Airport Express

The Airport Express (AX) runs 7 days a week, every 10-20 minutes, except for the first few morning services and evening services. Travel time from Wellington Station to the Wellington International Airport is approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. Free Wi-Fi, USB charging and luggage racks are available on board.

Airport Express timetable(external link)

Wellington International Airport bus stop(external link) is on the ground floor carpark outside the terminal baggage area, less than 100m from Door G. 

Wellington Station bus stop is in the Bus Interchange, departing from Stop B. This is less than 150m from main concourse of the train station.

Ways to pay

Airport Express doesn't currently offer prepaid paper tickets or digital tickets on mobile devices. All fares are currently paid on board the bus with Snapper, cash or contactless* payment.

Pay on board Cash Contactless payment Snapper card Explorer Day pass Snapper 30 Day pass
AX Yes Yes* - but paper receipts not available Yes - up to 5 people on one card Yes - from 9am No

AX fares - from 1 September 2023

Off-peak discounts and free transfers do not apply to the Airport Express. Separate fares apply when transferring to another Metlink service.

  • Children under 5 travel free.
  • Children under 13 travel free only with a Snapper card with Free pass applied.
  • Child fare applies to anyone 5 to 18 years old, or still at secondary school.
  • *Connect, Tertiary and Accessible Concessions must be loaded to a Snapper card.
  • Community Connect Scheme includes discounts for youth and Community Services Cardholders. 

Paying with 

Adult

Child

Connect*

Tertiary*

Accessible* 

Snapper

$7.96

$1.99

$3.98

$5.97

$3.98

Cash/contactless

$10.00

$2.50

$10.00

$10.00

$10.00

Default fare**

$10.00

$5.00

$10.00

$10.00

$5.00

**If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey using Snapper, the default fare will be charged.

About the service

The AX is an integral part of the Metlink network, connecting the airport with the wider Wellington Region. Nine new purpose-built electric buses run on this low-cost, environmentally conscious service for travellers, people working in and around the airport, and commuters into the city (when capacity allows). The timetable is designed around airport departure and arrival times and train services at Wellington Railway Station.

The AX fare is competitive with rideshare services, taxis and shuttles.

About the operator

This premium service is provided by Metlink and operated by our partner Mana Newlands Coaches by Transdev.

Last published: Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 1:34 AM