How to travel from Invercargill to Nelson, New Zealand

The distance between Invercargill and Nelson is around 727km (452 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 30m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Invercargill to Nelson by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Invercargill (IVC) to Nelson (NSN).

  • Duration2h 30m
  • Flight time2h 10m
  • Typical cost
    NZ$500($305)

1 similiar route

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

💰 Cheapest
2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Christchurch then Blenheim and then to Nelson.

  • Duration18hrs
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$160($100)

1 similiar route

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

3
bus
+
train
+
bus
+

Bus and Train

Take the bus to Christchurch then take the train to Blenheim then take the bus to Nelson.

  • Duration17h 55m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$300($180)
Operated by

Multiple operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Nelson.

  • Duration11h 50m
  • Distance981km (610 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Invercargill and Nelson

There are several options for getting from Invercargill to Nelson by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$160 ($100) and will take around 18hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$500 ($305).

The distance between Invercargill and Nelson is around 727km (452 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 695km (432 miles)

It takes around 2h 30m to get from Invercargill and Nelson by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 11h 50m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Invercargill to Nelson is to fly which takes around 2h 30m and will set you back approx NZ$500 ($305).

The cheapest way to travel between Invercargill and Nelson, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$160 ($100) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Invercargill and Nelson. We recommend that you fly from Invercargill (IVC) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 30m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Invercargill and Nelson. It typically takes around 18hrs and departs 4 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Invercargill to Nelson. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch and Blenheim. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 18hrs.

InterCity, Catch-A-Bus South and Atomic Travel run regular bus services between Invercargill and Nelson. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 18hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Invercargill and Nelson. Flights depart from Invercargill (IVC) and arrive at Nelson (NSN) - via Christchurch (CHC). The flight takes around 2h 10m.

There is no direct flight from Invercargill to Nelson. There is however a flight that goes via Christchurch (CHC). This services will take at least 2h 30m (not including layover time).

The flight from Invercargill to Nelson typically takes around 2h 10m. Flights depart from Invercargill (IVC) and and arrive into Nelson (NSN).

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

Yes it is possible to drive from Invercargill and Nelson. The distance is around 981km (610 miles) by road and it will take around 11h 50m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Invercargill to Nelson is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$500 ($305).

How do I get from Invercargill to Nelson

Compare travel optionsbetween Invercargill and Nelson

Transport options from Invercargill to Nelson
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
2h 30m
NZ$500($305)
twice a week727km (452 miles)
Plane and Bus4h 15m
NZ$415($255)
4 times a week960km (597 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
18hrs
NZ$160($100)
4 times a week1,011km (628 miles)
Bus via Dunedin18h 5m
NZ$195($120)
once a week1,018km (633 miles)
Bus and Train
17h 55m
NZ$300($180)
4 times a week1,020km (634 miles)
Drive
11h 50m
NZ$220($135)
on demand981km (610 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Invercargill and Nelson

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Nelson

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

NSN
Nelson Airport (NSN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
6km (4 miles) from Nelson
BHE
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
Domestic Airport
Distance
56km (35 miles) from Nelson
WLG
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
International Airport
Distance
128km (79 miles) from Nelson