✈ Transfer Options from Queenstown Airport to the City Centre

From its stunning alpine views and vibrant culture to a wide range of outdoor activities, Queenstown is an incredible resort town in New Zealand. Activities like Skyline Gondola rides, exploring Lake Wakatipu, and bungee jumping off the historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge make it an ideal destination for those looking for a thrilling adventure, with plenty of options for anyone hoping for peaceful relaxation. As the “adventure capital of the world”, Queenstown has something on offer for everyone – from hikers, skiers, snowboarders, and rafters to those looking for intense experiences such as jet boating or bungee jumping.

You can get from the airport to downtown Queenstown by taxi, private transfer, or bus. A Queenstown airport-to-city transfer is the quickest way to get from the airport to the city centre. The taxi ride costs €17.60 (NZD 30) and takes about 10 minutes in typical traffic. You can also take the Queenstown airport bus to the city, which takes about 30 minutes from Queenstown airport to Queenstown and costs €5.90 (NZD 10) for a single ticket.

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

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€17.60	10min	24/7
Bus	€11.80	20min	06:15–00:15

How to get from Queenstown Airport to the city centre by taxi

A taxi or private transfer is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way to get from Queenstown Airport to city centre locations. The trip to the city usually only takes about 10 minutes and costs about €17.60 (NZD 30).

Taxi fare from Queenstown airport to the city centre

On average, the taxi ride from Queenstown Airport to Queenstown takes 10 minutes and costs €17.60 (NZD 30). Keep in mind that taxis are privately run in Queenstown, so prices can vary depending on the operator, as well as the time of day and the size of the vehicle. We recommend booking your private airport transfer in advance so that you can secure a guaranteed and set rate at a competitive price.

Cost

€17.60

Trip Duration

10 Min

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Queenstown Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

The taxi ranks at Queenstown International Airport are located just outside the main terminal building.

Convenience

A taxi or private transfer is the quickest and easiest option to get from Queenstown airport to the city centre. They are available 24 hours a day, and you won’t have to waste any time waiting for transportation or making your way to your hotel as a taxi drops you off right outside your destination. With a taxi ride from Queenstown airport to Queenstown, you can be at your hotel in just 10 minutes, quickly and comfortably. If you want to start your vacation in Queenstown in the most relaxed and efficient way, book your private airport transfer in advance and secure yourself a fixed and competitive rate.

Editor’s Note

Taxis in Queenstown are considered to be very safe and reliable, but travellers are advised to avoid getting into vehicles that lack clear company branding and a licence card.

Useful Tips

In Queenstown, you are not expected to tip your driver but, if you wish, can do so by rounding up your cab fare.

Taxis in Queenstown generally accept payment by credit or debit card but there is usually an added charge for the service.

As local cabs are operated by private hire companies, the rates for a transfer from Queenstown airport to Queenstown can differ. Make sure you ask about a company’s rates before booking.

How to get from Queenstown Airport to the city centre by bus

A bus is the only available public transportation option from Queenstown International Airport to the city centre of Queenstown. The ride takes about 20 minutes and is budget-friendly, with a single ticket costing only €5.90 (NZD 10). The Queenstown airport bus to the city centre has a waiting time of 30 minutes and only runs from around 6 am to just after midnight. You can use the official Queenstown transit app for up-to-date information on bus schedules.

How much is the Queenstown Airport bus to the city centre?

A single ticket for the Queenstown airport bus to the city centre costs €5.90 (NZD 10) for adults and €4.70 (NZD 8) for children between the ages of 5-18. If you plan on using buses a lot during your stay, you can benefit from purchasing a Bee Card, which provides significant discounts on bus fares throughout the city. With a Bee Card, any bus fare, including the one from the airport to Queenstown, is €1.20 (NZD 2) for adults and €0.70 (NZD 1.20) for children. You can purchase a Bee Card for €2.90 (NZD 5) from the Paper Plus store at the airport, and you will need to top it up with a minimum of €5.90 (NZD 10).

Cost

€5.90

Trip Duration

20 Min

There's a waiting time of 30 minutes for the Queenstown Airport bus to city locations.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Orbus bus service 1 to Queenstown runs from 06:15 to 00:15 throughout the week.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stops at Queenstown Airport are conveniently located right outside the main terminal.

Convenience

The Queenstown airport bus to the city is quite a budget-friendly option costing €5.90 (NZD 10) for a single ticket. The #1 Orbus to Queenstown runs every half hour from 06:15 to 00:15, so depending on the time of your flight, it can be convenient. However, it is also the slowest option available, as the bus takes about 20 minutes to make it to the centre, which is twice as long as a taxi or private transfer. You may be able to walk to your hotel from the bus stop as Queenstown is not a very big city, but this is something that we recommend checking out in advance, as you might have to plan for a second mode of transport.

Timetables

Orbus Public Bus Service 1

Sunshine Bay to Remarkables Shops

Editor’s Note

The #1 Orbus service from Queenstown airport to Queenstown runs every 30 minutes between the hours of 06:15 and 00:15.

Useful Tips

If you plan on using buses during your stay in Queenstown, you can benefit from purchasing a Bee Card.

For up-to-date information on bus schedules, you can use the official Queenstown transit app.

You can purchase your ticket at the airport or directly from the bus driver.

The bus schedule is the same throughout the week.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How do I get from Queenstown airport to Queenstown city centre?

You can get from Queenstown airport to the city either by cab, private transfer, or bus. A Queenstown airport to Queenstown transfer takes just 10 minutes and is the fastest transport option available. The average cost of the transfer is €17.60 (NZD 30) but can vary depending on the operator. The slower but more budget-friendly option is to take the Queenstown airport bus to the city, with a single ticket for an adult priced at €5.90 (NZD 10). The #1 Orbus service takes 20 minutes to Queenstown and runs every 30’ between about 6 am and midnight.

What’s the cost of a taxi shuttle from Queenstown airport to the city?

A taxi or private transfer is the fastest and easiest way to get from Queenstown airport to the city centre. The trip only takes about 10 minutes and, on average, costs €17.60 (NZD 30). Although taxi fares in Queenstown can vary depending on the cab company, you can always book a reliable private transfer in advance for your peace of mind and a competitive, fixed rate!

Is there a direct Queenstown airport bus to the city?

The Orbus service #1 is a direct Queenstown airport bus to the city. It sets off from the airport every 30 minutes and takes 20 minutes to reach Queenstown. A single ticket for the bus from Queenstown airport to Queenstown costs €5.90 (NZD 10), and the service runs between the hours of 06:15-00:15.

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How to get from Queenstown Airport to the city centre by taxi

Taxi fare from Queenstown airport to the city centre

Cost

€17.60

Trip Duration

10 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Queenstown Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Queenstown Airport to the city centre by bus

How much is the Queenstown Airport bus to the city centre?

Cost

€5.90

Trip Duration

20 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Orbus bus service 1 to Queenstown runs from 06:15 to 00:15 throughout the week.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Orbus Public Bus Service 1

Sunshine Bay to Remarkables Shops

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Queenstown airport to Queenstown city centre?

What’s the cost of a taxi shuttle from Queenstown airport to the city?

Is there a direct Queenstown airport bus to the city?

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The best way to arrive in Queenstown

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