Tickets and fares

What is happening?

As part of our annual fares review, Metlink will be increasing fares by 2.2% across all public transport modes from 1 July. Additionally, there will be a change to the Snapper card off-peak discount on buses and trains.

How much are you increasing the fares by?

From 1 July, there will be a general 2.2% fare increase on all public transport modes (bus, ferry and rail) in line with inflation.

The off-peak discount when travelling using your Snapper card on Metlink buses and trains will change from 50% to 30% and will apply equally to all fare paying passengers.

The change to the off-peak discount will not affect fares for passengers travelling on ferry services or Airport Express services because currently there is no off-peak discount on these services.

When will the fare change?

The changes to bus, train and ferry fares will apply from Tuesday 1 July 2025. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure they have enough credit on their Snapper card before they travel.

Will the new 30% off-peak discount apply to concession holders?

The new off-peak discount will be 30% off the Metlink peak fares when using a Snapper card for the same journey and apply to all fare paying passengers including to concession holders.

For example, with the new off-peak discount, school students travelling on buses or trains with a Child Concession on Snapper during off-peak hours will receive a 30% discount off their peak fares, which is already 50% cheaper than adult fares for the same journey.    

The same 30% discount will apply to Community Services Card holders and those entitled to Tertiary or Accessible Concessions. 

Will the change to off-peak discount affect cash users?

No, cash users will not be affected by this change. The change in off-peak fares only applies to Snapper card users

Will the change to off-peak discount affect the SuperGold card holders?

No, SuperGold Card holders will continue travelling for free during off-peak hours. 

What are the off-peak periods?

Off-peak travel times are before 7am for bus, between 9am-3pm and after 6.30pm for both bus and rail, and all-day weekends and public holidays.

Some fares increases are more than 2.2%, why?

All Snapper fares are rounded to the nearest 1 cent. As a result, the increase to some fares may not be exactly 2.2% or the exact fare difference caused by the change from 50% and 30% off-peak discount.

When will the prices of 30-Day passes change?

The prices of 30-Day passes will increase by 2.2% from 1 July.

I have an active 30-Day pass at the current fare prices. Will I be able to continue using my 30-Day pass after the fare changes from 1 July?

Yes, active 30-Day passes purchased before 1 July will be valid until they expire.

Why are you increasing the fares?

Fare paying passengers, rate payers, road users and the private sector all contribute to the cost of public transport. A general annual fare increase by inflation ensures that fares are kept in line with inflation and cost pressure taking wider budget and funding requirements into account. This also ensures that public transport users make a sustainable and equitable contribution towards funding of the network along with rate payers, tax payers and other sources of public funding. 

This year, the decision on fares also takes into account the government’s new policy direction that requires increased share of fares and third-party revenues.

Won’t the change in fares put people off using public transport?

Our aim is always to keep fares as low as possible to encourage people to use public transport. We invest fares revenue into operation and maintenance of our public transport network and services. 

Given the government’s new policy direction, which requires increased share of fares and third-party revenues, a significant increase in peak fares would have a greater impact. Therefore, we have implemented a 2.2% inflation adjustment and reduced the off-peak discount from 50% to 30%. It’s also important to note that Metlink remains one of the few transport providers in the country offering an off-peak discount and is one of the most affordable public transport networks by international standards.

How do I find out the increase to my fare?

More information can be found at Metlink.org.nz/fares

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

If you tag on during peak hours, your whole journey is charged at peak rates, including any eligible Metlink services you transfer to. 

• 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.

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 tag on 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.

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.

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.

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. 

Explorer day passes

Weekdays after 9am
Weekends & public holidays

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. 

*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 Ōtaki 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.

Default fares for Snapper

If you forget to tag off, you will be charged a default fare (penalty), even if you are using a pass. 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. 

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 $11 for adults, with applicable concessions for eligible groups

·      Tag on all other Stations: the amount charged is a Snapper fare for the longest possible travel from the tag on Station to a maximum of $11 for adults, $5.50 for school children, passengers with Accessible concession and Community Services card holders, and $8.25 for passengers with Tertiary Concession.

