Christchurch is the gateway to the Canterbury region, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Christchurch has been dubbed ‘Garden City’ due to its numerous green spaces, including Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The Avon River meanders through the city, offering a scenic source of recreation for boaters, cyclists, and walkers.
Christchurch Airport is around 10 kilometres from the city centre. After landing at the airport, you can reach the centre by taxi or bus. Taking an airport taxi is the most comfortable and easiest way to travel from the airport to the city centre. The journey takes 20 minutes, and you can expect to pay around €24.10 (NZD 40). You can also take a bus from Christchurch airport to the city. A single adult ticket for the bus costs €2.60 (4.20 NZD), and the trip takes around 20 minutes.
3 options to go from Christchurch Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €43 | 16min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
Taxi | €24.10 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, but if you had a great driver, you can consider rounding up the fare. | ||||||
Bus | €5.20 | 20min | 06:22–23:37 | Convenience | Read more | |
| You use Google Maps or the Canterbury Metro website to plan any other bus transfers you may need to take while staying in Christchurch. | ||||||
Taking a taxi is the easiest form of transport from Christchurch airport to the city. A taxi will drop you off right at your accommodation and it is the only option if you arrive in Christchurch late at night., Several Christchurch taxi companies offer service at the airport and are available 24/7. The trip from Christchurch airport to the city centre typically takes 20 minutes. Unless you book your transfer in advance, taxi fare is metered, and you can expect to pay around €24.10 (NZD 40). For a flat rate with no additional charges, you can book your Christchurch airport transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Taxi fare from Christchurch airport to the City Centre
Taxi fares differ among the different Christchurch taxi companies. We recommend you ask your driver for an estimate before taking the ride. Generally, you can estimate fare by a base rate of €1.80 (NZD 3), €1.80 (NZD 3) per kilometre, and €18.10 (NZD 30) per hour of standing or waiting. All taxis also charge €3.30 (NZD 5.50) for airport pickups or drop-offs. You can typically expect to pay around €24.10 (NZD 40) to reach the city centre from Christchurch airport. For a competitive flat rate with no hidden charges, you can also book your ride in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get a taxi?
After landing at Christchurch airport and gathering your luggage, you can find Christchurch airport taxis at the designated taxi rank located outside International Arrivals. If you exit through Door 7, you will see the taxis waiting outside.
Convenience
A taxi can comfortably transport you to your destination. You won’t have to lose any time waiting for the bus or finding your way from the bus stop to wherever you are headed. You can simply hop in the taxi and be on your way directly to wherever you are headed. And taking a taxi is your only option if you are arriving in Christchurch after midnight.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreA cheaper way to transport from Christchurch airport to the city centre is by bus. Buses 29 and 3 both run between the airport and the city centre. The trip takes around 20 minutes and costs €2.60 (4.20 NZD) for a single adult ticket. Buses are available from 6:22 to 23:37 on weekdays, 6:05 to 23:39 on Saturdays, and 6:37 to 11:39 on Sundays. Each bus runs roughly every 30 minutes.
How much is fare for the bus from Christchurch airport to the City Centre?
When taking the bus from Christchurch airport to the city, tickets can be purchased from the bus driver in cash. A single adult ticket costs €2.60 (4.20 NZD), and tickets for kids ages 5 to 18 cost €1.50 (2.40 NZD). Kids under the age of 5 can ride for free. Also, fares are discounted for holders of a Metrocard.
Buses are available from 6:22 to 23:37 on weekdays, 6:05 to 23:39 on Saturdays, and 6:37 to 11:39 on Sundays.
Where can I find the bus?
After you gather your luggage, head to the northern end of International Arrivals. You can find the bus stop outside, just go through Door 9, next to the Novotel hotel.
Convenience
During the day, if you’re looking for the most budget option, taking the bus from Christchurch airport to the city is probably best for you. Once on the bus, it takes about the same amount of time to reach the centre as taking a taxi. However, you may lose some time waiting for the bus and getting from the bus stop to your destination.
Timetables
Bus 29
Bus 3
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Christchurch Airport to the city?
You can transfer from Christchurch airport to the city by taxi or by bus. The trip by taxi takes 20 minutes and costs around €24.10 (NZD 40). Or you can take bus 29 or bus 3. The trip by bus also takes around 20 minutes (excluding waiting time), and a single adult ticket costs €2.60 (4.20 NZD).
What’s the cost of a taxi from Christchurch airport to the city?
Unless you book your transfer in advance, taxi fare is usually determined by a metered rate. Fares vary between the different Christchurch taxi companies. Fare from the airport to the city typically costs around €24.10 (NZD 40).
Is there a direct bus from Christchurch airport to the city?
Buses 29 and 3 both go from the airport to the city. Both make multiple stops along the way. Bus 29 takes more of a direct route along Memorial Ave to the Christchurch city centre.
Transfer Options in Christchurch
FromChristchurch International Airport (CHC)
ToHanmer Springs
FromChristchurch International Airport (CHC)
ToAkaroa
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