4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Christchurch to Nelson
Cheapest price
$180
Average price
$181
Fastest journey
6 h 58 m
Average duration
7 h 2 m
Trains per day
2
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 $181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $180.
Of the 2 trains that leave Christchurch for Nelson on Fri, May 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 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 6 h 58 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 7 h 5 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.
8:22 AM7h05Christchurch3:27 PMNelson$1801One-way0 transfers- 10:30 AM6h58Christchurch5:28 PMNelson$1821One-way0 transfers
- 10:30 AM6h58Christchurch5:28 PMNelson$1821One-way0 transfers
- 8:22 AM7h05Christchurch3:27 PMNelson$1801One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Christchurch to Nelson
Omio recommends booking the train 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 $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $128.
Distance: 214 miles (346 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$167 Average price | $156 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest |
7h 36m Average total duration 7h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 5m Average total duration 13h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Christchurch to Nelson:
A bus is $109 (€87) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Christchurch to Nelson costing on average $156 (€125).
A bus is $119 (€95) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Christchurch to Nelson costing on average $167 (€133).
Other travel options to Nelson take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 6m.
Bus takes on average 13h 35m.
Compare prices and tickets Christchurch to Nelson by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Christchurch to Nelson
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Christchurch to Nelson run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $128 (€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 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $128 (€103) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 57m |
First train 5:57 AM |
Last train 1:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Wifi
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
- 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
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
- 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)
More options for your journey from Christchurch to Nelson
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Nelson and Christchurch
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