Perth is a city of sprawling parks, stunning beaches and vibrant neighbourhoods. For a first-time visitor, the main question is: Is it better to hire a car for maximum freedom or use taxis and ride-share for convenience? As experts in local Australian travel, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
This is your unbiased guide to navigating Perth like a local.
The Big Question: Freedom vs. On-Demand Convenience
The choice between a rental car and on-demand services really comes down to what kind of trip you’re planning. Let’s look at a few common scenarios.
Scenario 1: The Inner-City Explorer
- Your Plan: You’re staying in the CBD or Northbridge and plan to spend your time visiting nearby attractions like Elizabeth Quay, the WA Museum Boola Bardip, or exploring the city’s laneway bars and restaurants.
- The Verdict: Taxis and Ride-Share Win. Perth’s CBD is well-served by taxis and ride-share options. You receive door-to-door service without the significant hassle and cost of city parking, which can easily exceed $20 for a full day. For short hops, Perth’s free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses are also a fantastic, cost-free option.
Scenario 2: The Day-Trip Adventurer
- Your Plan: You want to spend a full day exploring beyond the city limits. Maybe a morning at Cottesloe Beach, lunch in Fremantle and an afternoon drive through Kings Park.
- The Verdict: Car Hire is the Clear Winner. Stringing together multiple ride-share trips for a multi-stop day will become expensive and time-consuming. A rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore on your own schedule, linger where you like and discover hidden gems along the way. You can leave your beach gear in the car and travel at your own pace.
Scenario 3: The Family Holiday
- Your Plan: You’re travelling with family, including kids, and need to get to places like Perth Zoo or Scitech. You’ve got a pram, a bag of snacks and all the gear that comes with a family outing.
- The Verdict: Car Hire Offers the Best Value and Convenience. While a ride-share can get you there, having a dedicated vehicle to act as your “base camp” is invaluable. You can store everything you need, and you won’t have to worry about installing a child seat in a different car for every trip, plus the fixed daily cost is often more predictable and affordable than multiple, potentially surging ride-share fares.
A Quick Cost Comparison
Taxis & Ride-Share
You pay per trip. Ideal for short, direct journeys. Be mindful of “surge pricing” during peak hours (like Friday and Saturday nights) or for major events, which can significantly increase the cost.
Car Hire
Offers a fixed daily rate. Your main additional costs are fuel and parking. Best for full days of exploration.
Public Transport
Perth’s Transperth network of trains, buses and ferries is extensive and cost-effective, especially with a SmartRider card. It’s a great option for getting from the suburbs to the city, but offers less flexibility for spontaneous trips.
The Final Verdict: What’s Right for You?
Taxis or Ride-Share
You’re primarily staying within the CBD, need a quick ride to a specific destination or plan on enjoying Perth’s nightlife without a designated driver.
Car Hire
You want the freedom to explore beyond the city, are planning a multi-stop day trip or are travelling with family and lots of gear.
Ultimately, the best way to get around Perth depends on your itinerary. By matching your transport to your travel style, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying everything this beautiful city has to offer.
