How to travel from Nelson to Wellington, New Zealand
The distance between Nelson and Wellington is around 148km (92 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 1hr.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Nelson to Wellington by plane, car, ferry and bus. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Wellington → Nelson if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Nelson (NSN) to Wellington (WLG).
- Duration1hr
- Flight time35min
- Typical costNZ$145($88)
+ 1 othersBus and Ferry
Take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central.
- Duration5h 20m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$90($56)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington.
- Duration5h 15m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$88($54)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Nelson and Wellington
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Nelson to Wellington by plane, car, ferry and bus. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$88 ($54) and will take around 5h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 1hr, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$145 ($88).
The distance between Nelson and Wellington is around 148km (92 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 125km (78 miles)
It takes around 1hr to get from Nelson and Wellington by plane.
The quickest way to get from Nelson to Wellington is to fly which takes around 1hr and will set you back approx NZ$145 ($88).
The cheapest way to travel between Nelson and Wellington is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$88 ($54) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Nelson and Wellington. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Wellington (WLG). instead which will take 1hr.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Nelson and Wellington. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Wellington (WLG). instead which will take 1hr.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Nelson and Wellington. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and arrive at Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 35min.
Yes there is a direct flight between Nelson and Wellington with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 35min.
Air New Zealand and Sounds Air fly between Nelson and Wellington. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and and arrive into Wellington (WLG). These flights usually take around 35min.
The flight from Nelson to Wellington typically takes around 35min. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and and arrive into Wellington (WLG).
The closest major airport to Wellington is Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) which is approximately 5km (3 miles) from Wellington. Paraparaumu Airport (PPQ) (PPQ) and Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) 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 Nelson to Wellington. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Wellington (WLG). instead which will take 1hr.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Nelson to Wellington is to fly which takes, on average, 1hr and will usually cost around NZ$145 ($88).
Compare travel optionsbetween Nelson and Wellington
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly | 1hr | NZ$145($88) | every 20 mins | 148km (92 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 5h 20m | NZ$90($56) | 4 times a week | 242km (150 miles) |
| Bus to Picton, Ferry | 5h 55m | NZ$95($59) | 4 times a week | 242km (150 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 5h 15m | NZ$88($54) | every 20 mins | 207km (129 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Nelson and Wellington
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Ferry operators
Airports near Wellington
The following major airports near Wellington offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 5km (3 miles) from Wellington
Paraparaumu Airport (PPQ)
- Distance
- 46km (29 miles) from Wellington
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
- Distance
- 69km (43 miles) from Wellington