How to travel from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

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.

3 routes found

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 PassOamaru if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Christchurch and then to Arthur's Pass.

  • Duration6h 60m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    NZ$80($49)
Operated by

Atomic Travel

2
bus
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train
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Bus and Train

Take the bus to Christchurch then take the train to Arthurs Pass.

  • Duration6h 35m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    NZ$160($100)
Operated by

Multiple operators

🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Arthur’s Pass.

  • Duration4h 10m
  • Distance338km (210 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Oamaru and Arthur's Pass

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.

Train travel

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.

Bus travel

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.

Flights and Airlines

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.

Drive yourself

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).

How do I get from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass

Compare travel optionsbetween Oamaru and Arthur's Pass

Transport options from Oamaru to Arthur's Pass
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
6h 60m
NZ$80($49)
once daily402km (250 miles)
Bus and Train
6h 35m
NZ$160($100)
once daily389km (242 miles)
Drive
4h 10m
NZ$95($58)
on demand338km (210 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Oamaru and Arthur's Pass

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Arthur's Pass

The following major airports near Arthur's Pass offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.

HKK
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
54km (33 miles) from Arthur's Pass
CHC
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
International Airport
Distance
100km (62 miles) from Arthur's Pass
WSZ
Westport Airport (WSZ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
134km (83 miles) from Arthur's Pass