The distance between Oamaru and Arthur's Pass is around 338km (210 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 4h 10m.
We've found 3 different ways to get from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass by 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 Arthur's Pass → Oamaru if you're planning a return trip.
Take the bus to Christchurch and then to Arthur's Pass.
Atomic Travel
Take the bus to Christchurch then take the train to Arthurs Pass.
Multiple operators
There are several options for getting from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$80 ($49) and will take around 6h 60m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 4h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$95 ($58).
The distance between Oamaru and Arthur's Pass is around 338km (210 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 245km (152 miles)
It takes around 6h 35m to get from Oamaru and Arthur's Pass by bus and train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 10m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass is to drive which takes around 4h 10m and will set you back approx NZ$95 ($58).
The cheapest way to travel between Oamaru and Arthur's Pass, 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 Oamaru and Arthur's Pass. We recommend that you drive to Arthur’s Pass. instead which will take 4h 10m.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Oamaru and Arthur's Pass. It typically takes around 6h 60m and departs once daily.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 6h 60m.
InterCity and Atomic Travel run regular bus services between Oamaru and Arthur's Pass. Buses run once daily and take around 6h 60m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch then take the train to Arthurs Pass. instead which will take 6h 35m.
The closest major airport to Arthur's Pass is Hokitika Airport (HKK) (HKK) which is approximately 54km (33 miles) from Arthur's Pass. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) and Westport Airport (WSZ) (WSZ) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Oamaru and Arthur's Pass. The distance is around 338km (210 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 10m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass is to take the bus and then take the train which takes, on average, 6h 35m and will usually cost around NZ$160 ($100).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bus | 6h 60m | NZ$80($49) | once daily | 402km (250 miles) |
Bus and Train | 6h 35m | NZ$160($100) | once daily | 389km (242 miles) |
Drive | 4h 10m | NZ$95($58) | on demand | 338km (210 miles) |
Atomic Travel
The following major airports near Arthur's Pass offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.