How to travel from Auckland to Nelson, New Zealand
The distance between Auckland and Nelson is around 531km (330 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 2h 30m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Auckland to Nelson by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Nelson → Auckland if you're planning a return trip.
Train and Plane
Take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Nelson (NSN).
- Duration2h 30m
- Flight time1h 25m
- Typical costNZ$285($175)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Train, Ferry and Bus
Take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson.
- Duration16h 25m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$325($200)
Multiple operators
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson.
- Duration16h 50m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$185($115)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Nelson.
- Duration12h 30m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$230($140)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Auckland and Nelson
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Auckland to Nelson by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to fly and then take the bus which costs around NZ$150 ($90) and will take around 3h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 2h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$285 ($175).
The distance between Auckland and Nelson is around 531km (330 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 508km (315 miles)
It takes around 2h 30m to get from Auckland and Nelson by train and plane.
The quickest way to get from Auckland to Nelson is to take the train and then fly which takes around 2h 30m and will set you back approx NZ$285 ($175).
The cheapest way to travel between Auckland and Nelson is to fly and then take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$150 ($90) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Auckland and Nelson. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 30m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Auckland and Nelson. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 30m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Auckland to Nelson. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 30m.
The closest major airport to Nelson is Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Nelson. Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) 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
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Auckland to Nelson. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Auckland to Nelson is to take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 2h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$285 ($175).
Compare travel optionsbetween Auckland and Nelson
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train and Plane + 1 similar | 2h 30m | NZ$285($175) | twice a week | 531km (330 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 3h 55m | NZ$150($90) | 4 times a week | 641km (398 miles) |
Train, Ferry and Bus | 16h 25m | NZ$325($200) | 3 times a week | 915km (569 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 16h 50m | NZ$185($115) | 4 times a week | 911km (566 miles) |
Car and Ferry + 1 similar | 12h 30m | NZ$230($140) | 4 times a day | 848km (527 miles) |
| Train, Ferry and Car | 15h 30m | NZ$325($200) | 3 times a week | 895km (556 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Auckland and Nelson
Train operators
AT Metro
Airlines
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Airports near Nelson
The following major airports near Nelson offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Nelson
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 56km (35 miles) from Nelson
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 128km (79 miles) from Nelson