How to get from Auckland Airport to the City Center

Olivia De Santos

September 26, 2024

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.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Auckland at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€30	30min	24/7
No. 38 Bus	€6	85min	06:17–16:32
SkyDrive Shuttle Bus	€22	40min	05:30–22:30
Bus + Train	€5.40	45min	04:30–00:40
Welcome Airport Transfer	€69	30min	24/7

How to get from Auckland Airport to city by taxi

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.

Cost

€30 ($48 NZD)

Trip Duration

30 Min

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Auckland airport

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.

Editor’s Note

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.

Useful Tips

Make sure you discuss how many people will be traveling before taking a taxi at Auckland airport so you know the final price.

There's a surcharge of €3 (NZD 5) to be picked up at the airport and €2 (NZD 3) to be dropped off by taxi.

Tipping your Auckland Airport taxi driver isn't expected, but it's always appreciated if they have given an excellent service.

Some taxi drivers carry card machines buut not all. Make sure you have cash in the local currency, New Zealand Dollar, to cover your fare.

How to get from Auckland airport to the city center by bus

If 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.

Cost

€3 (NZD 5.40 )

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 25 Min.

There's a waiting time of up to 20 minutes for the bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

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

Editor’s Note

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.

Useful Tips

There's limited storage space on the public buses, so travel light.

The bus drivers don't accept cash payments so be sure to top up an AT HOP card before riding.

The minimum amount you can top up an AT HOP card is €6 (NZD 10).

Children under 5 years old travel for free.

Children 5 to 15 years old get a discount of 40% off adult fares.

How to get from Auckland Airport to city by shuttle bus

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.

Cost

€11 (NZD 20)

Trip Duration

40 Min.

The shuttle bus departs every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

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

Editor’s Note

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Useful Tips

Discounted tickets are available for over 65 year olds and students over 13 years old.

If you want to buy your ticket from the bus driver, you must pay in New Zealand Dollars by card. Cash is not accepted.

If you have purchased a SkyDrive ticket in advance, your driver will scan the QR code as you board. You can present the ticket on a smartphone or tablet, or you can print out your ticket.

Your ticket is valid for the booked date. Therefore, if you miss your intended bus, you can get the next one.

Free Wi-Fi is available on SkyDrive shuttle buses.

How to get from Auckland Airport to the city by train

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.

Cost

€2.70 (NZD 4.90)

Trip Duration

45 Min.

The AirportLink bus operates between Auckland Domestic and International Airport and Puhinui Station every 10-12 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

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

Editor’s Note

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).

Useful Tips

At Puhinui Station you can catch a train to anywhere along the Southern Line and Eastern Line.

If you are traveling on an Intercity service, you can also catch the AirportLink to the airport from Manukau where there is a connection point.

The minimum amount you can top up an AT HOP card is €6 (NZD 10).

Children under 5 years old travel for free.

How to get from Auckland Airport to the city by private transfer

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:

Friendly meet-and-greet service
On-time pickups with flight monitoring
Pre-selected modern vehicles
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation

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:

Sedan (up to 3 passengers) = €69
Minivan (up to 7 passengers) = €75

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.

Cost

€69

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

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.

Editor’s Note

Your driver would be happy to give you a mini tour of the city to help you get your bearings.

Useful Tips

Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 7, and minibuses up to 12.

You can download the Welcome Pickups app to keep useful information about your transfer handy or contact your driver.

At least 24 hours before your flight, we will email you with all the information you need, including your driver’s name, photo, contact and vehicle details.

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one on our booking form.

We offer flight monitoring to ensure your driver knows when to meet you, even if your flight is delayed.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Auckland. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

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.

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