Getting Around Wellington: A Practical Guide
Wellington has an extensive and well-used public transport network coordinated under the Metlink brand. The system combines buses, suburban trains, ferries, and a cable car to serve the city and the wider Greater Wellington region. The central city itself is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot, though public transport extends your reach into the suburbs and surrounding areas.
From Wellington Airport to the City
Wellington International Airport is located about 5 km southeast of the central city. Several transport options are available for your arrival.
The Airport Express bus runs directly from the terminal to the central business district, departing every 10–20 minutes throughout the week. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and the bus offers onboard amenities including wifi, USB charging, and luggage racks. You can pay with a Snapper card (see Tickets section below) for $8.95, or use contactless payment.
If you're on a tighter budget, Metlink Route 2 runs from Hobart Street to the CBD at a lower cost. This requires a 700-metre walk from the terminal (exit through Door E and follow signs), but offers a cheaper alternative.
For groups, ride-sharing services like Uber are available from a designated app-based pickup zone on the right as you exit the terminal. Taxis and shuttle vans also operate from outside the terminal building.
Tickets and Fares
Most Metlink services use a zone-based fare structure. Bus and train fares can be paid using the Snapper card, a reloadable electronic card, or by contactless credit or debit card (including mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay). Cash tickets are still available on buses and trains, though they cost more than card payments.
Snapper cards can be purchased and topped up at most supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as at the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre. Both Snapper cards and contactless payments offer discounts compared to cash fares, with additional reductions available on off-peak travel. When using either payment method on buses, remember to tag your card as you board and again as you exit—otherwise you'll be charged for the entire route.
If you plan to use public transport extensively, day passes offer good value. A one-day Explorer pass covering central Wellington (zones 1–3) costs $13, while passes covering larger areas range up to $30 for all zones. These passes allow unlimited trips after 9 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.
Buses
Wellington has an extensive bus network operated by multiple providers under the Metlink brand. The central bus corridor between the Railway Station and Courtenay Place, known as the "Golden Mile," is served by major routes with frequent departures—you rarely wait more than a few minutes for a bus in this area.
Most buses in Wellington are powered by diesel, though the system is gradually introducing electric buses to its fleet. All Metlink buses accept Snapper cards and contactless payment. Most buses are also equipped with bike racks, allowing you to combine cycling with public transport if needed.
Network maps and route timetables are available free from the main visitor centre in Civic Square, the Central Library, convenience stores, and online. These are particularly useful if you plan to travel into the suburbs, though they're less necessary if you're staying within the central city.
Trains
Metlink operates a suburban rail network with five lines fanning out from Wellington Railway Station. The network connects the city with northern suburbs, Porirua, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, the Kāpiti Coast, and Masterton in the Wairarapa.
Most services use electric trains. On weekdays, trains run every 20 minutes on the Hutt Valley and Kāpiti lines, every 30 minutes on the Johnsonville line, and hourly on the Melling line. Weekend frequencies are reduced, with some lines (the Melling line) not operating at all on Saturdays and Sundays. A diesel train service also operates to Masterton in the Wairarapa several times daily. Wellington Railway Station is the busiest hub, with trains arriving and departing every few minutes during peak times.
Trains accept both Snapper cards and contactless payment, just like buses. The Metlink journey planner, available online and as a mobile app, helps you plan routes across all transport modes and includes real-time service information.
The Cable Car
The Wellington Cable Car is a historic red funicular that runs from Lambton Quay in the city centre up to Kelburn in the hills. It functions both as a practical transport mode and as a popular tourist attraction, offering views over the city and providing access to the Wellington Botanic Garden, Space Place, Zealandia, and the Cable Car Museum. The cable car accepts Snapper cards for payment.
Ferries
The East by West Ferry crosses Wellington Harbour, connecting Queen's Wharf in the central city with Eastbourne in Lower Hutt. This service provides an alternative route for reaching the eastern suburbs and is particularly useful if you want a scenic journey across the harbour. Note that ferries are not included in Snapper card ticketing—you'll need to purchase ferry tickets separately.
Walkability and the Central City
Wellington's central city is compact and very walkable. The heart of the city spans approximately 2 kilometres across, and walking from one side to the other takes around 30 minutes. Major attractions and the business district are pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore without relying on transport for short distances within the city centre.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Multiple taxi companies operate in Wellington, and can be booked in advance or hailed at taxi ranks throughout the city. Uber also operates in Wellington, with a designated pickup zone at the airport and standard pickup locations throughout the city.
Journey Planning and Information
The Metlink journey planner is available on the Metlink website and as a mobile app. You can enter your starting point and destination, and the planner will show you route options, transport modes, departure and arrival times, total travel time, and any walking involved. Real-time updates are available through the app.
For immediate assistance, the Metlink service centre can be reached on 0800 801 700 (toll-free) or +64 4 801 7000. Staff are available Monday to Friday 6 AM–10 PM, Saturday 7 AM–9 PM, and Sunday and public holidays 8 AM–8 PM. They can advise on the best route for your destination and recommend suitable passes if you plan multiple journeys.