Tickets and fares
Metlink fares
Standard fares are based on geographic fare zones and are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through (including the zone where you start and end your journey). A journey may include several trips on different vehicles. Some combinations of trips are eligible for free transfers, and some are not.
Concessions and discounts apply on some payment types and times of the day, but generally not on cash fares. Children under 5 always ride free.
Regular Metlink buses and trains don't have EFTPOS on board, and there are no ticket vending machines on train platforms. Only Wellington Station has an ATM in the main concourse.
A variety of passes are available when using Snapper. All fares and passes have their own terms and conditions, and Conditions of Carriage apply for all Metlink services.
All Metlink fares will be half price from 1 April 2022 to 31 January 2023.
Payment options
Snapper
Snapper is a stored value card for Metlink buses and trains. Where applicable, transfers, off-peak fares and concessions are automatically applied when travelling with a Snapper card. You can apply a Child, Tertiary, or Accessible concession onto your Snapper card, or get a day pass or 30 day pass. Snapper currently isn't accepted on the Wellington Harbour Ferry or Metlink On Demand. The Wellington Cable Car(external link) is not a Metlink service, but it accepts Snapper as fare payment when travelling via Lambton Quay.
Cash
Cash fares cost at least 25% more than the equivalent Snapper fares, and can only be purchased on board. Cash tickets for ferry can be purchased on board or at Queens Wharf.
SuperGold
SuperGold cardholders ride free weekdays 9am to 3pm, weekdays after 6:30pm, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
Total Mobility
The Total Mobility scheme provides discounted door-to-door taxi transport for disabled people who cannot independently use regular public transport services, all or some of the time. In the Wellington region, Total Mobility cards have Snapper cards built in for paying bus and train fares and already have the Accessibility concession applied.
Special services
After Midnight bus services [PDF, 108 KB] use the same fares and passes as regular Metlink buses. The Airport Express, Metlink OnDemand, and Wellington Harbour Ferry have special set fares and various payment options, but do not accept Metlink Explorer day passes or 30-day passes.
Snapper
Snapper retailers and kiosks are available throughout the Wellington region, and the Snapper app(external link) is available for both iOS and Android. For more information about tagging on, topping up, buying passes, loading a concession to your Snapper or for refund information, see our Using Snapper page, or the Snapper website(external link).
Tag on and tag off for each trip
You need to tag on and tag off for each trip (each leg of your journey) so that fares and transfers can be calculated correctly, even if you're using a travel pass. If you forget to tag off, a default fare may be charged to your account.
The only exception for tagging on and off for each trip is when transferring between trains on the same line. For example, during peak hours when transferring between an express train and a non-express train on the same line. More information about transfers.
Snapper fares
Fares are calculated based on where you tag on and tag off, counting the number of zones you travel through (including the zone where you start and end your journey). Any eligible free transfers, discounts and concessions will automatically be applied when using Snapper.
If you forget to tag off, you may be charged a default fare.
