How To Get From Auckland Airport To The CBD

by Vandvoyage

2 min read

Welcome to Auckland and the gateway to New Zealand. In this list we’ll show you all the ways to get from AKL Airport to Auckland city.

Cheapest: AT AirportLink Bus / Southern/Eastern Line Train

Auckland Transport (AT) AirportLink bus service runs every 10 minutes from bus stop A at the Transport Hub outside the international terminal or bus stop B at the domestic terminal. Look for orange signage and the orange AirportLink bus.

Heading towards Puhinui Station, board a Southern Line or Eastern Line train northbound to Waitematā (Britomart) Station in the heart of Auckland’s CBD.

Consider purchasing an AT Hop Card, Auckland’s integrated fare card to the city.

Fare for Metlink is $6.00 NZD. Travel time is approximately 80 minutes.

Fastest: SkyDrive Bus

Running every 30 minutes, SkyDrive is an express bus service from Auckland Airport to SkyCity Coach Terminal (underneath the Sky Tower) in the heart of Auckland’s Central Business District. Board the SkyDrive bus from bus stop E at the Transport Hub outside the international terminal or bus stop A at the domestic terminal. Both are a short walk from the main doors of their respective terminal.

Fare for Metlink is $20.00 NZD. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.

Most Semi-Private: Shuttles

Queenstown Airport offers a number of shuttles. Learn more here.

Of note, Super Shuttle offers door-door-door shuttle service. Expect to pay about $35 NZD for a ride.

Most Private: Taxi / Ride share

Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. In addition to taxis, Uber and YourRide offer private rideshare services from the airport. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes. Expect to pay about $25 NZD for a ride.

Note:

All fares are accurate as of May 2025.

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How To Get From Christchurch Airport To The CBD

by Vandvoyage

2 min read

Welcome to Christchurch and the gateway to Antarctica. In this list we’ll show you all the ways to get from CHC Airport to Christchurch's CBD.

Cheapest: Metro Bus

Christchurch’s Metro bus offers multiple routes to get you from CHC Airport to the CBD at Christchurch Bus Interchange - the city's main transport hub. Here is a breakdown of the bus route  options:

3 Airport & Sheffield to Sumner

Running every 30 minutes this local service takes 30 minutes to reach the city

8 Port to Port (Airport to Lyttelton)

Running every 15 minutes this local service takes 30 minutes to reach the city.

29 City/Airport via Fendalton

Running every 30 minutes this local service takes 25 minutes to reach the city. Route 29 is the most ‘direct’ option to the CBD. Of note, only route 29 offers contactless payments (debit, credit, mobile). Route 29 is the recommended option for travellers new to Christchurch.

The bus stop for all of the above mentioned routes is at the northern end of the International Arrivals hall. Exit at Door 9 and walk to the bus bays.

Consider purchasing Metrocard, Christchurch’s integrated fare card to the city.

Fare for Metlink is $4.00 NZD ($2.00 NZD with Metrocard or tapping (route 29 only)). Travel time is approximately 25 minutes.

Most Semi-Private: Shuttles

Queenstown Airport offers a number of shuttles. Learn more here.

Of note, Super Shuttle offers door-door-door shuttle service. Expect to pay about $25 NZD for a ride.

Most Private: Taxi / Ride share

Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. In addition to taxis, Uber and YourRide offer private rideshare services from the airport. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Expect to pay about $25 NZD for a ride.

Note:

All fares are accurate as of May 2025.

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How To Get From Wellington International Airport To The CBD

by Vandvoyage

2 min read

Welcome to Wellington. In this list we’ll show you all the ways to get from Wellington Airport to Wellington’s CBD.

Cheapest: Metlink 2 Bus

Wellington’s Metlink offers Route 2 Karori-Wellington-Hataitai-Seatoun bus runs from the airport directly to the CBD of Wellington. However route 2 does not directly service the airport. Walk north from the terminal  for 7 minutes to Hobart Street at Broadway (Stop 7033).  This is a regular service bus so this option is not ideal if you are travelling with luggage.

Consider purchasing Snapper Card, Wellington’s integrated fare card to the city.

Fare for Metlink is $6.00 NZD ($2.22 NZD with Snapper card). Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.

Fastest: Airport Express (AX) Bus

Wellington’s Metlink offers the premium Airport Express Bus the airport directly to the Wellington Station in the heart of the CBD. Running every 10-20 minutes, this limited stop bus route is a great option to transfer from the airport to Wellington’s CBD with luggage. Board the AX bus outside the terminal by ground floor carpark. About a 100m walk from Door E.

Luggage racks, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging are amenities provided on board.

Consider purchasing Snapper Card, Wellington’s integrated fare card to the city.

Fare for Metlink is $11.00 NZD ($8.76 NZD with Snapper card). Travel time is approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.

Most Semi-Private: Shuttles

Queenstown Airport offers a number of shuttles. Learn more here.

Of note, Super Shuttle offers door-door-door shuttle service. Expect to pay about $20 NZD for a ride.

Most Private: Taxi / Ride share

Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. In addition to taxis, Uber and YourRide offer private rideshare services from the airport. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Expect to pay about $25 NZD for a ride.

Slowest: Bicycle

Yes. Seriously. You can bike from Wellington International Airport to the CBD. How many airports allow bicycle parking? Very few. Travel distance is about 8 km making for a roughly 30 minute ride.

Note: Wellington AIrport at the moment only allows for personal bicycle parking with Locky Docks. There is no bikeshare available.

Learn more about biking from WLG Airport.

Note:

All fares are accurate as of May 2025.

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More posts can be found in the archive.