How to travel from Russell to Picton, New Zealand
The distance between Russell and Picton is around 791km (492 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a ferry and then fly which takes around 3h 35m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Russell to Picton by ferry, plane, car, bus and train. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Picton → Russell if you're planning a return trip.
Ferry and Plane
Take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Blenheim (BHE).
- Duration3h 35m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$280($170)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Ferry, Bus and Train
Take a ferry to Paihia then take the bus to Auckland - Central then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton.
- Duration18h 50m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$340($205)
Multiple operators
Ferry and Bus
Take a ferry to Paihia then take the bus to Auckland - Central and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton.
- Duration18h 55m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$205($125)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton.
- Duration14h 20m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$315($195)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Russell and Picton
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Russell to Picton by ferry, plane, car, bus and train. The cheapest option is to take a ferry and then take the bus which costs around NZ$205 ($125) and will take around 18h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a ferry and then fly and arrive in approximately 3h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$280 ($170).
The distance between Russell and Picton is around 791km (492 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 671km (417 miles)
It takes around 4h 35m to get from Russell and Picton by ferry, plane and car.
The quickest way to get from Russell to Picton is to take a ferry and then fly which takes around 3h 35m and will set you back approx NZ$280 ($170).
The cheapest way to travel between Russell and Picton is to take a ferry and then take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$205 ($125) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Russell and Picton. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Blenheim (BHE). instead which will take 3h 35m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Russell and Picton. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Blenheim (BHE). instead which will take 3h 35m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Russell to Picton. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Nelson (NSN) then drive to Picton. instead which will take 4h 35m.
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
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Russell to Picton. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Nelson (NSN) then drive to Picton. instead which will take 4h 35m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Russell to Picton is to take a ferry, then fly and then drive which takes, on average, 4h 35m and will usually cost around NZ$340 ($205).
Compare travel optionsbetween Russell and Picton
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ferry and Plane + 1 similar | 3h 35m | NZ$280($170) | 4 times a week | 791km (492 miles) |
| Ferry, Plane and Car | 4h 35m | NZ$340($205) | every 10 mins | 858km (533 miles) |
Ferry, Bus and Train | 18h 50m | NZ$340($205) | 3 times a week | 1,012km (629 miles) |
Ferry and Bus | 18h 55m | NZ$205($125) | once daily | 1,005km (625 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 14h 20m | NZ$315($195) | 4 times a day | 991km (616 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Russell and Picton
Ferry operators
Fullers GreatSights
Explore Group
Airlines
Train operators
Airports near Picton
The following major airports near Picton offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
- Distance
- 7km (4 miles) from Picton
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 28km (17 miles) from Picton
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 67km (42 miles) from Picton