Snapper fares for bus & train - Half price until 31 January 2023
|
Zones travelled (until 31 January 2023) |
Adult |
Child |
Off-Peak |
Tertiary |
Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
$0.87 |
$0.43 |
$0.65 |
$0.65 |
$0.43 |
2 |
$1.42 |
$0.71 |
$1.07 |
$1.07 |
$0.71 |
3 |
$1.90 |
$0.95 |
$1.42 |
$1.42 |
$0.95 |
4 |
$2.13 |
$1.06 |
$1.60 |
$1.60 |
$1.06 |
5 |
$2.60 |
$1.30 |
$1.95 |
$1.95 |
$1.30 |
6 |
$3.31 |
$1.65 |
$2.48 |
$2.48 |
$1.65 |
7 |
$3.75 |
$1.88 |
$2.81 |
$2.81 |
$1.88 |
8 |
$4.19 |
$2.10 |
$3.14 |
$3.14 |
$2.10 |
9 |
$4.73 |
$2.37 |
$3.55 |
$3.55 |
$2.37 |
10 |
$5.20 |
$2.60 |
$3.90 |
$3.90 |
$2.60 |
11 |
$5.96 |
$2.98 |
$4.47 |
$4.47 |
$2.98 |
12 |
$6.40 |
$3.20 |
$4.80 |
$4.80 |
$3.20 |
13 |
$7.06 |
$3.53 |
$5.30 |
$5.30 |
$3.53 |
14 |
$7.52 |
$3.76 |
$5.64 |
$5.64 |
$3.76 |
|
Airport Express |
$3.75 |
$1.88 |
$3.75 |
$2.81 |
$1.88 |
|
Default fare on Airport Express |
$4.50 |
$2.50 | $4.50 | $4.50 | $4.50 |
|
Default fare on trains |
$10.00 |
$5.00 |
$10.00 |
$10.00 |
$10.00 |
Snapper fares for buses & trains from 1 February 2023
| Zones travelled (from 1 February 2023) | Adult | Child | Off-Peak | Tertiary | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.74 | $0.87 | $1.31 | $1.31 | $0.87 |
| 2 | $2.85 | $1.43 | $2.14 | $2.14 | $1.43 |
| 3 | $3.80 | $1.90 | $2.85 | $2.85 | $1.90 |
| 4 | $4.26 | $2.13 | $3.20 | $3.20 | $2.13 |
| 5 | $5.21 | $2.61 | $3.91 | $3.91 | $2.61 |
| 6 | $6.62 | $3.31 | $4.97 | $4.97 | $3.31 |
| 7 | $7.51 | $3.76 | $5.63 | $5.63 | $3.76 |
| 8 | $8.39 | $4.20 | $6.29 | $6.29 | $4.20 |
| 9 | $9.47 | $4.74 | $7.10 | $7.10 | $4.74 |
| 10 | $10.41 | $5.21 | $7.81 | $7.81 | $5.21 |
| 11 | $11.92 | $5.96 | $8.94 | $8.94 | $5.96 |
| 12 | $12.81 | $6.41 | $9.61 | $9.61 | $6.41 |
| 13 | $14.13 | $7.07 | $10.60 | $10.60 | $7.07 |
| 14 | $15.05 | $7.53 | $11.29 | $11.29 | $7.53 |
| Airport Express | $7.51 | $3.76 | $7.51 | $5.63 | $3.76 |
| Default fare on Airport Express | $9.50 | $5.00 | $9.50 | $9.50 | $9.50 |
| Default fare on trains | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
Snapper 30-Day passes
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. To buy a child pass your Snapper card must have a valid child concession.
If you forget to tag off, you may be charged a default fare.
Half price Snapper 30-day passes for buses until 31 January 2023
|
Until 31 January 2023 |
Cost |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wellington 30-day pass (zones 1-3) |
$76.15 |
||||||
|
Eastbourne 30-day pass (zones 1-3 and routes 81, 83, 84, N88) |
$101.50 |
||||||
Snapper 30-day passes for buses from 1 February 2023
|
From 1 February 2023 |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
Wellington 30-day bus pass (zones 1-3) |
$152.30 |
|
Eastbourne 30-day bus pass (zones 1-3 and routes 81, 83, 84, N88) |
$203.00 |
A default fare applies when tag-off is missing and is an equivalent cash fare for the number of zones between the tag on stop and the last stop of the route on all bus services.
Snapper 30-day passes for rail* until 31 January 2023
*Kāpiti Line starting 12 November. Hutt Valley, Melling & Wairarapa Lines from 27 November.
|
Number of zones |
Adult |
Child |
|---|---|---|
1 |
$26.10 |
$12.90 |
2 |
$42.60 |
$21.30 |
3 |
$57.00 |
$28.50 |
4 |
$63.90 |
$31.80 |
5 |
$78.00 |
$39.00 |
6 |
$99.30 |
$49.50 |
7 |
$112.50 |
$56.40 |
8 |
$125.70 |
$63.00 |
9 |
$141.90 |
$71.10 |
10 |
$156.00 |
$78.00 |
11 |
$178.80 |
$89.40 |
12 |
$192.00 |
$96.00 |
13 |
$211.80 |
$105.90 |
14 |
$225.60 |
$112.80 |
|
Default fares/trip (Rail) |
$10.00 |
$5.00 |
Snapper 30-day passes for rail from 1 February 2023
|
Number of zones |
Adult |
Child |
|---|---|---|
1 |
$52.20 |
$26.10 |
2 |
$85.50 |
$42.90 |
3 |
$114.00 |
$57.00 |
4 |
$127.80 |
$63.90 |
5 |
$156.30 |
$78.30 |
6 |
$198.60 |
$99.30 |
7 |
$225.30 |
$112.80 |
8 |
$251.70 |
$126.00 |
9 |
$284.10 |
$142.20 |
10 |
$312.30 |
$156.30 |
11 |
$357.60 |
$178.80 |
12 |
$384.30 |
$192.30 |
13 |
$423.90 |
$212.10 |
14 |
$451.50 |
$225.90 |
|
Default fare (all rail lines) |
TBC |
TBC |
Snapper Metlink Explorer day passes
A Metlink Explorer day pass gives you and a child aged 5-15 unlimited travel for one calendar day on Metlink buses and trains weekdays after 9am, all day weekends and public holidays, and on all after midnight services. Child, Accessible, and Tertiary concessions do not apply to the Explorer day pass.
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.
Day pass options
| Explorer day pass | Day Pass Fare | Areas in these zones |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1 to 3 | $5.00 | All of Wellington City, including Johnsonville |
| Zones 1 to 7 | $7.50 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay |
| Zones 1 to 10 | $10.00 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast to Waikanae |
| Zones 1 to 14* | $12.50 | Entire Metlink regional network, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, and Wairarapa |
*The ticket for zones 1-14 can also be used on the Wairarapa Rail Line service departing Wellington at 8.21am.
Default fares for Snapper
If 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.
On buses, the default fare is calculated as if you had travelled to the end of that route.
On trains, the default fare is a set amount, listed in the fares tables. They are set amounts because Snapper card readers are on platforms, so the system does not know which service you've taken or the direction you were travelling.
Cash
Cash fares cost at least 25% more than the equivalent Snapper fares. If using multiple services, a separate cash fare applies for each service. Free transfers do not apply to cash fares. When purchasing a cash ticket onboard, correct change is appreciated.
Cash fares on buses aren't eligible for concessions or discounts, except for child fares. Single Child fares and single Accessible concession fares can be purchased on board trains and ferries.
Express bus services 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.
Single trip fares
Fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through (including the zone where you start).
Cash fares - Half price until 31 January 2023
| Zones travelled |
Adult |
Child |
|---|---|---|
1 |
$1.00 |
$0.50 |
2 |
$2.00 |
$1.00 |
3 |
$2.50 |
$1.00 |
4 |
$2.50 |
$1.50 |
5 |
$3.50 |
$1.50 |
6 |
$4.00 |
$2.00 |
7 |
$4.50 |
$2.50 |
8 |
$5.00 |
$2.50 |
9 |
$6.00 |
$3.00 |
10 |
$6.50 |
$3.50 |
11 |
$7.50 |
$3.50 |
12 |
$8.00 |
$4.00 |
13 |
$9.00 |
$4.50 |
14 |
$9.50 |
$4.50 |
Airport Express |
$4.50 |
$2.50 |
Cash fares - from 1 February 2023
|
Zones travelled |
Adult |
Child |
|---|---|---|
1 |
$2.50 |
$1.50 |
2 |
$4.00 |
$2.00 |
3 |
$5.00 |
$2.50 |
4 |
$5.50 |
$3.00 |
5 |
$7.00 |
$3.50 |
6 |
$8.50 |
$4.50 |
7 |
$9.50 |
$5.00 |
8 |
$10.50 |
$5.50 |
9 |
$12.00 |
$6.00 |
10 |
$13.50 |
$7.00 |
11 |
$15.00 |
$7.50 |
12 |
$16.50 |
$8.50 |
13 |
$18.00 |
$9.00 |
14 |
$19.00 |
$9.50 |
Airport Express Service (AX) |
$9.50 |
$5.00 |
Cash Metlink Explorer day pass
A Metlink Explorer day pass gives you and a child aged 5-15 unlimited travel for one calendar day on Metlink buses and trains weekdays after 9am, all day weekends and public holidays, and on all after midnight services. Child, Accessible, and Tertiary concessions do not apply to the Explorer day pass.
