Auckland Airport (AKL) is located 20 km from the city center, and there are five ways to get there:
- Private transfer: Starts from €69 (NZD 138) for up to 3 passengers and takes 30 minutes
- Taxi: €20 (NZD 40) for a solo passenger plus €4 (NZD 7.88) for each additional person and takes 30 minutes
- SkyDrive Shuttle Bus: €10 (NZD 20) per person and takes 40 minutes
- AirportLink Bus + train: Costs €3.30 (NZD 6.50) in total per person and takes 45–50 minutes
- Public bus: €2.70 (NZD 5.40) per person; it’s the least convenient way and takes 1 hour 25 minutes
Taxis and private transfers are available 24/7, while the SkyDrive Shuttle Bus, public bus, and AirportLink combined with train options only operate from early morning until late at night. If you prefer bus options, expect waiting times between stations, which can make your trip to the city center take longer.
5 options to get from Auckland Airport to the city
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €69 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Private transfes are the most convenient option to avoid extra, unexpected charges and long waits. It is also a comfortable option if you’re traveling with family and with large luggage. | ||||||
Taxi | €24 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Taxis are a convenient transportation option if you want a direct transfer to the city from the airport and haven’t booked private transport. | ||||||
No. 38 Bus | €5.40 | 85min | 04:45–00:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Using the public bus is a good option only if you’re looking for budget-friendly transport and don’t mind the time you’ll be spending on the road to your destination. | ||||||
SkyDrive Shuttle Bus | €20 | 40min | 05:30–22:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The shuttle bus is an alternative to a taxi if you’re looking for a better price, but since it doesn’t operate 24/7, it’s not an option if you’re planning a late arrival. | ||||||
Bus + Train | €6.60 | 45min | 05:30–22:20 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The bus + train route is a budget-friendly option, but the journey involves transferring from the bus to the train and then navigating from the train stop to your final destination. | ||||||
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 taxi fares to city center
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 €17.50 (NZD 35), which includes 1 person riding.
There’s an additional airport surcharge of €2.50 (NZD 5) per person added on top, plus an additional fee per passenger of €4 (NZD 8).
So, for a single-person trip, the average price for an Auckland Airport to Auckland Downtown trip is around €20 (NZD 40).
Where do I get a taxi from at Auckland Airport?
You can find the Auckland Airport taxi ranks outside the arrivals areas of both international and domestic terminals. At the International Terminal, the taxi rank is located outside Door 8, while at the Domestic Terminal, you’ll find it outside Door 4. Simply follow the taxi signs when you leave the terminal.
Convenience
The only direct ways of getting from Auckland Airport to downtown are to take an Auckland Airport taxi or private transfer. Not only will these options 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 use public transport, you can take the No. 38 bus as part of the Auckland Airport bus to city route. The No. 38 doesn’t travel directly to Auckland city center; instead, it takes you to Onehunga, where you can get off and transfer to the No. 30 bus to continue your journey into the city.
Allow around 1 hour and 25 minutes for the full journey in light traffic.
How much is a bus from Auckland Airport to the city?
A one-way ticket for the Auckland Airport bus to the city costs €2.70 (NZD 5.40). You’ll need an AT HOP card with enough funds for the journey, as bus drivers don’t accept cash. You can buy and top up your card at the automatic HOP machines at the airport.
The No. 38 runs every 15 to 20 minutes from 04:45 to 00:00 daily, including public holidays.
Where do I get a bus from at Auckland Airport?
You can catch the No. 38 bus outside the Transport Hub building at both the International and Domestic Terminals. As part of the Auckland Airport bus-to-city route, the No. 38 takes you to Onehunga, where you can transfer to the No. 30 bus at Bus Stop A and continue your journey to downtown Auckland.
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
Auckland Airport has SkyDrive shuttles that you can use to go to the city center. It is a frequent service, departing every 30 minutes from 05:00 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 downtown costs €10 (NZD 20) per person, while children under 2 years old travel free if they travel on your lap. Tickets for 3- to 12-year-olds cost €4.50 (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 at Auckland Airport?
You can get the SkyDrive shuttle bus from two stops at Auckland Airport. Bus Stop A is at the Domestic Terminal, while Bus Stop E is at the International Terminal. Bus Stop A is located between Door 3 and Door 4 at the Domestic Terminal, while Bus Stop E is near the Transport Hub in the covered pedestrian access area at the International Terminal.
