Auckland Trains

Our guide to travelling by train in Auckland and beyond


New Zealand's rail network is not a vast one with endless passenger services, but a collection of scenic rail journeys taking you through some unforgettable landscapes. 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. 

Auckland Trains

The trains run regularly to central, south and west Auckland suburbs from the Britomart rail station.  Fares are based on the number of stages that you travel.  

  • The Western Line operates between Swanson and the city centre (Britomart) via Henderson and New Lynn.
  • The Southern Line operates between Pukekohe and the city centre (Britomart) via Manurewa and Newmarket.
  • The Eastern Line operates between Manukau and the city centre (Britomart) via Sylvia Park and Panmure.
  • The Onehunga Line operates between Onehunga and Newmarket via Penrose and Ellerslie.


Latest Auckland Rail Information

Visit the Auckland Transport website for full details on ticket prices, latest timetable and rail news in Auckland.

Paying For Train Tickets:

Paper tickets can be used for train travel or using the AT HOP card that allows you to travel on rail, bus and ferry all on one card.  For the latest ticket prices visit here.  You can gain a 10% discount by travelling off-peak with an AT HOP card before 6.00am, between 9.00am to 3.00pm, and after 6.30pm until end of service on weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays. You must tag on during one of these periods for the discount to be applied.

You can purchase AT HOP cards online, from lots of retailers across the city, ticket and top-up machines across Auckland.  To buy online and to see where you can purchase the card visit the AT HOP website

Auckland To Wellington Rail

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.  The trains depart at 7.35am and completes the journey at 7.20pm. 

Scenic Railways

Great Journeys offer a trip on scenic trains to see the best of New Zealansd scenery from the comfort of your seat whilst travelling around our major cities and tourist destinations.  The trains feature  huge panoramic windows and Open-air Viewing carriages to bring New Zealand's outstanding natural beauty to your seat.  Meanwhile, the relaxed carriage atmosphere and local crew deliver that authentic, friendly, New Zealand charm.   

Routes include: 

  • Northern Explorer - Auckland to Wellington
  • Coastal Pacific - Picton to Christchurch
  • TranzAlpine - Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass


Visit the Great Journeys website for ticket, timetable and full details on routes.