Day passes can be purchased on board buses or trains with cash. Keep your day pass in a safe place, as it won't be replaced or refunded if you lose it.
Day pass options
| Explorer day pass | Day Pass Fare | Areas in these zones |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1 to 3 | $5.00 | All of Wellington City, including Johnsonville |
| Zones 1 to 7 | $7.50 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay |
| Zones 1 to 10 | $10.00 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast to Waikanae |
| Zones 1 to 14* | $12.50 | Entire Metlink regional network, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, and Wairarapa |
*The ticket for zones 1-14 can also be used on the WRL service departing Wellington at 8.21am.
Day pass options
| Explorer day pass | Day Pass Fare | Areas in these zones |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1 to 3 | $10.00 | All of Wellington City, including Johnsonville |
| Zones 1 to 7 | $15.00 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay |
| Zones 1 to 10 | $20.00 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast to Waikanae |
| Zones 1 to 14 | $25.00 | Entire Metlink regional network, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, and Wairarapa |
*The ticket for zones 1-14 can also be used on the WRL 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 Otaki and Paraparaumu. Kāpiti Combo tickets can be purchased with cash on-board the relevant bus routes, but not on the train.
There are no one-way combo tickets. Child, Accessible, and Tertiary concessions do not apply to Kāpiti Combo tickets.
Pass options
| Kapiti Combo ticket | Zones | Bus routes | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikanae & Paraparaumu | 2 zones (between zones 9 and 10) | 280 and 281 Waikanae bus routes | $3.50 |
| Otaki & Paraparaumu | 5 zones (between zones 9 and 13) | Route 290 Otaki bus route | $6.00 |
Pass options
|
Kapiti Combo ticket |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
Waikanae Combo Ticket – 2 zones (between zones 9 and 10) |
$7.00 |
|
Otaki Combo Ticket – 5 zones (between zones 9 and 13) |
$12.00 |
Paper rail tickets
We're saying goodbye to paper train tickets.
From 31 December 2022, paper tickets will no longer be sold at Metlink ticket offices or train ticket retailers. You will still be able to buy cash tickets on board and use Snapper on Rail.
Metlink train ticket offices are at some train stations. Train ticket retailers are near some train stations.
The last month for paper Rail Monthly and MonthlyPlus passes was November 2022.
Ticket office sales ended 10 November.
Using Rail Monthly and MonthlyPlus passes
MonthlyPlus Train passes cover the bus trip to your local train station and your train trip if travelling to zone 1 (Wellington Station) from zone 4 or higher.
You can travel on any bus within zone 4 and the outer zone(external link) specified on your pass at any time. It does not include bus travel within zones 1 to 3, such as Wellington City or Johnsonville.
Child MonthlyPlus Train passes can also be used on school bus routes within zone 4 and the outer zone listed on the pass at anytime. MonthlyPlus rail passes can be used for local travel on routes N6, N66, N8, N88 and N22, between zone 4 and the outer zone printed on the pass.
Paper 10-trip rail tickets - Half Price (sales ending 31 December 2022)
10-Trip paper tickets are clipped by on-board staff for each trip. Johnsonville Line does not accept 10-trip tickets. Concession and off-peak fares are available on 10-trip tickets. You can buy 10-Trip tickets from railway station tickets offices and from Metlink retailers(external link) until 31 December 2022. 10-trip tickets cannot be purchased on board.