From December 2nd, 2024, Metlink will be introducing a 1.5% card processing fee on credit and debit card top ups on the Snapper app and credit card top ups at self-service Snapper kiosks. This fee will apply when topping up a Snapper card or purchasing a Snapper travel pass, in the following circumstances:

• When using a credit card/credit function at a Snapper kiosk
• When using a credit/debit card on the Snapper app

The processing fee will be deducted by the payment provider and added to the transaction amount but not to the Snapper balance. For example, topping up a Snapper card by $20 will cost $20.30.

Fees-free options for topping up a Snapper card will still be available. No processing fees will be charged in the following circumstances:

• Using an EFTPOS or debit card (and selecting cheque/savings at a kiosk)

If you typically use the Snapper app to top up, please check your device has the latest app update to ensure you can continue to top up smoothly.

This decision by Greater Wellington Regional Council, was driven by significant growth of online app-based payments and kiosk top ups using credit/debit cards, and recent cost pressures on Greater Wellington. These escalating costs have meant it’s no longer financially viable for Metlink to absorb these card processing fees.

Cash fares cost at least 25% more than the equivalent Snapper fares, and a separate cash fare applies for each leg of your journey. 

Cash tickets are not eligible for concessions or discounts, except for Child fares. Off-peak discounts do not apply to cash fares. Children under 5 travel free and do not need a Snapper card.

Single cash tickets can be purchased on board. Metlink trains and buses (except Airport Express) do not accept EFTPOS or credit cards, and there are no ticket vending machines.

Airport Express and Harbour Ferries have special set fares. Cash fares listed here do not apply to those services.

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. 

Explorer day passes

Weekdays after 9am
Weekends & public holidays

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. 

*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 Ōtaki 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.

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).

Child Concession

50% discount for children

School-aged children get a 50% discount on the adult fare (known as a Child concession) on all Metlink services. Concessions are still valid during school holidays. When using cash, the discount may not be exactly 50% of the adult fare, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.

On buses & trains

Snapper cards will automatically apply the concession on buses and trains as long as a Green Snapper card(external link) or Combined Student ID/Snapper card(external link) provided by the school is being used. Fares on school buses work the same way. More information about school bus services can be found on the Schools guide(external link).

On ferries

All ferry ticket types receive the Child Concession. 

Eligibility

School-aged children have some additional criteria to be eligible for the Child Concession.

• Children between age 5 and 6 years who have not started school are entitled to the Child Concession.
• Primary and intermediate school students are entitled to the Child Concession while in or out of school uniform. 
• Secondary school students must either be wearing their school uniform, or present a valid secondary school photo ID, if requested by Metlink staff.
• School-aged children who are not enrolled in school must present a bona fide photo ID card for home-schooled children issued by the National Council of Home Educators New Zealand (NCHENZ), or an approval document from the Ministry of Education that shows the child is exempt from enrolment at a school.
• Children 16 or older who have left school don't qualify for a Child Concession.

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

Cash fares 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. 

Total Mobility(external link)

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

Wellington City iSite(external link)

More information

Total Mobility

Accessibility Guide

Metlink Accessibility Charter

Community Connect Concession*

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 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, link your Community Services Card on your Red Snapper card online at Snapper’s website.

Apply for Community Connect Concession(external link)

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 Red Snapper card. If you don't have one, get your first Red Snapper card free from Metlink. To get your free Snapper card:

• fill out the online form  or
• Call Metlink on 0800 801 700

Request a Snapper card

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:

Apply online(external link)

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)
• 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.

More information on SuperGold(external link)

Exclusions

• Free SuperGold travel does not apply during during peak hours (including when weekend timetables are operating on weekdays such as over the Christmas/New Year period), 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.

