How to Get Around Wellington
Getting around Wellington’s capital city and surrounding districts is made easy with the extensive bus and train network. There are even a few public transport surprises in Wellington including its historic cable car and the trolleybuses in use around the city centre.
Wellington’s trolleybuses are the last in Oceania and the last to be driving on the left. Impress your mates with that piece of trivia… (Or get completely ridiculed).
To pay for most public transport in Wellington, you’ll either need cash or the correct stored value card (there are different cards for different operators, but Snapper is used on most services).
Fares are determined by zones, which are based on the distance of travel. The more zones you travel through, the higher the fare. Please note that when changing vehicles during your journey, an additional charge may apply unless you have purchased a transfer ticket.
So follow the Wellington public transport guide below to see how to get around. Plus, find a place to stay in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.
Table of Contents
Wellington’s Public Transport Smartcards
Smartcards are Wellington’s answer to not having to carry change around with you, and most importantly, to save around 20% on your fare. Because there are different public transport companies operating in Wellington, most of them have their own smartcard.
If you frequently travel the same route by public transport, it may be worth purchasing a smartcard.
The current smartcard used across Wellington’s public transport network is the Snapper card.
© Celeste Fontein - WellingtonNZBuses in Wellington
It’s fair to say Wellington’s bus network is the most extensive, with nearly 100 routes connecting suburbs, city hubs, and coastal communities. Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know:
City Centre Buses
The bright lime and yellow Metlink buses are a familiar sight in the city centre and inner suburbs. Tranzurban now operates these services and features a mix of double-decker and electric buses, great for families and eco-conscious travellers.
Find out what to do in the city centre in 10 Wellington Must-Dos.
Hutt Valley Buses
Valley Flyer buses link Upper Hutt with the Wellington city centre, passing through key stops like Lower Hutt, Eastbourne, Petone, Wainuiomata and Stokes Valley.
Find out what to do in the Hutt Valley in the 11 Excellent Things to Do in the Hutt Valley.
Porirua and Kapiti Coast Buses
Uzabus and Manu Coach Services operate many of the bus services from Porirua and along the Kapiti Coast. There are regular commuter services between Porirua, Whitby, Titahi Bay, Johnsonville, Tawa, Paraparaumu, Raumati and Waikanae.
Find out what to do in Kapiti in 10 Must-Dos on the Kapiti Coast.
Airport Buses
The Airport Flyer connects Wellington Airport to the city centre, Queensgate and Lower Hutt. Find the Airport Flyer at the southern end of the airport terminal, level 0.
© Matthew25187 on WikipediaTrain Services in Wellington
The trains in Wellington are the fastest way of getting between Wellington Station and its surrounding districts.
Hutt Valley Line (HVL): Upper Hutt Station – Wallaceville Station – Trentham Station – Heretaunga Station – Silverstream Station – Manor Park Station – Pomare Station – Taita Station – Wingate Station – Naenae Station – Epuni Station – Waterloo Station – Woburn Station – Ava Station – Petone Station – Ngauranga Station – Wellington Station
Johnsonville Line (JVL): Johnsonville Station – Raroa Station – Khandallah Station – Box Hill Station – Simla Crescent Station – Awarua Street Station – Ngaio Station – Crofton Downs Station – Wellington Station
Kapiti Line (KPL): Waikanae Station – Paraparaumu Station – Paekakariki Station – Pukerua Bay Station – Plimmerton Station – Mana Station – Paremata Station – Porirua Station – Kenepuru Station – Linden Station – Tawa Station – Redwood Station – Takapu Road Station – Wellington Station
Melling Line (MEL): Melling Station – Western Hutt Station – Petone Station – Ngauranga Station – Wellington Station
Wairarapa Line (WRL): Masterton Station – Renall Street Station – Solway Station – Carterton Station – Matarawa Station – Woodside Station – Featherston Station – Maymorn Station – Upper Hutt Station – Waterloo Station – Petone Station – Wellington Station
© WellingtonNZFerry in Wellington
Other than the ferry which runs to and from the South Island (find out more in Ferry Between the North Island and South Island), there is a ferry that runs across the Wellington Harbour Ferry.
The 20-minute ferry journey goes between Queens Wharf in Wellington city centre and Bays Bay wharf, 30 minutes if calling in at Matiu Somes Island on the way, or 40 minutes if stopping at SeatounWharf.
© NZPocketGuide.comWellington Cable Car
The Wellington Cable Car is a must-do activity and an iconic way to experience the capital. This historic journey whisks passengers from the bustling central business district to the serene Kelburn Lookout in just five minutes.
We love how it offers stunning views over the city and harbour Te Whanganui-a-Tara en route.
At the top, you’ll find easy access to many of Wellington’s top attractions, including the Botanic Garden’s upper entrance. The Cable Car operates daily (except Christmas Day) every 10 minutes, making it a convenient option for both tourists and commuters alike.
The cable car operates Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 8 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 9 pm, and Sundays & Public holidays from 8:30 am to 7 pm.
© Don Benny VergaraWellington Taxis
We, travellers, try to avoid using taxis as much as possible, as they are not the most cost-effective method of transport. However, their convenience and the fact that you can find taxis operating 24 hours a day sometimes trumps the cost of them.
For more information on Wellingtons taxi services, check out Wellington Cab Fares: Taxi Prices in Wellington.
What to Do in Wellington
Now you know how to get around, check out these awesome destinations you could be visiting.
- 20 Incredible Things to Do in Wellington
- 22 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wellington
- 10 Things to Do in Wellington with Kids
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Wellington.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
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