Riding in Perth: free Sundays and the CAT

Paying

Use a SmartRider or a contactless bank card or phone, and tag on and off. Transperth’s Go Anywhere fare lets you travel anywhere on the network within three hours, on any combination of bus, train and ferry. With a SmartRider or contactless your fare is capped at Go Anywhere, and at the DayRider rate ($7.00) for the day.

From 1 January 2026 the adult Go Anywhere fare is $3.50 in cash, and contactless is charged at the standard cash rate. SmartRider fares are $3.15 (10% discount) or $2.80 (20% discount, with Autoload). A short trip of 3.2 km or less is the “2 Sections” fare of $2.40 in cash. Concession fares aren’t available on contactless.

Free Sundays

Every Sunday, travel is free on all Transperth bus, train and ferry trips from first to last service for SmartRider holders and contactless users. Tag on and off as normal. It doesn’t apply to late-night services after midnight on Saturday, and a SmartRider with a negative balance can’t use free travel. Without a SmartRider or contactless you need a cash ticket. Transperth’s page doesn’t give an end date, so check it if you’re planning ahead.

The CAT buses

Central Area Transit (CAT) buses are free: you can get on and off as often as you like. They run in the Perth CBD and Joondalup, and the Surf CAT runs from Stirling Station to Scarborough Beach. Perth city also has a Free Transit Zone for buses and a SmartRider Free Transit Zone for trains.

Students

Students with a valid Student SmartRider who tag on and off can travel to and from school for free. Check the Transperth student pages for the details.

Cash on buses

Bus drivers don’t handle cash, so no change is given if you pay with cash on board: pay the exact amount, or use a SmartRider.