Introduction

I am always asked the question, “How do I get from Mandurah to Perth Airport?” Well, the obvious answer from myself, being the owner of Mandurah FIFO Shuttles, is to use our reputable FIFO shuttle service. However, we always like people to have the best option that fits their requirements.

There are several ways, other than using our services, all of which have pros and cons. Since we receive this question so often, we decided to write an article on the various options to get to Perth Airport from Mandurah. So, if you’re a FIFO worker or a member of the general public looking at options to get to the airport, this is the article for you.

Why do we need to look at transportation options

Very good question, one that has a straightforward answer. Being approximately 75 kilometers south of Perth Airport can pose challenges in reaching the airport from such a distance. While our public transportation network is generally reliable, it may not be as convenient if you have large amounts of luggage, especially at certain times of the day.

In this article, we will explore all the options, and by the end, you should have a better understanding of the choices available, enabling you to make a more informed decision for your next trip to Perth Airport.

What you need to take into consideration when choosing airport transport

To the seasoned veteran FIFO worker, getting to the airport isn’t a problem. Having traveled back and forth from Mandurah to Perth airport and vice versa for many years, however, there may be some, upon reading this, who may see a new perspective on airport transportation options. So, let’s dive in and discuss the things to consider when choosing a mode of transport to get you from Mandurah to Perth Airport..

1. Reliability

Reliability is the first and most important factor when traveling to Perth Airport for obvious reasons. Some of the options we will discuss shortly are top-end reliable, while others are not as dependable. I would suggest to all FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) workers who travel from Mandurah to Perth Airport regularly to have some form of backup plan, just in case their transport option fails.

As a FIFO worker, missing a flight is simply not an option. At Mandurah FIFO Shuttles, we use a variety of resources and computer-based software programs to maintain our well known reliability.

2. Time of day

The time of day that you plan on travelling to Perth airport can play a significant part in the decision of which mode of transport to use.

• Early morning: This limits the types of airport transport options significantly. Public transport, including buses and trains, is not available until 5:00 am from Mandurah. The earliest you would arrive at the airport using the Mandurah to Perth airport train is 6:15 am, and this also involves a connecting train in Perth. Departure from Mandurah is at 5:00 am.
• Peak hour: If your using any of the road networks, take the time of your flight into consideration. The Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway are the two main roads and can be a nightmare during peak times. One accident can cause significant delays, something that is a common occurrence, and perhaps at the cost of missing your FIFO flight,

Budget considerations

Yes, the vast majority of FIFO workers are earning very good incomes, however we all like to look after our money and get a bargain, right? Things that effect the cost of airport transport are vast. Here are some factors that effect the cost of airport transfers from Mandurah to Perth airport.

• Comfort: No doubt, cost affects comfort. I tend to believe that all modes of airport transport in the Mandurah area provide enough comfort for the relatively short journey length. Paying for luxury services, if you are FIFO, is going to cost significantly more over a period of time, so take that into consideration.
• Time of Day: Traveling to Perth Airport at different times of the day can impact costs. Several airport transfer businesses apply surcharges during specific times, usually in the evenings or on weekends.
• Passenger numbers: The number of passengers being picked up by an airport transfer business has a significant impact on price. Obviously, a shuttle carrying 10 passengers can have lower pricing than a private ride in a car or a smaller shuttle with only several passengers.

Availability

When you’re flying as regularly as FIFO workers do, you need to be confident that the service you use is always going to be available. There is nothing worse than being told that your usual airport transfer provider is unavailable. Trying to find another service at short notice can be a nightmare.

We take online bookings up to 5:00 pm the evening prior, and we always have availability due to having the largest fleet of vehicles and drivers in the Mandurah area. Using smaller operators can be okay, but be aware that they have fewer vehicles and seats. We are constantly expanding and always have new vans on order to stay one step ahead for reliability and availability.

