Perth to Fremantle: Drive, taxi, train or cruise?

It’s 19km by car from Perth to Fremantle. But it’s cheaper to take the train, and more enjoyable to take a cruise down the Swan River.

Fremantle is the port suburb of Perth. It brims with history, museums and good places to eat. Venturing out there from Perth city centre during your stay is highly recommended, and there’s a strong argument for staying in Fremantle instead.

Getting from Perth to Fremantle is pretty easy, too. You can travel by car, taxi, train or cruise.

Perth offers gold pouring experiences at the Perth Mint, Rottnest Island day trips, and scenic Swan River cruises. To book Perth tours and experiences, head here. For Perth accommodation deals, book here.

Things to book in Fremantle before you arrive

Your Rottnest Island ferry tickets and bike hire.
A best of Fremantle two hour walking tour.
Whale-watching cruise tickets.
A street art and beer tour.
A half day sailing cruise to Carnac Island.
A sunset sailing cruise.
A four venue Fremantle bar tour.

Perth to Fremantle driving distance

The distance from Perth to Fremantle by car is 19km. That said, the quickest driving route is less direct. Going down the Kwinana Freeway, then the Leach Highway, is 22km long and should take around 22 minutes as opposed to 24 minutes.

Obviously, it is senseless to hire a car purely to drive from Perth to Fremantle. And that’s before you even get to the issue of parking once in Fremantle.

A Perth to Fremantle taxi will cost $50 to $60 during the day, and more at night.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

Perth to Fremantle train: Timetable and fares

A far better way to travel is taking the Perth to Fremantle train. According to the Transperth timetable, Perth to Fremantle trains run every 15 minutes for most of the day.

It takes 30 minutes to travel to Fremantle from Perth by train. One way fares cost from $4 using Smartrider, or $5 using a cash ticket.

Perth to Fremantle ferry

It would be nice to think there is a ferry service from Perth to Fremantle. Alas, there is not – competing against the train line makes a Perth to Fremantle ferry service economically unviable.

It is, however, possible to go from Perth to Fremantle by boat.

Captain Cook Cruises runs a cruise from Perth to Fremantle. For most of the year, there’s one departure a day at 11.15. However, in the summer months, a second service is added at 14.15.

The return services from Fremantle are at 12.45 and 15.45.

This is the most enjoyable way to get to Fremantle from Perth, but it is also the longest. The journey down the Swan River takes one hour and 15 minutes.

These Swan River cruises take place on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Fares cost $43 and tickets should be booked online.

Fremantle accommodation recommendations

The best Fremantle accommodation options are:

For distinctive character and a sense of history: Hougoumont Hotel.
For gorgeous apartments: West End Warehouse.
For location and cool factor: Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets.
For a decent pool: Pier 21 Apartmentment Hotel.
On a budget: Fremantle Prison YHA.

Fremantle attractions

Attractions in Fremantle include the Roundhouse, the Fremantle Ferris Wheel and the WA Shipwrecks Museum. Rottnest Island ferries depart from B Shed, the Fremantle Prison offers exciting underground tunnel tours and the Fremantle Markets are great.

Other things to do in Fremantle include dining at Bread In Common or Bathers Beach House.

The best places to stay in Perth

You can check out deals on a wide range of Perth accommodation options. But these are some of the best choices.

The swankiest address in town: COMO The Treasury.
The cool, fun one in the centre of the action: The Alex.
For quality apartments next to Kings Park: Quest Kings Park.
For quality apartments by the beach: Seashells Scarborough.
On a backpacker budget: Spinners Hostel.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.