Convenience and Transport

Find out about public transport and other ways to get around, plus Perth's time zone and direct flight options.

Public transport in Perth

With an expansive transport network, capped pricing and free buses in major entertainment and business districts, you can anywhere you need to go quickly and affordably.

Perth's expansive public transport network is run by Transperth and includes buses, trains and ferries.

To use public transport in Perth, the easiest way is to simply purchase a Transperth SmartRider card that can be used for travel on all public transport types.

You can purchase a SmartRider card at Perth Airport, Transperth InfoCentres and SmartRider retail outlets. As an international student, you’re eligible for a Tertiary SmartRider, which offers student discounts on travel.

Perth Public Transport Guide

Easily access your place of study

Bus and train stations are conveniently located near Perth’s main educational institutions making transport to and from your studies quick, easy and affordable.

Some helpful public transport tips

Stay topped up

Before using Perth’s public transport options, you’ll need to load the SmartRider card with some money to cover your fares. There are several ways to add value to your card.

Autoload (direct debit) is the easiest and cheapest way to add value to your SmartRider (you get an extra discount on your fare when 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.

Tagging on and off

At the start and end of each journey, tap your card on the card reader on the bus, on the ferry or at the train station.

Getting around Perth with public transport

Perth has an extensive rail network with multiple lines heading North, South, East, and West from the city to the outer suburbs.

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 tap on and off with your SmartRider card to take advantage of the free fares.

For station information and maps, click here.

The StudyPerth Student Hub is conveniently located in the heart of Perth, just a short walk from both the Perth and Perth Underground Train Stations. Click here for directions.

Airport train line

Getting to and from the airport has never been easier, thanks to Perth’s newest train line that provides a fast connection to Perth Airport.

Trains operate every 12 minutes in peak time, every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.

Download a copy of the Airport Line Timetable.

Buses are available right across Perth. You can 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.

A free transit zone (FTZ) also operates within the City of Perth boundaries. You can travel on any bus within the City of Perth for free. FTZ signposts are displayed on the route limits.

A public ferry operates across the Swan River, between Elizabeth Quay in Perth and the Mends Street Jetty in South Perth, departing every 15-30 minutes. You can catch the ferry by using your SmartRider card, or buy a ticket at the ticket machine at the ferry terminal.

Other ways to get around Perth

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.

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.

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.

Electric scooters (E-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)
Roads (but not main roads, highways, or freeways)

Learn more about the rules of e-scooters in Perth.

Perth’s Timezone

Did you know WA shares the same time zone as 60% of the world's population (GMT+8)?

This includes many countries in Asia, including:

Brunei
China
Hong Kong
Central Indonesia
Macau
Malaysia
Part of Mongolia
Singapore
Taiwan
Part of Russia
The Philippines

You can relax knowing you won't need to wake up family and friends in the middle of the night to talk to them!

Image courtesy of Time and Date AS

Perth Direct Flights

Perth is a direct flight away from many capital cities across the world, making it easier for you to get here, travel home, and for your family or friends to come and visit you. Perth's international direct flights include: