Getting To Wellington

The transport options to travel to Wellington

Getting to Wellington offers a few travel options.

Fly to Wellington:

Wellington is less than 90 minutes flight from anywhere in New Zealand, with the airport well-served by a number of international carriers.  Airport transfer options into the city are located just outside the main terminal and include taking a taxi, catching the airport flyer bus or opting for a shared passenger minibus shuttle service. 

Airport Transfers:

Taxi ranks can be found directly outside the baggage claim area on level 0 of the main terminal. The journey can take up to 40 minutes to the city centre during peak traffic times. Uber also operates.

Super Shuttle run a minibus shuttle that can seat up to 11 passengers. The price is fixed and drops you to your accommodation (along with your fellow passengers' accommodation).

Bus to Wellington:

Airport Flyer is an express bus service that runs from Wellington International Airport to the Hutt Valley, through the centre of Wellington all the way up to Upper Hutt. An added bonus is the free WiFi on board. Buses run between approximately between 5.30am and 9.30pm. Check our Wellington Buses Guide for more information.

Drive to Wellington:

By road, State Highways 1 and 2 come into Wellington.  From Auckland, the driving time is around 8-9 hours without stopping.  The route passes Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro National Park.  If leaving from Wellington to Auckland, you can view our route information guide.

If you need to hire a car, check our My Guide Car Rental Comparison Tool.

Ferry to Wellington:

Wellington is the connecting port of the North Island and South Island. Travelling from the South Island, the ferries leave the small port town of Picton. The 92 kilometre trip sails through the incredible beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, giving you chances to see dolphins, whales and fur seals. Interislander and Bluebridge ferries run up to four times a day with a range of fare options to suit your budget.The ferry crossing takes approximately 3.5 hours.  Check our Wellington Ferries Guide for more information.

Rail to Wellington:

The Northern Explorer train runs between Auckland and Wellington and through the beautiful scenery of the Central North Island Island. The 681 kilometre route departs from Auckland’s Strand station and Wellington’s Railway Station and takes around 10 hours. Check our Wellington Rail Guide for more information.