Convenience
The SkyDrive shuttle bus is quite convenient since it’s a frequent, reliable, comfortable service for a reasonable price. However, it doesn’t operate 24/7, so a taxi or transfer is still a better option. 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 the central business district (CBD) or city center, the combined AirportLink bus-to-train journey is quite straightforward. The AirportLink bus takes you to Puhinui Station. Both the Southern Line and Eastern Line towards Auckland CBD run from Puhinui Station, although Britomart Station is considered the closest to Auckland city center.
The AirportLink bus departs every 10 minutes from 04:30 to 00:40, 7 days a week, while trains run every 10-15 minutes between 05:30 and 22:20 on weekdays, with later services on Fridays and Saturdays.
How much is the bus + 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 €3.30 (NZD 6.50) in total. You don’t need to purchase separate tickets for the AirportLink bus and the train, as you can use your ticket again within 30 minutes. You can pay with an AT HOP card or a contactless debit or credit card; cash is not accepted on the AirportLink buses. 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’ll have to take the AirportLink bus from the airport to Puhinui Station to catch the first available train. This makes this option less comfortable if you’re traveling with lots of luggage, small children, or a large group.
Timetables
Bus from Auckland Airport to Puhunui Station
Train from Puhinui Station
Useful Tips
Taking an Auckland Airport Welcome Pickups private transfer is the smoothest and most convenient way of getting from Auckland Airport to downtown. A private transfer can provide door-to-door service to your destination, and you’ll also benefit from a fixed-rate fare at a great price.
Plus, you can expect other great perks like:
Booking a transfer from Auckland Airport to the city center with Welcome Pickups gives you a top-quality and reliable service trusted by thousands of travelers.
How much is a private transfer from Auckland Airport to the city?
When you pre-book your transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll get a fixed fare upfront, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay. 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 the Welcome Pickups online portal or mobile app. All you need to do is input your flight, contact, 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 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 private 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 do I get to the city from Auckland Airport?
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 private transfer are the most straightforward options.
The shuttle bus is reliable and takes 40 minutes to get you to the city center. You can also 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 Puhinui Train Station and take a direct train to the city center.
Is there a train from Auckland Airport to downtown?
No. There is no direct train from Auckland Airport to downtown Auckland. However, you can take an AirportLink bus from the airport to Puhinui Station, where you can connect to a train towards the city center. This option combines the AirportLink bus and train to get you from Auckland Airport to downtown.
Is there a free airport shuttle at Auckland Airport?
No. Although there is a free shuttle service between the international and domestic terminals, there is no free shuttle service from Auckland Airport to downtown. You can use the paid shuttles of SkyDrive or AirportLink and the public bus, depending on your destination.
Is there a bus from Auckland Airport to downtown?
Yes, you can travel from Auckland Airport to downtown by bus; however, you’ll need to change buses along the way. Take the No. 38 bus to Onehunga, then transfer to the No. 30 bus to reach Auckland city. The full journey takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes in light traffic.
What time do buses run from Auckland Airport to downtown?
Auckland Airport buses operate from 04:45 to 00:00 every day, including public holidays. However, there is no direct bus from the airport to downtown, so if you choose to travel by bus, you will need to change buses along the way to reach the Auckland city center.
How much does a taxi cost from Auckland Airport to the city?
Auckland Airport taxi fare to the city center is not a fixed price, and the journey starts at €17.50 (NZD 35) for one passenger, with an additional €4 (NZD 8) for each extra passenger. You’ll also pay a €2.50 (NZD 5) airport surcharge. For two passengers, expect to pay around €24 (NZD 48).
What's the difference between a taxi and a private transfer from Auckland Airport?
The main difference is how you arrange and pay for your journey. With a taxi, you may need to wait at the airport for an available vehicle, and the final fare can vary depending on the destination and time of day. A private transfer is pre-booked, so you know your driver and fare in advance. Your driver can also help with your luggage from Baggage Claim and will track your flight to adjust the pickup time if your flight is delayed, making the service more convenient and reliable.
How do I book a private transfer from Auckland Airport to the city in advance?
You can book a private transfer from Auckland Airport to the city in advance through an online transfer service such as Welcome Pickups. Enter your flight details, travel date, pickup location, and passenger information, then choose your preferred vehicle and complete the booking. You’ll receive your driver and pickup details before your arrival.
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