Tickets and fares
Metlink’s new fares, with new concessions for children and young adults, started Friday 1 September 2023, bringing ‘half price fares for all’ to an end.
The move is in alignment with the fare changes outlined in the Government's 2023 Budget announcement in May. The Community Connect Scheme includes discounts for youth and Community Services cardholders.
What do you need to do?
Adult fares (base fares) return to full-price from 1 September 2023.
All concessions and discounts are set against the full-price adult fares. Off-peak discount on Snapper fares continue at 50% of the peak fares, including for concessions.
Fares & Concessions from 1 September
| Group | Fare type | Discount | You need | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 years | Under 5 | Free travel (100% discount) | Nothing - no Snapper card required | |
| 5 to 12 years | Under 13 | Free travel pass (100% discount) | Green Snapper card with Under 13 Free Pass loaded | Part of the Community Connect Scheme |
| 13 to 18 years or still at secondary school | Child | 75% discount | Green Snapper card | Part of the Community Connect Scheme |
| 19 to 24 years | Young Adult (Connect) | 50% discount | Red Snapper card with Young Adult Concession loaded | Part of the Community Connect Scheme |
| 25 - 64 years | Adult | Full fare (Half-price fares end) | Red Snapper card | |
| 65+ | SuperGold | Free off-peak travel for SuperGold cardholders | Peak travel requires a paid fare with Snapper or cash | Part of NZ Superannuation |
| Community Services cardholder | Community Connect Concession | 50% discount | Red Snapper card with Connect Concession loaded | Part of the Community Connect Scheme |
| Persons with disabilities | Accessible Concession | 50% discount | Total Mobility card or Red Snapper card with Accessible Concession loaded | |
| Full-time Tertiary Students | Tertiary Concession | 25% discount | Red Snapper card with Tertiary Concession applied |
Existing concessions, such as Accessible, Tertiary and Community Connect will continue as usual, but the discount will be based on the full-price adult Snapper fares. For travel after 1 September, use the Find your fare(external link) page to check concession eligibility and your best fare type.
Off-peak discount will also continue as usual.
The new fares apply to the following services:
- All Metlink buses (including Airport Express, school and after midnight buses with a Snapper card)
- All Metlink trains (with a Snapper card)
- All Metlink ferry services (on all payment options)
The new Metlink fares do not apply to:
- On demand services
- Total Mobility scheme taxis
More information
- Additional support and assistance is available on 0800 801 700.
Greater Wellington remains committed to providing affordable and accessible public transportation services throughout the Wellington region.
Will there be changes to existing Concessions for specific groups?
Existing concessions, such as Accessible, Tertiary and Community Connect will continue as usual, but the discount will be based on the full-price adult Snapper fares. For travel after 1 September, use the Find your fare page to check concession eligibility and your best fare type.
Do the new concessions apply for peak and off-peak travel?
Yes.
Since the new fares are age-based, am I required to carry an ID?
- ID is not required to be carried for 5 to 12-year-olds
- ID must be carried for 13 to 24-year-olds
Are there free Snapper cards available for the new fares?
No, free Snapper cards are not available during this change. You can purchase a Snapper card at one of the Snapper retailers across the region, or online at snapper.co.nz
What happens if I have not applied for a concession?
If you qualify for a concession but choose not to apply, the full price fares will apply.
If I qualify for a free fare what happens to my existing credit, do I get credit back?
Any excess credit will not be refunded. We suggest that children between the ages of 5 to 12 use their remaining Snapper credit before 1 September, including 30-day passes. However, it is important that they keep enough credit to cover for any normal child fares that may occur if they do not tag off when travelling after 1 September.
How do I know if my concession has been loaded?
If your concession has been loaded, you will get a double beep sound when your tag on and tag off. For more information, visit Snapper.co.nz(external link)
How do I know if my concession or pass has expired?
If your Snapper card is registered, you'll get a reminder that your expiry date is approaching. See the details of your concession below for details about expiry dates and reminders.
Can I tag on multiple users?
