How to travel from Franz Josef to Picton, New Zealand

The distance between Franz Josef and Picton is around 522km (324 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 6h 20m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Franz Josef to Picton by bus, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out PictonFranz Josef if you're planning a return trip.

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bus
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plane
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Bus and Plane

Take the bus to Hokitika then fly from Hokitika (HKK) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Picton.

  • Duration7hrs
  • Flight time1h 35m
  • Typical cost
    NZ$235($145)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
3 x bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Greymouth then Nelson and then to Picton.

  • Duration12hrs
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$110($67)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

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bus
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train
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train
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Bus and Train

Take the bus to Greymouth then take the train to Christchurch and then to Picton.

  • Duration14h 5m
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$305($185)
Operated by

Multiple operators

🚀 Fastest
4
car
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Drive

Drive to Picton.

  • Duration6h 20m
  • Distance522km (324 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Franz Josef and Picton

There are several options for getting from Franz Josef to Picton by bus, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$110 ($67) and will take around 12hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 6h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$115 ($71).

The distance between Franz Josef and Picton is around 522km (324 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 391km (243 miles)

It takes around 12hrs to get from Franz Josef and Picton by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 6h 20m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Franz Josef to Picton is to drive which takes around 6h 20m and will set you back approx NZ$115 ($71).

The cheapest way to travel between Franz Josef and Picton, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$110 ($67) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Franz Josef and Picton. We recommend that you drive to Picton. instead which will take 6h 20m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Franz Josef and Picton. It typically takes around 12hrs and departs 3 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Franz Josef to Picton. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Greymouth and Nelson. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 12hrs.

GreatSights and InterCity run regular bus services between Franz Josef and Picton. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 12hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Franz Josef to Picton. We recommend that you take the bus to Hokitika then fly from Hokitika (HKK) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Picton. instead which will take 7hrs.

The closest major airport to Picton is Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Picton. 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

Yes it is possible to drive from Franz Josef and Picton. The distance is around 522km (324 miles) by road and it will take around 6h 20m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Franz Josef to Picton is to take the bus which takes, on average, 12hrs and will usually cost around NZ$110 ($67).

How do I get from Franz Josef to Picton

Compare travel optionsbetween Franz Josef and Picton

Transport options from Franz Josef to Picton
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus and Plane + 1 similar
7hrs
NZ$235($145)
twice a week690km (429 miles)
Bus, Plane and Train10hrs
NZ$265($165)
3 times a week643km (400 miles)
Bus
12hrs
NZ$110($67)
3 times a week642km (399 miles)
Bus and Train
14h 5m
NZ$305($185)
3 times a week749km (465 miles)
Drive
6h 20m
NZ$115($71)
on demand522km (324 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Franz Josef and Picton

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Picton

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

PCN
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
7km (4 miles) from Picton
BHE
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
Domestic Airport
Distance
28km (17 miles) from Picton
WLG
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
International Airport
Distance
67km (42 miles) from Picton