How to get from Auckland Airport to Hamilton

Fern Coll

Travel Writer/World Explorer

May 29, 2024

Hamilton is located on the banks of the Waikato River and is one of the most popular cities in New Zealand. With its great bars, exciting casinos, a plethora of restaurants, vibrant nightlife and famous rugby team, Hamilton has something for everyone to enjoy.

There are two different transfer options when it comes to travelling from Auckland airport to Hamilton; taxi or bus. Taking a private Auckland airport shuttle or taxi is the quickest option but costs around €130 ($215 NZD). A much slower but cheaper option is to take the 380 Airporter bus from Intercity which costs as little as €12 ($20 NZD) but takes on average 3 hours to reach Hamilton.

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
Welcome Pickups	€175	105min	24/7
Taxi	€130	105min	24/7
Bus	€24	180min	07:45–17:50

How to get from Auckland airport to Hamilton by taxi

The quickest and most convenient way to get from Auckland airport to Hamilton is by taking a private Auckland airport shuttle or taxi. The journey is only 105 minutes long in light traffic and costs around €130 ($215 NZD).

Taxi fare from Auckland airport to Hamilton

The local taxi drivers at Auckland airport don’t offer a set-rate fee for the journey to Hamilton. Instead, you will be charged using a taximeter based on the distance you travel and the time it takes. The average cost for the journey from Auckland airport to Hamilton is €130 ($215 NZD).

Cost

€130 ($215 NZD)

Trip Duration

1 Hr 45 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 it?

You can find the taxi ranks located just outside of the arrivals hall exit doors at both the International and Domestic Terminals at Auckland airport.

Convenience

Although some of the buses run directly to Hamilton from Auckland airport, taking a taxi is much faster and more comfortable. You won’t need to wait in the heat for public transport and you can enjoy your scenic journey knowing your loved ones and belongings are safe in the back.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling on a tight budget and arrive between the hours of 7:45 and 17:50, you may want to consider taking the bus as an alternate and much more affordable transfer option.

Useful Tips

Ensure your driver resets the taximeter before you begin your ride.

Tipping taxi drivers in New Zealand isn't expected, but you can round up your fare is the service was great.

The journey from the airport to Hamilton is long, even in a private Auckland airport shuttle, so be sure to take some refreshments with you for the trip.

How to get from Auckland airport to Hamilton by bus

Although the slowest transfer option, there’s an Intercity bus that runs from Auckland airport to Hamilton daily. The 380 Airporter bus has direct and indirect routes but takes 3 hours on average to reach Hamilton. If you take the indirect route, you will need to make a change to another Intercity bus in Manukau before making your way to Hamilton.

How much is the bus from Auckland airport to Hamilton?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the 380 Airporter bus starts at €12 ($20 NZD). The cost of a ticket depends on the time of day you need to travel. You can purchase your tickets at the airport or online in advance.

Cost

From €12 ($20 NZD)

Trip Duration

3 Hrs

There's a waiting time of up to 4 hours for the Intercity bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 380 Airporter bus runs 5 times a day from 7:45 to 17:50.

Where do I get it from?

The 380 Airporter bus can be found outside the Domestic Terminal at Auckland airport at bus stop 2206 (Stop C) and outside the International Terminal at the bus stop adjacent to Sky Bus Ticket Booth.

Convenience

Although there are direct Intercity buses that sometimes run from the airport, most buses from Auckland airport to Hamilton have a change in Manukau, which adds a lot of time to your journey. The buses also only depart 5 times a day, so if you land after one has just left, you could have up to 4 hours wait.

Timetables

380 Airporter bus

Editor’s Note

If you're not travelling on a tight budget, or if you arrive after 17:50, I strongly recommend taking a private Auckland airport shuttle as it's twice as fast and much more convent.

Useful Tips

There are also direct 380 Airporter buses available for the same price depending on the time you land.

Be sure to arrive 10 minutes before your bus departs to ensure you get on.

There's some luggage storage space on the bus located by the driver.

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 do you get from Auckland airport to Hamilton?

There are two different ways to get from Auckland Airport to Hamilton, by taxi or bus. Taking an Auckland airport taxi is the quickest transfer option as it takes 1 hour 45 minutes and costs €130 ($215 NZD). The slowest option is to take a bus from Auckland Airport to Hamilton. The 380 Airporter bus costs from €12 ($20 NZD) one-way and takes around 3 hours on average.

How far is the journey from Auckland airport to Hamilton?

Hamilton is located around 45 km from Auckland Airport. To take the journey from Auckland Airport to Hamilton by private Auckland airport shuttle or taxi, it will take around 1 hour 45 minutes. To take the 380 Airporter bus will take on average 3 hours.

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How to get from Auckland airport to Hamilton by taxi

Taxi fare from Auckland airport to Hamilton

Cost

€130 ($215 NZD)

Trip Duration

1 Hr 45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Auckland airport

Where do I get it?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Auckland airport to Hamilton by bus

How much is the bus from Auckland airport to Hamilton?

Cost

From €12 ($20 NZD)

Trip Duration

3 Hrs

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 380 Airporter bus runs 5 times a day from 7:45 to 17:50.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

380 Airporter bus

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

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

Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Auckland airport to Hamilton?

How far is the journey from Auckland airport to Hamilton?

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