Getting Around Perth in 2026: Trains, CAT Buses and the New Metronet

Perth's transport network has evolved significantly with the Metronet expansion program delivering new rail lines and stations across the metropolitan area. The city remains primarily car-dependent, but the rapid transit network is increasingly viable for north-south travel and connections to the suburbs.

Metronet and suburban rail

Transperth's suburban rail network is the backbone of Perth's public transport. The Joondalup, Mandurah, Thornlie-Cockburn, Midland and Fremantle lines radiate from the Perth CBD and Perth Underground stations. The Metronet program has added the Morley-Ellenbrook line and other extensions. Free travel in the Central Area Transport (CAT) zone in the CBD provides connection between the rail stations and city destinations.

CAT buses

The free Central Area Transport (CAT) buses circulate around the Perth CBD and Fremantle, providing free connections between key destinations. The Blue, Red, Yellow and Green CAT routes serve different parts of the city centre and make it easy to navigate inner Perth without a car or ticket.

Fremantle

Fremantle is accessible from Perth by train in approximately 30 minutes. It can also be reached by ferry on the Swan River. The Fremantle train line is one of the most frequent services in the network.

Driving and traffic

Most Perth trips are by car. The freeway network — the Mitchell Freeway north and the Kwinana Freeway south — carries the bulk of commuter traffic. Perth has fewer toll roads than Sydney and Melbourne. Traffic congestion is present in peak hours on the main corridors but less severe than in larger east coast cities.

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