AKL to Auckland City Center
New Zealand
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Destination
Auckland CBD (SkyCity / Sky Tower)
Auckland city center
Fastest route
SkyDrive
coach · every 30min
Updated
Nov 2025
Verified info
Quick verdict
SkyDrive
Express shuttle bus running non‑stop between Auckland Airport (domestic & international terminals) and SkyCity coach terminal beside the Sky Tower in Auckland CBD, operating roughly 05:00–22:30 every day. Buses depart about every 30 minutes; buy tickets online or from the driver by card only (no cash).
Transport matrix
SkyDrive
30mExpress shuttle bus running non‑stop between Auckland Airport (domestic & international terminals) and SkyCity coach terminal beside the Sky Tower in Auckland CBD, operating roughly 05:00–22:30 every day. Buses depart about every 30 minutes; buy tickets online or from the driver by card only (no cash).
AirportLink + Southern/Eastern Line train
10-15mOrange AirportLink bus runs at least every 10 minutes between Auckland Airport and Puhinui Station, where frequent Southern and Eastern Line trains continue to Waitematā (Britomart) Station in Auckland CBD. Total journey is around 70–80 minutes, and you must use an AT HOP card on both bus and train services.
Bus 38 + Bus 30 (via Onehunga / central corridor)
20-30mLocal AT Metro bus 38 operates every 15–20 minutes between Auckland Airport and Onehunga via Māngere, where you can transfer to frequent Bus 30 towards the city. This is a slower, cheaper option with multiple stops and is best for budget travelers familiar with Auckland’s bus network.
Auckland licensed taxis
on-demandmMetered taxis are available 24/7 outside both terminals for direct travel to Auckland CBD, typically taking 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Useful for late‑night or door‑to‑door trips, but substantially more expensive than bus or bus+train options.
Uber / other app-based rideshares
on-demandmApp‑based rideshares such as Uber operate from designated pickup zones at Auckland Airport and run directly to Auckland CBD in about 25–40 minutes. Prices vary with demand and time of day, and are usually comparable to or slightly cheaper than regular taxis for solo travelers.
SkyDrive
Express shuttle bus running non‑stop between Auckland Airport (domestic & international terminals) and SkyCity coach terminal beside the Sky Tower in Auckland CBD, operating roughly 05:00–22:30 every day. Buses depart about every 30 minutes; buy tickets online or from the driver by card only (no cash).
AirportLink + Southern/Eastern Line train
Orange AirportLink bus runs at least every 10 minutes between Auckland Airport and Puhinui Station, where frequent Southern and Eastern Line trains continue to Waitematā (Britomart) Station in Auckland CBD. Total journey is around 70–80 minutes, and you must use an AT HOP card on both bus and train services.
Bus 38 + Bus 30 (via Onehunga / central corridor)
Local AT Metro bus 38 operates every 15–20 minutes between Auckland Airport and Onehunga via Māngere, where you can transfer to frequent Bus 30 towards the city. This is a slower, cheaper option with multiple stops and is best for budget travelers familiar with Auckland’s bus network.
Auckland licensed taxis
Metered taxis are available 24/7 outside both terminals for direct travel to Auckland CBD, typically taking 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Useful for late‑night or door‑to‑door trips, but substantially more expensive than bus or bus+train options.
Uber / other app-based rideshares
App‑based rideshares such as Uber operate from designated pickup zones at Auckland Airport and run directly to Auckland CBD in about 25–40 minutes. Prices vary with demand and time of day, and are usually comparable to or slightly cheaper than regular taxis for solo travelers.
Strikes · Night arrivals · Big luggage
coach
Express shuttle bus running non‑stop between Auckland Airport (domestic & international terminals) and SkyCity coach terminal beside the Sky Tower in Auckland CBD, operating roughly 05:00–22:30 every day. Buses depart about every 30 minutes; buy tickets online or from the driver by card only (no cash).
30m
bus
Local AT Metro bus 38 operates every 15–20 minutes between Auckland Airport and Onehunga via Māngere, where you can transfer to frequent Bus 30 towards the city. This is a slower, cheaper option with multiple stops and is best for budget travelers familiar with Auckland’s bus network.
20-30m
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