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

The distance between Arthur's Pass and Twizel is around 373km (232 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 4h 25m.

2 routes found

We've found 2 different ways to get from Arthur's Pass to Twizel by bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

💰 Cheapest
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bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Christchurch and then to Twizel.

  • Duration7h 55m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$87($53)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

🚀 Fastest
2
car
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Drive

Drive to Twizel.

  • Duration4h 25m
  • Distance373km (232 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Arthur's Pass and Twizel

There are several options for getting from Arthur's Pass to Twizel by bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$87 ($53) and will take around 7h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 4h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$83 ($51).

The distance between Arthur's Pass and Twizel is around 373km (232 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 188km (117 miles)

It takes around 7h 55m to get from Arthur's Pass and Twizel by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 25m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Arthur's Pass to Twizel is to drive which takes around 4h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$83 ($51).

The cheapest way to travel between Arthur's Pass and Twizel, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$87 ($53) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Arthur's Pass and Twizel. We recommend that you drive to Twizel. instead which will take 4h 25m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Arthur's Pass and Twizel. It typically takes around 7h 55m and departs 4 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Arthur's Pass to Twizel. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 7h 55m.

Atomic Travel and InterCity run regular bus services between Arthur's Pass and Twizel. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 7h 55m 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 Twizel. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch and then to Twizel. instead which will take 7h 55m.

The closest major airport to Twizel is Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) which is approximately 85km (53 miles) from Twizel. Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) 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 Twizel. The distance is around 373km (232 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 25m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Arthur's Pass to Twizel is to take the bus which takes, on average, 7h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$87 ($53).

How do I get from Arthur's Pass to Twizel

Compare travel optionsbetween Arthur's Pass and Twizel

Transport options from Arthur's Pass to Twizel
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
7h 55m
NZ$87($53)
4 times a week440km (273 miles)
Drive
4h 25m
NZ$83($51)
on demand373km (232 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Arthur's Pass and Twizel

Bus companies

Airports near Twizel

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

WKA
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
Domestic Airport
Distance
85km (53 miles) from Twizel
TIU
Timaru Airport (TIU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
90km (56 miles) from Twizel
ZQN
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
International Airport
Distance
137km (85 miles) from Twizel