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Is a 45 min layover in Perth long enough?

PER · Perth International · Perth, Australia
It Depends

A 45 minutes layover at PER (Perth) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

Fine within one precinct, but crossing to the other terminal group via shuttle bus leaves little margin.
Quick Stats
Concourses
4
Max Transit
30m
Avg. Security
15m
Primary Hub
Qantas
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
30min
✓
Domestic → International
120min
✗
International → Domestic
120min
✗
International → International
60min
✗
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Tips for 45 min Connections
If your connection spans the domestic and international precincts, budget at least two hours since you'll need the shuttle bus plus a fresh security screening.
Qantas passengers connecting between domestic and international flights at Terminal 1 have a major advantage since both operations are now under one roof.
Check in advance which terminal your arriving and departing flights use — Virgin Australia and Jetstar operate from T3/T4, while most international carriers use T1.
The free shuttle bus runs frequently but can queue at peak times, so don't assume an instant departure.
Collect and recheck luggage promptly if your itinerary requires an interline transfer between precincts, as bags are not always through-checked across terminals.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
T1 and T2 sit close together and are linked by a short walk, as are T3 and T4. Moving between the two precincts requires the free Perth Airport shuttle bus, which takes about 10-15 minutes of driving time but often 25-30 minutes door-to-door once you factor in walking to the stop, waiting, and the bus loop. Because passengers exit the sterile zone to board the shuttle, full security re-screening is required on arrival at the other precinct unless connecting within the same Qantas-operated T1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Perth International (PER)?

Fine within one precinct, but crossing to the other terminal group via shuttle bus leaves little margin.

What is the minimum connection time at PER?

Minimum connection times at Perth International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 30 minutes, International-to-International is 60 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at PER on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 60-minute international MCT at Perth International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. T1 and T2 sit close together and are linked by a short walk, as are T3 and T4. Moving between the two precincts requires the free Perth Airport shuttle bus, which takes about 10-15 minutes of driving time but often 25-30 minutes door-to-door once you factor in walking to the stop, waiting, and the bus loop. Because passengers exit the sterile zone to board the shuttle, full security re-screening is required on arrival at the other precinct unless connecting within the same Qantas-operated T1.

How much time do I need for a layover at PER?

We recommend at least 1 hour 15 min for a comfortable connection at Perth International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 15 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 30 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at PER?

Head to your airline's service desk in the terminal you land in — Qantas and Virgin Australia both staff transfer counters — as ground staff can rebook you and advise on the fastest way to reach your connecting terminal.

Other Layover Durations at PER
25 min30 min35 min40 min50 min55 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
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