The cheapest and fastest trains from Christchurch to Nelson
Cheapest price
$185
Average price
$185
Fastest journey
7 h 2 m
Average duration
7 h 2 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
346 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Christchurch to Nelson is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Christchurch to Nelson will cost around $185 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $185.
Of the 1 trains that leave Christchurch for Nelson on Fri, Feb 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Feb 06 the direct trains cover the 346 km distance in an average of 7 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 2 m .
On Fri, Feb 06 the slowest trains will take 7 h 2 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Christchurch to Nelson
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Christchurch to Nelson among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a train costs an average of €103.
Distance: 214 miles (346 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€134 Average price | €124 Average price | €37 Average price Cheapest |
7h 37m Average total duration 7h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 1m Average total duration 13h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Christchurch to Nelson train times
The table below shows live departures for Christchurch to Nelson trains for tomorrow, Friday, February 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:25 AM Christchurch | 7h02 | 2:27 PM Nelson | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Christchurch to Nelson by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Feb 06
Feb 07
Feb 08
Feb 09
Feb 10
Feb 11
Feb 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Christchurch to Nelson
Trains from Christchurch to Nelson run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $129 (€103) but you can travel from only $38 (€30) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 13:57. The fastest train covers the 214 miles (346 km) distance in 6h 57m.
Distance 214 miles (346 km) |
Average train duration 7h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $129 (€103) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 57m |
First train 05:57 |
Last train 13:57 |
FAQs: Trains from Christchurch to Nelson
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Christchurch to Nelson by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Nelson, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Christchurch to Nelson
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 14:00 Sunday 08:45 - 12:45
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step-free category B station - This station has level access from the main entrance and car park to Platform 1 (for trains towards Weymouth). There is level access from Clarendon Road to Platform 2 (for trains towards London Waterloo) via a separate entrance. The step-free route between platforms is approximately 475m via the street. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are located on Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The toilet facilities are only available during Ticket Office opening hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 2
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Waiting rooms location: On each platform
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Stour Road bus stop outside of station
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Level access available. Lift to platform.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: Toilets are available in the adjacent Bus Interchange.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Adjacent to car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stand 10 in the interchange. (adjacent to the station)
Most popular train connections from Christchurch
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