Christchurch to Nelson train

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Christchurch to Nelson

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$180

Average price

$180

Fastest journey

7 h 2 m

Average duration

7 h 2 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

346 km

Cheap tickets

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 $180 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $180.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Christchurch for Nelson on Fri, Nov 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 07 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, Nov 07 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.

CrossCountry
07:25AM7h02
Christchurch
02:27PMNelson
$1801One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 €30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 7m. 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

Most popular
Train
Bus

€143

Average price

€41

Average price

Cheapest

7h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

14h 15m

Average total duration

13h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

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, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:19 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
cross_country7:25 AM Christchurch
7h02
2:27 PM Nelson0 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.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Christchurch to Nelson

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Christchurch to Nelson run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $126 (€103) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:56, the last at 13:57. The fastest train covers the 214 miles (346 km) distance in 6h 58m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37 (€30)
Distance
214 miles (346 km)
Average train duration
7h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$126 (€103)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
6h 58m
First train
05:56
Last train
13:57
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37 (€30)

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.

FAQs
The distance by train from Christchurch to Nelson is 214 miles (346 km).
Three to four days in Nelson is ideal for exploring the city's vibrant arts scene, local markets, and nearby natural attractions like Abel Tasman National Park and the Nelson Lakes.
The first train from Christchurch to Nelson leaves at 5:56 AM.
Train ticket prices from Christchurch to Nelson can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $126 (€103), while the average price is around $176 (€143).
The last train from Christchurch to Nelson leaves at 1:57 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Christchurch to Nelson is by bus, with a cost of around $37 (€30).
No, you cannot take the train from Christchurch to Nelson.
The train from Christchurch to Nelson takes 6h 58m and runs 4 per day.
There is no direct train service currently available from Christchurch to Nelson.
The train station in Christchurch that goes to Nelson is Christchurch station (CHR), which connects to Nelson station (NEL).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Christchurch to Nelson.
A day trip from Christchurch to Nelson is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 58m, covering a distance of 214 miles (346 km). There are 4 train trips per day.
There is no direct train from Christchurch to Nelson, but the journey from Christchurch to Picton by train on the Coastal Pacific route is renowned for its stunning scenery, including views of the Pacific Ocean, vineyards, and the Kaikoura mountain ranges. From Picton, travelers can take a coach to Nelson, enjoying more scenic landscapes along the way.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Christchurch to Nelson

Christchurch
Nelson
The major train station for departures in Christchurch is Christchurch. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Christchurch for your trip from Christchurch to Nelson.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 14:00 Sunday 08:45 - 12:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On each platform
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Christchurch
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Stour Road bus stop outside of station

Most popular train connections from Christchurch

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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