Getting Around

The bus system in Auckland is operated by Auckland Transport and offers a wide network of routes throughout the city and its suburbs. The bus system is generally reliable but can be affected by traffic congestion during peak hours. Buses run frequently during peak hours and less frequently during off-peak hours.

The InnerLink (green bus) and OuterLink (orange bus) buses operate in a circular route and stop at all major tourist attractions, shopping centres, and transport hubs. The InnerLink covers the central city, while the Outer Link covers the suburbs. Both buses operate every 10-15 minutes, and you can hop on and off at any stop along the way.

If you need to get around the city centre quickly, then the CityLink bus (red bus) is the way to go. This bus runs every 10-15 minutes and does a loop from Wynyard Quarter to Britomart, up Queen Street and Auckland Town Hall to Karangahape Road along to Myers Park, Pitt Street and back down Queen Street toward Wynyard Quarter. 

The TāmakiLink (blue bus) is the easiest way to get to the Eastern Bays from the city centre. This route travels along Tāmaki Drive from Britomart, passing Spark Arena toward Okahu Bay, Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s, Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach, St Heliers Bay and Glen Innes. 

View route map of the CityLink, InnerLink, OuterLink and TāmakiLink

If you need to get to the North Shore, then the NX1 and NX2 buses are a great option. These buses operate every 10-15 minutes and connects the city centre to the North Shore suburbs. Full-size bicycles and electric bikes can be taken on NX1 buses fitted with bike racks.

If you're a tourist in Auckland, then the Auckland Explorer Bus is a great option to explore the city's attractions. This hop-on, hop-off bus operates every 30 minutes and covers all major tourist spots in the city, including the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, and the waterfront.

To help you plan your journey, check out Auckland Transport's full timetables and guides available for all public transport services.

From the airport to the CBD
To travel via public transport, the orange AirportLink bus service carries passengers between Auckland Airport, Puhinui Station and Manukau Bus Station.

Puhinui Station connects to the wider public transport network, so you can travel to and from Auckland Airport, from anywhere. You can get from the city centre all the way to Auckland Airport for $6.25.

• At Puhinui Station, you can catch a train to anywhere along the Southern Line and Eastern Line, getting you to Central, East and South Auckland.
• The AirportLink bus leaves from bus stop B at the Domestic terminal and bus stop A at the International terminal. Look out for the orange signage.
• AirportLink buses have room for your luggage on board and travel on bus priority lanes to both the Domestic and International Airport Terminals.

Find out more about public transport Airport Services.

SkyDrive (operated by Ritchies Transport) offers an express shuttle service between Auckland Airport and SkyCity in Central Auckland.

The first bus leaves the SkyCity bus terminal at 5.00am, direct to the airport. Buses run every 30 minutes with the last bus from the domestic terminal at 22.30pm. Buses leave from bus stop A at the domestic terminal. Tickets may be purchased directly from the bus driver (card payment only), or via the SkyDrive website.

Auckland has an extensive train network that connects the suburbs to the city centre. The trains operate every 10-15 minutes, and you can use your AT HOP card or a contactless payment method to travel on them. 

For full details, we recommend you plan your journey using the AT JOURNEY PLANNER or the AT MOBILE APP to find the best route possible, as well as the most recent updates on bus and train services in real time. 

Click to view the FULL TRAIN NETWORK MAP.

Situated in the lively heart of Auckland, the Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal takes centre stage as the vibrant hub for all Waitematā Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf ferry services.

This bustling terminal acts as the gateway to a world of captivating destinations that await across the shimmering waters. Whether you're yearning to uncover the irresistible charm of Devonport or longing to indulge in the breathtaking beauty of Waiheke, the possibilities are endless. 

Explore the Auckland Transport Ferry Timetable, covering 13 different routes, to find a ferry that works with your schedule.

Operated primarily by Fullers, the ferries ply numerous routes —check out the various routes and let your imagination soar!

If you want to explore Auckland on two wheels, Auckland has several cycle lanes and shared paths that make it easy to cycle around the city. You can rent a bike from several rental companies located around the city. 

Check out Auckland's cycle network maps for more details.