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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Wellington to Picton
Showing times and prices for May 17
Cheapest price
$171
Average price
$171
Fastest journey
3 h 29 m
Average duration
3 h 30 m
Ferries per day
2
Distance
65 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Wellington to Picton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wellington to Picton will cost around $171 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $171.
Fast ferries
Of the 2 ferries that leave Wellington for Picton on Sun, May 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct ferries cover the 65 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest ferries will take 3 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Bluebridge8:30 PM3h29Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal)11:59 PMPicton$1711One-way0 transfers- Bluebridge8:15 AM3h30Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal)11:45 AMPicton$1711One-way0 transfers
- Bluebridge8:30 PM3h29Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal)11:59 PMPicton$1711One-way0 transfers
- Bluebridge8:15 AM3h30Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal)11:45 AMPicton$1711One-way0 transfers
Wellington to Picton Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Bluebridge | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 3h45 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Bluebridge | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 3h29 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Bluebridge | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 3h30 | Sailing Days Wed, Thu |
Operator Interislander | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 3h30 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Interislander | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Interislander | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 3h30 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Interislander | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 3h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri |
Operator Bluebridge | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri |
Operator Bluebridge | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu |
Operator Bluebridge | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h30 | Sailing Days Sat, Sun |
Operator Interislander | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 3h30 | Sailing Days Thu |
Live departures
Wellington to Picton ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Wellington to Picton ferries for tomorrow, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluebridge | 8:30 PM Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal) | 3h29 | 11:59 PM Picton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Wellington to Picton by ferry
Compare ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sun
May 17
May 17
Mon
May 18
May 18
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May 19
May 19
Wed
May 20
May 20
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May 21
May 21
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May 22
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May 23
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Wellington to Picton
New ZealandNew Zealand
Ferries from Wellington to Picton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
There are 4 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 02:00, the last at 21:30. The fastest ferry covers the 35 nautical miles (65 km) distance in 3h 30m. There are 14 sailings per week.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 35 nautical miles (65 km) |
Average sailing duration 3h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Ferries per day 4 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 14 |
Fastest ferry 3h 30m |
First ferry 2:00 AM |
Last ferry 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Ferry operators: Interislander, Bluebridge from Wellington to PictonYou can travel by ferry between Wellington to Picton with Interislander, Bluebridge for as low as $44 (€36). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Bluebridge
About
Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries is a New Zealand-based ferry operator, established in 2002, offering passenger and freight services across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton. The company operates up to four daily sailings, each lasting approximately three and a half hours, providing a comfortable journey with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, movies, and a café-style menu. Bluebridge's fleet includes the Strait Feronia and the Connemara, capable of carrying up to 400 passengers and 250 cars per sailing. In 2025, Bluebridge expanded its fleet by acquiring the Stena Livia, enhancing its capacity for both freight and passenger services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€36)
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring luggage onboard.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be brought onboard.
Luggage storage
Luggage storage is available on the ferry.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by fare type; some fares are non-refundable, while others offer flexibility.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are allowed onboard with appropriate arrangements.
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Onboard dining options are available, including meals and snacks.
Seat reservation
Cabin reservations are available for an additional fee.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Bluebridge offers special assistance for passengers requiring help boarding the ship.
Bikes
Bicycles are allowed onboard and can be stored beneath the decks.
Pets
Pets are allowed onboard in pet-friendly cabins, kennels, or vehicles.
Interislander
About
Interislander is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry service, connecting the North and South Islands since 1962. Operated by KiwiRail, it offers daily crossings between Wellington and Picton, accommodating passengers, vehicles, and freight. The fleet includes vessels like Kaiarahi and Kaitaki, each providing a three-hour journey with amenities such as locally sourced cuisine, cinemas, and premium lounges. In 2024, Interislander announced plans to introduce two new rail-enabled ferries by 2029, aiming to enhance capacity and reduce emissions. The service carries approximately 800,000 passengers and 230,000 vehicles annually across 5,500 sailings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€36)
Luggage included
Foot passengers are allowed one small bag and one handbag or laptop bag; larger items must be checked in.
Additional luggage
Foot passengers can check in additional luggage, with a maximum of two bags weighing no more than 23 kg each.
Luggage storage
Larger items, including backpacks, must be checked in at the terminal.
Cancellation Policy
Interislander offers compensation for cancellations due to mechanical breakdowns, as per the Commerce Commission's guidelines.
Refund
Passengers are entitled to a full refund if the ferry is canceled due to mechanical issues.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel on Interislander ferries.
Amenities on board the ferry
Food sold onboard
Onboard dining options are available for passengers.
Toilets
Accessibility
Interislander provides assistance for passengers with mobility challenges, including wheelchair access and support during boarding and disembarking.
Bikes
Bicycles can be transported for an additional fee.
Pets
Certified assistance dogs are permitted in passenger areas; other pets must travel in a vehicle or a kennel.
FAQs: Ferry from Wellington to Picton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wellington to Picton by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Picton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Wellington to Picton can start from as little as $44 (€36) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Wellington to Picton is $78 (€63) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Wellington to Picton is 3h 30m to travel the 40 miles (65 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Wellington to Picton leaves at 2:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Wellington to Picton leaves at 9:30 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct ferries a day from Wellington to Picton with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Wellington to Picton.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Wellington to Picton.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Wellington to Picton is possible with with . We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need book your travel to the departure port check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Wellington to Picton, you can count on Interislander, Bluebridge for the best way to get you to Picton. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Wellington and Picton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Picton from Wellington is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Wellington to Picton is March.
Yes, you can take a ferry between Wellington and Picton.
Since neither Wellington nor Picton are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of New Zealand and New Zealand. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Wellington to Picton among Omio's users.
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). For travelers, using cards is widely accepted and convenient, especially in cities and larger towns, while carrying some cash is advisable for remote areas and small vendors.
In Picton, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like ferry terminals and popular tourist spots. It’s advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings. There are occasional reports of overcharging or misleading information at local taxi services, so agreeing on fares beforehand is recommended. Overall, Picton is considered safe, but standard travel vigilance applies.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular ferry ports
Popular ports from Wellington to Picton
Wellington
Picton
The major port for departures in Wellington is Wellington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Wellington for your trip from Wellington to Picton.
Wellington
Amenities at port
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
The major port for arrivals in Picton is Picton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Picton for your trip to Picton from Wellington.
Picton
Amenities at port
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
More options for your journey from Wellington to Picton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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