Tickets and fares
All fares and passes have their own terms and conditions, and Conditions of Carriage apply for all Metlink services. Metlink is working with Waka Kotahi to introduce and implement the National Ticketing Solution.(external link)
Standard public transport fares increase by 6%
This follows a decision at Council on its Annual Fares Review (AFR). The fare increase is applied consistently to all concessions and zones, including the Airport Express and Wellington Harbour Ferries. However, some fares, such as cash fares, are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents or dollar due to ticketing operations and cash handling. The average increase to a single adult bus fare will be around 10 cents or 20 cents once half price fares end.
Metlink On Demand and Total Mobility taxi fares are not affected by this price change.
Snapper off-peak discount increases from the current 25% to 50%
Off-peak hours will include buses before 7am (excluding the Airport Express) - this used to be called "Early Bird discount". There is no off-peak discount on cash fares, Airport Express, Harbour Ferries, or Metlink On Demand.
The 50% off-peak discount applies to Snapper fares, including concessions
This means that anyone using a concession on their Snapper gets the 50% off-peak discount on their concession fare. This is sometimes called "cumulative discounts" or "compounding discounts". This change makes the new fares more affordable for those using a concession.
Ferries and the Airport Express don't have an off-peak discount, so the additional off-peak discount on concession fares does not apply.
Off-peak discounts and concessions do not apply to cash fares.
Fare zones
Standard fares are based on geographic fare zones.
Zone-based fares
Fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through (including the zone where you start and end your journey) and applying any transfer rules or pass exclusions.
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.
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.
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.
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 and concessions do not apply to cash 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.
Current Metlink Fares
Off-peak fares get a 50% discount when using Snapper, including concessions. SuperGold cardholders travel free during off-peak. Children under 5 always travel free, as long as they travel with someone at least 10 years old.
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. After Midnight bus services [PDF, 108 KB] use the same fares and passes as regular Metlink buses.
Peak fares from 1 April 2023
Buses: Weekdays 7am to 9am, and from 3pm to 6:30pm
Trains: Weekdays until 9am, and from 3pm to 6:30pm
- Children under 5 travel free.
- If you forget to tag off when using Snapper, you may be charged a default fare.
|
Zones travelled |
Cash Adult |
Cash Child |
Snapper Adult |
Snapper Child |
Snapper Tertiary |
Snapper Accessible |
Snapper Community Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.00 | $0.50 | $0.92 | $0.46 | $0.69 | $0.46 | N/A |
| 2 | $2.00 | $1.00 | $1.51 | $0.75 | $1.13 | $0.75 | N/A |
| 3 | $2.50 | $1.50 | $2.01 | $1.01 | $1.51 | $1.01 | N/A |
| 4 | $3.00 | $1.50 | $2.26 | $1.13 | $1.69 | $1.13 | N/A |
| 5 | $3.50 | $1.50 | $2.76 | $1.38 | $2.07 | $1.38 | N/A |
| 6 | $4.50 | $2.00 | $3.51 | $1.75 | $2.63 | $1.75 | N/A |
| 7 | $5.00 | $2.50 | $3.98 | $1.99 | $2.98 | $1.99 | N/A |
| 8 | $5.50 | $3.00 | $4.44 | $2.22 | $3.33 | $2.22 | N/A |
| 9 | $6.50 | $3.00 | $5.02 | $2.51 | $3.76 | $2.51 | N/A |
| 10 | $7.00 | $3.50 | $5.51 | $2.76 | $4.13 | $2.76 | N/A |
| 11 | $8.00 | $4.00 | $6.32 | $3.16 | $4.74 | $3.16 | N/A |
| 12 | $8.50 | $4.00 | $6.79 | $3.39 | $5.09 | $3.3 | N/A |
| 13 | $9.50 | $4.50 | $7.49 | $3.74 | $5.62 | $3.74 | N/A |
| 14 | $10.00 | $5.00 | $7.97 | $3.99 | $5.98 | $3.99 | N/A |
Off-peak fares from 1 April 2023
Weekdays before 7am (buses only, excludes SuperGold card, Airport Express & buses replacing trains)
Weekdays 9am to 3pm and after 6:30pm
Weekends & public holidays(external link)
Off-peak fare discount applies when using a Snapper card for buses and trains. If you start your trip during off-peak hours, your whole journey is charged at off-peak rates, including any eligible Metlink services you transfer to.
- Cash fares don't get an off-peak discount, so off-peak cash fares are the same as peak cash fares. Cash fares are listed in the table here for comparison purposes.
- Day passes and 30-day passes don't get an off-peak discount.
- Airport Express bus fares don't get an off-peak discount.
