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How to get from Wellington Airport to the City Center

Wellington is a place that leaves you wanting more; the options for things to see and experience are truly remarkable for the size of this city. Once you step outside the city limits nature takes over, as breathtaking luscious green landscapes just unfold right in front of your eyes. Wellington is simply a destination that has it all.

Wellington’s small size allows visitors to get around easily, while its well-organised public transport system includes bus, train and ferry services. For those wanting to travel from Wellington airport to the city, there are two main methods of transport available. The first is the Airport AX (airport express) bus service run by Metlink that runs from the airport straight through the city centre to the Wellington railway station, and the second transport method is a private airport taxi or shuttle, which is also the most convenient and fastest way to get downtown.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Wellington 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 €27 22min 24/7
Bus €11.20 30min 05:30–22:25

How to get from Wellington airport to the city centre by taxi

The city centre of Wellington is a short distance (9km) away from the airport and an airport taxi or shuttle will be the most convenient and fastest way to get to your hotel or city destination. Taxis are available 24/7 and even though there is a decent alternative public transport option (bus service), nothing beats jumping into a taxi after a long flight and being comfortably transported, directly to your hotel. The taxi option is also much more convenient if you are travelling with young children or a lot of baggage.

Taxi fare from Wellington Airport to the city centre

The taxi fare from Wellington airport to the city centre will be between €18-26 (NZD 30-45) depending on the service provider and all transfers to and from the airport charge an airport fee of about €3.50 (NZD 6). There are no standardised or official rates and taxis may be fitted with taximeters or offer fixed rate fares which need to be requested and agreed upon at the start of the transfer. For a guaranteed fixed rate fare with no hidden costs, you can book your personalised door-to-door airport taxi transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€27 (NZD 45)

Trip Duration

22 minutes

All transfers to and from Wellington airport are subject to an airport fee of approx. €3.50 (NZD 6).

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis from Wellington airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxi ranks at Wellington airport are located outside the baggage claim area on the ground floor of the main terminal. You will find the taxi rank as you exit Door G of the main terminal building.

Convenience

The convenience of a taxi for your transport from Wellington airport to the city centre is unquestionable, especially if you have booked your transfer in advance and a driver will be waiting for you when you arrive. You will reach your destination swiftly, in comfort and travel with privacy. It is also the only option available 24/7 and the most convenient when travelling with a lot of baggage or young children.

Editor’s Note

Since there are no official taxi rates in Wellington, it makes sense to always ask for a fixed rate fare quote at the start of your transfer, which may be slightly less expensive than a metered fare.

Useful Tips

Ask your driver at the start of your transfer if there are any extra costs that are associated with your destination and if they will be added to the fare at the end, especially when travelling to and from the airport.
Late-night taxi rides and transfers during holidays will be charged at a higher cost than a day quote and may differ between taxi companies.
Tipping is not obligatory when paying for a taxi. If you choose to tip, an extra 8-15% of the total fare would be a sufficient amount.

How to get from Wellington airport to the city by bus

You can also travel by bus from Wellington airport to the city centre. The service is called Airport AX (airport express) and is run by Metlink. This direct bus route runs from the airport from 5:30 to 22:25, seven days a week with about 15-minute intervals, during peak hours. The first and last bus from Wellington railway station to Wellington airport is at 4:50 and 19:55, respectively. The bus from Wellington airport to the city centre takes under 30 minutes and stops at a number of central locations.

Fare for the bus from Wellington airport to the city centre

The Wellington airport to city bus fare, using the Airport Express (AX) service, costs €5.60 (NZD 9.50) and the fare for children aged 5 to 15 is €2.95 (NZD 5). Payment can be made on the bus and you can pay in cash or using a contactless debit or credit card.

Cost

€5.60 (NZD 9.50)

Trip Duration

30 minutes

The Adult bus fare is €5.60 (NZD 9.50) and the fare for children aged 5 to 15 is €2.95 (NZD 5).

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The Airport Express (AX) bus runs daily, every 10-15 minutes from the airport between 5:30 and 22:25.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stop for the Airport Express bus service picks up and drops off passengers at bus stop #7399 of the airport. The stop is located outside the main terminal building, which you will find once you cross the arrivals and departures roads.

Convenience

The Airport Express (AX) bus service is a convenient and affordable public transport option to travel into the city. It makes a number of stops at key central locations and will take passengers all the way to the Wellington railway station. Passengers will of course still have to carry their baggage from the bus stop to their hotel so this mode od transport isn’t ideal for people with a lot of baggage or for anyone travelling with young children.

Editor’s Note

You don't have to book your Airport Express (AX) bus ticket in advance, you can pay directly on the bus with either cash or a contactless debit/credit card.

Useful Tips

All Airport Express (AX) buses offer free Wi-Fi and USB charging capabilities.
If you plan on using public transport often during your stay in Wellington, it may be more affordable to buy a Snapper card for €6 (NZD 10), which you can purchase from the airport and will allow you to use most of Wellington’s public transport options at a cheaper rate.

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

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Wellington airport to the city centre?

There are two main options to transport from Wellington airport to the city centre. The public transportation option involves the Airport Express (AX) bus service that connects the airport to the Wellington railway station and stops off at several key locations in the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a private airport taxi or shuttle service for a door-to-door transfer 24/7.

Is there a direct bus from Wellington airport to the city?

Yes, Metrolink offers the Airport Express (AX) bus service that goes through the city centre, specifically to the Wellington railway station. The bus from Wellington airport to the city stops at key central locations and the travel time is 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

What’s the average Wellington airport to city taxi fare?

As there are no official taxi rates in Wellington, the taxi fare from Wellington airport to the city centre can cost between €18-26 (NZD 30-45), depending on the service provider. There is also an added airport fee of about €3.50 (NZD 6) for all transfers to and from the airport. For a fixed rate fare with no hidden costs, you can book your Wellington airport-to-city taxi with Welcome Pickups.

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