Free travel is provided to the following groups when travelling in uniform to perform their duties during work:

• Parking Wardens
• Police Officers
• Māori Wardens
• Metlink Staff

Fare Zone Map [PDF, 281 KB]

Zone 1

Wellington central city including Thorndon, Te Aro, Aro Valley, Mt Victoria and Oriental Bay

The boundary between zone 1 and zone 2 occurs at the following points:

• Hutt Road at Aotea Quay - stops 5026 and 5488
• Grant Road at Newman Terrace - stops 4116 and 5116
• Glenmore Street at Botanic Gardens - stops 4313 and 5313
• Kelburn – Cable Car Station (KELB)
• Victoria University Kelburn Campus - stops 4915 and 5915
• Brooklyn Road at Bidwill Street - stops 6715 and 7715
• Wallace Street at Massey University - stops 6914, 7914 and 7919
• Adelaide Road at Basin Reserve - stops 6014 and 7014
• Wellington College (school grounds) - school stop 6011
• Wellington East Girls' College - Ellice Street (school stop) - stop 6008
• Pirie Street at Bus Tunnel - stops 6215 and 7215
• Palliser Road - Town Belt - between stops 6564 and 6565
• Oriental Parade at Carlton Gore Road - stops 6519 and 7519

Zone 2

Kaiwharawhara, Wadestown, Mairangi, Wilton, Northland, Kelburn, Highbury, Brooklyn, Kowhai Park, Kingston, Vogeltown, Berhampore, Newtown, Wellington Hospital, Hataitai, Mt Victoria Lookout and Roseneath

The boundary between zone 2 and zone 3 occurs at the following points:

• Hutt Road at Rangiora Avenue - stops 3258 and 3260
• Kaiwharawhara Road/Ngaio Gorge Road - stops 4404 and 5404
• Churchill Drive/Blackbridge Road
• Churchill Drive at Wilton Bush Road - stop 5136
• Karori Tunnel at Karori end - stops 4320, 5320, 5380 and 5920
• Happy Valley Road - between stops 7794 and 7795
• Adelaide Road at Wakefield Park - between stops 6127 and 6128
• Mt Albert Road at Mt Albert Park - between stops 6942 and 6946
• Sutherland Road at Sutherland Crescent - stops 6926 and 7926
• Kilbirnie Shops - stops 6224, 7224, 6026 and 7026.
• Evans Bay Intermediate School (school stop) - stop 6020
• St Patrick's College - Evans Bay Parade - stop 6553
• St Patrick's College - Evans Bay Parade - stop 7553

Zone 3

The remaining suburbs in Wellington City: Maupuia, Miramar, Seatoun, Strathmore, the Airport, Rongotai, Lyall Bay, Southgate, Houghton Bay, Island Bay, Ōwhiro Bay and Happy Valley, Karori, Crofton Downs, Ngaio, Awarua Street, Simla Crescent, Box Hill, Khandallah, Ngauranga, Broadmeadows, Raroa, Newlands, Johnsonville, Paparangi, Grenada Village, and Churton Park.

The boundary between zone 3 and zone 4 occurs at the following points:

• Middleton Road - stops 3906 and 3966
• North of bus stop 3451 at 68 Havana Rise
• Hutt Road at Horokiwi Road

Zone 4

Takapu Road, Redwood, Tawa, Linden, Korokoro, Western Hutt, Maungaraki, Normandale, Harbourview, Tirohanga, Melling, Boulcott, Hutt Central, Queensgate, Alicetown, Petone, Ava, Woburn, Moera, Waiwhetu, Waterloo, Gracefield, Seaview and Hutt Hospital

The boundary between zone 4 and zone 5 occurs at the following points:

• Main Road to Kenepuru Drive at Gee Street - between stops 3948 and 3950
• Western Hutt Road between Melling and Belmont - between stops 9150 and 9347
• High Street at Hutt Hospital - stops 8123 and 9223
• Oxford Terrace at Epuni Station - stops 8201 and 9201
• Fairfield Shops - Waiwhetu Road (near 300) - stop 8168
• Fairfield Shops - Waiwhetu Road (near 197) - stop 9268
• Wainuiomata Hill summit bridge-and lookout
• Marine Drive at Port Road - stops 8737 and 9837

Zone 5

Porirua, Elsdon, Titahi Bay, Waitangirua, Ascot Park, Papakowhai, Kenepuru, Kelson, Belmont, Pomare, Taita,  Wingate, Naenae, Epuni, Fairfield, Wainuiomata, Point Howard, and Mahina Bay.

