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Getting around Perth

Public transport: 

Perth's integrated, efficient metropolitan public transport system is called Transperth (tel: 136 213, in Australia only; www.transperth.wa.gov.au). Passengers can transfer between bus, train and ferry services on one ticket. Timetable and ticket information is available at the Transperth InfoCentres at Plaza Arcade, Wellington Street bus station, Perth City Busport and Perth Railway Station. Free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses operate three different routes around central Perth. Trains run from Perth Railway Station to Currambine and Clarkson (north), Armadale, Mandurah and Thornlie (south), Midland (east) and Fremantle (west). Ferries operate between the City’s Barrack Street jetty across the Swan River to Mends Street jetty in South Perth. If travelling outside the free CAT zones, you might find it more convenient to purchase a SmartRider card (A$10 for card, minimum value A$20) and ‘tag on' and ‘tag off' each time you enter and leave stations/buses.

Taxis: 

Taxis can be booked by telephone, or hailed on the street (if the rooftop light is illuminated), at the airport or train and bus stations. Operators include Black & White Taxis (tel: 131 008, in Australia only; www.bwtaxi.com.au) or Swan Taxis (tel: 131 330, in Australia only; www.swantaxis.com.au). Tipping is generally not required; correct change is always appreciated.

Driving: 

Traffic moves relatively quickly in central Perth and thanks to well-planned major highways and grid-like road systems driving is a breeze, except during very wet conditions (the rainy season is May to August). Parking stations (marked by the standard blue P symbol) are scattered across the city.

Car hire: 

All major car hire companies have offices in Perth, including Avis, 46 Hill Street (tel: (08) 9325 7677; www.avis.com) and Hertz, 39 Milligan Street (tel: (08) 9321 7777; www.hertz.com). The minimum age for hiring a car is usually 21 years. A credit card is required, as is an International Driving Permit (in English). Insurance is not included in the price of hire and fees are often added for administration and kilometres per day.

Bicycle hire: 

An ideal cycling city, Perth is relatively flat and has many planned cycle routes that are fun to navigate. Bicycle helmets are compulsory. Providers include About Bike Hire, 17 Read Place, Dianella (tel: (08) 9221 2665; www.aboutbikehire.com.au) and Gecko Bike Hire (tel: (0439) 989 610; www.geckobikehire.com.au).

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