Some smaller operators will suddenly take time off and go on holiday, leaving FIFO workers without their usual transport. We are all entitled to take a break, but bigger operators like Mandurah FIFO Shuttles operate Monday to Friday, 52 weeks a year, including all public holidays with no surcharge.

Convenience

Convenience is certainly a significant factor when traveling to and from the airport on a regular basis, as FIFO workers often do. You don’t want the booking process to be painful, and you don’t want a lack of professionalism adding un-wanted stress. At Mandurah FIFO Shuttles we have spent considerable time and money making sure our online booking system is simple to use and available 24 hours a day.

Safety

This is paramount when choosing a mode of transport to Perth airport. There are several aspects of safety so lets break it down into categories.

• Driving and parking: If you drive yourself, consider the fact that you need to drive home, possibly after a night shift. I have heard the horror stories of FIFO workers driving home while tired, coming off night shift, flying to Perth Airport in the morning, and then driving home. It gets worse. Only a few days ago, this happened to someone whose flight was delayed by 10 hours, and he didn’t get to Perth until 8 pm. He then drove home after being awake for over 30 hours. Absolutely dangerous beyond comprehension.
• Being driven: Does a loved one drive you to the airport. Imagine boarding your plane and hearing there has been a huge accident on the freeway. Your never going to forgive yourself if it was a loved one involved and hurt or possibly killed. Its never been a favourite of mine and I personally would never ask a family member to drive me when there are other options.
• Taxis and Rideshare: You would think you would be safe in a taxi. All taxi drivers are accredited and are on the roads all day, knowing how to spot dangerous situations. So, I would be fairly confident about safety when using a taxi to get from Mandurah to Perth Airport.
• Airport shuttles: Once again you are in the hand of professional accredited drivers, so no doubt you are in very safe hands.
• Public transport: The public transport network has a robust security system, making it a safe option. Generally speaking, the times when there are most problems with public transport are on Friday and Saturday nights. This is not typically an issue for FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) workers who primarily travel on weekdays.
• Private rides: Make sure that your private ride is operated by a fully registered driver with a PTD, PTV, and an ODBS number. It’s amazing how many dodgy operators are on the roads. I know several who claim to be registered but simply are not. The financial impact this could have on you is huge if there is any type of accident with injury or death, as they are not covered by insurance at all.
• Airport Shuttles: Shuttle services will almost definitely be fully registered. for private rides and shuttles, it’s compulsory for their vehicles to display the business name and ODBS numbers. Having said that, there are still dodgy operators. I tend to suggest checking the Google reviews. If they don’t have any reviews or no business page, that’s a red flag. If they have a poor rating, please avoid. I know of operators that actually smoke in their vehicles, even with passengers. Some also drive like they are at Bathurst. Once again, check the Google reviews and weed out the garbage to save yourself a lot of trouble.

Pros and Cons of the different options

I think we have pretty much covered all the aspects of different types of airport transport, giving you a better understanding of the ins and outs, safety, and so on. So, let’s move on and wrap up the article with a brief section outlining the pros and cons of the various options available to you.

Driving yourself

Pros:

• Convenience: You have the flexibility to arrive at the airport on your own schedule.
• Familiarity: You are in control of your own vehicle and are already familiar with it.
• Cost: Depending on the length of your trip, parking may not be cost effective once adding fuel and wear an tear.
• Freedom: You can make detours or stop at places along the way.

Cons:

• Cost: Airport parking fees can add up, especially for long-term parking.
• Traffic: Depending on the time of day, you may encounter heavy traffic on your way to the airport.
• Parking Availability: During peak travel times, finding a parking spot may be challenging.
• Security Concerns: While many airports have security measures in place, there’s always a risk of theft or damage to your vehicle.
• Walking Distance: Depending on the parking location, you may have to walk a significant distance to reach the terminal, which can be inconvenient with heavy luggage. Or catch a shuttle.