The boundary between zone 5 and zone 6 occurs at the following points:

• Paremata Station and bus stop 2600
• Paremata Crescent - stops 2742 and 2751
• Tirowhanga Road at Kahu Road - between stops 2580 and 2582
• Omapere Street at Transom Close - north of stops 2706 and 2774
• High Street at Eastern Hutt Road
• Marine Drive between Mahina Bay and Sunshine Bay - between stops 9842 and 9843

Zone 6

Whitby, Mana, Plimmerton, Manor Park, Silverstream, Stokes Valley, and Heretaunga

The boundary between zone 6 and zone 7 occurs at the following points:

• Trentham Station
• Ararino Street at Trentham Station - stops 9525 and 9526
• Fergusson Drive at Camp Street (Trentham Shops) - stops 8467 and 9567
• State Highway 1 between Pukerua Bay and Whenua Tapu Cemetery

Zone 7

Pukerua Bay, Muri, Emerald Hill, Totara Park, Timberlea, Upper Hutt, Wallaceville and Trentham

The boundary between zone 7 and zone 8 occurs at the following points:

• State Highway 2 between Emerald Hill and Te Marua
• State Highway 1 at Ames Street

Zone 8

Paekakariki, Te Marua, and Maymorn

The boundary between zone 8 and zone 9 occurs at the following points:

• State Highway 1 at McKays Crossing
• State Highway 2 at Kaitoke Loop Road/Station Drive

Zone 9

Raumati, Raumati South, Paraparaumu, and Paraparaumu Beach

The boundary between zone 9 and zone 10 occurs at the following point:

• State Highway 1 at Waikanae River Bridge
• State Highway 2 at Pakuratahi River Bridge

Zone 10

Waikanae and Waikanae Beach

The boundary between zone 10 and zone 11 occurs at the following point:

• State Highway 1 at Greenhill Road -
• State Highway 2 between Rimutaka Crossing Lookout and Featherston

Zone 11

Peka Peka on the west coast and Featherston in the Wairarapa

The boundary between zone 11 and zone 12 occurs at the following points:

• State Highway 1 at Te Hapua Road
• State Highway 2 at Tauherenikau River bridge
• State Highway 53 at Tauherenikau River bridge

Zone 12

Te Horo on the west coast, and Woodside and Greytown in the Wairarapa

The boundary between zone 12 and zone 13 occurs at the following points:

• Otaki River Bridge
• Waiohine River Bridge
• Ruamahanga River bridge

Zone 13

Ōtaki and Ōtaki Beach on the west coast, Carterton, Matarawa and Martinborough in the Wairarapa

The boundary between zone 13 and zone 14 occurs at the following point:

• State Highway 1 at Atkins Road.
• State Highway 2 at Waingawa River Bridge 

Zone 14

The final zone covers Masterton in the Wairarapa, including Masterton Station, Renall Street Station and Solway Station.

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.

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.

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.

Snapper passes

Passes start automatically on the first use, as long as the trip is eligible for that pass (based on mode, zone, or time of day). 

You can have up to two (2) active rail 30-Day passes and two (2) active 30-Day bus passes at one time. The second pass won't be active until your first pass expires.

If you have purchased multiple pass types (like a Day pass and a 30-Day pass), Snapper will automatically use the  Metlink Explorer day pass first, then the 30-day pass, then the stored value Snapper credit last. If you plan to use a Metlink Explorer day pass, we recommend you only purchase it on the day you plan to use it, because they start automatically on on the first eligible use.

