cheap flights
home  >  travel guides  >  australia  >  perth getting there

Getting to Perth

Perth is the most isolated major city in the world. It takes three days to drive here from the nearest Australian city on the eastern coast. The quickest option is to fly directly into Perth. For a more scenic and leisurely trip however, consider taking the train. Buses also run to Perth, but the journey is very long. Driving your own car can be an amazing odyssey, if you have the time.

By Car

There are only two interstate routes which connect Perth to the rest of Australia: the 2,389km route from Broome in the north and the 2,708km drive from Adelaide. While the drive across the country is an amazing and adventurous journey, it is extremely long and isolated, so drivers should be well prepared.

By Rail

A train ride across the Nullarbor Plain from the east is one of the great train journeys on the planet. The Indian Pacific line makes the three-day run from Sydney to Perth on Mondays and Thursdays, and from Adelaide to Perth on Tuesdays and Fridays. The trains are comfortable, well-equipped and offer a unique way to experience this amazing country. TransWA trains also cover routes in Western Australia, if you're already in the region.

By Bus

Greyhound Australia operates regular daily buses from Sydney to Adelaide (60 hours) and weekly services from Adelaide to Perth (36 hours). The staggering duration of a bus trip puts off all but the hardiest budget travellers.

By Air

Perth International Airport handles regular flights from all of Australia's capitals as well as from a number of direct international destinations. Qantas, Qantaslink and Virgin Blue operate most of the domestic flights on a daily basis.