How to travel from Christchurch to Nelson, New Zealand

There are several options for getting from Christchurch to Nelson by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$80 ($49) and will take around 7h 10m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 5h 5m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$95 ($57).

The distance between Christchurch and Nelson is around 416km (258 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 257km (160 miles)

It takes around 6h 55m to get from Christchurch and Nelson by train and bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 5m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Christchurch to Nelson is to drive which takes around 5h 5m and will set you back approx NZ$95 ($57).

The cheapest way to travel between Christchurch and Nelson, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$80 ($49) for a standard one-way ticket.

There is no train service that runs between Christchurch and Nelson. We recommend that you drive to Nelson. instead which will take 5h 5m.

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Christchurch and Nelson. It typically takes around 7h 10m and departs 4 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Christchurch to Nelson. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Blenheim. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 7h 10m.

InterCity run regular bus services between Christchurch and Nelson. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 7h 10m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Christchurch to Nelson. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then take the bus to Nelson. instead which will take 6h 55m.

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.

Yes it is possible to drive from Christchurch and Nelson. The distance is around 416km (258 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 5m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Christchurch to Nelson is to take the train and then take the bus which takes, on average, 6h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$195 ($120).