Tickets and fares
Fares for under 25s are changing 1 May 2024
The government has made the decision to withdraw the government funding for the age-based concessions that have been in place since 1 September 2023. As a result, fares for children aged 5-12 and young adults under 25 years old will automatically return to the standard price fares from 1 May 2024. The current age-based concessions are funded by the government.
Links for more information about the affected concessions:
Under 13 free pass (5-12 years)
- Free travel ends, and Child Fare Concession of 50% off adult fare applies.
Child fare 13-18 years old (or still in secondary school)
- 75% discount ends, and 50% off adult fare applies for secondary school students, aged 13 to 16 years old(or older if still in secondary school).
- Children over 16 years who are no longer in secondary school will need to buy a Red Snapper card, and full adult fare applies unless eligible for another concession.
Young Adult (Connect) (19-24 years)
- This concession ends, and full adult fare applies, unless eligible for another concession.
Under 18s who are eligible for the Accessible Concession
- Under 18s who have been using one of the aged-based concessions listed above instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card(external link) to travel on the Accessible Concession, which continues as a 50% discount off adult fares.
All other concessions and fares are not affected.
What’s happening?
The government has made the decision to withdraw the government funding for the age-based concessions that have been in place since 1 September 2023. As a result, fares for children aged 5-12 and young adults under 25 years old will automatically return to the standard price fares from 1 May 2024. The current age-based concessions are funded by the government.
When will the changes come into effect?
The fares for children aged 5-12 and young adults under 25 years old will automatically return to standard fares from 1 May 2024.
When will the current government funded age-based fares end?
The current concessions will end at midnight on the 30th of April 2024. From the 1st of May, standard concessions will apply.
Why did Metlink/Greater Wellington make this decision?
Greater Wellington reviewed the costs to maintain these concessions and agreed that continuing to fund these within the Wellington region could directly affect our rate payers. Please refer to NZTA’s CERF programme page(external link) for more information on the funding package.
What happens to the rest of the other concessions and fares?
Metlink’s other concessions and fares remain the same as follows and you do not need to take any action.
- Under 5 (0-4 years) – 100% free travel
- Adults (25 years or older or those who are not eligible for concessions) – Full adult fares
- Community Connect Concession for Community Services Card holders – 50% off adult Snapper fares
- Tertiary Concession – 25% off adult Snapper fares
- Accessible Concession (including Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders) – 50% off adult fares
- Super Gold Concession – Free off-peak travel
Snapper fares are 50% off when travelling during off-peak hours.
Can I still use the same Snapper card after the 1st of May?
Yes, you can continue using your current Snapper card from the 1st of May.
However, children over 16 or no longer in secondary school who are currently using a Snapper Green card for the Child Concession (following the 1 September 2023 changes), will no longer qualify for the Child Concession from 1 May 2024 and need to use a Red Snapper card for travel at the full adult fare.
What if I don't have enough credit?
Make sure you have enough credit on your Snapper card before the 1st of May to avoid any disruptions to your travel. Top up(external link) your Snapper card to ensure you have enough credit.
If your card goes into a negative balance, you will not be able to tag on to the service until you have topped up. For more information, please refer to snapper.co.nz(external link)
Do the changes apply to bus, train and ferry services?
This concession change will apply to all bus, train, and ferry services (excluding on-demand services where there is only one fare for all passengers).
Do I still need to tag on and tag off for every trip?
Yes, however if you forget to tag off at the end of your journey, you will be charged a default fare.
If the default fare puts your card into a negative balance, your card won't work until you have topped up. We recommend keeping enough balance on your card for your journey.
This does not apply for ferry or On Demand services, since these services do not use Snapper.
How will group travel work?
On a bus – You can use your Snapper card to tag on multiple passengers, just ask the driver before you tag on to set up the reader for the passenger number and fares you require, For example 1 Adult and 2 x children. You can also pay with cash and purchase multiple tickets for your group.
On Rail and Ferry - For capacity planning and safety reasons, group journeys of over 10 people must be booked in advance of travel. For information on how to do this, you can contact Metlink on 0800 801 700.
Please note, that for school groups the functionality to board multiple U13s will be removed from 1 May 2024.
If you are paying for your rail journey with Snapper, one card per person is required.
Do Transport Officers check concession compliance?
Transport officers may check for concession compliance.
Secondary school students must either be in uniform or show their photo school ID if they are asked by the Metlink staff.
How can I get support/ where can I find more information?
The Metlink Contact Centre can be contacted on 0800 801 700.
We will have Transport Officers at some stations available to help during the day if needed. Feel free to reach out to them and ask questions.
Greater Wellington councillors have agreed to increase Metlink public transport fares by 10 percent from 1 July 2024.
A report before council estimated that without the fares increase, a rates rise of 3.3 percent would be needed to cover public transport costs, expected to climb by 19 percent in the next financial year.
Approximately a third of Metlink funding comes from fares, the rest from the government and regional council rates.
Metlink Fares
All fares and passes have their own terms and conditions, and Conditions of Carriage apply for all Metlink services. Metlink is working with Waka Kotahi to introduce and implement the National Ticketing Solution(external link).
