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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Western Australia, Australia

Air Travel

Airlines & Routes

Perth Airport hosts a wide range of airlines. Direct flights connect major hubs across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and New Zealand. Domestic airlines include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Rex. Frequent connections to major Australian cities and regional WA destinations.

International Airlines

  • Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways.
  • Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, Batik Air, China Southern.
  • Garuda Indonesia, South African Airways, Philippine Airlines, ANA.

Direct Flights & Seasonal Fluctuations

Perth's international connectivity has grown. Direct flights are common from Asian cities (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Manila). Direct flights from Doha and Dubai. Qantas operates a direct flight from London. Johannesburg offers direct connections. No direct flights from North America.

Price Fluctuations

  • Peak Season (Sep-Apr): Higher demand, more expensive flights. Book several months ahead.
  • Off-Peak Season (May-Aug): Lower demand, better flight deals.
  • Dollar Flight Club for deals. Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Perth Airport PER

Located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) east of the Perth CBD. Main international and domestic airport for Western Australia.

Airport Facilities

Modern facility with four main terminals (T1-T4). Duty-free, lounges, dining, currency exchange, SIM card sales, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, charging stations.

Inter-Terminal Transfer

A free shuttle bus connects T1/T2 precinct with T3/T4 precinct. Allow sufficient time for transfers.

Transfers to City/Accommodation

Train & Taxi

  • Airport Train (Airport Line): Most efficient and cost-effective. Approx. 18-20 minutes to Perth Station. Fare ~$5.10 (SmartRider).
  • Taxi: Ranks outside all terminals. Fares to CBD typically $40-$60.
  • Rideshare: Uber, Ola, Didi. Designated pick-up areas. Fares similar to taxis.

Other Options

  • Airport Shuttles: Private services, often require advance booking. Good for groups/heavy luggage.
  • Public Bus: Transperth routes connect airport to local suburbs, then connect to trains. Less direct for CBD.
  • DiscoverCars.com for car rental options.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Indian Pacific: Luxury transcontinental train. Connects Perth (East Perth Terminal) with Adelaide and Sydney. A tourist experience, not a commuter service.

Long-Distance Buses

Transwa: Western Australia's regional public transport. Coach services from East Perth Terminal to regional towns like Albany, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie. No direct interstate bus services due to vast distances.

Driving Considerations

Drive on the left. Valid foreign driver's license (English) or IDP needed. Roads generally well-maintained. Be aware of wildlife (kangaroos) at dawn/dusk outside urban areas. Distances are vast. Plan fuel stops and rest.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Perth's coastal location means sea and river transport are important. Fremantle Passenger Terminal in Fremantle (20 km SW of CBD) is WA's main cruise ship terminal. International and domestic cruise lines visit regularly.

Rottnest Island Ferries

  • Several companies operate services to Rottnest Island (Rottnest Express, Sealink, Rottnest Fast Ferries).
  • Depart from Perth (Barrack Street Jetty), Fremantle (B Shed, Northport), and Hillarys Boat Harbour.
  • River Transportation: Transperth Ferries Elizabeth Quay to South Perth. Scenic views.

Immigration at Seaports & Connections

For international cruise arrivals at Fremantle Passenger Terminal, standard Australian immigration and customs apply. Biosecurity checks are strict.

Land Connections

  • Fremantle Passenger Terminal: Walk to Fremantle Train Station for direct services to Perth CBD.
  • Rottnest Island Ferry Terminals: Barrack Street Jetty (Perth CBD) accessible by Transperth buses. Hillarys Boat Harbour by local bus.
  • Various private operators offer scenic cruises on the Swan River, some to Swan Valley.

Departure - International

For international flights (T1), arrive at least three hours before departure for check-in, security, and immigration. Online check-in helps.

Departure - Domestic

For domestic flights (T2, T3, T4), arrive at least 1-2 hours before departure. Check airline advice. Use online check-in.

Airport Services

Perth Airport offers dining, retail (duty-free in T1), airline lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, baggage services.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific departure taxes or exit fees payable directly by passengers when leaving Australia. These costs are typically part of your airfare or cruise ticket price.

Check-in Reminders

  • Confirm flight status and terminal information before heading to the airport.
  • Traffic to Perth Airport can be heavy during peak hours. Allow extra travel time.
  • Utilize online check-in to save time at the airport.

Security & Immigration

Standard airport security procedures apply. Be ready to remove liquids, aerosols, gels, laptops, and large electronic devices from your carry-on luggage for screening.

International Departures

  • After security, pass through immigration.
  • Use SmartGate (if eligible) or a manned counter.
  • East Perth Terminal (for Indian Pacific/Transwa) has a basic waiting area, toilets, and small kiosk.

Road Conditions & Safety

Urban Roads

Generally good condition, well-signposted. Peak hour traffic can be heavy around the CBD.

Regional Roads

Vary from excellent sealed highways to unsealed gravel roads. Check conditions with local authorities or online resources.

Driver Safety

Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents. Plan regular breaks. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal.