Perth's central business district with Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park, and the Swan River foreshore.

About Perth CBD (City Center)

Perth CBD is the compact city center of Western Australia's capital, nestled between the Swan River and Kings Park on the western edge. The city has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with Elizabeth Quay — a waterfront development featuring restaurants, public art, and a pedestrian bridge framing the river — becoming the new social heart of the city.

The Perth Cultural Centre precinct along the Horseshoe Bridge houses the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, and the State Library. Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall form the main pedestrian shopping corridors, while the revitalized Yagan Square connects the malls to the Northbridge entertainment district, known for its multicultural restaurants, bars, and street art.

Perth enjoys more sunshine than any other Australian capital, and the outdoor lifestyle permeates the city center. The Swan River foreshore offers cycling paths and ferry services to South Perth for postcard-perfect skyline views. London Court, a mock-Tudor shopping arcade from 1937, and the historic Barracks Arch are quirky reminders of the city's colonial past amid the modern towers.

Nearby Landmarks

Elizabeth Quay Kings Park Perth Cultural Centre Bell Tower Yagan Square

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost A\$40-\$55 (~\$26-\$36)
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost A\$30-\$45 (~\$20-\$29)
Time 20-30 minutes

Outside arrivals, follow rideshare signs

Train (Airport Line)

Cost A\$5 (~\$3)
Time 18 minutes
Frequency Every 10-12 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the Airport Line train from the Airport Central station to Perth Underground or Elizabeth Quay. Trains run every 10-12 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi A\$40-\$55 (~\$26-\$36) 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare A\$30-\$45 (~\$20-\$29) 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train A\$5 (~\$3) 18 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Airport Link train runs until approximately 12:30 AM. After that, taxis are available at both T1 and T2, costing AUD $35-50 to the CBD. Uber and Ola operate at Perth Airport. There are no night buses connecting the airport to the city center.

Luggage Tips

The Airport Link train has dedicated luggage areas in each carriage. Perth Station in the CBD has luggage lockers in the underground concourse. The CBD is compact and mostly flat, making it easy to walk to nearby hotels with luggage from Perth Station or Elizabeth Quay Station.

Accessibility

Perth Airport and all stations on the Airport Link are fully accessible with elevators and level boarding. Perth CBD has excellent accessible infrastructure with wide footpaths, tactile paving, and accessible pedestrian signals. Elizabeth Quay is fully wheelchair accessible.