You can use the Journey Planner to see the fare for your journey. Set your fare type in your MyMetlink preferences, or in the options in the journey planner results page.
Journey Planner
Fares with Snapper
Snapper(external link) is the stored value card for Metlink buses and trains.
Where applicable, transfers, off-peak fares and concessions are automatically applied when travelling with a Snapper card. You can apply a concession(external link) onto your Snapper card, or get a day pass or 30 day pass.
Metlink trains and buses (except Airport Express) do not accept EFTPOS or credit cards, and there are no ticket vending machines.
Note: Child fares listed in these fare tables change on 1 May.
Peak fares with Snapper
Buses: Weekdays 7am to 9am, and from 3pm to 6:30pm
Trains: Weekdays until 9am, and from 3pm to 6:30pm
- Children under 5 travel free and do not need a Snapper card.
-
Children under 13 travel free only when using a Snapper card with a child free pass applied. (ends 30 April 2024)
- SuperGold cardholders don't ride free during peak hours.
- If you forget to tag off when using Snapper, you may be charged a default fare.
- Airport Express, Metlink OnDemand, and Wellington Harbour Ferries have special set fares.
| Zones | Adult | Tertiary | Accessible | Connect | Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.84 | $1.38 | $0.92 | $0.92 | $0.46 |
| 2 | $3.02 | $2.27 | $1.51 | $1.51 | $0.76 |
| 3 | $4.03 | $3.02 | $2.02 | $2.02 | $1.01 |
| 4 | $4.52 | $3.39 | $2.26 | $2.26 | $1.13 |
| 5 | $5.52 | $4.14 | $2.76 | $2.76 | $1.38 |
| 6 | $7.02 | $5.27 | $3.51 | $3.51 | $1.76 |
| 7 | $7.96 | $5.97 | $3.98 | $3.98 | $1.99 |
| 8 | $8.89 | $6.67 | $4.45 | $4.45 | $2.22 |
| 9 | $10.04 | $7.53 | $5.02 | $5.02 | $2.51 |
| 10 | $11.03 | $8.27 | $5.52 | $5.52 | $2.76 |
| 11 | $12.64 | $9.48 | $6.32 | $6.32 | $3.16 |
| 12 | $13.58 | $10.19 | $6.79 | $6.79 | $3.40 |
| 13 | $14.98 | $11.24 | $7.49 | $7.49 | $3.75 |
| 14 | $15.95 | $11.96 | $7.98 | $7.98 | $3.99 |
Off-peak fares get a 50% discount when using Snapper, including concessions.
The off-peak discount applies to all Snapper fares, including concessions. If you start your trip during off-peak hours, your whole journey is charged at off-peak rates, including any eligible Metlink services you transfer to.
Weekdays 9am to 3pm and after 6:30pm
Weekends & public holidays.
Weekdays before 7am (buses only, excludes SuperGold card)(external link)
- Children under 5 travel free and do not need a Snapper card.
- Children under 13 travel free only when using a Snapper card with a Child free pass applied. (ends 30 April 2024)
-
Day passes and 30-day passes don't get an off-peak discount.
-
Airport Express has special fares, and there is no off-peak discount.
- Ferries have special fares, and there is no off-peak discount.
- Metlink On Demand has special fares, and there is no off-peak discount.
- There is no off-peak discount on taxis under the Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility scheme.
| Zones | Adult | Tertiary | Accessible | Connect | Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.92 | $0.69 | $0.46 | $0.46 | $0.23 |
| 2 | $1.51 | $1.14 | $0.76 | $0.76 | $0.38 |
| 3 | $2.02 | $1.51 | $1.01 | $1.01 | $0.51 |
| 4 | $2.26 | $1.70 | $1.13 | $1.13 | $0.57 |
| 5 | $2.76 | $2.07 | $1.38 | $1.38 | $0.69 |
| 6 | $3.51 | $2.64 | $1.76 | $1.76 | $0.88 |
| 7 | $3.98 | $2.99 | $1.99 | $1.99 | $1.00 |
| 8 | $4.45 | $3.34 | $2.23 | $2.23 | $1.11 |
| 9 | $5.02 | $3.77 | $2.51 | $2.51 | $1.26 |
| 10 | $5.52 | $4.14 | $2.76 | $2.76 | $1.38 |
| 11 | $6.32 | $4.74 | $3.16 | $3.16 | $1.58 |
| 12 | $6.79 | $5.10 | $3.40 | $3.40 | $1.70 |
| 13 | $7.49 | $5.62 | $3.75 | $3.75 | $1.88 |
| 14 | $7.98 | $5.98 | $3.99 | $3.99 | $2.00 |
Default fares for Snapper
If you forget to tag off, you will be charged a default fare (penalty). You need to have enough balance on your Snapper to pay the default fare when you next tag on. If your Snapper has a negative balance, you won't be able to tag on.
On buses, the default fare is calculated as if you had travelled to the end of that route. Free passes will still be charged default fares if you forget to tag off.
On trains, the default fare depends on which Station you tag on your trip as below:
- Tag on at Wellington Station: the amount charged is a fixed fare of $10 for adults, with applicable concessions for eligible groups.
