The best airport transfer options
If you can't talk a friend or family member into giving you a lift, a taxi is perhaps the most obvious option for getting to and from the airport. But note, even if you book ahead, pick-up times can't always be absolutely guaranteed and, on the return journey, you may have to wait in line for a cab at busy times of day. If you're booking ahead and have a lot of luggage, let the taxi company know - some cars can't accommodate lots of cases. Many companies, such as Swan Taxis and Black & White Cabs, allow you to estimate your fare online and have free smart-phone apps to book and track your taxi.
Convenience-wise, it's hard to beat leaving your car in long-term parking at the airport terminal. Carpooling with your travelling companions means this can be good value, depending on the length of your trip. Perth Airport has more than 19,000 parking bays protected by CCTV and round-the-clock security patrols. Long Term parking is connected to the terminals by a free shuttle bus running every 10 minutes, 24-hours-a-day, and costs $20 for one day, $40 for two, $60 for three and $11 for each additional day, or part thereof. If you're in a rush, for shorter trips you can leave your car in the Short Term bays (about two minutes walk from the terminal), which costs $78 for one-two days, $108 for two-three days and $30 for each additional day. For the time-poor, there's also the more pricey Fast Track Business Parking. perthairport.com.au.
If you have the time and aren't burdened with too much baggage, public transport is an affordable option. From the Esplanade Bus Port in the city, buses 37 and 40 take about 55 and 40 minutes respectively to terminals three and four, from where you can connect to terminals one and two using the free transfer bus. Allow plenty of time in case your bus is running late. Another option from terminal three is the Connect shuttle bus, which stops at five locations in the CBD and costs $15 one-way. transperth.wa.gov.au or perthairportconnect.com.au.
For a luxurious start and end to your holiday, try a private car transfer - being met by a uniformed chauffeur to help you with your luggage rarely fails to make you feel special. You might also consider splashing out and pre-booking a private car if you've picked up a bug on your trip and can't face queuing for a taxi for the ride home. Hughes Limousines (hugheslimousines.com.au) operates private-car transfers nationwide and has a good reputation. Many airlines, such as Emirates and Qantas, offer free airport transfers to passengers travelling internationally in business and first class.
Perth Airport is undergoing considerable change, so it's important to check your terminal. While most Virgin Australia services depart from terminal three (next to Qantas' domestic terminal four on Brearley Avenue), some leave from terminal two (next to the international terminal). And Tigerair's domestic services depart from terminal two. A free shuttle bus every 20 minutes connects T1/T2 and T3/T4.
