Christchurch to Wellington train

Thu, Aug 06
+ Add return
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Christchurch to Wellington

Showing times and prices for Aug 06

Cheapest price

kr1601

Average price

kr1608

Fastest journey

4 h 36 m

Average duration

4 h 36 m

Trains per day

2

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 kr1608 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr1601.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Christchurch for Wellington on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 225 km distance in an average of 4 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 36 m .

On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 4 h 36 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
    11:30 AM4h36
    Christchurch
    4:06 PMWellington
    kr16011One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    10:30 AM4h36
    Christchurch
    3:06 PMWellington
    kr16141One-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 kr390. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr390, and a train costs an average of kr1576.

Distance: 139 miles (225 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

kr1609

Average price

kr571

Average price

Cheapest

kr615

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 42m

Average total duration

8h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 45m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Christchurch to Wellington is a bus with an average price of kr571.

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

A bus is kr1038 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Christchurch to Wellington costing on average kr1609.

The fastest way to travel from Christchurch to Wellington is by train with an average journey time of 4h 49m.

Other travel options to Wellington take longer:

Bus takes on average 8h 12m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Christchurch and Wellington including taking a bus and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around kr1609 compared to roughly kr615 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-993.65. The journey takes 4h 49m versus 3h 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Christchurch to Wellington train times

The table below shows live departures for Christchurch to Wellington trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountry10:30 AM Christchurch
4h36
3:06 PM Wellington0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry11:30 AM Christchurch
4h36
4:06 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.

Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11
Wed
Aug 12

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 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr1576 but you can travel from only kr390 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 kr390
Distance
139 miles (225 km)
Average train duration
4h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
kr1576
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
4h 36m
First train
5:31 AM
Last train
7:44 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
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 kr390

Complete guide to Wellington

Things to do in Wellington

Discover the best of Wellington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wellington trip today.

  • Must visit

Blists Hill Victorian Town

Major free museum at Ironbridge Gorge with recreated Victorian shops, ideal for social history and families.

  • Must visit

The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse

Riverside museum explaining the engineering story of the world-famous Iron Bridge and nearby gorge.

  • Must visit

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford

Museum and gallery space presenting military history and rotating exhibitions in nearby Telford.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are similar to other small UK market towns, while local buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple cafe meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£35+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected but small change is appreciated.

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 kr1576, while the average price is around kr1609.
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 kr390.
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

Most Christchurch to Wellington trains use the Christchurch to Wellington (Shropshire) station pair. Use this guide to compare Christchurch and Wellington train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Christchurch
Arrival train stations in Wellington

Which Christchurch station do trains to Wellington leave from?

Trains from Christchurch to Wellington leave from Christchurch. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Christchurch city centre at Christchurch station, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PL.
ChristchurchChristchurch station, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PLWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Christchurch from Christchurch city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStour Road bus stop outside of station

Christchurch train station facilities and services

Christchurch has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Christchurch.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Christchurch.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Christchurch.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Christchurch: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Christchurch: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Christchurch: 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.

Most popular train connections from Christchurch

More options for your journey from Christchurch to Wellington

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

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone