Auckland Airport is located 20 km from the city center and there are five ways to get there: taxi, transfer, shuttle bus, public bus, or train.
Taking an Auckland Airport taxi or Auckland Airport transfer is the most convenient. The journey only takes 30 minutes in light traffic and you’ll receive a door-to-door service to your destination.
The next most convenient method is to take the SkyDrive shuttle bus. The journey time is around 40 minutes.
If you’d rather take public transport, you can take the AirportBus Link to Puhinui train station, then catch the train to central Auckland. This is a lengthier journey at 45 minutes.
The least convenient method is to take two public buses, the No.38 and the No. 30. Combined, the journey will take around 1 hour and 25 minutes, however, it is the cheapest option.
Read on for the full breakdown of each of these options.
5 options to go from Auckland Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €69 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Your driver would be happy to give you a mini tour of the city to help you get your bearings. | ||||||
Taxi | €30 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| If you're traveling in a group, splitting the cost of a taxi will make the journey much more affordable but still extremely convenient and quick. | ||||||
No. 38 Bus | €6 | 85min | 06:17–16:32 | Convenience | Read more | |
| As the Auckland Airport bus is quite inconvenient. If you're traveling in a group but on a strict budget, we strongly suggest splitting the cost and taking a taxi from Auckland Airport to the city center instead. | ||||||
SkyDrive Shuttle Bus | €22 | 40min | 05:30–22:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| We recommend booking your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. | ||||||
Bus + Train | €5.40 | 45min | 04:30–00:40 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Customers will need an AT HOP Card to use the AirportLink bus. AT HOP cards are available at the Airport from AirGo Convenience (Domestic Terminal) or Take Home Convenience (International Terminal). | ||||||
Taking an Auckland Airport taxi from Auckland Airport to the city is a quick and comfortable way to travel. It’s particularly convenient for those carrying a lot of luggage or traveling with kids. Plus, taxis are available at Auckland Airport 24/7, so whenever you arrive, you should have transport available.
Auckland Airport to city center taxi fares
The local taxi drivers at Auckland airport don’t offer a set-rate fee for the journey into the city center. They usually charge a base fare of €21 (NZD 35) which includes 1 person riding, then an additional fee per passenger of €6 (NZD 8). There’s also an additional airport surcharge of €3 (NZD 5) to be added on. So, depending on the number of people traveling, the average price for an Auckland Airport shuttle is around €30 (NZD 48) for 2 people.
Where do I get a taxi from?
You can find the Auckland Airport taxi ranks located outside of the arrivals area Door 8 in the International Terminal and outside Door 4 at the Domestic Terminal.
Convenience
The only direct way to get from Auckland Airport to the city center is to take an Auckland Airport taxi or transfer. Not only will this transfer option get you and your travel companions to Auckland swiftly and safely, but you also won’t need to worry about leaving your personal belongings exposed to the public during your journey.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreIf you’d like to take public transport, you can take the No. 38. This bus doesn’t run from Auckland Airport to the city center—it terminates in Onehunga. From there, you can take the No. 30 bus to Auckland city. The No. 38 departs every 15 to 20 minutes from 04:45 to 00:00 every day, including public holidays. The total journey time is around 1 hour and 25 minutes in light traffic.
How much is a bus from Auckland Airport to the city?
A one-way ticket for the Auckland Airport bus costs €3 (NZD 5.40). You will need to purchase an AT HOP card with sufficient funds for this journey as the bus drivers don’t accept cash. You can find the automatic HOP machines in the airport.
The bus route from Auckland airport to the city center is available from 07:00 to 23:30.
Where do I get a bus from?
You can find the No. 38 bus stop outside the Transport Hub building in both the International and Domestic Terminals. No. 30 bus leaves from Bus stop A at Onehunga.
Convenience
Taking the bus from Auckland Airport to the city center is by far the slowest and least convenient option. Not only do you have to make multiple bus changes, but you may also have to wait up to 20 minutes for each bus, adding lots of time to your journey.
Timetables
Bus route to Auckland City Center
Useful Tips
The SkyDrive is the closest thing to an Auckland Airport to city bus. It is a frequent service departing every 30 minutes from 05:30 to 22:30 every day, including weekends. The journey time is roughly 40 minutes, however, during peak traffic hours, it could take longer.
How much is a shuttle bus from Auckland Airport to the city?
A one-way shuttle bus ticket from Auckland Airport to the city center costs €11 (NZD 20) per person. Children under 2 years old travel free if they travel on your lap. Tickets for 3 to 12-year-olds cost €5 (NZD 9) each. You can purchase your tickets from the bus driver or pre-book online.
The SkyDrive shuttle runs between 05:30 to 22:30 every day.
Where do I get the shuttle bus from?
Shuttle buses from Auckland Airport to the city center depart from bus stop A at the domestic terminal and bus stop E at the transport hub outside the international terminal.