- Tag on at all other Stations: the amount charged is a Snapper fare for the longest possible travel from the tag on Station to a maximum of $10 for adults, $2.50 for children, $5 for passengers with Accessible, Community Connect and Young Adult concessions, and $7.50 for passengers with Tertiary Concession.
Snapper 30-Day passes can start any day and are valid for 30 days following the first use. Buy 30-day passes through the Snapper app, or at a Snapper retailer. Passes can't be purchased using existing Snapper credit.
With all Snapper fares and passes, if you forget to tag off, you will be charged a default fare.
Rail 30-day passes (Snapper only)
If travelling between Wellington Station and a station in zone 4 or higher, your Snapper 30-day passes for rail includes your train trip and your bus trip to your local train station (between zone 4 and the outer zone included in your pass). It does not include bus travel within zones 1 to 3, such as Wellington City or Johnsonville.
-
To buy a child pass your Snapper card must have a valid Child Concession loaded.
- Other Concessions do not apply to the 30-day pass.
- Rail 30-day passes do not include the Airport Express or the ferry.
| Number of zones | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $55.20 | $13.80 |
| 2 | $90.60 | $22.80 |
| 3 | $120.90 | $30.30 |
| 4 | $135.60 | $33.90 |
| 5 | $165.60 | $41.40 |
| 6 | $210.60 | $52.80 |
| 7 | $238.80 | $59.70 |
| 8 | $266.70 | $66.60 |
| 9 | $301.20 | $75.30 |
| 10 | $330.90 | $82.80 |
| 11 | $379.20 | $94.80 |
| 12 | $407.40 | $102.00 |
| 13 | $449.40 | $112.50 |
| 14 | $478.50 | $119.70 |
Bus 30-day passes (Snapper only)
- 30-day bus passes do not include the Airport Express or the ferry.
- Concessions and child fares do not apply to the bus 30-day pass.
| Pass | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day pass Wellington | Zones 1-3 | $161.40 |
| 30-day pass Eastbourne | Zones 1-3, and routes 81, 83, 84, N88) | $215.20 |
Explorer day passes
Weekdays after 9am
Weekends & public holidays(external link)
Day passes can be purchased on board buses or trains with cash, or loaded onto your Snapper. Keep your day pass in a safe place, as it won't be replaced or refunded if you lose it. Buy Snapper Metlink Explorer day passes through the Snapper app, or at a Snapper retailer. Passes can't be purchased using existing Snapper credit. If you forget to tag off, you may be charged a default fare.
- Explorer Day passes can be used on the Airport Express.
- Explorer Day passes can't be used on the ferry.
- Day pass includes 1 adult and 1 child up to 15 years old travelling together.
- Concessions and child fares do not apply to the Explorer day pass.
| Pass | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1-3 | All of Wellington City, including Johnsonville, Airport Express | $11.00 |
| Zones 1-7 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay | $16.00 |
| Zones 1-10 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast to Waikanae | $22.00 |
| Zones 1-14* | Entire Metlink regional network, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, and Wairarapa | $27.00 |
*The ticket for zones 1-14 can also be used on the Wairarapa Rail Line service departing Wellington at 8.21am.
Kāpiti Combo bus & rail return ticket
Kāpiti Combo tickets are a set fare for same-day return travel using buses and trains between Waikanae and Paraparaumu or between Otaki and Paraparaumu. Kāpiti Combo tickets can be purchased with cash on-board the relevant bus routes, but not on the train. Snapper does not offer this combo ticket.
- There are no one-way combo tickets.
- Concessions do not apply to Kāpiti Combo tickets.
| Waikanae Combo Ticket – 2 zones (between zones 9 and 10) | $8.00 |
| Otaki Combo Ticket – 5 zones (between zones 9 and 13) | $13.00 |
Cash
Cash fares cost at least 25% more than the equivalent Snapper fares, and a separate cash fare applies for each leg of your journey.
Off-peak discount does not apply to cash fares.
You can only buy single cash tickets for buses and trains on board. Regular Metlink buses and trains don't have EFTPOS or contactless payment. There are no ticket booths or ticket vending machines for buses or trains.
- Children under 5 travel free and do not need a Snapper card.
-
Children under 13 travel free only when using a Snapper card with a child free pass applied (ends 30 April 2024). Otherwise, the Child cash fare applies.
- On Airport Express - Special fares apply.
- On Ferries - Special fares apply.
- On Trains - Single cash accessible tickets can be purchased on board.
- On Buses - Cash fares are not eligible for concessions or discounts.
- Express buses 30x(external link), 31x(external link), 32x(external link) are Snapper-only, and do not accept cash. This ensures the fastest possible travel time for commuters.
| Number of zones | Adult (19+) | Child (5 to 18) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.50 | $1.00 |
| 2 | $4.00 | $1.00 |
| 3 | $5.50 | $1.50 |
| 4 | $6.00 | $1.50 |
| 5 | $7.00 | $2.00 |
| 6 | $9.00 | $2.50 |
| 7 | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| 8 | $11.50 | $3.00 |
| 9 | $13.00 | $3.50 |
| 10 | $14.00 | $3.50 |
| 11 | $16.00 | $4.00 |
| 12 | $17.00 | $4.50 |
| 13 | $19.00 | $5.00 |
| 14 | $20.00 | $5.00 |
Fares for special services
The Airport Express, Metlink OnDemand, and Wellington Harbour Ferry have special set fares and various payment options.
Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility is a New Zealand central government scheme offering subsided transport to those eligible who may need assistance using regular transport methods.
Under 13 Free Pass (5-12 years) ends from 1 May 2024
Free travel ends from 1 May 2024, and the Child Concession of 50% off the adult fare on travel will apply.
You won’t need to reapply for the Child Concession. Your Green Snapper card already has the Child Concession on it. Just continue using your Green Snapper card and you will get the Child Concession 50% off adult fare discount automatically. You will need to top up your Snapper card to ensure you have enough credit. Child Rail passes(external link) are also available for purchase for frequent rail travellers.
Until 30 April 2024.
Under 13 Free Pass
You need a Green Snapper card for this concession. Children aged 5 to12 years old travel for free anytime on Metlink buses, trains (with a Green Snapper card) and on the ferry (with a free ferry ticket). ID is not required to be carried for 5 to 12-year-olds
Only one concession can be loaded on your card, and you can't multi tag on your friends. Each 5 to 12 year old needs their own green Snapper Card with Under 13 Free Pass applied to travel for free.
For the ferry, collect a Free Pass from staff onboard or from Queens Wharf.
Tag on and tag off for every trip
If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey, you will be charged a default fare. The default fare is the same as the standard child default fare (up to $2.50). If the default fare puts your card into a negative balance, your card won't work until you top up to at least a $0.00 balance. We recommend keeping a balance on your card
Pass expiry
On Snapper, the pass expires 180 days from first use - once it expires, the Green Snapper card defaults to the Child Fare. Snapper card readers (bus and train) will show a countdown 7 days before the pass expires to remind you to apply for another pass.
If the pass is not renewed, the standard Child Fare will be charged.
When using cash
When using cash, the standard child fare applies, which is a 75% discount from the adult cash fare. Fare may not be exactly 25% of the adult fare, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.
Apply for the Under 13 Free Pass
To add this concession to your Green Snapper card, apply on the Snapper website(external link) or call the Metlink Contact Centre on 0800 801 700.
This change will apply to all bus, train, and ferry services (excluding on-demand services where there is only one fare for all passengers).
When does my current free Under 13 pass expire?
Free Under 13 Passes expire 180 days from the first time you use it. Snapper card readers (bus and train) will show a countdown 7 days before the pass expires. However, this pass is being removed from circulation and will stop working from 1 May – at which point, the Green Snapper card defaults to the Child Concession Fare.
What happens to my current free Under 13 pass from 1 May if my pass has not yet expired?
Your Free Pass will stop working from 1 May 2024, however, it will sit on your card until it expires.
I have recently purchased a Green Snapper card to qualify for the free pass. Since this is being discontinued, will I get a refund?
Unfortunately, there will be no refunds. For more information, refer to our refund policy.(external link)
Under 13s who qualify for the Accessible Concession
Under 13s who have been using the free pass instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which is a 50% discount off adult fares.
Can I use my Snapper card to pay for my friends?
Yes, as long as they are all eligible for a child concession, you can use your Green Snapper card to pay for your friends on the bus (just let the driver know). For more information about group travel with one Snapper card, visit metlink.org.nz/fares.(external link)
Tag on and tag off for every trip
If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey, you will be charged a default fare. The default fare is the same as the standard child default fare (up to $5.00). If the default fare puts your card into a negative balance, your card won't work until your balance is in positive balance. We recommend keeping a balance on your card.
When using cash
When using cash, the standard child fare applies, and this will be 50% off adult fares from 1 May 2024. Remember that when you pay with cash, the discount you get on your child concession may not be exactly 50% of the adult fares, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.
Child fare discount changes from 1 May 2024
From 1 May, 75% discount off adult fare ends, and 50% off adult fare applies on all Metlink services for children aged 5 to 16 years old (or older if still at secondary school). Children over 16 who are no longer in secondary school will no longer qualify for this concession and will need to use a Red Snapper card(external link), and the full adult fare will apply.
Secondary school students must either be in uniform or show their photo school ID if they are asked by the Metlink staff.
Until 30 April 2024.
Child Fare
Children 13 to18 years old, or older if still at secondary school, get a 75% discount on the adult fare (known as a Child Fare) on all Metlink services. ID must be carried for 13- to 24-year-olds.
You need Green Snapper card for this concession. Green Snapper cards already have a Child Fare concession applied for both buses and trains. The Child Fare concession is also available on the ferry when you pay using Cash or EFTPOS.
Some schools print their ID cards on Green Snapper cards. See Snapper website(external link) for more information. If you don’t have a student ID on your card, please make sure you carry it with you when you travel.
Only one concession can be loaded on your card, and you can multi tag on other travelers who are 13 to 18 years old.
Using cash
When using cash, the child fare is 25% of the adult cash fare, then rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.
Child Concession applies to:
- Children aged 5 to 6 years old who have not started school are qualified for the Child Concession.
- Children who are enrolled in a primary or intermediate school are entitled to the Child Concession at all times in or out of school uniform.
