ARRIVING AT
PERTHLeaving Perth Airport: transport guide
Perth Airport · Australia
Low riskUpdated May 2026High confidence
Airport Line train opened in 2022 — A$5 to the CBD. Massive upgrade vs the old taxi-only situation.
TL;DR
PER (Perth Airport) is the main international airport serving Perth, Australia. The recommended way out is Airport Line train (Transperth) to Perth CBD (~A$5.10, 18 min). Pickup is at Airport Central station at T1/T2. The most common scam to watch for is "Outdated shuttle upsell". Fares on the PER → CBD route typically run A$5.10–A$55; anything above A$90+ off-meter is almost certainly a scam. Last updated May 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Airport Line train (Transperth) to Perth CBD
- Typical fare
- A$5.10
- Journey time
- 18 min
- Pickup
- Airport Central station at T1/T2
WARNING · Old shuttle ticket sellers are still around — train is now the obvious move
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Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Airport Line Train | A$5.10 | Every 12 min | 💳Card | |
Uber / Didi | A$30–A$50 | 5–10 min | 📱App | |
Taxi | A$40–A$60 | 0–10 min | 💳Card / Cash | — |
Connect shuttle | A$20–A$35 | Varies | 💳Card | — |
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Your first 30 minutes
- 1Follow Airport Line / Transperth signs
- 2Tap on with SmartRider or contactless (A$5.10)
- 3Train every 12 min to Perth Underground
- 4For Uber/Didi follow rideshare signs
- 5Plan 25–45 min to CBD
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Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
82/ 100
- Scam risk90
- Public transport85
- Ride-hailing80
- Signage clarity80
- Payment convenience85
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Fare reality check
PER → CBD
- A$5.10–A$55ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- A$70+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- A$90+ off-meterProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
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Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Airport Line Train
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- A$5.10
- Journey
- 18 min
- Wait
- Every 12 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheap
- Fast
Cons- 10 min walk at T1
- 2
Uber / Didi
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- A$30–A$50
- Journey
- 20–40 min
- Wait
- 5–10 min
- Payment
- 📱 App
Pros- Door-to-door
Cons- Surge
- 3
Taxi
- Cost
- A$40–A$60
- Journey
- 20–40 min
- Wait
- 0–10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Metered
Cons- A$4 airport fee
- 4
Connect shuttle
- Cost
- A$20–A$35
- Journey
- 45–60 min
- Wait
- Varies
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Hotel drop
Cons- Slow
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Paying without surprises
- Contactless tap accepted
- Taxis accept cards
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Common scams
Outdated shuttle upsell
Low riskHawker pushes a A$30 'airport shuttle' to CBD.
HOW TO AVOID · Take the A$5 train instead.
Off-meter taxi
Low riskDriver tries flat-rate.
HOW TO AVOID · Use meter or rideshare.
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What locals & travellers say
PER·Perth
“Airport Line totally changed PER — A$5 to CBD in 18 min.”
Redditr/perthChecked Apr 2025confirmed
01 / 02
- "Airport Line totally changed PER — A$5 to CBD in 18 min." — r/perth
- "Uber pickup zone is clearly signed." — TripAdvisor
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Arrival checklist
- Airport Line A$5
- Uber for groups
- Ignore shuttle hawkers
✉︎
Take it with you
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PER arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Perth Airport?
- Airport Line train (Transperth) to Perth CBD. Old shuttle ticket sellers are still around — train is now the obvious move.
- Are taxis at PER safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: off-meter taxi — Driver tries flat-rate. Use meter or rideshare.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at PER?
- Yes — Uber / Didi works at PER. Typical cost A$30–A$50, journey ~20–40 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from PER to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the PER → CBD route is roughly A$5.10–A$55. Anything around A$70+ is high — A$90+ off-meter is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at PER?
- Carry small local notes — Taxi expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Perth Airport?
- Airport Central station at T1/T2. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is PER safe to arrive at late at night?
- PER is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at PER?
- The most reported at PER: Outdated shuttle upsell; Off-meter taxi. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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