A packet transfer apparatus switches and transfers cell or frame signals. The apparatus efficiently routes cell or frame signals that are made from packet data based on Internet protocols. The apparatus has a switch for making a connection path among a first node, a second node, and a routing device, a memory for storing outgoing route data, and a shortcut controller. The shortcut controller monitors outgoing route data contained in a cell or frame signal coming from the routing device, stores the outgoing route data in the memory, checks an input cell or frame signal to see if outgoing route data contained in the input cell or frame signal is equal to the outgoing route data stored in the memory, and if they are equal to each other, controls the switch to form a shortcut between the first node through which the input cell or frame signal has been received and the second node from which the input cell or frame signal is going to be sent out and transfers the input cell or frame signal from the first node to the second node through the shortcut.