How to travel from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim, New Zealand

The distance between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim is around 396km (246 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 5hrs.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BlenheimArthur's Pass if you're planning a return trip.

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Train

Take the train to Christchurch and then to Blenheim.

  • Duration7h 15m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$260($160)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Christchurch and then to Blenheim.

  • Duration8h 20m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    NZ$88($54)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Blenheim.

  • Duration5hrs
  • Distance396km (246 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim

There are several options for getting from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$88 ($54) and will take around 8h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 5hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$88 ($54).

The distance between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim is around 396km (246 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 253km (157 miles)

It takes around 7h 15m to get from Arthur's Pass and Blenheim by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5hrs to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim is to drive which takes around 5hrs and will set you back approx NZ$88 ($54).

The cheapest way to travel between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$88 ($54) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim. It typically takes around 7h 15m and departs 4 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Christchurch. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 7h 15m.

KiwiRail TranzAlpine and KiwiRail run train services between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim. Trains depart 4 times a week and will take around 7h 15m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Arthur's Pass and Blenheim. It typically takes around 8h 20m and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 8h 20m.

Atomic Travel and InterCity run regular bus services between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim. Buses run once daily and take around 8h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim. We recommend that you take the train to Christchurch and then to Blenheim. instead which will take 7h 15m.

The closest major airport to Blenheim is Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Blenheim. Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) and Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Arthur's Pass and Blenheim. The distance is around 396km (246 miles) by road and it will take around 5hrs in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim is to take the train which takes, on average, 7h 15m and will usually cost around NZ$260 ($160).

How do I get from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim

Compare travel optionsbetween Arthur's Pass and Blenheim

Transport options from Arthur's Pass to Blenheim
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
7h 15m
NZ$260($160)
4 times a week452km (281 miles)
Bus
8h 20m
NZ$88($54)
once daily467km (290 miles)
Drive
5hrs
NZ$88($54)
on demand396km (246 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Arthur's Pass and Blenheim

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Blenheim

The following major airports near Blenheim offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.

BHE
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
Domestic Airport
Distance
7km (4 miles) from Blenheim
PCN
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
19km (12 miles) from Blenheim
WLG
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
International Airport
Distance
74km (46 miles) from Blenheim