Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Donovan Kelly, Pexels
Auckland is served by Auckland Airport (AKL), the country's largest and busiest airport, located about 21 kilometers south of the city center. The Britomart Transport Centre, officially known as Waitematā Station, is the central transport hub in downtown Auckland, connecting train, bus, and ferry services.
Flights:
Auckland Airport (AKL) is the primary gateway, offering direct international and domestic flights. Major airlines like Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, China Eastern, and LATAM operate routes to Auckland from numerous cities globally and within New Zealand.
Airport Transfers (to/from Auckland City Centre):
SkyDrive Express Bus:: This direct bus service runs between Auckland Airport and SkyCity in central Auckland, taking approximately 40 minutes, though longer during peak traffic. One-way fares are around NZ$20 for adults.
Taxi/Rideshare (Uber, Ola):: Taxis and rideshare services offer a convenient door-to-door option, taking about 30 minutes in light traffic from the airport to the city center, but can be more expensive.
Public Bus + Train:: A more budget-friendly option involves taking the AirportLink bus to Puhinui train station, then catching a train to Britomart. This combined journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes. A one-way bus ticket alone is around €3 (NZD 5.40), requiring an AT HOP card.
Rental Cars/Campervans:: Several rental car companies operate directly from Auckland Airport, with counters located inside both the international and domestic terminals. This offers flexibility for exploring New Zealand.
Inter-city Buses:
InterCity is New Zealand's largest public bus network, providing extensive routes across the country. FlexiPass and TravelPass options can offer cost savings.
Trains:
The Britomart Transport Centre is the central train station for Auckland's commuter rail network, connecting various suburban areas. The City Rail Link, expected to open in 2026, will further enhance train connectivity in the city center.
Ferries:
Ferry services operate from downtown Auckland's ferry terminals, connecting to various islands in the Hauraki Gulf, such as Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, and Rangitoto, as well as several coastal communities. Prices vary by destination and operator (e.g., Auckland to Waiheke Island by Fullers 360 or SeaLink costs around $72 for a passenger, taking about 40 minutes).
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