- Children who are enrolled in a secondary school are entitled to the Child Concession at all times and must either:
- Be wearing school uniform, or
- Present a valid physical or digital secondary school photo ID, if requested by Metlink staff.
- Children who are not enrolled in a school must present:
- a bona fide photo ID card for home-schooled children issued by the National Council of Home Educators New Zealand (NCHENZ(external link)); or
- an approval document from the Ministry of Education(external link) that shows the child is exempt from enrolment at a school.
Students attending a polytechnic, university, language academy or other similar learning institutions, or youths aged 16 or older who have left school, do not qualify for a Child Concession.
Passengers must provide proof of entitlement for the concession when requested by Metlink staff.
Do I need to apply for another Child Concession from 1 May?
You won’t need to apply for another Child Concession. You can continue using your Green Snapper card or Red Snapper card with a Child Concession or your School Photo ID printed on your Snapper card from the 1st of May.
Green Snapper cards already have a Child Concession applied for both buses and trains. The Child Concession is also available on ferry services with a child ticket. You can pay for a ferry ticket using Cash or EFTPOS. For more information, visit eastbywest.co.nz(external link)
What do I need to do if I am between the ages of 13 to 16 years (or older if still at secondary school)?
If you are 13 to 16 years old (or older if still at secondary school), you will need to top up your Snapper card to ensure you have enough credit from the 1st of May 2024.
Am I required to carry my ID?
Some schools print their ID cards on Green Snapper cards. See Snapper website(external link) for more information. If you don’t have a student ID on your card, please make sure you carry ID with you when you travel.
What do I need to do if I am over 16 years old and no longer in secondary school?
As a result of this change, you no longer qualify for the Child Concession. We encourage you to purchase and top up a Red Snapper card(external link), which will apply the full adult fare. If you currently have a Child Concession loaded onto a Red Snapper, please contact the Snapper Centre on 0800 555 345, and we can assist you in expiring your current Child Concession.
However, if you qualify for other concessions such as Tertiary, Community Connect concessions, or Accessible Concessions such as Total Mobility, please consider applying for these concessions(external link).
Can I load multiple concessions?
Only one concession can be loaded on your card, so it’s important to choose the one that gives you the best discount, if you’re eligible for more than one.
Children who qualify for the Accessible Concession
Children who have been using the Child Concession (75% discount) instead of the Accessible Concession (50% discount) will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which is 50% discount off adult fares.
While the Child Concession of 50% off adult fare applies for 5 to 16-year-olds (or those still in secondary school), the Accessible Concession offers the same 50% discount, but uses the Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to tag on and off. This removes the hassle of carrying two cards to travel, since the Snapper Green card will no longer be required.
I have recently purchased a green Snapper card, but I will no longer qualify for the Child Concession due to this change. Will I get a refund?
Unfortunately, there will be no refunds. If you have a credit balance on your Green Snapper card, you can contact the Snapper Contact Centre on 0800 555 345 to block your Green Snapper card and transfer your credit to your new red Snapper card. For more information, refer to our refund policy.(external link)
Can I multi tag/ or pay for my friends?
Only one concession can be loaded on your card, and you can tag on and pay with your Snapper card for up to five friends who also are entitled to a Child Concession.
Tag on and tag off for every trip
If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey, you will be charged a default fare. The default fare is the same as the standard child default fare (up to $5.00). If the default fare puts your card into a negative balance, your card won't work until your balance is in positive balance. We recommend keeping a balance on your card.
When using cash
When using cash, the standard child fare applies, and this will be 50% off adult fares from 1 May 2024. Remember that when you pay with cash, the discount you get on your child concession may not be exactly 50% of the adult fares, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.
Young Adult (Connect) Concession ends from 1 May 2024
From 1 May, this concession ends and the full adult fare applies, unless you qualify for another concession, such as the Tertiary Concession or the Community Connect Concession. If you do not qualify for any other concessions (or have not yet applied them to your Snapper card), you will be automatically charged the full adult fare from 1 May 2024.
Until 30 April 2024.
Young Adult (Connect*) Concession
*The Community Connect Scheme(external link) is inclusive of all youth discounts, and the Community Service Card holders.
Young adults 19 to 24 years old (inclusive) get a 50% discount on the adult fare. ID must be carried for 13- to 24-year-olds.
You need a Red Snapper card for this concession. Load the concession to your card at Snapper.co.nz(external link) or by calling Metlink Contact Centre on 0800 801 700. Make sure to always carry ID with you when travelling on a concession.
Expiry
This is a concession that expires each year on the user's birthday. If the concession is not renewed, the standard Adult fare will be charged.
If your Snapper card is registered, you will receive a reminder in your email when your card is due to expire.
This change will apply to all bus, train, and ferry services (excluding on-demand services where there is only one fare for all passengers).
If you have the (Young Adult Connect) Concession, you will need to:
- Top up your Snapper card to ensure you have enough credit
- OR find another concession you qualify for such as the Tertiary Concession or the Community Connect Concession and apply before 1 May 2024. You might qualify for the Tertiary Concession, which gives you 25% discount off adult fares if you are a full-time tertiary students OR Community Connect Concessions, which gives you a 50% discount off adult fares if you have a Community Services Card.
