Discover Wellington on Route 2
Discover Wellington the Easy, Affordable, and Eco-Friendly Way — with Route 2
Whether you're visiting a single attraction or spending a couple of days exploring the city, Route 2 is the smartest way to see Wellington. It’s convenient, great value, and kind to the planet.
Frequent and Convenient
Wellington’s bus network runs like a big city metro - fast, frequent, and reliable. Route 2 connects you to many of the city's top attractions, making it easy to hop on and off as you go.
Great Value for Money
Fares depend on how you choose to pay, but all journeys within Wellington City - including Route 2 - cover no more than 3 fare zones. A full day of travel can cost as little as $13, making it one of the most affordable ways to explore.
Easy to Navigate
Every Metlink bus features onboard audio and visual “next stop” announcements, so you’ll always know when to get off. For planning and live updates, use the Metlink website, the Metlink app(external link), or Google Maps.
Clean, Green Travel
All Route 2 buses are 100% electric(external link), offering a smooth, quiet ride that’s better for the environment — and your feet!
Ways to pay
| Bus service | Cash | Contactless payment | Snapper card | Explorer Day pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Route 2 |
Yes | No | Yes - up to 5 people on one card | Yes - from 9am |
Airport Express |
Yes | Yes* - but paper receipts not available | Yes - up to 5 people on one card | Yes - from 9am |
Explorer Day Pass
The best value, allowing you to travel on all Metlink buses and trains on the day of purchase for one price after 9am on weekdays and all day on weekends and 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(external link).
- Explorer Day passes can be used on the Airport Express after 9am.
- 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.
| Fare | Price | How to pay |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1-3 (Not valid on the Airport Express) | $14 (includes +1 child under 15yrs free) Valid all times from 9am. |
Explorer Day Passes can be purchased onboard buses and trains, or loaded onto a Snapper card. |
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.
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(external link) and Harbour Ferries(external link) have special set fares. Cash fares listed here do not apply to those services.
| Zones | Adult | Child Concession |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| 2 | $4.50 | $2.50 |
| 3 | $6.00 | $3.00 |
Snapper card
It costs $10 to buy a Snapper card, but you can use it to travel with up to 5 people.
Peak fares with Snapper
Weekdays 7am to 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.
| Zones | Adult | Child Concession |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.06 | $1.03 |
| 2 | $3.39 | $1.70 |
| 3 | $4.53 | $2.27 |
Off-peak fares with Snapper
Off-peak fares get a 30% discount when using Snapper, including concessions.
Weekdays 9am to 3pm and after 6:30pm
Weekends & public holidays.
Weekdays before 7am (buses only, excludes SuperGold card)
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.
- 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.
| Zones | Adult (base fare) |
Child Concession |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.44 | $0.72 |
| 2 | $2.37 | $1.19 |
| 3 | $3.17 | $1.59 |
Contactless payment - Airport Express only
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.
| Zones | Adult | Child Concession |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| 2 | $4.50 | $2.50 |
| 3 | $6.00 | $3.00 |
Last published: Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at 12:47 pm