- Bus: All passengers, except for 5 to 12-year-olds with a Free Pass on their Green Snapper card, can tag on other passengers.
- Train: Snapper card readers on the platforms can't tag on multiple people. Each passenger needs their own Snapper card.
Why do I need to tag on/off if I have a free fare pass?
Tag on and tag off is required for the ticketing system to recognise the free travel pass and not charge a fare.
Tagging on and off gives Metlink valuable information to understand where our community is travelling which allows us to ensure that we have sufficient services in place now and in the future. In addition, tagging on and off provides us with the information we need to ensure we are reimbursed by the Government for the free fare travel.
Where tag off does not take place, an amount equivalent to the standard child fare will be charged when you next tag on.
How do I get assistance?
Detailed information about the new fares and on how to apply for them can be found on the Metlink and Snapper(external link) websites. Additional support and assistance is available over the phone on 0800 801 700.
How much is my new fare?
You can use the Journey Planner to see the fare for your journey. Set your fare type in your MyMetlink preferences, or in the options in the journey planner results page.
Journey Planner
Metlink 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).
(external link)
Snapper(external link) is the 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 concession(external link) onto your Snapper card, or get a day pass or 30 day pass.
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
- 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.
- SuperGold cardholders don't ride free during peak hours.
- The Community Connect Scheme*(external link) is inclusive of youth discounts and Community Service Card holders.
- 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.
| Zones | Adult | Tertiary | Accessible | Connect* | Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.84 | $1.38 | $0.92 | $0.92 | $0.46 |
| 2 | $3.02 | $2.27 | $1.51 | $1.51 | $0.76 |
| 3 | $4.03 | $3.02 | $2.02 | $2.02 | $1.01 |
| 4 | $4.52 | $3.39 | $2.26 | $2.26 | $1.13 |
| 5 | $5.52 | $4.14 | $2.76 | $2.76 | $1.38 |
| 6 | $7.02 | $5.27 | $3.51 | $3.51 | $1.76 |
| 7 | $7.96 | $5.97 | $3.98 | $3.98 | $1.99 |
| 8 | $8.89 | $6.67 | $4.45 | $4.45 | $2.22 |
| 9 | $10.04 | $7.53 | $5.02 | $5.02 | $2.51 |
| 10 | $11.03 | $8.27 | $5.52 | $5.52 | $2.76 |
| 11 | $12.64 | $9.48 | $6.32 | $6.32 | $3.16 |
| 12 | $13.58 | $10.19 | $6.79 | $6.79 | $3.40 |
| 13 | $14.98 | $11.24 | $7.49 | $7.49 | $3.75 |
| 14 | $15.95 | $11.96 | $7.98 | $7.98 | $3.99 |
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 start your trip 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.
-
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.
*The Community Connect Scheme(external link) includes youth discounts and the Community Service Card holders.
| Zones | Adult | Tertiary | Accessible | Connect* | Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.92 | $0.69 | $0.46 | $0.46 | $0.23 |
| 2 | $1.51 | $1.14 | $0.76 | $0.76 | $0.38 |
| 3 | $2.02 | $1.51 | $1.01 | $1.01 | $0.51 |
| 4 | $2.26 | $1.70 | $1.13 | $1.13 | $0.57 |
| 5 | $2.76 | $2.07 | $1.38 | $1.38 | $0.69 |
| 6 | $3.51 | $2.64 | $1.76 | $1.76 | $0.88 |
| 7 | $3.98 | $2.99 | $1.99 | $1.99 | $1.00 |
| 8 | $4.45 | $3.34 | $2.23 | $2.23 | $1.11 |
| 9 | $5.02 | $3.77 | $2.51 | $2.51 | $1.26 |
| 10 | $5.52 | $4.14 | $2.76 | $2.76 | $1.38 |
| 11 | $6.32 | $4.74 | $3.16 | $3.16 | $1.58 |
| 12 | $6.79 | $5.10 | $3.40 | $3.40 | $1.70 |
| 13 | $7.49 | $5.62 | $3.75 | $3.75 | $1.88 |
| 14 | $7.98 | $5.98 | $3.99 | $3.99 | $2.00 |
Default fares for Snapper
If you forget to tag off, you will be charged a default fare (penalty). 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. Free passes will still be charged default fares if you forget to tag off.