We strongly encourage you to apply for a new concession(external link) through the Snapper website(external link), if you know the concession you qualify for.
New concessions can take 24 hours or longer to be applied to your Snapper card.
Concessions can take up to 24 hours or longer to apply to your Snapper card, but once they are applied, they will immediately override the existing concession on your Snapper card.
Tertiary Concessions that require approval from your Tertiary Organisations can take longer than 24 hours to be applied on your Snapper card. Please keep this in mind when applying for concessions. If you travel before your concession is applied, you will be charged the default full adult fare.
Can I still use the same Red Snapper card from the 1st of May?
Yes, you can continue using your current Red Snapper card after the 1st of May.
I am between the ages 19 to 24, and will not qualify for any other concession from 1 May, what does this change mean for me?
If you do not qualify for any other concessions, you will be automatically charged the full adult fare from 1 May 2024.
I am a Tertiary student, what does this change mean for me from 1 May?
If you are a full-time tertiary student, you might qualify for the Tertiary Concession which gives you 25% discount on adult fare or Community Connect Concessions which gives you 50% discount off adult fare if you have a Community Services Card.
Under 25s who qualify for the Accessible Concession
Under 25s who have been using the Young Adult Concession instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which is 50% discount off adult fares.
Will you refund me for the time I was waiting for my concession to be applied on my card?
Unfortunately, we're unable to offer refunds for the time you waited for your concession to be applied to your card. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure you apply for your concession in a timely manner.
If I apply for a new concession before 1 May, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, there will be no refunds. We recommend that you apply for any new concessions closer to the 1st of May, so that you can maximise using the Young Adult Concession 50% discount for longer. For more information, refer to our refund policy.(external link)
What if I apply for the Tertiary concession before the 1st of May, what discount will I qualify for?
If you apply for a Tertiary concession before 1 May, you will immediately qualify for the 25% discount off adult fare and the 50% off adult fare will no longer apply. Your card will only read the current concession loaded on your card. This is because once a new concession is applied on your card, it will immediately override the existing concession on your Snapper card.
We recommend that you apply for your Tertiary Concession closer to the 1st of May, so that you can maximise using the Young Adult Concession 50% discount for longer.
Under 18s who qualify for the Accessible Concession
The change on 1 May 2024 only affects those 5 to 18 years old (or older if still attending secondary school), as they currently receive higher discounts than those provided by the Accessible Concession under the existing government-funded age-based concessions.
Under 18s who have been using one of the aged-based concessions instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which continues as a 50% discount off adult fares.
Nothing is changing for the rest of the other Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders. They can continue to do what they have been doing.
What are the changes from 1 May 2024?
Below are the changes to the current age-based concessions from 1 May 2024:
5 –12 Year Olds
Free travel will end, and 50% off adult fare will apply through the Accessible Concession. Children must tag on and off using their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card ONLY to travel with their carer on the Accessible Concession.
The Green Snapper Card will no longer be required for travel, removing the hassle of carrying two cards.
13- 18 Year Olds (or still in secondary school)
75% discount off adult fare will end, and 50% off adult fare will apply through the Accessible Concession. Children must tag on and off using their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card ONLY to travel with their carer on the Accessible Concession.
The Green Snapper Card will no longer be required for travel, removing the hassle of carrying two cards.
What happens to the rest of the other Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders?
Nothing is changing for the rest of the other Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders, they do not need to take any action and can continue as usual.
The change only affects children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 18 years old (or older if still attending secondary school), as they currently receive higher discounts than those provided by the Accessible Concession under the existing government-funded age-based concessions.
Do these changes also apply to taxis?
No, these changes do not apply to taxi services. For door-to-door services, the Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility subsidy remains at 75% of the total fare, up to a maximum of $60.
What is the process from 1 May, if I want to travel using a bus, train or ferry?
- Top up your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to ensure you have enough credit.
- Carry your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility Card ONLY to board the bus or train.
The Green Snapper Card will no longer be required for travel, removing the hassle of carrying two cards. - Tag on and off with your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility Card to get 50% discount off adult fare.
- On the ferry, you will need to show your Total Mobility ticket.
What about my carer?
If you have a carer, show your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to the driver after you tag on, and your carer automatically travels for free. Your carer will be issued with a ticket by the driver.
What happens to the Green Snapper card that was sent to me by Metlink when the current fares came into effect?
You can keep the Green Snapper card, but anyone using the Green Snapper card must be entitled to the Child Concession.
My Green Snapper card has a credit balance. What happens to my balance?
If you have a credit balance on your current Green Snapper card, please contact the Snapper Contact Centre on 0800 555 345, and Snapper will block your Green Snapper card from further use and move your remaining credit balance to your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card.
Kindly also note that the Green Snapper card was given to you free of charge by Metlink and no refunds will be provided on these cards.
Can I get a refund on my credit balance?
Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided. If you have any credit balances on your card, contact the Snapper Contact Centre on 0800 555 345 and they will block your Green Snapper card from further use and move your remaining credit balance to your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card.
Kindly also note that the Green Snapper card was given to you free of charge by Metlink and no refunds will be provided on these cards.
