Getting Around Auckland
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Rideline for queries about bus, train and ferry services around Auckland. It's your complete guide to transport in Auckland.
City Transport
- Auckland Explorer Bus
If you don't have a car, one of the best options for getting around is the Auckland Explorer Bus. This sightseeing coach departs from the Ferry Building every 30 minutes from 9am in the summer (winter 10am-4pm). You can hop off at 14 of Auckland's leading attractions, including Tamaki Drive, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, Parnell Village, Auckland Museum, MOTAT and Auckland Zoo. These buses allow passengers to get on and off wherever they like during the day and to catch the next bus through at no extra cost. During the summer, a satellite service also runs from the Auckland Museum from 10.30am-3.30pm, taking in several stops including Auckland Art Gallery, Mt Eden, Auckland Zoo, MOTAT and Sky City Metro.
Airport Transport
- The Auckland Airbus
The Airbus runs a scheduled airport transfer service calling at most major hotels and backpackers in Auckland City, every 20 minutes (and every 30 minutes from 6pm-10pm). The fare is $13 one way or $22 return, and payable directly to the bus driver. The first Airbus from the city departs at 5am opposite the Ferry Building in Quay Street, downtown Auckland. The last bus departs the city at 8.55pm. The first Airbus departs from the airport at 6am, and the last bus departs at 10pm. The trip takes about 1 hour.
Shuttle buses are also available at the airport and these can be shared with other passengers. The shuttle will drop you to the door and usually costs about $20 per trip.
Train Services
- Local trains
All trains arrive at and leave from the Auckland Railway Station on Beach Road.
- Long-distance trains
Long-distance train services are provided by TranzScenic and include the Geyserland Connection to Rotorua and the Overlander to Wellington.
Bus Services
- Local Buses
Local bus routes are serviced by the Link and Stagecoach buses. The Link bus provides an inner-city circuit between downtown and Newmarket. For unlimited all-day travel, visitors can buy an 'Auckland Pass' from the driver on any Link or Stagecoach bus. There is also a free bus that travels around the inner city. This bus is distinctly red and runs on hybrid-electricity.
- Intercity buses
Long distance Intercity buses leave from the bus terminal at the Hobson Street entrance of Sky City Casino in central Auckland.
Ferry ServicesMost ferries leave from the Ferry Building on Quay Street, Downtown Auckland. Services to the Gulf Islands include the popular destinations of Rangitoto, Kawau, Waiheke and Great Barrier Island.
- Fullers Ferries
Services to Devonport, Kawau, Rangitoto, Great Barrier, Tiritiri Matangi and Waiheke Islands, with tour options available.
- Subritsky Shipping
A vehicle/passenger ferry from Half Moon Bay in Pakuranga, Auckland, to Kennedy's Point on Waiheke Island.
- Gulf Trans
A service to Great Barrier Island (daily except Tuesday & Saturday). Great Barrier Island is a wilderness retreat with unspoilt bush, historic mining and logging remains, and natural hot pools.
- Kawau Kat
A service to Kawau Island (daily except Tuesday & Thursday), departing from Sandspit at Warkworth. This popular beauty spot was the former home of New Zealand's governor, Sir George Grey. The stately house is open to the public.
- Bluebridge ferries operate ferry crossings from Wellington at the tail of the North Island, to Picton, at the top of the South Island across Cook Strait, and bookings can be made online. The Interislander - TranzRail operates the Interislander ferry service, which provide crossings from Wellington to Picton.
Rental VehiclesFor visitors who want the freedom of private transport there are many
rental vehicle and campervan options available.
For more information about Auckland contact:
Tourism Auckland
Email Tourism Auckland.