Travel by bus
You can get to and from the airport using Metro public transport services. There are a lot of buses that will help you connect to the city centre and heaps of other places around Christchurch.
Buses depart from the northern end of International Arrivals, next to the Novotel hotel (exit through Door 9).
Payment options and fares
Metro buses and ferries in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri now use Motu Move for payments and ticketing.
Motu Move payment options are:
Contactless payments with credit or debit card, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. When using contactless payments, tag on with the Motu Move card reader on the right as you board. You can only pay for one person per card or device.
A prepaid Motu Move card which can be picked up from participating retailers in Greater Christchurch. If you’re not in Christchurch, Motu Move cards can be ordered online for $10 per card. A minimum top-up of $5 is required to receive your card.
Metrocards and cash
Metrocards and cash are still accepted on Metro services but will be retired on 23 November 2026. From this date, you will no longer be able to use a Metrocard or cash to pay for fares on Metro services.
Cash tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. Customers should avoid paying with $20 notes or higher, due to limited cash float levels on buses.
See the Metro website for more information.
Fares
Child, youth, Community Services Card or SuperGold concessions are available when paying with Motu Move.
Community Service Card holders can also link their travel concession to contactless payments before arriving in Christchurch using the Motu Move website.
Free SuperGold hours on Christchurch buses are after 9am on weekdays and all day weekends and public holidays. Customers can show their SuperGold card to the driver when boarding during free travel hours.
All Motu Move payment options support fare caps and up to two free transfers within a 2-hour period to get to your destination. Make sure you always board using the same payment method to receive these benefits. All the details are on metro.co.nz.
Number 3 - Airport to Sumner, via Avonhead and City Centre
A regular bus service every 10 minutes all week, and every 15 minutes on weekends. Seven days a week. View timetable
Number 29 - Airport to City via Fendalton
A regular bus service every 30 minutes, available seven days a week.
Number 125 - Redwood to Westlake via Christchurch Airport
A regular bus service available seven days a week.
Number 8 - Port to Port (airport to Lyttelton)
A regular bus service every 10 minutes all week, and every 15 minutes on weekends. Seven days a week.
100% electric and zero emissions
Three electric buses are running on route 29, which operates between the Bus Interchange and Christchurch Airport, making route 29 Christchurch’s first wholly electric bus service.
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