- SuperGold cardholders travel free during off-peak.
- Children under 5 travel free.
|
Zones travelled |
Cash Adult |
Cash Child |
Snapper Adult |
Snapper Child |
Snapper Tertiary |
Snapper Accessible |
Snapper Community Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.00 | $0.50 | $0.46 | $0.23 | $0.34 | $0.23 | N/A |
| 2 | $2.00 | $1.00 | $0.75 | $0.38 | $0.57 | $0.38 | N/A |
| 3 | $2.50 | $1.50 | $1.01 | $0.50 | $0.75 | $0.50 | N/A |
| 4 | $3.00 | $1.50 | $1.13 | $0.56 | $0.85 | $0.56 | N/A |
| 5 | $3.50 | $1.50 | $1.38 | $0.69 | $1.03 | $0.69 | N/A |
| 6 | $4.50 | $2.00 | $1.75 | $0.88 | $1.32 | $0.88 | N/A |
| 7 | $5.00 | $2.50 | $1.99 | $0.99 | $1.49 | $0.99 | N/A |
| 8 | $5.50 | $3.00 | $2.22 | $1.11 | $1.67 | $1.11 | N/A |
| 9 | $6.50 | $3.00 | $2.51 | $1.25 | $1.88 | $1.25 | N/A |
| 10 | $7.00 | $3.50 | $2.76 | $1.38 | $2.07 | $1.38 | N/A |
| 11 | $8.00 | $4.00 | $3.16 | $1.58 | $2.37 | $1.58 | N/A |
| 12 | $8.50 | $4.00 | $3.39 | $1.70 | $2.55 | $1.70 | N/A |
| 13 | $9.50 | $4.50 | $3.74 | $1.87 | $2.81 | $1.87 | N/A |
| 14 | $10.00 | $5.00 | $3.99 | $1.99 | $2.99 | $1.99 | N/A |
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.
With all Snapper fares and passes, if you forget to tag off, you may be charged a default fare(external link).
Rail 30-day passes (Snapper only)
Rail 30-day passes do not include the Airport Express.
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.
|
Zones travelled |
Snapper Adult |
Snapper Child |
Snapper Tertiary |
Snapper Accessible |
Snapper Community Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27.60 | $13.80 | $27.60 | $27.60 | N/A |
| 2 | $45.30 | $22.50 | $45.30 | $45.30 | N/A |
| 3 | $60.30 | $30.30 | $60.30 | $60.30 | N/A |
| 4 | $67.80 | $33.90 | $67.80 | $67.80 | N/A |
| 5 | $82.80 | $41.40 | $82.80 | $82.80 | N/A |
| 6 | $105.30 | $52.50 | $105.30 | $105.30 | N/A |
| 7 | $119.40 | $59.70 | $119.40 | $119.40 | N/A |
| 8 | $133.20 | $66.60 | $133.20 | $133.20 | N/A |
| 9 | $150.60 | $75.30 | $150.60 | $150.60 | N/A |
| 10 | $165.30 | $82.80 | $165.30 | $165.30 | N/A |
| 11 | $189.60 | $94.80 | $189.60 | $189.60 | N/A |
| 12 | $203.70 | $101.70 | $203.70 | $203.70 | N/A |
| 13 | $224.70 | $112.20 | $224.70 | $224.70 | N/A |
| 14 | $239.10 | $119.70 | $239.10 | $239.10 | N/A |
Bus 30-day passes (Snapper only)
30-day bus passes do not include the Airport Express.
| Pass | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day pass Wellington | Zones 1-3 | $80.70 |
| 30-day pass Eastbourne | Zones 1-3, and routes 81, 83, 84, N88) | $107.60 |
Explorer day passes
Weekdays after 9am
Weekends & public holidays(external link)
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.
- Day pass includes 1 adult and 1 child up to 15 years old travelling together.
- Concessions do not apply to the Explorer day pass.
| Pass | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1-3 | All of Wellington City, including Johnsonville, Airport Express | $5.50 |
| Zones 1-7 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay | $8.00 |
| Zones 1-10 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast to Waikanae | $11.00 |
| Zones 1-14* | Entire Metlink regional network, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, and Wairarapa | $13.50 |
*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 Otaki 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. Child, Accessible, and Tertiary concessions do not apply to Kāpiti Combo tickets.
| Kapiti Combo ticket | Zones | Bus routes | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikanae & Paraparaumu | 2 zones (between zones 9 and 10) | 280 and 281 Waikanae bus routes | $4.00 |
| Otaki & Paraparaumu | 5 zones (between zones 9 and 13) | Route 290 Otaki bus route | $6.50 |
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, because Snapper card readers are on platforms, so the system does not know which service you've taken or the direction you were travelling.
Special services
The Airport Express, Metlink OnDemand, and Wellington Harbour Ferry have special set fares and various payment options.
Paying with Snapper
Snapper is a stored value card for Metlink buses and trains. A variety of passes are available when using Snapper.
Paying with Cash
Regular Metlink buses and trains don't have EFTPOS on board, and there are no ticket vending machines on train platforms.
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.
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.
Choosing a ticket that works for you
If you're doing just a couple of short trips within the city centre, paying with cash is your best bet. If you're here for the whole day and you've got lots you want to see, a Metlink Explorer Day Pass will likely be your cheapest option.
Here for more than a couple days? You may benefit from getting a Snapper card, as it gives you the best discounts on bus and train fares. Snapper retail outlets are located all around the city.
There are discounted fares for children and free off-peak travel for anyone travelling with a SuperGold card.
If you'd like more information or advice on which ticket to use, you can call or email our Metlink Contact Centre and they'll help you out.
Sales of paper tickets ended on 31 December 2022, however you can still buy cash tickets on board.
Remaining trips on rail paper 10-trip tickets are currently still accepted on board, however 10-trip tickets, event tickets, and paper monthly passes are no longer sold. The last day for upcycling 10-trip tickets for a Snapper top-up was 5 February 2023.
Train ticket offices have closed. Wellington Station ticket window no longer sells paper tickets, only Snapper cards.
Concessions
Only one concession can be loaded on to your Snapper card at a time. Multiple concessions can't be used on the same journey, however the off-peak discount applies to all Snapper fares, including concessions.
- On buses: Cash fares aren't eligible for concessions or discounts, except for child fares.
- On trains & ferries: Single Child fares and single Accessible concession fares can be purchased on board with cash.
- Concessions do not apply to Metlink Explorer day passes.
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.
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. Accessibility 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 by about 40%.
Using cash
On trains and ferries, you can purchase a single Accessible concession ticket with cash. Cash fares on buses are not eligible for the Accessible concession.
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
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
Tertiary Concession
Eligible full-time tertiary students receive a 25% discount on peak adult Snapper fares.
Eligible full-time tertiary students receive a 25% discount on peak adult Snapper fares. Off-peak fares(external link) get a further 50% discount when using Snapper and 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.
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)
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)
- 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)
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 the Child Concession has been applied(external link) to the card. Green Snapper cards(external link) already have the child concession 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.
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.
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. See Snapper website for more information.
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 28 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. See Snapper website for more information.
You can drop into a Snapper Service Centre(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.
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)
SuperGold
SuperGold cardholders ride free weekdays 9am to 3pm, weekdays after 6:30pm, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
*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.
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.
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.
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.
Community Connect Concession
Discounted fares with Snapper for Community Services Card (CSC) holders. This concession will be launched 1 July 2023.
The Community Connect Concession is a 50% discount on adult fares for Community Service cardholders from 1 July 2023 and will only be applied against a Snapper card for travel on buses and trains.
Since Snapper isn't accepted on the Harbour Ferries, this concession will apply to ferry tickets (including 10-trip tickets) purchased with cash or EFTPOS. You won't need to show your Community Services Card when buying your ticket at the ticket office, but you will be asked to show it when using or buying your ticket on board.
Exclusions
Community Connect Concession will not apply to:
- Cash fares on buses and trains
- Snapper 30 day passes
- Metlink Explorer day passes
- Snapper Green (child) cards
How to apply
Applications for this concession have not opened yet.
When applications open, you'll be able to visit the Snapper website(external link) to load the concession on to your card. To apply for the concession, you will need:
- Your valid Community Services Card
- Your red Snapper card
Other concessions
Māori Wardens wearing a uniform travel free on buses and trains to, from and during work by showing their Warden Warrant Card.
Rugby fans can travel to and from Hurricanes home games at Sky Stadium for free this season on Metlink trains and buses, thanks to a recently signed ticketing partnership.
By showing a match ticket or Hurricanes membership card to train crew and bus drivers on game day, passage is free on timetabled Metlink trains and buses.
The Hurricanes / Metlink ticketing partnership applies for the following regular season games:
- Hurricanes vs Waratahs, Friday 17 March 2023.
- Hurricanes vs Chiefs, Saturday 15 April 2023.
- Hurricanes vs Brumbies, Friday 28 April 2023.
- Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika 13 May 2023.
- Hurricanes vs Crusaders, Saturday 3 June 2023.
Metlink buses, trains and ferries will be free on game days to match ticket holders. Does not include Metlink On Demand or Total Mobility trips.
Transfers
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'.
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
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.