3 ways to get to and from Perth Airport

From the cheapest way, to the fastest way, and what's planned for the future. Here's what you need to know about travelling to and from Perth Airport. 

There are four terminals clustered across two neighbouring locations: terminals 1 and 2, and terminals 3 and 4.

Beware, the trip between Perth’s airports and the city, coast or Fremantle ain’t pretty. Avert your eyes from the industrial buildings, large-scale machinery and drive-through bottle shops and don’t lift them until about 25 minutes after departure.

 

THE CHEAP WAY: BUS

Public airport buses depart from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station in the CBD. Bus route 380 (see what they’ve done there? Airbus A380, anyone?) has handy luggage rucks and takes you from the city centre to terminals 1 and 2. It’s a slow ride, taking close to 50mins. Meanwhile, Bus route 40 heads to terminals 3 and 4. This trip takes about 45 mins.

Rideshare taxi app

THE FAST WAY: RIDESHARE, TAXI

This is by far the easiest and fastest method of arriving at your destination. The journey to the city centre should take about 25-35mins, depending on the day’s traffic and cost anywhere from $35 to $55. There are dedicated rideshare pick-up bays within easy walking distance of the terminals for Uber and Ola, see the maps here. Otherwise, follow the airport signs to the taxi ranks, all close to the terminal exits.

SIX THINGS YOU MUST DO IN PERTH

BEST HOTELS IN PERTH FOR EVERY BUDGET

PERTH IN SUMMER

THE WAY OF THE FUTURE: TRAIN

An underground train line linking Perth’s CBD with the city’s airports is forecast to open in the second half of 2021. Tunnelling work began on the $1.86 billion Forrestfield-Airport Link in 2017 and, after a number of construction setbacks, the project’s completion date was pushed out. Work on a 280m-long skybridge is underway, to help passengers move from the train stop to the terminals.

Perth Airport

UNDERSTANDING PERTH’S TERMINALS

It’s easy to get confused about which airport terminal you’re meant to go to, and given it’s a 15min drive between terminals 1 and 2, and terminals 3 and 4, you don’t want to get mixed up. If you do, there’s a free Terminal Transfer Bus to help you out, which runs 24 hours a day. Here’s what you need to know:

Terminal 1 - Most international flights depart from here, while Virgin Australia runs its interstate services and some regional flights.

Terminal 2 – Regional WA is serviced from here by Alliance Airlines, Virgin Australia and Regional Express Airlines. Meanwhile, Tigerair has interstate services departing from here.

Terminals 3 and 4 - Qantas operates all of its domestic and international services from here; Jetstar operates its domestic services.

See the Perth Airport guide here.

Brand Outlet Centre, Perth

IF YOU HAVE TIME TO KILL: HIT DISCOUNT SHOPPING HUB, DFO

In late 2018, the shiny, big brand shopping centre, DFO (aka Direct Factory Outlets) opened its doors close to airport, offering those in transit something to do. Mind you, it’s not walkable from the airports, you’ll have to get a cab or rideshare there (about 5-10mins away). Online chatter about the lack of bargains suggest it’s suited to those who like shopping at Furla, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren and Coach.

For more travel news and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter. 

Originally published as 3 ways to get to and from Perth Airport