Convenience
The SkyDrive shuttle bus is quite convenient because it’s a frequent, reliable, comfortable service for a reasonable price. However, it doesn’t operate 24/7 so you’re better off with a taxi or transfer. You’ll also need to arrange transport from SkyCity to your final destination which lengthens your journey.
Timetables
SkyDrive Shuttle Bus
Useful Tips
While there is no direct train from Auckland Airport to CBD or city center, the combined AirportLink bus-to-train journey is quite straightforward. The AirportLink bus takes you to Puhinui Station. It departs every 10 minutes from 04:30 to 00:40, 7 days a week. Both the Southern Line and Eastern Line run from Puhinui station, though Britomart Station is considered the closest to Auckland city center.
How much is the train from Auckland airport to the city center?
A one-way ticket for the train journey from Puhinui Station to the city center of Auckland costs €2.70 (NZD 4.90) with an AT HOP card or €4.60 (NZD 7.50) without an AT HOP card. You need to choose zone-3 tickets.
The AirportLink bus operates from 04:30 to 00:40, 7 days a week. Trains run between 05:30 and 22:20 on weekdays with later services on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where do I get a train from?
The AirportLink bus leaves from bus stop A at the international terminal and from bus stop B at the domestic terminal. Look out for the orange signs that indicate the stops.
Convenience
The train connection into central Auckland is fast and comfortable. However, the train doesn’t leave directly from the airport and you will have to take the AirportLink bus from the airport to Puhinui station in order to catch the first available train. This makes this option less comfortable if you’re traveling with lots of luggage or small children.
Timetables
Train from Puhinui to Britomart
Useful Tips
Taking an Auckland Airport transfer is the smoothest and most convenient way to get from Auckland Airport to the city center. Not only will you get a door-to-door service to your destination, but you’ll also benefit from a fixed rate fare at a great price.
Plus, you can expect other great perks like:
Booking your transfer from Auckland Airport to the city center with Welcome Pickups ensures you’ll have a top-quality service that is highly reviewed by thousands.
How much is a private transfer from Auckland Airport to the city?
Pre-booking your transfer from Auckland Airport to the city center with Welcome Pickups means you’ll receive a guaranteed fixed fare quote when you book. You pay at the time of booking so there’s no need to worry on the day.
With that in mind, our prices are as follows:
You can book your transfer in minutes using our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). All you need to do is input your flight details, contacts and personal details to receive your quote. Then, follow the instructions to pay securely using your debit or credit card.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Auckland Airport.
Where do I get a private transfer from?
Regardless of the terminal you arrive at, your driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. After welcoming you to Auckland, they’ll help you with your luggage and guide you to your pre-selected vehicle.
Convenience
Although Auckland taxis are reliable, booking an Auckland Airport transfer to the city center will give you a relaxing, smooth first journey in the city. With Welcome Pickups, you’ll have a driver waiting for you as soon as you touch down, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Whether you’re traveling from Auckland Airport to the CBD on business, or exploring the New Zealand capital with family, a transfer ensures your trip starts hassle-free.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€69Starting from 23 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 5 passengers
€75Starting from 15 EUR / passenger
Van up to 8 passengers
€109Starting from 13.6 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get from Auckland Airport to city?
The cost of getting from Auckland Airport to the city depends on how you travel. If you take a taxi, expect to spend €21 (NZD 35) for the first passengers and €4.50 (NZD 8) for each additional passenger. The shuttle bus from Auckland Airport to SkyCity costs €11 (NZD 20) per person. The public bus journey from Auckland Airport to Onehunga to Auckland city costs €3 (NZD 5.40) per person. Finally, the AirportLink bus to Puhinui train station to Auckland city costs €2.70 (NZD 4.90).
How do I get from Auckland Airport to the city center?
You can travel from Auckland Airport to the city center in five ways: taxi, airport transfer, shuttle bus, public bus, or train. Taking a taxi or transfer is the most straightforward method. The shuttle bus is reliable and will get you to the city center in 40 minutes. You can take two public buses (No. 38 and No. 30) which will get you to Auckland city in 1 hour and 25 minutes. Finally, you can take the AirportLink bus to Punihui Train Station and take a direct train to the city center.
How much is the shuttle from Auckland Airport to city?
The shuttle bus from Auckland Airport to the city center costs €11 (NZD 20) per person.
How far is Auckland City from the airport?
The Auckland Airport to city distance is approximately 20 km. Taking a private Auckland airport shuttle or taxi shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes in light traffic. Taking the public bus route, on the other hand, will take around 1 hour and 25 minutes as it has multiple changes. The train journey is 45 minutes, as you will need to first take the AirportLink bus to Puhinui station before jumping on a train.
Olivia De Santos
Olivia De Santos is a seasoned travel writer and adventurer with bylines in Lonely Planet and A Way Abroad. With over ten years of professional writing experience and a degree in Linguistics, she blends cultural insight and personal storytelling to help travelers see the world in a new light.
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