Getting from Auckland Airport to Auckland City (and return)
Auckland Airport is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, handling both international and domestic flights. If you arrive from abroad, this is most likely where you’ll land. But unless you plan to stay in a hotel located close to the airport, you’ll need to know how to get from Auckland Airport to the city center.
Auckland Airport is surrounded by green fields and the Manukau Harbour and is located between Auckland City and Manukau City.
Buses from Auckland Airport to the City
Regular buses serve Auckland city center. Airbus Express service departs the airport every 10 minutes during day time (every 30 minutes during evenings and nights) and connects to the waterfront Downtown Ferry Terminal. In both directions it stops outside the Mt. Eden train station. You can buy the tickets directly from the driver or online . Single fare is NZ$16. Adult return ticket is NZ$26.
Airbus Express operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The MXX website is where you can find all the information needed for getting between the hotel/hostel and the airport. Just search for the name of the hotel/hostel and you’ll be given the directions from the bus station closest to the accommodation.
>>read more about Bus Travel in New Zealand
Taxis and shuttles from Auckland Airport to the City
The airport licenses specific taxi and shuttle companies to ensure that the passengers get a high standard service. You can take any taxi to get to the airport but to get from the airport to the city, you can only take one of the licensed taxis. A list of the companies is here.
Indicated fares are NZ$60 – NZ$80 from the airport to the city if you choose a taxi andNZ$33 per person (plus NZ$8 for each extra person together in the same group) if you choose a shuttle.
Taxi and shuttle ranks are located outside the arrivals area (door 8 ) at the international terminal and outside the luggage collection area (door 4) at the domestic terminal.
Driving from Auckland Airport to the City
You can rent a car at the airport and drive to the city center. The drive time between Auckland Airport and Auckland City center is about 45 min (according to the official website).
To get from the city center to the airport, take the Gilles Ave exit on the southern motorway and follow the signs to Auckland Airport.
The interactive map below pinpoints the airport and allows you to get the directions from your location to Auckland Airport.