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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 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a train costs an average of $89.
Distance: 214 miles (346 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$165 Average price | $148 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest |
7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Nelson to Christchurch train times
The table below shows live departures for Nelson to Christchurch trains for today, Monday, March 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 2:57 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:56 AM Nelson | 7h09 | 5:05 PM Christchurch | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:57 PM Nelson | 7h07 | 9:04 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.
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Why should you book Nelson to Christchurch trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Nelson to Christchurch.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Nelson to Christchurch.
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 $89 (€72) but you can travel from only $40 (€32) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 16:57. The fastest train covers the 214 miles (346 km) distance in 6h 56m.
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 $40 (€32)
Distance 214 miles (346 km) |
Average train duration 6h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€72) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 56m |
First train 05:16 |
Last train 16:57 |
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 $40 (€32)
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Nelson to Christchurch trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Nelson and Christchurch from $40 (€32). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 39m
Cheapest Price
$89 (€72)
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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
6h 56m
Cheapest Price
$126 (€102)
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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.
Train ticket prices from Nelson to Christchurch can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $89 (€72), while the average price is around $165 (€133).
The train from Nelson to Christchurch takes 6h 56m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Nelson to Christchurch is 214 miles (346 km).
The first train from Nelson to Christchurch leaves at 5:16 AM.
The last train from Nelson to Christchurch leaves at 4:57 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Nelson to Christchurch.
There is no direct train service currently available from Nelson to Christchurch.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Nelson to Christchurch.
The train station in Nelson that goes to Christchurch is Nelson station (NEL), which connects to Christchurch station (CHR).
The cheapest way to get from Nelson to Christchurch is by bus, with a cost of around $40 (€32).
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.
A day trip from Nelson to Christchurch is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 56m. There are 4 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 214 miles (346 km).
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.
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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