10-trip tickets are priced at 10-times the price of equivalent Snapper fares at half-price.
|
Zones travelled |
Adult |
Child |
Off-peak |
Tertiary |
Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
$8.70 |
$4.30 |
$6.50 |
$6.50 |
$4.30 |
|
2 |
$14.20 |
$7.10 |
$10.70 |
$10.70 |
$7.10 |
|
3 |
$19.00 |
$9.50 |
$14.20 |
$14.20 |
$9.50 |
|
4 |
$21.30 |
$10.60 |
$16.00 |
$16.00 |
$10.60 |
|
5 |
$26.00 |
$13.00 |
$19.50 |
$19.50 |
$13.00 |
|
6 |
$33.10 |
$16.50 |
$24.80 |
$24.80 |
$16.50 |
|
7 |
$37.50 |
$18.80 |
$28.10 |
$28.10 |
$18.80 |
|
8 |
$41.90 |
$21.00 |
$31.40 |
$31.40 |
$21.00 |
|
9 |
$47.30 |
$23.70 |
$35.50 |
$35.50 |
$23.70 |
|
10 |
$52.00 |
$26.00 |
$39.00 |
$39.00 |
$26.00 |
|
11 |
$59.60 |
$29.80 |
$44.70 |
$44.70 |
$29.80 |
|
12 |
$64.00 |
$32.00 |
$48.00 |
$48.00 |
$32.00 |
|
13 |
$70.60 |
$35.30 |
$53.00 |
$53.00 |
$35.30 |
|
14 |
$75.20 |
$37.60 |
$56.40 |
$56.40 |
$37.60 |
Metlink Event tickets are available for some sports games and events at Sky Stadium, and give you a return journey to and from Wellington Station. Child Event tickets are available, but there are no Tertiary, Accessible, or off-peak discounts.
Purchase Event tickets on the day with cash on board on the train or from staff at the barriers to the railway station. You can only use Event tickets on the day of the specified event until 1.15am the following morning. Not all events at Sky Stadium qualify for Event tickets. Service alerts(external link) and our social media pages will announce which events will be offering Event fares.
|
Wellington Event Ticket |
Adult
|
Child |
|---|---|---|
|
1-3 zones, one way |
$2.00 |
$1.00 |
|
1-3 zones, return |
$4.00 |
$2.00 |
|
1-10 zones, one way |
$4.00 |
$2.00 |
|
1-10 zones, return |
$8.00 |
$4.00 |
These tickets will be sold until the last event of 2022.
Wairarapa Line afternoon peak surcharges and minimum fares
Using Snapper on the Wairarapa Line (starting 27 November) does not have surcharges or minimum fares, because the Snapper readers are on the platforms and the system does not identify which line you have ridden.
If you travel on a Wairarapa Line using cash, 10-trip or Rail MonthlyPlus in the afternoon peak from Wellington Station and only travel as far as Petone, Waterloo or Upper Hutt Station, these charges apply until 31 December 2022:
- Using Rail Monthly, Rail MonthlyPlus, or a 10-Trip ticket of 7 zones or less, you will need to pay a surcharge
- Using cash, a minimum fare for 8 zones applies
Wairarapa line minimum fares and surcharges using paper tickets or cash until 31 December 2022
| Wairarapa Line minimum fares and surcharges | Fare |
|---|---|
| Minimum cash fare – 8 zones | $5.00 |
| Surcharge when using a 10-trip ticket for zones 4 - 6 | $2.50 |
| Surcharge when using a 10-trip ticket for zone 7 | $0.50 |
| Surcharge when using a MonthlyPlus pass for zones 4 - 6 | $2.50 |
| Surcharge when using a MonthlyPlus pass for zone 7 | $0.50 |
Airport Express
The Airport Express (AX)(external link) service travels between the Wellington Airport and Wellington Railway Station.
Travelling on the Airport Express buses costs a fixed fare that is more economical than rideshare services, taxis and shuttles.
Fares & payment options
You can pay on board for your trip with a Snapper card, cash, or contactless debit or credit card.
Paying with a Snapper card is more affordable than paying with cash or bank card. You can purchase Snapper Cards at the Airport from Wishbone, Cargo and Relay and you can top up the card at the Snapper Kiosk on the ground floor in the baggage area.
