Perth has a solid public transport network run by Transperth, covering buses, trains, and ferries. The train network is the backbone: six lines radiate from Perth and Esplanade stations in the CBD, connecting the city to Fremantle (30 minutes), Joondalup, Mandurah, Midland, and the airport corridor. Trains run frequently during the day and less so in the evenings. Within the central city area, the CAT (Central Area Transit) bus system is free — four colour-coded routes loop around the CBD and inner suburbs at regular intervals throughout the day, making it easy to get around without paying a fare. Ferries cross the Swan River between Barrack Street Jetty and South Perth (for the zoo) every half hour during the day, and less frequently in the evenings.
Transperth uses a zone-based ticketing system; a SmartRider card (Perth's equivalent of an Opal or Myki card) offers a discount over paper tickets and can be loaded at stations and newsagencies. The journey planner at transperth.wa.gov.au is reliable and covers all modes. Cycling is practical for getting around the inner city and along the river — there are dedicated cycling paths along both banks of the Swan and connecting to suburbs like Fremantle along the river foreshore. Bike hire is available in the city and on Rottnest Island. For outer suburbs and regional day trips, a car is useful but not essential for the main tourist destinations. Taxis and rideshare (Uber is widely used) are available throughout the metro area.