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Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 €37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €37, and a train costs an average of €104.
Distance: 214 miles (346 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€141 Average price | €62 Average price Cheapest |
7h 31m Average total duration Fastest 7h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 12m Average total duration 11h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Nelson to Christchurch 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Nelson to Christchurch
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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 $46 (€37)
Distance 214 miles (346 km) |
Average train duration 7h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $128 (€104) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 7h 5m |
First train 04:19 |
Last train 15:57 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Nelson to Christchurch start from as low as $128 (€104) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $173 (€141) depending on the train type and class.
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 $46 (€37)
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Nelson to Christchurch trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Nelson and Christchurch from $46 (€37). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 5m
Cheapest Price
$178 (€145)
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
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.
A visit to Christchurch can be comfortably enjoyed over 2 to 3 days, allowing time to explore its vibrant arts scene, heritage sites, and nearby natural attractions like the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula.
A day trip from Nelson to Christchurch is not feasible as the journey takes 7h 5m. There are 4 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 214 miles (346 km).
The distance by train from Nelson to Christchurch is 214 miles (346 km).
There is no direct train service from Nelson to Christchurch; travelers typically take a bus to Blenheim or Picton and then board the Coastal Pacific train, which offers scenic views of the Pacific coastline, vineyards, and the Kaikoura mountain ranges on its journey to Christchurch.
The train from Nelson to Christchurch takes 7h 5m and runs 4 per day.
The last train from Nelson to Christchurch leaves at 3:57 PM.
The train station in Nelson that goes to Christchurch is Nelson station (NEL), which connects to Christchurch station (CHR).
Train ticket prices from Nelson to Christchurch can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $128 (€104), while the average price is around $173 (€141).
There is no high speed train available from Nelson to Christchurch.
There is no direct train service currently available from Nelson to Christchurch.
The cheapest way to get from Nelson to Christchurch is by bus, with a cost of around $46 (€37).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Nelson to Christchurch.
The first train from Nelson to Christchurch leaves at 4:19 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Nelson to Christchurch.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Nelson to Christchurch
Nelson
Christchurch
The major train station for departures in Nelson is Nelson. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Nelson for your trip from Nelson to Christchurch.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are available in the adjacent Bus Interchange.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Adjacent to car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Nelson
- 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)
The major train station for arrivals in Christchurch is Christchurch. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Christchurch for your journey to Christchurch from Nelson.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWC
Hotel
LoungeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 14:00 Sunday 08:45 - 12:45
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
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
- 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
- Waiting rooms location: On each platform
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 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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