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 $10 for adults, with applicable concessions for eligible groups.
- Tag on at all other Stations: the amount charged is a Snapper fare for the longest possible travel from the tag on Station to a maximum of $10 for adults, $2.50 for children, $5 for passengers with Accessible, Community Connect and Young Adult concessions, and $7.50 for passengers with Tertiary Concession.
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.
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.
| Number of zones | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $55.20 | $13.80 |
| 2 | $90.60 | $22.80 |
| 3 | $120.90 | $30.30 |
| 4 | $135.60 | $33.90 |
| 5 | $165.60 | $41.40 |
| 6 | $210.60 | $52.80 |
| 7 | $238.80 | $59.70 |
| 8 | $266.70 | $66.60 |
| 9 | $301.20 | $75.30 |
| 10 | $330.90 | $82.80 |
| 11 | $379.20 | $94.80 |
| 12 | $407.40 | $102.00 |
| 13 | $449.40 | $112.50 |
| 14 | $478.50 | $119.70 |
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.
| Pass | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day pass Wellington | Zones 1-3 | $161.40 |
| 30-day pass Eastbourne | Zones 1-3, and routes 81, 83, 84, N88) | $215.20 |
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.
- 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.
| Pass | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1-3 | All of Wellington City, including Johnsonville, Airport Express | $11.00 |
| Zones 1-7 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay | $16.00 |
| Zones 1-10 | Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast to Waikanae | $22.00 |
| Zones 1-14* | Entire Metlink regional network, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast, and Wairarapa | $27.00 |
*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.
- Concessions do not apply to Kāpiti Combo tickets.
| Waikanae Combo Ticket – 2 zones (between zones 9 and 10) | $8.00 |
| Otaki Combo Ticket – 5 zones (between zones 9 and 13) | $13.00 |
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.
Off-peak discount does not apply to cash fares.
You can only buy single cash tickets for buses and trains on board. Regular Metlink buses and trains don't have EFTPOS or contactless payment. There are no ticket booths or ticket vending machines for buses or trains.
- 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. Otherwise, the Child cash fare applies.
- On Airport Express - Special fares apply.
- On Ferries - Special fares apply.
- On Trains - Single cash accessible tickets can be purchased on board.
- On Buses - Cash fares are not eligible for concessions or discounts.
- 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.
| Number of zones | Adult (19+) | Child (5 to 18) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.50 | $1.00 |
| 2 | $4.00 | $1.00 |
| 3 | $5.50 | $1.50 |
| 4 | $6.00 | $1.50 |
| 5 | $7.00 | $2.00 |
| 6 | $9.00 | $2.50 |
| 7 | $10.00 | $2.50 |
| 8 | $11.50 | $3.00 |
| 9 | $13.00 | $3.50 |
| 10 | $14.00 | $3.50 |
| 11 | $16.00 | $4.00 |
| 12 | $17.00 | $4.50 |
| 13 | $19.00 | $5.00 |
| 14 | $20.00 | $5.00 |
Fares for special services
The Airport Express, Metlink OnDemand, and Wellington Harbour Ferry have special set fares and various payment options.
Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility is a New Zealand central government scheme offering subsided transport to those eligible who may need assistance using regular transport methods.
Concessions
Only one concession can be loaded on to your Snapper card at a time, however the off-peak discount applies to all Snapper fares, including concessions.
*The Community Connect Scheme(external link) is inclusive of all youth discounts and Community Service Card holders.
If you qualify for a concession, head to the Snapper website to apply the concession to your Snapper card.
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).
Under 13 Free Pass
You need a Green Snapper card for this concession. Children aged 5 to12 years old travel for free anytime on Metlink buses, trains (with a Green Snapper card) and on the ferry (with a free ferry ticket). ID is not required to be carried for 5 to 12-year-olds
Only one concession can be loaded on your card, and you can't multi tag on your friends. Each 5 to 12 year old needs their own green Snapper Card with Under 13 Free Pass applied to travel for free.