There is no off-peak discount on the AX, and no transfers, concessions, or discounts when using cash. Separate fares apply to each trip within a journey.
A carer accompanying a passenger with an Accessible Concession can travel for free, and SuperGold card holders travel for free during off-peak hours. Children under five travel for free at all times.
Please remember to tag off at the end of your journey. If you forget to tag off, you will be charged a default AX cash fare at the end of your journey.
A family or group of up to 10 can take advantage of group tag on tag off. Use just one Snapper card, and tell the driver how many Adults and Children and they will do a multi tag on!
Make sure you have enough credit on your Snapper card of at least the fare for one AX journey before boarding.
| Payment options | Snapper | Snapper 30-day pass | Cash single trip | Eftpos | SuperGold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Airport Express bus |
Yes | No | Yes | Yes - contactless only | Yes - free during off-peak only |
Airport Express fares until 31 January 2023
|
Airport Express until 31 January 2023 |
Adult |
Child |
Off-Peak |
Tertiary |
Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Snapper |
$3.75 |
$1.88 |
$3.75 |
$2.81 |
$1.88 |
|
Cash |
$4.50 |
$2.50 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Default fare |
$4.50 |
$2.50 |
$4.50 |
$4.50 |
$4.50 |
Airport Express fares from 1 February 2023
| Airport Express from 1February 2023 |
Adult |
Child |
Off-Peak |
Tertiary Concession |
Accessible Concession |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Snapper |
$7.51 |
$3.76 |
$7.51 |
$5.63 |
$3.76 |
|
Cash |
$9.50 |
$5.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Default fare |
$9.50 |
$5.00 |
$9.50 |
$9.50 |
$9.50 |
Metlink OnDemand
The On Demand service uses a technology platform and its own app to make bookings, take payments and schedule pick-up and drop-offs.
Fares & payment options
All bookings and payments are done through the Metlink OnDemand app, using a credit card or debit card capable of online purchases. Standard EFTPOS cards cannot be used on the app. Monthly tickets, Snapper, day passes, cash and paper tickets are not accepted.
Fares
- All travel on the On Demand service is within the Tawa suburb and is one fare zone.
- The fare per ride is $2.50 per person.
- SuperGold card holders travel free during off-peak journeys only.
- Children under 5 ride free, but a seat must be booked for them.
- Other concessions and discounts do not apply.
You can buy tickets at the East by West ticket office at Queens Wharf or on-board. Credit cards, EFTPOS and cash are accepted on board the ferry. Bikes and dogs on leads are permitted on the ferry, and ride for free, but must remain on the upper deck.
| Payment options | Snapper | Explorer day pass | 10-trip paper ticket | Cash | Eftpos | SuperGold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington Harbour Ferry | No | No | Yes | Yes - single trip or return trip | Yes - on board and ticket office |
Yes - off-peak only
|
Queens Wharf & Days Bay
One-way & return tickets
Adult and Child one-way and return tickets are available, but there are no Tertiary or Accessibility concession fares. One-way tickets can't be used to travel to Matiu/Somes Island, but return tickets can.
10-trip tickets
Adult, Child, Tertiary, and Accessible concessions are available on 10-trip tickets. There are no Family 10-trip tickets. 10-trip tickets can't be used to travel to Matiu/Somes Island.
Family fares
Family fares are return tickets only, and include 2 adults and up to 4 children. Accompanied children under 5 years old travel free on all sailings. Family fares can be used to travel to Matiu/Somes Island.
SuperGold Cardholders
SuperGold cardholders(external link) travel free during off-peak hours(external link), but still need to collect a ticket from the ticket office if it is open.
