Airport Express
The Airport Express (AX) runs 7 days a week, every 10-20 minutes, except for the first few morning services and evening services. Travel time from Wellington Station to the Wellington International Airport is approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. Free Wi-Fi, USB charging and luggage racks are available on board.
Wellington International Airport bus stop(external link) is on the ground floor carpark outside the terminal baggage area, less than 100m from Door G.
Wellington Station bus stop is in the Bus Interchange, departing from Stop B. This is less than 150m from main concourse of the train station.
Ways to pay
Airport Express doesn't currently offer prepaid paper tickets or digital tickets on mobile devices. All fares are currently paid on board the bus with Snapper, cash or contactless* payment.
| Pay on board | Cash | Contactless payment | Snapper card | Explorer Day pass | Snapper 30 Day pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AX | Yes | Yes* - but paper receipts not available | Yes - up to 5 people on one card | Yes - from 9am | No |
The Snapper card retailer at Wellington Airport has closed. We are working on finding a solution for customers to be able to purchase cards at the airport.
In the meantime, if you don't have a Snapper card, we recommend using contactless payment on board.
- You can top up your Snapper card at the Kiosk on the ground floor of the terminal near Door E.
- Off-peak discounts and free transfers do not apply to the Airport Express. Separate fares apply when transferring to another Metlink service, even when using Snapper.
- When using Snapper, any concessions loaded on your Snapper card will automatically apply. A carer accompanying a passenger on an Accessible Concession fare travels for free.
- You'll need enough credit on your Snapper card for at least one AX fare before boarding.
- Up to 5 people can be tagged on with one Snapper card - just tell the driver before tagging on how many adults and children are travelling together.
- If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey using Snapper, the default fare will be charged.
When using cash, concessions and discounts do not apply. Off-peak discounts and free transfers do not apply to cash fares, so you'll have to pay a separate fare when transferring to another Metlink service.
Airport Express is the only Metlink bus that accepts contactless payment. Paper receipts are not available for contactless payment. *The transaction will appear on your bank statement as AXBus039-344-939 The numbers in this code are Greater Wellington Regional Council's GST number.
Internationally, when using EMV (Euro Master Card Visa) for on-vehicle transport applications, it is rare to get a receipt unless from a vending machine or ticket office.
AX fares - from 1 September 2023
Off-peak discounts and free transfers do not apply to the Airport Express. Separate fares apply when transferring to another Metlink service.
- Children under 5 travel free.
- Children under 13 travel free only with a Snapper card with Free pass applied.
- Child fare applies to anyone 5 to 18 years old, or still at secondary school.
- *Connect, Tertiary and Accessible Concessions must be loaded to a Snapper card.
- Community Connect Scheme includes discounts for youth and Community Services Cardholders.
Paying with |
Adult |
Child |
Connect* |
Tertiary* |
Accessible* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Snapper |
$7.96 |
$1.99 |
$3.98 |
$5.97 |
$3.98 |
|
Cash/contactless |
$10.00 |
$2.50 |
$10.00 |
$10.00 |
$10.00 |
|
Default fare** |
$10.00 |
$5.00 |
$10.00 |
$10.00 |
$5.00 |
**If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey using Snapper, the default fare will be charged.
About the service
The AX is an integral part of the Metlink network, connecting the airport with the wider Wellington Region. Nine new purpose-built electric buses run on this low-cost, environmentally conscious service for travellers, people working in and around the airport, and commuters into the city (when capacity allows). The timetable is designed around airport departure and arrival times and train services at Wellington Railway Station.
The AX fare is competitive with rideshare services, taxis and shuttles.
About the operator
This premium service is provided by Metlink and operated by our partner Mana Newlands Coaches by Transdev.
Last published: Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:16 AM