Quick answer. Perth's terminals sit on two sides of the runway: T1 and T2 on one, T3 and T4 (Qantas domestic) on the other, linked by a bus. The Airport line train runs from Airport Central, under the T1 and T2 car park, and Redcliffe, about a kilometre from T3 and T4, to the city in around 20 minutes for the standard Transperth fare of about A$3.50, paid by tapping a contactless card. You barely need cash in Perth. If you want some, use a big-four bank machine, and with a Bank of America card choose Westpac, the Global ATM Alliance partner. Skip the exchange counters.
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Where to get Australian dollar at PER
Australia's big four stopped charging Australian cardholders at their machines in 2017, and they show any fee for a foreign card before you confirm. The counters and standalone machines are the expensive options. Figures assume the Australian-dollar equivalent of $100.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westpac ATM with a Bank of America card | Terminals and city | Network rate; BoA's flat fee waived, its 3% still applies | ~$103 |
| Big-four bank ATM with a no-FX-fee card | All terminals | Network rate; any fee shown on screen | ~$100-101 |
| Standalone machine in the terminal | Concourses | Surcharge plus a DCC pitch | ~$104-110 |
| Exchange counter | T1 arrivals | 5-12% off the network rate | ~$105-112 |
Bank machines at Perth (PER), and the train from either side of the runway
Perth Airport is split in two. Terminal 1 handles international flights and some domestic ones, and Terminal 2 regional and some interstate services; they share a precinct on the eastern side. Terminals 3 and 4, used by Qantas for domestic flights, are on the western side, several kilometres away by road, with a free inter-terminal bus between them. Bank machines from the big four are in the public areas of each, alongside exchange counters and standalone machines. Westpac is Bank of America's Global ATM Alliance partner in Australia, so a BoA debit card avoids BoA's flat non-network withdrawal fee at its machines. BoA's 3 percent international transaction fee still applies and is never waived. Our Perth money guide covers the free buses, free Sundays and card surcharges in the city.
Terminal 1 (international and some domestic)
International carriers and some Virgin Australia and Qantas services
After customs, look for a big-four bank machine in arrivals, Westpac if you carry a Bank of America card, rather than the exchange counter. The lifts and walkway to Airport Central station are signposted from arrivals.
Terminal 2
Regional and some interstate flights
Next to T1 and served by the same Airport Central station. Fewer machines; use one in T1 if you need cash.
Terminals 3 and 4 (Qantas domestic)
Qantas and QantasLink domestic flights
On the western side of the airport. Bank machines are in the public areas. Redcliffe station is about a kilometre away, a short walk or bus ride; the free inter-terminal bus connects with T1 for international connections.
Do you actually need cash at Perth (PER)?
No. Every way into Perth takes cards, including a tap of a contactless bank card on the train:
Airport line train to Perth city (around A$3.50): About 20 minutes from Airport Central or Redcliffe; tap a contactless card, and free on Sundays.
Taxi to the CBD (roughly A$45-60): About 20-30 minutes; a card surcharge applies.
Uber, DiDi and other ride-hail (roughly A$35-55): Designated pick-up zones at each terminal.
Free inter-terminal bus (free): Links T1/T2 with T3/T4; allow plenty of time for a connection.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Perth (PER) to Perth?
No. The Airport line train takes a tap of a contactless Visa or Mastercard, and taxis and ride-hail take cards. Perth is close to cashless; keep a small float for markets.
Can I order Australian dollar before flying?
Not really needed. Perth runs on cards, and a big-four bank machine gives Australian dollars at the network rate. CEI Currency Exchange ships Australian dollars to a US address in 2-5 days if you want a small float in hand.
Which Perth Airport train station do I use?
Airport Central, under the car park, for Terminals 1 and 2. Redcliffe, about a kilometre from Terminals 3 and 4, for Qantas domestic flights. Both are on the Airport line to Perth station, about 20 minutes, for the standard Transperth fare.
Can I pay for the Perth airport train with a credit card?
Yes. Transperth accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard, phones and watches. Tap on at the station and off at your destination. The fare is the flat Go Anywhere fare of about 3.50 Australian dollars, and travel by contactless is free on Sundays.
How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Perth Airport?
By the free inter-terminal bus, because the two precincts are on opposite sides of the runway. Allow plenty of time: the trip takes around 10 to 15 minutes plus waiting, and Qantas international-to-domestic connections may have their own transfer arrangements.