Harbour Ferry Fares until 31 January 2023
| Ticket type | Adult | Child | Accessible | Tertiary | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
One-way |
$6.00 | $3.00 | - | - | - |
Return |
$12.00 | $6.00 | - | - | $33.00 |
10-tripQueens Wharf/Days bay |
$45.50 | $23.00 | $23.00 | $34.00 | - |
Monthly Pass |
Discontinued | Discontinued | - | - | - |
Harbour Ferry fares from 1 February 2023
| Ticket type | Adult | Child | Accessible | Tertiary | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
One-way |
$12.00 | $6.00 | - | - | - |
Return |
$24.00 | $12.00 | - | - | $66.00 |
10-tripQueens Wharf/Seatoun |
$73.00 | $37.00 | $37.00 | $55.00 | - |
10-tripQueens Wharf/Days bay/Seatoun |
$91.00 | $46.00 | $46.00 | $68.00 | - |
Monthly Pass |
Discontinued | Discontinued | - | - | - |
Matiu/Somes Island
Matiu/Somes island is a scientific and historic reserve administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
- Pets and Bicycles are not permitted on the island (pushchairs are allowed).
- Visitor numbers are limited to protect the island over the busy summer period.
- The island is a predator free island so please check your belongings for pests before arriving on the island. You will go through a bio-security check when you arrive at Matiu Somes Island.
Return fares and Family return fares only
Adult and Child return tickets and Family return tickets are available, but there are no Tertiary or Accessible concession discounts. One-way and 10-trip tickets can not be used for travel to Matiu/Somes Island.
Harbour Ferry Fares until 31 January 2023
| Return Ticket | Adult | Child | Accessible | Tertiary | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queens Wharf to Matiu/Somes Island | $12.50 | $6.50 | _ | _ | $34.00 |
| Queens Wharf to Days Bay with stopover at Matiu/Somes | $18.00 | $9.50 |
Harbour Ferry fares from 1 February 2023
| Return Ticket | Adult | Child | Accessible | Tertiary | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queens Wharf to Matiu/Somes Island | $25.00 | $13.00 | _ | _ | $68.00 |
| Queens Wharf to Days Bay with stopover at Matiu/Somes | $36.00 | $19.00 |
25% discount on off-peak fares
Weekdays 9am - 3pm and after 6:30pm
All day weekends and public holidays(external link)
Off-peak fare discount applies when using a Snapper card for bus or an off-peak 10-trip ticket for trains. If you start your trip during off-peak hours, your whole journey is charged at off-peak rates, including any Metlink services you transfer to.
Exclusions
- Does not apply to cash fares, or if you’re using a 30-day pass or day pass
- Cannot be combined with another discount including child, school, tertiary, or accessible concession
- Does not apply on non-Metlink services
Early bird fares on buses before 7am weekdays
Use your Snapper card to get 25% off adult Snapper bus fares before 7am weekdays.
Exclusions
- Does not apply on trains
- Does not apply on on buses replacing trains
- Does not apply to cash fares, or if you’re using a monthly pass or day pass
- Cannot be combined with another discount including child, school, tertiary, or accessible concession
- Does not apply on non-Metlink services, such as the Cable Car.
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)
Māori Wardens wearing a uniform travel free on buses and trains to, from and during work by showing their Warden Warrant Card.
50% discount for children ages 5-15
(Also referred to as the School concession)
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, as long as the Child concession has been applied(external link) to the card. Green Snapper cards(external link) already have the child concession already loaded, and are available at all Snapper retailers(external link). 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. There are no further discounts to ferry tickets when using a Child concession. For example, there is no further discount to a child ticket when travelling off-peak(external link).
Eligibility
School-aged children (generally 5 - 15 years) have some additional criteria to be eligible for the Child concession, sometimes referred to as a "Child/School 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.
Applying a Child concession to a Snapper card
Green Snapper cards already have a Child Concession applied. Some schools print their ID cards onto Snapper cards. In both of these cases, you don't need to do anything, and the concession does not need to be renewed.
A Child Concession on a Red Snapper card is only valid until the cardholder turns 16. Students using a Red Snapper card need to have the concession loaded and renewed by 28th February each year, until they leave school. If the card holder does not apply for renewal of the concession, the Snapper card will start charging adult fares from 1st March of that year.
You can drop into a Snapper Service Centre(external link)(external link) to have the ID checked and the concession applied to your card, or apply online using the Snapper website. Metlink ticket offices, Snapper retailers and Snapper kiosks are not able to apply concessions to Snapper cards.
