4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Nelson to Christchurch
Cheapest price
$175
Average price
$175
Fastest journey
8 h 8 m
Average duration
8 h 8 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
346 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nelson to Christchurch is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nelson to Christchurch will cost around $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $175.
Of the 2 trains that leave Nelson for Christchurch on Fri, Jun 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 346 km distance in an average of 8 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 8 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 8 h 8 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.
8:57 AM8h08Nelson5:05 PMChristchurch$1751One-way0 transfers- 7:57 AM8h08Nelson4:05 PMChristchurch$1751One-way0 transfers
- 8:57 AM8h08Nelson5:05 PMChristchurch$1751One-way0 transfers
- 7:57 AM8h08Nelson4:05 PMChristchurch$1751One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Nelson to Christchurch
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nelson to Christchurch among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $111.
Distance: 214 miles (346 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$164 Average price | $181 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 33m Average total duration 12h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Nelson to Christchurch:
A bus is $112 (€93) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nelson to Christchurch costing on average $164 (€136).
A bus is $129 (€107) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nelson to Christchurch costing on average $181 (€150).
Other travel options to Christchurch take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 33m.
Bus takes on average 12h 3m.
Tickets start at around $164 (€136) compared to roughly $79 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-85.07 (€-70.43). The journey takes 6h 33m versus 5h 17m 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
Nelson to Christchurch train times
The table below shows live departures for Nelson to Christchurch trains for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:57 AM Nelson | 8h08 | 4:05 PM Christchurch | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:57 AM Nelson | 8h08 | 5:05 PM Christchurch | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Nelson to Christchurch 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.
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Jun 29
Jun 30
Jul 01
Jul 02
Why should you book Nelson to Christchurch trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Nelson to Christchurch.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Nelson to Christchurch.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Nelson to Christchurch.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Nelson to Christchurch.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Nelson to Christchurch
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Nelson to Christchurch run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $108 (€90) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 214 miles (346 km) distance in 6h 56m.
Distance 214 miles (346 km) |
Average train duration 6h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $108 (€90) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 56m |
First train 5:23 AM |
Last train 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Nelson to Christchurch trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Nelson and Christchurch from $40 (€33). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Trains from Nelson to Christchurch
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nelson to Christchurch 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 Christchurch, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Nelson to Christchurch
Most Nelson to Christchurch trains use the Nelson to Christchurch station pair. Use this guide to compare Nelson and Christchurch train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Nelson station do trains to Christchurch leave from?
Getting to Nelson from Nelson city centre
Nelson train station facilities and services
Nelson has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Nelson.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nelson: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nelson: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nelson: 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.
Which Christchurch station do trains from Nelson arrive at?
Getting to Christchurch from Christchurch city centre
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.
More options for your journey from Nelson to Christchurch
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Christchurch and Nelson
Most popular train connections to Christchurch
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