How can I get support?
For more information, visit metlink.org.nz(external link)/fares, or call the Metlink Contact Centre on 0800 801 700 or email us on info@metlink.org.nz
What if I don’t have access to the internet?
For support, you can also call 0800 801 700. Our Transport Officers will also be visible at some stations during the day to help you. Feel free to reach out to them and ask questions.
The concessions listed below are not affected by the changes on 1 May 2024.
Accessible Concession for buses, trains & ferries 
If you are a member of Blind Low Vision NZ or are a Total Mobility cardholder, you are eligible for a 50% discount on adult fares when using Snapper cards, train tickets, and ferry tickets. Additional off-peak fare discount applies when using an Accessible Concession on eligible buses and trains.
If you need assistance to travel, a carer can travel with you for free, as long as they are with you for the entire journey. Keep your Total Mobility card or Blind Low Vision NZ membership card with you, as Metlink staff may ask to see your card when you travel.
Using Snapper
Your Total Mobility card is a Snapper card, and can be used to tag on and off of buses and trains, just like a regular Snapper card. Accessibile Concessions can also be applied to regular red Snapper cards. If you are bringing a carer with you, please let the driver know before you tag on.
Snapper 30-day passes don't have an Accessible Concession option, since they are already discounted.
Using cash
On trains and ferries, you can purchase a single Accessible concession ticket with cash. Cash fares on buses are not eligible for the Accessible concession.
Exclusions
- Cannot use Total Mobility and SuperGold cards for the same trip, or to get a free trips for both yourself and your carer
- If using SuperGold during off-peak, carer does not travel for free
Eligibility & how to apply
Through Total Mobility
You can find out if you're eligible by visiting the Total Mobility page on our website.
These cards can be used as a Snapper card for public transport, as well as to get a discount on some transport operators.
Through Blind Low Vision NZ
Blind Foundation members can apply for the Accessible Concession:
- By phone the Snapper helpdesk on 0800 555 345 or
- In person at a Snapper Service Centre (refer to the table below)
- By emailing concession@snapper.co.nz with your Snapper card number and a copy of your Blind Foundation ID card
When applying please bring your Blind Foundation ID card and proof you live in Wellington (e.g. something with your address such as a rates bill or bank statement).
Please contact the Blind Foundation if you want to become a member(external link)(external link).
Snapper service centre
More information
Community Connect Concession*
*The Community Connect Scheme(external link) is inclusive of all youth discounts, and the Community Service Card holders.
Community Services cardholders can get a 50% discount on adult fares when paying with a Snapper card. While travelling on the Community Connect Concession, have your Community Services card handy to show Metlink staff on request.
Once the concession is loaded on your Snapper card, a 50% discount will apply to all trips on Metlink buses and trains. When purchasing a Ferry ticket, let staff know that you have a Community Services card.
Your Community Connect Concession will apply for as long as you have a current Community Services card. When this card expires, you will need to reapply for the concession when you get a new Community Services card.
Exclusions
Community Connect Concession does not apply to:
- Cash fares on buses and trains
- Metlink Explorer day passes or 30-day passes.
- Snapper Green (child) cards
- Multiple concessions - you can only have one concession loaded onto your Snapper card at a time.
How to apply
Apply for this new concession if you have a current Community Services card from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). To find out if you’re eligible for a card, visit the Work and Income website(external link).
To get this concession, register your Community Services card on your Snapper card online at Snapper’s website.
To apply for the concession, you will need:
- Your valid Community Services card
- Your red Snapper card
You can also get help to apply for this concession by calling Metlink on 0800 801 700.
Register the concession on your existing Snapper card or receive a free Snapper card from Metlink while stocks last. To get your free Snapper card:
- fill out the online form or
- Call Metlink on 0800 801 700
Tertiary Concession
Eligible full-time tertiary students receive a 25% discount on adult Snapper fares. When travelling on the tertiary concession, keep your student ID handy to show to Metlink staff, if requested. Your concession will remain valid as long as you meet the eligibility conditions for Tertiary Concession.
On ferries, Tertiary Concession discount only applies to 10-trip tickets.
Metlink is working with approved Tertiary Education Organisations to contact students via email to explain how to get the Tertiary Concession online. If you do not receive an email, then as long as you belong to one of the above approved Tertiary Education Organisations, you can simply:
Eligibility
The tertiary students of an approved Tertiary Education Organisation must either:
- Be a full-time student who attends a Tertiary Education Organisation course that is:
- At least 12 weeks long, and
- Meets the minimum full-time Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value; or
- Be a Limited Full-Time Student of the Tertiary Education Organisation who:
- The Ministry of Social Development records as “Limited Full-Time”; and
- For bus travel, upload satisfactory confirmation of their status via the Snapper website(external link)(external link); and
- For ferry travel, present satisfactory confirmation of their status to the Tertiary Education Organisation in a form acceptable to the Tertiary Education Organisation
Tertiary students must be enrolled at and attending an accredited and approved full-time tertiary course at a Ministry of Education-registered Tertiary Education Organisation.