Topping up your child's Snapper card
Child concessions are a discount to regular fares, not a "term pass", so you'll need to top up the balance on the card regularly. Find out how to top up your child's Snapper card on the Snapper website.
If you are a member of Blind Low Vision NZ or are a Total Mobility cardholder, you are eligible to a 50% discount on adult fares when using Snapper cards, train tickets, and ferry tickets. 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.
On buses
Your Total Mobility card is a Snapper card, and can be used to tag on and off the bus. You'll need to have credit on your Snapper card, so remember to top it up regularly. Accessibility concessions can also be applied to regular red Snapper cards.
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. If you are bringing a carer with you, please let the driver know before you tag on.
On trains & ferries
For trains and ferries, you can purchase a concession single or concession 10-Trip ticket. 30 day passes do not have a separate accessible concession, as they are already discounted by about 40%.
Exclusions
- Cannot be combined with other discounts
- 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
- Buses that Metlink does not run: Commuter 80, 90, 92, 93
Eligibility & how to apply
Through Total Mobility
You can find out if you're eligible by visiting the Total Mobility page on our website.
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 centres
More information
Eligible full-time tertiary students receive a 25% discount on peak adult Snapper fares. Off-peak fares(external link) are already discounted when using Snapper, so there is no further discount to off-peak fares when using a tertiary concession.
If using 10-trip tickets for rail or ferry travel, you'll need to get a tertiary concession sticker for your student photo ID from your Tertiary Education Organisation, then buy a tertiary 10-trip ticket before you travel. Off-peak 10-trip tickets and monthly passes for rail and ferry are already discounted, so there is no further discount when using a tertiary concession.
When travelling on the tertiary concession you will need to keep your student ID handy and show it to Metlink staff if requested. Your concession will remain valid as long as you meet the eligibility conditions for Tertiary Concession.
For Metlink bus and rail travel
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)(external link)
For Metlink ferry travel
Visit the Student Services team at your tertiary education organisation to apply for a Tertiary Concession sticker to attach to your current tertiary student photo ID.
Exclusions
The tertiary concession is not available on school buses.
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 erry 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)
- Capital Training Limited
- 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)
- The Learning Connexion Limited
- Universal College of Learning (UCOL Masterton)
- University of Otago (Wellington)
- Victoria University of Wellington
- Wellington Institute of Technology
- Whitecliffe Fashion
- Whitecliffe Technology
- Whitireia Community Polytechnic
- Youth Cultures and Community Trust (Praxis)
*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.
Exclusions
- Free SuperGold travel does not apply during during peak hours, 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 carers and children require a paid fare.
- Overseas equivalents of SuperGold are not eligible for free off-peak fares.
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.
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.
More information about this concession will be available soon.
Concession is planned to launch 1 February 2023, following the Government Half Price Fares initiative.
Total Mobility Scheme
The Total Mobility scheme is provided throughout New Zealand and is jointly funded by local and central government. The scheme subsidises door-to-door transport for disabled people who cannot independently use regular public transport services, all or some of the time.
In Wellington, Total Mobility cards have Snapper cards built in for paying bus fares and already have the Accessibility concession applied.
If you have a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment, contact us(external link) for more information or talk to your support agency about eligibility.
Transfers on Metlink services
"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, they 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'.
Some combinations of trips are eligible for free transfers, and some are not.
Metlink Explorer day passes and Snapper 30-Day passes allow an unlimited number of transfers between valid services for that pass.
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.
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 on 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.
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
National Ticketing Solution
Metlink is working with Waka Kotahi to introduce and implement the National Ticketing Solution(external link) which will improve public transport for Wellingtonians and all New Zealanders through a centralised, standardised approach to paying for public transport, and a common customer experience no matter where you are in the country.
The National Ticketing Solution supports Metlink’s and the government’s goals toward safer and less congested roads, reducing emissions, as well as supporting healthier lifestyles. It will also help to improve access to travel options by providing people with more choice.
In preparation for this, Metlink is implementing contactless payment with Snapper card payments on rail services.