How to get around Wellington

Wide of Bond Street in Wellington, with two yellow buses driving down the road.

Public transport

Buses and trains

Wellington has an extensive public transport system that is well-used by locals. Buses and trains can get you around the city, suburbs, and wider region.

There is also the East by West Ferry that takes you across Wellington Harbour, from Queen’s Wharf in the city across to Eastbourne in Lower Hutt.

Metlink has an easy-to-use journey planner, getting you from A to B using all of the city’s transport options.

Airport Express (AX)

If you’ve arrived by plane, one of the easiest ways to access the city is via the airport bus. The Airport Express (AX) runs every 10 to 20 minutes, seven days a week. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, and airport buses have wifi, USB charging, and luggage racks.

Paying for your bus journey

Paying for your journey is easier and more convenient with a Snapper card. They can be purchased from the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre or various convenience stores. Top up and tap your card on and off each mode of transport.

You can also pay for your Metlink bus journey using a contactless debit/credit card or mobile device through Apple Pay/Google Pay (fees apply).

Looking into the Cable Car tunnel, with green LED lights lighting the inside and the 2 Cable cars meet in the middle of the tracks side by side.

Wellington Cable Car

As well as being a tourist attraction, the Cable Car is mainly used as a mode of transport. The red cars take passengers from the hills of leafy Kelburn to the heart of bustling Lambton Quay. A number of attractions are located at or near the top of the Cable Car (including the Wellington Botanic Garden, Space Place, Zealandia, and Cable Car Museum). It’s a great way to bundle a number of activities together.

Walking

One of the best ways to explore Wellington is by foot. The central city is only two kilometres across, meaning you can walk from one side to the other in around 30 minutes (not accounting for any coffee stops along the way). Grab a downtown map from the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre, and get to know the capital on your own two feet.

Cycling

Wellington has an abundance of cycle lanes, so pedalling around the city is another great transport option. There are many bike hire businesses. Switched On Bikes operates from Queens Wharf and has both regular and e-bikes for hire. Fergs Kayaks also offers bikes on the waterfront. For an on-the-go option, Beam and Flamingo have electric bike and scooter share services. These are easily hired via mobile apps.

2 people walking down Cuba street underneath signs overhead.

Two cyclists are riding e-bikes along the walkway at Oriental Bay in Wellington.

2 people walking across the rainbow crossing on Cuba street, next to the rainbow umbrella.

The corner of Cuba Street and Vivian Street in Te Aro, Wellington on a cold overcast day.

Taxis and rideshare

Taxis are plentiful in the city, with multiple companies operating. They can be booked in advance or found in taxi ranks. Ride-share services like Uber also operate around Wellington and have a designated area at the airport.

Vehicles

If you have a private or hire vehicle, parking is available around the city. Alongside private parking buildings, on-street parking is available and is metred with time limits.

Car shares are available on demand for daily or hourly hire. Mevo and Cityhop have designated parking spaces and easy-to-use apps for hiring vehicles.

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Getting around Wellington