Being Driven to the airport

Pros:

• Convenience: Family members may offer flexibility in terms of timing and can accommodate your schedule.
• Cost: It could be a more cost-effective option compared to hiring a taxi or using other transportation services.
• Comfort: Traveling with a family member can provide a familiar and comfortable environment during the journey.
• Assistance with Luggage: Your family member may assist you with handling luggage, making the travel experience more convenient.
• Personalized Service: Family members may provide a more personalized and caring service, considering your preferences and needs.

Cons:

• Schedule Coordination: Coordinating schedules can be challenging, especially if your family member has other commitments.
• Dependency: Relying on a family member means you are dependent on their availability, which may not always align with your travel plans.
• Vehicle Availability: Depending on the size of your family and the available vehicles, there might be limitations on space for luggage or passengers.
• Traffic and Stress: Depending on the time of day, traffic conditions can be unpredictable and may lead to stress or delays in reaching the airport.

Using a taxi to get to Perth airport

Pros:

• Convenience: Taxis provide door-to-door service, making them a convenient option for travelers.
• Time-Saving: Taxis can offer a quicker and more direct route to the airport, especially during peak travel times.
• Luggage Assistance: Taxi drivers often assist with loading and unloading luggage, reducing the physical strain on passengers.
• 24/7 Availability: Taxis are generally available around the clock, accommodating early morning or late-night flights.
• No Parking Hassles: Avoid the challenges of finding and paying for airport parking by using a taxi.
• Familiarity: Taxis are a familiar and traditional mode of transportation, making them a comfortable choice for many.

Cons:

• Cost: Taxis can be more expensive compared to other transportation options, especially for longer distances.
• Traffic Delays: Depending on the time of day, traffic congestion can affect travel time and increase the fare.
• Availability Issues: During peak hours or in remote areas, finding an available taxi can be challenging.
• Unpredictable Fare: Fare prices can vary based on traffic, route, and other factors, making it difficult to predict the exact cost.
• Limited Space: Taxis may have limited space for larger groups or travelers with substantial luggage.
• Reliability: While most taxi services are reliable, there can be instances of delays or no-shows, impacting your travel plans.

Using an Uber

Pros:

• Convenience: Uber provides a convenient and easy-to-use app for booking rides, making it a hassle-free option for airport transportation.
• Cost: Uber rides can be cost-effective, especially when compared to traditional taxi services.
• Variety of Vehicle Options: Uber offers various vehicle options, allowing you to choose the type of vehicle that best suits your needs and budget.
• Real-time Tracking: The app provides real-time tracking, so you can monitor your driver’s location and estimated time of arrival.
• Cashless Transactions: Payments are made through the app, eliminating the need for cash transactions and providing a seamless experience.
• Driver Ratings and Reviews: Uber allows users to rate drivers, and you can read reviews from other passengers, providing a level of transparency and accountability.
• Availability: Uber services are often readily available, offering a quick and efficient means of transportation.

cons:

• Surge Pricing: During peak times or high demand, Uber may implement surge pricing, leading to higher fares.
• Reliance on Internet Connectivity: The app requires a stable internet connection for booking and tracking, which may be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
• Potential for Cancellations: There’s a possibility of drivers canceling rides, although this is relatively uncommon.
• Variable Service Quality: The quality of service can vary depending on the individual driver.
• Limited Luggage Space: Depending on the vehicle type, there may be limited space for luggage, which could be a concern for travelers with large or multiple bags.

Public Transport

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Public transport is often more affordable than private transportation options, such as taxis or rideshares.
• Eco-Friendly: Using public transport reduces your carbon footprint, contributing to environmental conservation.
• No Parking Hassles: Avoid the stress of finding and paying for airport parking; public transport drops you off directly.
• Predictable Schedule: Public transport follows a set schedule, allowing for better planning and time management.
• Avoids Traffic: Public transport may have dedicated lanes or routes, helping you bypass traffic congestion.
• Opportunity to Relax: You can use the travel time to relax, read, or work, without the responsibility of driving.
• Connectivity: Public transport networks usually have good connectivity, making it easier to reach various destinations.

