Capital city, New Zealand
Getting around Wellington
How to get around Wellington
The center is compact and walkable. Metlink buses and trains cover the region; the cable car and harbour ferry add scenic options. Cook Strait ferries leave for Picton.
Ways to get around Wellington
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metlink bus and train | About NZ$2–5 per trip with Snapper or contactless | Buses cover the center; trains to Hutt Valley and Kapiti |
| Wellington Cable Car | About NZ$5–10 return | Short climb from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Garden |
| Uber or taxi | About NZ$14–25 for 5 km | Fast and reliable at night |
| Interislander or Bluebridge ferry | From about NZ$60–120 foot passenger | About 3.5 hours to Picton; book ahead in summer |
Ride-hailing apps in Wellington
A 5 km ride costs about NZ$14–25 ($7.9–14.0).
- Taxis are metered and plentiful at the airport and Courtenay Place. Book on busy weekends and big events.
Arriving in Wellington
Wellington Airport (WLG)
Metlink Airport Express bus about NZ$5–10, 30 min to the center; taxi or Uber about NZ$25–40, 15–20 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not typical; e-scooters and bikes are common but hilly. Mopeds need a motorcycle licence.
- Driving: on the left. Drive up to 12 months on a valid foreign licence, with an IDP or approved translation if it isn't English.
- Onward travel in New Zealand: Most travelers rent a car or campervan. InterCity coaches link most towns, scenic trains run Auckland–Wellington and across the South Island, and ferries cross Cook Strait.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Wellington?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, DiDi.
What's the best way to get around Wellington?
The center is compact and walkable. Metlink buses and trains cover the region; the cable car and harbour ferry add scenic options. Cook Strait ferries leave for Picton.
How do I get from the airport to Wellington?
Metlink Airport Express bus about NZ$5–10, 30 min to the center; taxi or Uber about NZ$25–40, 15–20 min.
Is Wellington walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Wellington
Going to Wellington solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Wellington meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- InterCity coaches
- Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail)
- Interislander ferry
- Bluebridge ferry
- Metlink Wellington
- Wellington Airport
- WellingtonNZ
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.