Snapper travel passes(external link)

Which rail pass do I need?(external link)

When you use your Snapper card to tag on or off, it will show if your pass is expiring within the next 7 days. Both the iOS and Android mobile apps will show the days remaining for all Snapper passes.

If you have two passes of the same type on your Snapper card, the second pass will not activate until the first pass has expired.

Passes do not automatically renew. You'll need to renew your pass before it expires, or it will revert to standard fares. If your Snapper card is registered, you will receive notice via email that your expiry date is approaching. There will also be a 7-day countdown to expiry shown on the Snapper validator when you tag on and off (including an audible warning). 

You can have a total of 2 rail passes and 2 bus passes loaded onto your Snapper at any time. Bus and rail passes can both be used without conflicting with each other.

If you have two passes of the same type on your Snapper card, the second pass will not activate until the first pass has expired.

A journey may include several trips on different vehicles. Some combinations of trips are eligible for free transfers, and some are not. 

"Journey-based fare calculation’ is a way of calculating fares for passengers transferring between several trips on a journey and using a stored value card, like Snapper. Essentially, passengers would pay the same fare as what they would have paid if it was a single trip on the same vehicle. This is also known as 'free transfers'.

Tag on time determines whether the fare for entire journey is a Peak or Off-Peak fare, as below:

• an Off-Peak fare on Snapper card is charged for a journey that begins in the Off Peak, even if one or more of the tag ons for the later trips in the journey are in the Peak; and
• a Peak fare on Snapper card is charged for a journey that begins in the Peak, even if one or more of the tag ons for the later trips in the journey are in the Off-Peak

Transferring to peak buses in Wellington City

If you start your journey on a Metlink bus in off-peak (before 3pm) with your SuperGold card, and need to transfer to another Metlink bus in the afternoon peak (after 3pm), you will be able to continue your off-peak journey for free if you transfer to a second Metlink bus between 3pm and 3.30pm in Wellington city only. All you need to do is tell the driver that you have transferred from a previous off-peak service, and get on. 

These SuperGold transfer provisions are only valid for an interim period until notified. They only apply to Metlink bus services in Wellington city and do not apply on Metlink trains or ferries, non Metlink services (such as the Cable Car), or Metlink bus services outside Wellington city.  

If transferring between buses, free transfers apply within 30 minutes of tagging off from the first bus and tagging on to the following bus, for up to 5 bus trips within a 4 hour period. Airport Express is not included in bus to bus transfers, and requires a separate fare.

Full details

The journey-based fares apply to bus to bus transfers if a journey meets all the following conditions:

• Journey-based fares apply to journeys involving transfers between eligible Metlink buses, including on after midnight buses, but excluding Airport Express buses and On-Demand services
• Passengers must pay using Snapper card stored value; the free transfer does not apply when fares for single trips are paid in cash
• Fares for consecutive trips of a journey must all be paid using the same Snapper card
• The Snapper card must be active and have no outstanding amount owed after tagging on for each trip of the journey
• The Snapper card must have a minimum balance of $0.00 or more at each tag on
• Passengers must correctly tag on and off at the start and end of each trip of the journey
• Tagging on to the next bus must occur within 30 minutes of tagging off the previous bus
• Up to four transfers are allowed for a journey eligible for journey-based fares
• A journey ends once the fifth trip is tagged off. A separate fare would apply after the fifth trip
• Tag on for the last trip in a journey must occur within four hours of the tag on for the first trip of the journey
• For multi-passenger tag on, the same number and types of passengers that boarded the first trip of a journey must board each subsequent trip in order to be eligible for journey-based fares.

Tag on time determines whether the fare for entire journey is a Peak or Off-Peak fare, as below:

• an Off-Peak fare on Snapper card is charged for a journey that begins in the Off Peak, even if one or more of the tag ons for the later trips in the journey are in the Peak; and
• a Peak fare on Snapper card is charged for a journey that begins in the Peak, even if one or more of the tag ons for the later trips in the journey are in the Off-Peak

For bus journeys, the journey-based calculation applies:

• to all concession types where applicable
• to travel in any direction on the same route and between different routes
• when a tag off and the subsequent tag on occur within the same or different zones

Some train service timetables require a transfer between two trains on the same line to complete a journey.  This typically happens during peak hours where a journey between two outer-stations requires transferring between an express service and a non-express service on the same line.

