Christchurch to Wellington train

Fri, May 08
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Christchurch to Wellington

Showing times and prices for May 08

Cheapest price

$171

Average price

$171

Fastest journey

4 h 38 m

Average duration

4 h 38 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

225 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Christchurch to Wellington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Christchurch to Wellington will cost around $171 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $171.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Christchurch for Wellington on Fri, May 08, 1 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 225 km distance in an average of 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 38 m .

On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 38 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
    12:28 PM4h38
    Christchurch
    5:06 PMWellington
    $1711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Christchurch to Wellington

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Christchurch to Wellington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a train costs an average of $91.

Distance: 139 miles (225 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$156

Average price

$52

Average price

Cheapest

5h 16m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 44m

Average total duration

8h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Christchurch to Wellington is a bus with an average price of $52 (€42).

This is compared to other travel options from Christchurch to Wellington:

A bus is $104 (€83) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Christchurch to Wellington costing on average $156 (€124).

The fastest way to travel from Christchurch to Wellington is by train with an average journey time of 4h 46m.

Other travel options to Wellington take longer:

Bus takes on average 8h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Christchurch and Wellington including taking a bus and train.

Live departures

Christchurch to Wellington train times

The table below shows live departures for Christchurch to Wellington trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
south_west_trains8:31 AM Christchurch
5h36
2:07 PM Wellington0 transfersDirect
cross_country12:28 PM Christchurch
4h38
5:06 PM Wellington0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Christchurch to Wellington 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
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13
Thu
May 14

Journey information

Overview: Train from Christchurch to Wellington

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Christchurch to Wellington run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€73) but you can travel from only $42 (€33) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:31, the last at 19:44. The fastest train covers the 139 miles (225 km) distance in 4h 36m.

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 $42 (€33)
Distance
139 miles (225 km)
Average train duration
4h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
$91 (€73)
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
4h 36m
First train
5:31 AM
Last train
7:44 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Best time to book
7 days
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 $42 (€33)

FAQs: Trains from Christchurch to Wellington

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Christchurch to Wellington 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 Wellington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Christchurch to Wellington can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $91 (€73), while the average price is around $156 (€124).
The train from Christchurch to Wellington takes 4h 36m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Christchurch to Wellington is 139 miles (225 km).
The first train from Christchurch to Wellington leaves at 5:31 AM.
The last train from Christchurch to Wellington leaves at 7:44 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Christchurch to Wellington.
The train station in Christchurch that goes to Wellington is Christchurch station (CHR), which connects to Wellington (Shropshire) (WLN).
The cheapest way to get from Christchurch to Wellington is by bus, with a cost of around $42 (€33).
Yes, the Christchurch to Wellington train journey is scenic, offering picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean coastline, rolling farmlands, and the majestic Kaikoura Ranges.
A day trip from Christchurch to Wellington is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 36m. There are 5 trips per day available for trains, covering a distance of 139 miles (225 km).
Three to four days in Wellington is ideal to explore its vibrant arts scene, visit the national museum Te Papa, enjoy the waterfront, and discover the city's unique culinary offerings and surrounding nature.
No, you cannot take the train from Christchurch to Wellington.
Since neither Christchurch nor Wellington are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Wellington include Shrewsbury, Craven Arms, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Liverpool.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Wellington, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas and late-night public transport. Common scams include overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers and inflated prices in some tourist spots. Staying aware of surroundings and using official transport services helps ensure safety.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Christchurch to Wellington

Christchurch
Wellington
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 Wellington.
ChristchurchWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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
address
Address
Christchurch station, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PL
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

More options for your journey from Christchurch to Wellington

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Wellington to Christchurch
Tickets and more information for trains to Christchurch
Tickets and more information for trains to Wellington
HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to WellingtonChristchurch to Wellington train

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