How to travel from Auckland to Dunedin, New Zealand
The distance between Auckland and Dunedin is around 1,120km (696 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3h 15m.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Auckland to Dunedin by train, plane, bus, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Dunedin → Auckland if you're planning a return trip.
Train and Plane
Take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Dunedin (DUD).
- Duration3h 15m
- Flight time1h 50m
- Typical costNZ$205($125)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Dunedin.
- Duration19h 30m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$360($220)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Auckland and Dunedin
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Auckland to Dunedin by train, plane, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to take the train and then fly which costs around NZ$205 ($125) and will take around 3h 15m.
The distance between Auckland and Dunedin is around 1,120km (696 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,064km (661 miles)
It takes around 3h 15m to get from Auckland and Dunedin by train and plane.
The quickest way to get from Auckland to Dunedin is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3h 15m and will set you back approx NZ$205 ($125).
The cheapest way to travel between Auckland and Dunedin is to take the train and then fly which will typically cost around NZ$205 ($125) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Auckland and Dunedin. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Dunedin (DUD). instead which will take 3h 15m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Auckland and Dunedin. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Dunedin (DUD). instead which will take 3h 15m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Auckland to Dunedin. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Dunedin (DUD). instead which will take 3h 15m.
The closest major airport to Dunedin is Dunedin International Airport (DUD) (DUD) which is approximately 24km (15 miles) from Dunedin. Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Auckland to Dunedin. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Dunedin (DUD). instead which will take 3h 15m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Auckland to Dunedin is to take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 3h 15m and will usually cost around NZ$205 ($125).
Compare travel optionsbetween Auckland and Dunedin
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train and Plane + 1 similar | 3h 15m | NZ$205($125) | twice daily | 1,120km (696 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 7hrs | NZ$340($210) | once daily | 1,338km (832 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 19h 30m | NZ$360($220) | 4 times a day | 1,433km (890 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Auckland and Dunedin
Airlines
Train operators
AT Metro
Ferry operators
Airports near Dunedin
The following major airports near Dunedin offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
- Distance
- 24km (15 miles) from Dunedin
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 161km (100 miles) from Dunedin
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 167km (104 miles) from Dunedin