Approved Tertiary Education Organisations
- Academy of Diving Trust
- Achievement NZ Limited
- Animation College New Zealand Limited (Yoobee)
- Capital Training Limited
- Dev Academy Aotearoa
- English Language Partners New Zealand Trust
- English Teaching College
- ETCO
- G&H Training Limited
- Horowhenua Learning Centre
- Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand
- Massey University
- New Zealand Management Academies
- New Zealand School of Dance
- New Zealand School of Tourism Limited
- Otago Polytechnic
- Premier Institute of Education
- Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
- Te Kura Toi Whakaari O Aotearoa: New Zealand Drama School Incorporated
- Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood NZ
- Te Wananga o Aotearoa (Wellington)
- Te Wānanga o Raukawa
- The Learning Connexion Limited
- Universal College of Learning (UCOL Masterton)
- University of Otago (Wellington)
- Victoria University of Wellington
- Wellington Institute of Technology
- Whitecliffe Education
- Whitireia Community Polytechnic
- Youth Cultures and Community Trust (Praxis)
SuperGold
SuperGold cardholders ride free during off-peak.
Under the SuperGold programme, "off-peak hours" are between 9.00am and 3.00pm and after 6.30pm from Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
SuperGold Card and Veteran SuperGold card holders travel for free during off-peak hours* by showing their card to the driver or on-board staff. SuperGold cardholders also travel for free on all after-midnight bus services. SuperGold cardholders may be asked to show another form of ID to confirm ownership of the card. Electronic SuperGold cards are not accepted at this stage.
Exclusions
- Free SuperGold travel does not apply during during peak hours, so you will need to pay the regular adult fare. We recommend Snapper when travelling during peak hours.
- If you have lost your card or do not have your SuperGold card with you, you will have to pay the regular adult fare, even if you are over the age of 65.
- GoldCard travel applies only to the cardholder. Travel companions, including children over 5 years old, require a paid fare.
- Overseas equivalents of SuperGold are not eligible for free off-peak fares.
Non-Metlink services
Currently, the Cable Car(external link) offers free off-peak travel to SuperGold cardholders, although we cannot guarantee this information, as it is a non-Metlink service. We recommend visiting their website for the most current information.
Children under 5 travel free
Children under 5 years old travel for free anytime on Metlink buses, trains, and ferries, as long as they travel with another passenger who is at least 10 years old. See also travelling with Children & Prams(external link).
Māori Wardens wearing a uniform travel free on buses and trains to, from and during work by showing their Warden Warrant Card.
Fare zones
Standard fares are based on geographic fare zones.
Zone-based fares
Fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through (including the zone where you start and end your journey) and applying any transfer rules or pass exclusions.
You need to tag on and tag off for each trip (each leg of your journey) so that fares and transfers can be calculated correctly, even if you're using a travel pass. If you forget to tag off, a default fare may be charged to your account.
Default fares
If using Snapper and you forget to tag off, a default fare may be charged to your account. If you don't have enough regular Snapper credit to cover the default fare, your pass will stop working because you would have a negative balance on your card.
More information about default fares.
Base fares
Metlink fares and concessions are set against the standard adult peak Snapper fares. We use this as our base fare rate to calculate other concessions, period passes and cash fares. Any fare changes apply to all the base fares at full price. This approach ensures that pricing of fares will remain consistent over time for all concessions and zones.
Cash fares
Cash fares are at least 25 percent more expensive than the equivalent Snapper fares, and are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents for cash handling. This means that increases to cash fares would only be made once the increase rounds up to 50 cent or more. With the half-price fares, the rounding effect may be more pronounced for lower-base cash fares in percentage terms.
Off-peak discounts do not apply to cash fares.
Ferry fares
Ferry fares are set higher than standard zone-based fares, and are rounded up to the nearest dollar for ease of cash handling. Ferries don't use Snapper or have an off-peak discount, so the additional off-peak discount on concession fares does not apply.
Airport Express fares
Airport Express fares are set higher than standard zone-based fares. Airport Express doesn't have an off-peak discount, so the additional off-peak discount on concession fares does not apply.
Why does Metlink discount off-peak fares?
All cities have busy times for traffic, and public transportation has the same issue. Weekdays just before and after regular business hours are the busiest, with tens of thousands of Wellingtonians making their way to work and school. Peak time means that some passengers may have to stand during their journey or wait for the next service if their first choice service was full.
Off-peak travel is discounted when travelling with a Snapper card to encourage passengers to travel when it is less busy. SuperGold cardholders travel free during off-peak times.
Metlink buses and trains are designed for customers to stand safely with lots of handholds, either on the seats or overhead. Matangi trains, which run on the Kāpiti, Johnsonville, Hutt Valley and Melling Lines, are designed to have 60% of customers seated and 40% standing when the trains are full during peak times.
Since December 2022, paper tickets were discontinued for trains. The last day to upcycle old paper tickets for Snapper credit was in February 2023.
There are no ticket offices or ticket windows at any train station, but cash fares can be purchased on board. Wellington Station ticket window offers Snapper top-up and sells Snapper cards, but does not sell paper tickets.
Remaining trips on paper 10-trip tickets are still accepted on board. Any paper 10-trip tickets that were purchased during the 'half price fares' initiative will be clipped twice to cover the return to full-price fares from 1 September 2023.