Metlink buses connect central Wellington with neighbourhoods that the train network does not reach. For a first visit, the essentials are simple: check the live journey planner, choose a payment method, and tag on and off when the service requires it.
How to plan a Wellington bus trip
Use the official Metlink journey planner or Metlink app to find the current route, stop number, timetable and service alerts. Routes and schedules can change, so this is more reliable than a fixed list of bus numbers. Wellington Station's bus interchange and the Courtenay Place area are useful central points for many journeys.
Paying for a Metlink bus
Most Metlink buses accept a Snapper card, eligible contactless Visa or Mastercard payments, and cash. A Snapper card currently costs NZ$10 to buy; that is the card purchase price, not a refundable deposit or travel credit. It can be bought from participating retailers, online, at Wellington Station and at a vending machine at Wellington Airport. Add travel credit before boarding.
For ordinary bus and train trips, cash fares are at least 25% more than the equivalent Snapper fare. From 15 May 2026, eligible Snapper and contactless trips receive a 20% off-peak discount. Cash does not receive the off-peak discount or a free transfer. Some express routes are Snapper-only, so check the specific service before relying on cash.
Contactless bank cards and devices can be convenient for an adult visitor who does not want to buy a Snapper card. Check the current Metlink fare page for payment eligibility, concessions and any applicable fees.
Boarding, tagging and transfers
- Check the route, destination and stop number in the Metlink app or journey planner.
- At the stop, signal the approaching bus if required.
- Board at the front and tag on with Snapper or an eligible contactless payment method. If paying cash, tell the driver your destination.
- Press the stop button before your destination.
- On an ordinary Metlink bus, tag off with the same card or device when leaving. Forgetting to tag off can trigger a default fare.
Metlink's transfer rules depend on the services and payment method used. Use the same card or device for each leg and check the journey planner for the fare. A cash ticket does not include the same free transfer benefit.
Getting to Wellington Airport
The direct airport service is Airport Express, route AX, between Wellington Station and Wellington Airport. It is a separate service from regular route 2 and has its own flat fare. The AX accepts Snapper, eligible contactless payments and cash, but normal off-peak discounts and free transfers do not apply.
Pay attention to the reader: with a Snapper card, tag on and tag off. A contactless bank card used on the Snapper reader also needs to be tagged off. If you pay on the AX's separate contactless payment terminal at the front, tap once when boarding and do not tag off. Metlink distinguishes these two terminals on its official AX page.
At the time of this October 2026 check, the adult AX fare is NZ$9.23 with Snapper or NZ$12 by cash or contactless payment. Airport fares change, so confirm them on the official Airport Express page before travelling.
Useful routes for visitors
Route 2 serves Miramar, where Wētā Workshop Experiences is located. Wētā Workshop advises visitors to alight at stop 6240 on Darlington Road and walk a short distance to the Wētā Cave. For other destinations, search the place name in the Metlink journey planner rather than assuming an old route description is still correct.
Practical tips
- Allow extra time during peak periods and check live disruption notices.
- Weekend and evening frequency varies by route.
- Hold a rail when standing; Wellington's streets can be steep and winding.
- Use the stop number to check the next bus in the Metlink app.
- Keep luggage and bags clear of aisles and priority seating.
Fares and payment rules were checked in October 2026 against Metlink's tickets and fares and Snapper guidance. Check the latest official information before your trip.