Perth International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Perth International Airport PER

Australia

Perth Airport is Western Australia's primary hub, serving the state capital considered one of the world's most isolated cities, thousands of kilometers away from Australia's other major metropolises.

It is located approximately 12 km from Perth city center.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.perthairport.com.au

How to get to Perth International Airport

Perth is reachable from its airport via the Airport Line train or by taxi.

By Car

Visitors arriving by car follow the Tonkin Highway, which connects the airport to central Perth in approximately 20-25 minutes.

By Train

The Airport Line connects the airport to Perth city centre in about 20 minutes; the ticket costs the standard Perth public transport fare (SmartRider), considerably cheaper than airport surcharges in other Australian cities.

By Bus

Some bus connections are available, generally less direct than train service.
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Tips International and domestic terminals are quite far apart: always check transfer times if you have a connecting flight.

Average travel time to PER

Train20-25 minutes
Shuttle bus30-40 minutes
Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes

Parking near Perth International Airport

Parking, located a short distance from the terminals, offers various price tiers.

Approximately 15-20 Australian dollars for short-term parking in the first few hours, while official long-term parking runs about 31 dollars per day; peripheral areas with shuttle service, when booked online in advance, drop to around 14-15 dollars per day.

How to get to Perth from PER

The Airport Line railway connects the airport to Perth city center in approximately 20 minutes, recently opened to improve public transport links at the airport.

By Train

Airport Line stations are connected to the terminals via pedestrian paths or shuttle service.

By Bus

Bus stops are located in the arrivals areas of the terminals.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in designated areas outside the terminals. Alternatively, Uber and DiDi are widely used to book rides directly from your phone.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Perth International Airport

The best-known rental operators have their own desk in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Car rental is widely used for exploring Western Australia, a region of very large distances.

Bring your driver's license, passport (or local document) and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; always verify the fuel policy before returning. English-language licenses are generally accepted for visitors; for others, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation is usually required.

 

Hotels near Perth International Airport

Since 2022 Metronet's Airport Line has linked the airport to the centre in just 18 minutes for a flat fare of 5 AUD, which makes the city centre almost always the best choice even for those departing in the morning. No real hotel is found just steps from the runways, though: those who want to stay very close to the terminal have to settle for private accommodations with no quality guarantees, so for a short stopover it's still worth moving towards Perth CBD or Northbridge. The choice only changes for those looking for evening life: Northbridge remains the neighbourhood with the most restaurants and venues open late.
City centre

Perth CBD

The Airport Line reaches Perth Station in 18 minutes (zone fare capped at 5 AUD): from T1/T2 you depart directly from Airport Central Station, from T3/T4 you first need a free 5-minute shuttle to Redcliffe station. Trains every 12-15 minutes by day, every 30 at night, from 6 to midnight.

Best for: Those who want the most convenient rail link to the airport, with the museums, Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park within walking distance.

Pros
  • Direct and affordable rail link to the airport, running almost all night
  • Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park and the Perth Convention Centre within walking distance
Cons
  • From T3/T4 you have to change to the Redcliffe shuttle, a few minutes more than from T1/T2
  • The heart of the CBD empties out early in the evening on weekdays
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Northbridge

From Perth Station, about 10-15 minutes on foot, you take the Airport Line to the airport in 18 minutes; by direct taxi from the airport the journey is about 20-25 minutes.

Best for: Those looking for restaurants, bars and nightlife within walking distance of the hotel, accepting a few extra minutes to the station.

Pros
  • Yagan Square, the Western Australian Museum and the venues of James Street just steps away
  • A neighbourhood alive until late, with a wider range of restaurants than in the CBD
Cons
  • The nearest railway station still requires a 10-15 minute walk
  • On weekends the central streets of Northbridge are noisy until late at night
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Neighbourhood

East Perth

Claisebrook station is about 2 minutes by car; from there the Midland line takes you to Perth Station in a few minutes, from which you continue on the Airport Line towards the airport.

Best for: Those who want to stay close to the Swan River and the WACA, with the centre still just a few minutes away on foot or by car.

Pros
  • Views over the Swan River and the gardens of Langley Park, a quieter area than the CBD
  • WACA and the Perth Mint reachable in about ten minutes on foot
Cons
  • A train change (or a taxi) is still needed to reach the airport
  • Fewer restaurants and evening venues than Northbridge or the CBD
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport, Western Australia's primary hub, offers a comprehensive range of services.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers a wide range of products.

Lounges & relaxation

Several VIP lounges are located beyond security checkpoints.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, the major national carriers (Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone) have a counter at the airport, which is convenient if you prefer not to look for them in the city.

Families & Children

Dedicated points for changing diapers and breastfeeding are available in the transit zones.

Terminal guide

The airport has international and domestic terminals with a complimentary shuttle service connecting them given their distance apart.

From check-in to gate is generally an 8–10 minute walk. It's wise to arrive with extra time during peak international flight hours.

Map of Perth International Airport

Map of Perth International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the Airport Line to central Perth cost?

The standard Perth public transport fare (SmartRider), noticeably cheaper than the airport surcharges applied in other Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

Q. Does Perth airport have multiple terminals?

Yes, separate terminals for domestic and international flights, connected by the airport's internal transport system.

Q. Is it worth arriving well ahead of time for an international flight from Perth?

Yes, 3 hours in advance is generally recommended, given Perth's importance as Western Australia's main hub.

Q. How did people get to Perth before the direct train?

Before the Airport Line opened, the connection was only by road via bus and taxi, both still available today.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Perth

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