For the ferry, collect a Free Pass from staff onboard or from Queens Wharf.
Tag on and tag off for every trip
If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey, you will be charged a default fare. The default fare is the same as the standard child default fare (up to $2.50). If the default fare puts your card into a negative balance, your card won't work until you top up to at least a $0.00 balance. We recommend keeping a balance on your card
Pass expiry
On Snapper, the pass expires 180 days from first use - once it expires, the Green Snapper card defaults to the Child Fare. Snapper card readers (bus and train) will show a countdown 7 days before the pass expires to remind you to apply for another pass.
If the pass is not renewed, the standard Child Fare will be charged.
When using cash
When using cash, the standard child fare applies, which is a 75% discount from the adult cash fare. Fare may not be exactly 25% of the adult fare, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.
Apply for the Under 13 Free Pass
To add this concession to your Green Snapper card, apply on the Snapper website(external link) or call the Metlink Contact Centre on 0800 801 700.
Child Fare
Children 13 to18 years old, or older if still at secondary school, get a 75% discount on the adult fare (known as a Child Fare) on all Metlink services. ID must be carried for 13- to 24-year-olds.
You need Green Snapper card for this concession. Green Snapper cards already have a Child Fare concession applied for both buses and trains. The Child Fare concession is also available on the ferry when you pay using Cash or EFTPOS.
Some schools print their ID cards on Green Snapper cards. See Snapper website(external link) for more information. If you don’t have a student ID on your card, please make sure you carry it with you when you travel.
Only one concession can be loaded on your card, and you can multi tag on other travelers who are 13 to 18 years old.
Using cash
When using cash, the child fare is 25% of the adult cash fare, then rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.
Young Adult (Connect*) Concession
*The Community Connect Scheme(external link) is inclusive of all youth discounts, and the Community Service Card holders.
Young adults 19 to 24 years old (inclusive) get a 50% discount on the adult fare. ID must be carried for 13- to 24-year-olds.
You need a Red Snapper card for this concession. Load the concession to your card at Snapper.co.nz(external link) or by calling Metlink Contact Centre on 0800 801 700. Make sure to always carry ID with you when travelling on a concession.
Expiry
This is a concession that expires each year on the user's birthday. If the concession is not renewed, the standard Adult fare will be charged.
If your Snapper card is registered, you will receive a reminder in your email when your card is due to expire.
Community Connect Concession*
*The Community Connect Scheme(external link) is inclusive of all youth discounts, and the Community Service Card holders.
Community Services cardholders can get a 50% discount on adult fares when paying with a Snapper card. While travelling on the Community Connect Concession, have your Community Services card handy to show Metlink staff on request.
Once the concession is loaded on your Snapper card, a 50% discount will apply to all trips on Metlink buses and trains. When purchasing a Ferry ticket, let staff know that you have a Community Services card.
Your Community Connect Concession will apply for as long as you have a current Community Services card. When this card expires, you will need to reapply for the concession when you get a new Community Services card.
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 new 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, register your Community Services card on your Snapper card online at Snapper’s website.
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 Snapper card or receive a free Snapper card from Metlink while stocks last. To get your free Snapper card:
- fill out the online form or
- Call Metlink on 0800 801 700
Tertiary Concession
Eligible full-time tertiary students receive a 25% discount on peak adult Snapper fares. Off-peak fares get a further 50% discount when using Snapper and a Tertiary Concession. 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:
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)
- 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)
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
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 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
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.
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 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.
Other concessions
Māori Wardens wearing a uniform travel free on buses and trains to, from and during work by showing their Warden Warrant Card.
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.
More information about default fares.
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.
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.
Remaining trips on paper 10-trip tickets are still accepted on board. Any paper 10-trip tickets that were purchased during the 'half price fares' initiative will be clipped twice to cover the return to full-price fares from 1 September 2023.