Cons:

• Limited Flexibility: Public transport schedules may not align with your preferred travel times, limiting flexibility.
• Potential Delays: Delays or disruptions in public transport schedules can impact your travel plans.
• Luggage Handling: Managing luggage on public transport can be less convenient than in a private vehicle.
• Crowded Conditions: During peak times, public transport may be crowded, leading to discomfort.
• Multiple Transfers: Depending on your route, you may need to make multiple transfers, increasing travel time.
• Security Concerns: Public transport can be susceptible to security issues, though this varies by location.
• Last-Mile Challenges: Getting to and from public transport stations at either end of your journey may pose challenges.

Private Ride

pros:

• Convenience: Private rides offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need for transfers and multiple modes of transportation.
• Comfort: Private rides typically provide a more comfortable and personalized travel experience compared to public transportation.
• Time Efficiency: Private rides can be more time-efficient, especially if you have a tight schedule or specific time constraints.
• Luggage Handling: Private rides often come with assistance in handling luggage, making the journey smoother and less stressful.
• Privacy: You have the vehicle to yourself or your group, providing a more private and relaxed travel environment.
• Flexibility: Private rides allow you to choose your departure time, providing flexibility that may not be available with scheduled public transport.

cons:

• Cost: Private rides can be more expensive compared to public transportation options.
• Traffic Delays: Like any other vehicle, private rides are susceptible to traffic delays, which could affect your arrival time.
• Environmental Impact: Private rides contribute to individual carbon footprints, and in some cases, they may be less environmentally friendly than shared modes of transport.
• Availability: Private ride services may not be as readily available as public transportation options, especially during peak times or in less populated areas.
• Limited Social Interaction: If you enjoy meeting new people or socializing during your journey, private rides may not provide the same opportunities as shared public transportation.
• Dependence on the Driver: The quality of your experience can depend on the professionalism and skills of the private ride driver.

Airport Shuttle

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Airport shuttles are often more budget-friendly than private transportation options, making them a cost-effective choice for travelers.
• Convenience: Shuttles usually operate on a fixed schedule, providing a convenient and reliable mode of transportation to the airport.
• Shared Ride: Sharing a shuttle with other passengers can lead to social interactions and possibly reduce the overall environmental impact by consolidating transportation.
• No Parking Hassles: Eliminate the stress and cost associated with airport parking, as shuttles drop you off directly at the airport terminal.
• Door-to-Door Service: Many airport shuttles offer door-to-door service, picking you up from your specific location in Mandurah and dropping you off at the airport.
• Professional Drivers: Shuttles are typically driven by experienced and professional drivers who are familiar with the route to the airport.

Cons:

• Fixed Schedule: While the fixed schedule can be convenient, it may also be a drawback for those who prefer more flexibility in their travel times.
• Shared Ride Duration: The shared nature of shuttles means that the journey may take longer due to multiple stops to pick up or drop off passengers.
• Limited Luggage Space: Shuttles may have limited luggage space, so if you have a significant amount of luggage, it could be a constraint.
• Less Privacy: Sharing a ride with strangers means less privacy compared to private transportation options.
• Dependence on Schedule: If your flight is at an odd hour, the shuttle schedule may not align well with your travel needs.
• Availability: Depending on your location in Mandurah, there may be limited availability of shuttle services, requiring you to plan ahead.

Conclusion

Coming to the end of the article you can see there is a considerable amount of considerations and factors to consider. We hope that you now have a better understanding of how the airport transport industry operates. Above all, my thoughts are to take the safety factors into consideration above all other factor, followed by reliability. At Mandurah FIFO Shuttles, we want you to choose the best solution for your airport transfer needs, whether that be our services or another mode of transport.

We sincerely hope that this article has been of some help in answering the common question we often hear, “How do I get from Mandurah to Perth Airport?”