The journey-based fares apply to rail to rail transfers if a journey meets all the following conditions:

• Passengers must pay using stored value on Snapper card.
• Passengers must transfer between trains on the same line and in the same direction.
• Passengers must tag on at the first station and tag off at the last station of the journey. Tagging off and then on at an intermediate station would break the journey.
• Fares for consecutive trips of a journey must all be paid using the same Snapper card
• The Snapper card must be active and have no outstanding amount owed after tagging on for each trip of the journey
• The Snapper card must have a minimum balance of $0.00 or more at each tag on
• Tagging off at the last station must occur within the following maximum trip times measured from the time of tagging on at the first station:
  • 90 minutes for Johnsonville Line and Melling Line
  • 120 minutes for Hutt Valley Line and Kapiti Line
  • 180 minutes for Wairarapa Line

Transferring between trains with a Rail Transfer Permit

The Metlink Rail Transfer Permit is a free ticket that in conjunction with a valid rail single trip cash ticket (on-board strip tickets) allows passengers to transfer from one train to another, where service timetables require a transfer between two trains on the same line.

Where a transfer is needed, passengers must present a valid single trip ticket on the initial journey, and request a Transfer Permit from the on-board Metlink staff. 

Once transferred to the next train, passengers need to present both tickets for inspection and surrender the transfer ticket to the on-board Metlink staff. 

The Rail Transfer Permit:

• Is to be used on the next available train
• Cannot be used over two lines
• Cannot be used for more than one transfer
• Can be used only in conjunction with an adult or child on-board single trip cash ticket
• Can only be issued on-board

Where applicable, rail transfer permits are valid on buses replacing trains. 

Currently, transfers between trains and buses require a separate fare when using Snapper, except when using a 30 day rail pass and travelling on a bus trip covered under the terms of your pass. 

Where Snapper readers are available on the buses replacing trains, passengers paying with stored value or a pass product on a Snapper card and transferring between a replacement bus and train must tag on and off for each trip of the journey.  Each trip will cost a separate fare.

Transfer discount or journey-based fare charging will not apply when transferring between trains and buses partially replacing a train service.

Any overcharge claimed will be proactively refunded by Snapper through post-travel processing.

Snapper Metlink Explorer day passes, cash Metlink Explorer day passes and Snapper 30-Day passes allow an unlimited number of transfers only between valid services included in that pass. Valid services, routes and zones vary by pass type.

Why are you increasing the fares?

The costs of running our public transport have increased. We have seen inflation and interest rates reach levels no one anticipated. Rising inflation and insurance have also affected our public transport operators. These costs, along with driver wage increases (to remedy the shortage of drivers), have added to operating costs.

When are you increasing the fares?

Bus, train and ferry fares are increasing from Monday 1 July 2024.

How much are you increasing them by?

We are increasing the fares (bus, train and ferry) by 10% to cover current and historic inflationary costs.

Won’t increasing fares, put people off using public transport?

Our aim is always to keep fares as low as possible to encourage people to use public transport. We invest fares revenues back into our public transport network.

Many thousands of people rely on our public transport system to connect them across the Region and demand is increasing. We are working to provide public transport services the community can have confidence in and are proud of: a reliable, accessible, low-carbon public transport network.

New Zealand has one of the most affordable public transport fares in the world, relative to average and minimum wages.  The increase is only the third fare increase in six years (since 2018).  We have not made any other inflation adjustment increases during this time.  

Sources:

• Affordability is based on the following source: 2023 Fares Benchmarking Report (ninesquared.com.au)(external link)]

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. 

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 aged 16 years or older 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. Tertiary students are encouraged to apply for the Tertiary 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.

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 aged 16 years or older who are 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.