You've made it to Perth, congratulations! Now comes the exciting part: exploring everything this beautiful city has to offer, from pristine beaches and vibrant cafés to lush parks and bustling cultural precincts. As an international student, understanding Perth's public transport system isn't just practical, it's essential for making the most of your time here.
This guide will walk you through the public transport system to get around Perth, with a focus on the Transperth network, and your most valuable travel tool: the Tertiary SmartRider card.
Perth's Public Transport System: Transperth
Transperth is Perth's integrated public transport network, operated by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia. The network includes:
- Trains: 8 major rail lines connecting Perth's suburbs to the city centre
- Buses: Extensive bus routes covering the entire metropolitan area
- Ferries: Swan River ferry service connecting Perth city to South Perth
All three services work together seamlessly, allowing you to combine different transport modes for a single journey.
Essential resource: the Transperth Website & the Transperth App
Download the Transperth App
The official Transperth app is essential for navigating Perth's public transport system efficiently. Available free on iOS and Android. Download it before your first journey, it will save you considerable stress and confusion, especially while you're still learning the network.
Use the Journey Planner
The Transperth Journey Planner is your best friend for planning trips.
Pro tip: Plan your journey the night before, especially for important commitments like exams or job interviews. This gives you time to understand the route and identify backup options if needed.
Free Sunday Travel
Every Sunday, travel is free for all SmartRider holders. If there is a place you've been wanting to check out but don't want to pay the fare, Sunday is the day!
Tertiary SmartRider Card: Your Most Important Travel Tool
A SmartRider is a reusable smart card, which allows easy, hassle free travel on Transperth services. As a full-time international student, you are eligible for a Tertiary SmartRider, which gives you access to the concession fare - more than 50% off the standard fare! This isn't just a minor discount; over a semester or year, it represents substantial savings that can be redirected toward other student expenses. You can obtain this through your institution.
How do I get my Tertiary SmartRider?
The application process varies slightly between institutions. Please contact your institution to obtain your Tertiary SmartRider.
How much does the Tertiary SmartRider cost?
The Tertiary SmartRider card itself typically costs around $10 (one-time fee), though some institutions may provide it free as part of orientation packages.
Loading money onto your Tertiary SmartRider
Your Tertiary SmartRider needs to have sufficient balance to cover your journeys. There are several convenient ways to add value:
- Autoload (direct debit) is the easiest and cheapest way to add value to your SmartRider (plus, you get an extra discount on your fare if you use this method!)
- Add-Value Machines which are located at selected train stations throughout Perth.
- Transperth InfoCentres and SmartRider Retail Outlets.
- On board buses and ferries, however keep in mind this method is cash only, and you must have the exact amount you'd like to top up as no change will be given.
What if I don't have a SmartRider?
If you don't have a SmartRider, you can either purchase a ticket or use their new contactless payments:
- Purchasing a ticket: you can do this using the machines available at the station when catching the train, or directly from the bus driver when catching the bus.
- Contactless payments: you can now tag on and off using your Visa/Mastercard or your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) on your phone or smartwatch.
Keep in mind that purchasing a ticket or using contactless payments means you will be charged the standard rate, without discounts. However, contactless payments can still access free travel on Sundays!
Using Your Tertiary SmartRider: Always Tag On AND Tag Off
Using your SmartRider correctly is crucial for paying the right fare and avoiding penalties.
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Tag On: When boarding a bus, entering a train station or boarding a ferry.
-
Tag Off: When exiting a bus, leaving a train station or disembarking a ferry.
Why both? The system calculates your fare based on the distance travelled between your tag-on and tag-off points.
Your Tertiary SmartRider is Your Proof
Always carry your Tertiary SmartRider when using public transport. Your student ID card from your university or TAFE is not accepted as proof of concession eligibility on Transperth services. Transit officers regularly check cards, and if you're traveling on concession fares without a valid Tertiary SmartRider, you'll be required to pay the full adult fare plus potentially a penalty.
Navigating the Train Network
Perth's train network is the backbone of the public transport system, offering fast, reliable connections across the metropolitan area. There are 8 Train Lines in Perth. Check the Transperth app for exact times on your specific route, as services vary by line and station.
Within the city centre, there is a free transit zone (FTZ) for trains travelling in the area between City West, Elizabeth Quay, and Claisebrook stations. You simply need to tag on and off with your SmartRider card to take advantage of the free fares.
For station information and maps, click here.
Navigating the Bus Network
Perth's bus network is extensive, with routes covering areas not served by trains. Buses are essential for reaching:
- University campuses (many have direct bus services)
- Beaches, shopping centres, and residential suburbs
Find the bus you need using Transperth's Journey Planner.
If you're in the city, you can take advantage of the free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses that operate daily. They also operate for free in Fremantle and Joondalup.
Navigating the Ferry Services
The Transperth ferry operates across the Swan River, connecting:
- Elizabeth Quay (Perth city) to Mends Street Jetty (South Perth)
- Departures every 15-30 minutes during peak times
The ferry uses the same SmartRider system, just tag on when boarding and tag off when disembarking.
Money saving tips for international students
Beyond the Tertiary SmartRider concession, here are additional ways to minimize transport costs:
- Use Autoload for the extra discount on top of your concession rate
- Plan adventures for Sundays to take advantage of free travel
- Use free CAT buses whenever possible in CBD or Joondalup
- Combine errands into single trips to minimize separate journeys
- Check for student transport packages offered during orientation
- Consider proximity to public transport when choosing accommodation
- Share rides with classmates when traveling to the same destination
Safety on Public Transport
Perth's public transport is generally very safe, but it's wise to stay aware. General safety tips:
- Sit near the driver on buses if travelling late at night
- Use the emergency help points on trains and at stations
- Contact transit officers or security personnel if in need
- Call 000 in emergencies
Other ways to get around Perth
Bike
Bike riding is an awesome, cost-effective way to get around Perth as a student. You can purchase a bike at a cycling shop, or check out Facebook Marketplace and Op Shops near you to save some $$$.
Perth has a network of dedicated bike paths available to cyclists, so you can safely get around on your bike. All cyclists must wear a bike helmet that is securely fitted and fastened at all times. You can learn more about safe cycling on roads and footpaths, and related offences and penalties here.
Car
You can purchase or hire a car to get around in Perth. For more information on driving in Western Australia, check out our Guide to Driving for International Students.
Uber, taxis and rideshares
There are several major taxi companies that operate across Perth, including Swan Taxis, 13cabs and Black & White Cabs. You can hail a taxi on the street or use one of the dedicated taxi ranks. You can also book one via phone or by using their app.
Popular ridesharing platforms are also available in Perth, including Uber and DiDi.
E-scooters
Electric scooters have fast become a popular choice for commuting and recreational purposes in and around Perth. Available for hire in some suburbs, and now the Perth CBD, they can be a fun and affordable way to get around.
E-scooters can be ridden on:
- Footpaths, bicycle paths, and shared paths
- Bicycle lanes (on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less)
- Local roads (but not main roads, highways, or freeways)
Learn more about the rules of e-scooters in Perth.
Your Perth journey starts here
Mastering Perth's public transport system is one of the most valuable skills you'll develop as an international student here. Public transport isn't just about getting from A to B, it's about independence, exploration, and fully experiencing student life in Perth.
Need more Perth student life tips? Check out our guides to relaxing spots in Perth and summer activities.
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