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

You can pay for your trip with Metro using:

A Metrocard (our local transit smartcard). You can pick one up at the Metroinfo Counter at the Bus Interchange when you arrive in the city, or at these handy locations across Greater Christchurch. Metrocards are not available at the airport or from the driver.

Contactless credit or debit card (Available on Route 29 only)

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.

Fares vary depending on how you pay. Metrocard and contactless card provide the lowest prices. Concessions (like Child, Youth and Community Services Card discounts) are also available, but only when using a Metrocard.

Free transfers apply within two hours on all payment options, making it easier to connect multiple bus trips to wherever you need to go. 

For the latest fare information or to plan your journey, visit metro.co.nz or call +64 (3) 366 8855.