Getting To Auckland

Our guide to the different forms of transport to get to Auckland

Getting To Auckland - the Basics:

Airport:

Auckland Airport is the main hub into New Zealand.  The airport is 21km from the city centre and serviced by most major international and domestic operators.  All the major international and domestic car rental companies are based at the airport or close by.  The drive into the city centre takes about 45 minutes (subject to traffic).

Alternatively, you can book a shared passenger minibus service (Super Shuttle) which will drop you off to your accommodation.  This can be pre-booked or you can just walk outside the terminal building and book a place on the next shuttle with the driver.  

The Skybus is a 24/7 bus service that transports passengers to the Britomart in Auckland's CBD.  The bright blue buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 20-30 minutes off peak.  A local bus is a cheaper option but they are infrequent and harder to find.  SkyBus tickets are available at both Auckland Airport International and Domestic terminals at the ticket booth just outside the terminal.  You can purchase tickets online, or from the SkyBus City Lounge located at 396 Queen Street in the city centre where you can also enjoy free WiFi and live flight information (Card payment only).  

Of course, there are also couple of taxi firms ready and waiting outside the main terminal building.

Bus:

Numerous bus services operate to and from the city from dozens of destinations around the country.

Train:

 In Auckland, there are 41 stations across four lines: Southern, Eastern, Western and Onehunga. The Britomart Transport Centre, situated at the bottom of Queen Street, and just up from the Ferry Terminal Building, is the main centre to buy tickets and make enquiries in person.  Visit the Auckland Transport website for full details on ticket prices, latest timetable and rail news in Auckland.

The 648km Northern Explorer train connects Auckland to Wellington, transporting passengers through some of Central North Island's more rural regions and the volcanic Central Plateau.  The journey stops at Hamilton, National Park (a gateway to Mount Ruapehu and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing), Ohakune and Palmerston North.  The Observation carriage includes some lounge style seating to relax and enjoy the views. 

Cruise Ship:

Cruise ships dock right in downtown Auckland with passengers able to simply step off their vessel into the heart of Auckland's downtown area with Viaduct Harbour just a short stroll away.