Wellington Transport
Transport is never a problem in the capital with major sea, rail and road links, and a wide range of sightseeing options.
Airport Transport
- Airport Flyer
This service travels between Wellington Airport and Hutt Valley, via several city stops and the Railway Station. It departs every 15 minutes to the Railway Station and on to Westfield Queensgate in Lower Hutt, and every hour to Upper Hutt. The orange buses stop at the southern end of the airport terminal on the ground level. The cost is $8 one way for full adult cash fare to Wellington city or the Railway Station.
- Taxis
Fares range from about $30-$35 to the CBD to about $95 to Upper Hutt.
- Shuttle buses
Shuttles cost less (from about $16 to the CBD to about $50 to Upper Hutt if you are travelling alone) but take longer, as they pick up and drop off en route
Buses
- GO Wellington
GO Wellington provides bus services throughout the Wellington City area. Valley Flyer buses connect Upper Hutt, Wainuiomata, Eastbourne, Stokes Valley and Wellington. For timetables and information about bus and train services in the Greater Wellington region contact
Metlink 0800 801 700.
- Metlink Explorer Ticket
A Metlink Explorer Ticket ($18) is valid for a day’s bus and train travel to anywhere within the Wellington region (excluding Wairarapa). It can be bought on any train or bus after 9am.
Ferry Services
- Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry
Bluebridge Cook Strait car and passenger ferry sails twice a day (up to four times a day from December) between Wellington and Picton. The Bluebridge Wellington terminal is located close to the city centre, across the road from Wellington Railway Station. Phone 0800 844 844 for timetable details and bookings.
- Interislander
The Interislander ferries carry cars and passengers between Wellington and Picton up to five times daily. A complimentary shuttle service runs between the Interislander Terminal and Wellington Railway Station. Call freephone 0800 802 802 for timetable details and bookings.
- Dominion Post Ferry
The Dominion Post Ferry makes regular trips from Queens Wharf to Matiu/Somes Island Scientific Reserve and the seaside suburbs of Eastbourne, Days Bay and Petone. Phone 494 3339 or office 499 1282.
Train Services
- Train Station
The main train and bus station is on Bunny Street at Thorndon Quay (phone 0800 872 467 for train tours and 801 7000 for timetable information).
- Tranz Metro
Wellington’s suburban train network (phone 498 3000) connects the central city with Johnsonville, Melling, Paraparaumu, Upper Hutt, Masterton and points in between. For a short excursion, take a scenic trip up to beautiful Kapiti Coast to enjoy some of the local attractions, including The Lindale Centre and Southwards Vintage Car Museum.
- Tranz Scenic
Tranz Scenic (phone 0800 872 467) runs the Overlander service to Auckland. The network also connects the central city with Hutt Valley.
Wellington Cable Car
- Wellington’s historic cable car runs between Lambton Quay and the Wellington Botanic Garden – a climb of 610m. It’s a good way to get your bearings and the views over the city and harbour from the top are stunning. Phone 472 2199.
Taxis
- Airport & City Taxis, phone 388 8900
- Corporate Cabs, phone 387 4600
- Executive Taxis, phone 499 9955
- Hutt & City Taxis, phone 570 0057
- Wellington Combined Taxis, phone 384 4444
Vehicle Rentals
For those who want to explore further afield, there are fully-equipped mobile homes available. Car rentals are also available from the domestic and international airports, the city and outer suburbs.