A$3.30-5.00 depending on zones)
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
• Journey time: 35-50 minutes to city center

Route 380 connects the airport to Bassendean train station for alternative rail access.

The train is recommended over buses for speed and convenience.

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 (Virgin Domestic):

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

Terminal 2 (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 (QantasLink):

• Limited options; small cafe available

Terminal 4 (Qantas/Jetstar):

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

For the best food variety, T2 International has the widest selection. If flying domestically from T3/T4, consider eating before clearing security or visiting the Qantas lounges.

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 are available at Terminal 2 International arrivals:

Carriers and locations:

• Telstra: Kiosk in T2 arrivals
• Optus: Kiosk in T2 arrivals
• 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 located before and after immigration in T2
• T1, T3, and T4 have ATMs in the departure areas

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex: T2 International (rates are not competitive)

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 (T2 International):

• 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 (T2)
• 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 (T2 International): Comfortable seating, hot food, bar. Can be busy during peak departure times.

Airline Lounges

Terminal 2 (International):

• Qantas International Business Lounge: Qantas Business Class, Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge: Star Alliance Gold, SQ Business Class
• Emirates Lounge: Emirates Business/First Class passengers
• Virgin Australia Lounge: VA Business Class, Velocity Gold/Platinum (limited international)

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.