There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Perth into a quick city adventure. From JAD, the Taxi / Ride-share (Bus to Murdoch Station, then Train to City) can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of JAD:
- Can you legally enter Australia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi / Ride-share (Bus to Murdoch Station, then Train to City), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the AUD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Transport from Perth Jandakot Airport to Downtown
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Ride-share (Bus to Murdoch Station, then Train to City) | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi / Ride-share (Bus to Murdoch Station, then Train to City) is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Perth might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at JAD can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Perth for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What to See and Do in Perth
If you head into Perth, here are two things worth checking out:
Fremantle Prison is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Fremantle Markets is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
If you’d rather stay inside JAD — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Jandakot Airport Observation Area
- Royal Aero Club of WA Visit
Food Worth Trying
For food in Perth, local travelers recommend Little Creatures Brewery Fremantle. If you have time for a second stop, Cicerello’s Fremantle is another popular pick.
Back at JAD, The Flying Bean Cafe Jandakot is the go-to. Royal Aero Club of WA Bistro rounds out your in-terminal options.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at JAD include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Australia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
WiFi at JAD should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Australia and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Perth with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Perth may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.