The cheapest and fastest trains from Wellington to Christchurch
Cheapest price
$328
Average price
$328
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 6 h 30 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
225 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Wellington to Christchurch is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wellington to Christchurch will cost around $328 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $328.
It's difficult to get from Wellington to Christchurch without transferring at least once.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Wellington to Christchurch
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Wellington to Christchurch among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €22, and a train costs an average of €137.
Distance: 139 miles (225 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€156 Average price | €46 Average price Cheapest |
5h 26m Average total duration Fastest 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Wellington to Christchurch train times
The table below shows live departures for Wellington to Christchurch trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 PM Wellington - Central | 30h30 | 7:30 PM Christchurch | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Wellington to Christchurch by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Wellington to Christchurch
Trains from Wellington to Christchurch run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $168 (€137) but you can travel from only $28 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 139 miles (225 km) distance in 4h 49m.
Distance 139 miles (225 km) |
Average train duration 4h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $168 (€137) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 4h 49m |
First train 05:00 |
Last train 19:30 |
Train companies: Interislander from Wellington to Christchurch trainsInterislander trains will get you between Wellington and Christchurch from $28 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Interislander
FAQs: Trains from Wellington to Christchurch
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wellington 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 Wellington to Christchurch
- Opening hours: Monday 07:00 - 13:0015:00 - 17:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 13:00 Friday 07:00 - 13:0015:00 - 17:00 Saturday 08:00 - 13:00 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located on platform one.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- 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. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Friday 07:00-13:00, Saturday 08:00-13:00 and Sunday Closed. The toilet facilities are not available when the Ticket Office is closed.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: In "No parking" area at top of station car park near to roundabout at junction of King Street/Victoria Road for (both directions).
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 14:00 Sunday 08:45 - 12:45
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- 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
- Waiting rooms location: On each platform
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Stour Road bus stop outside of station
More options for your journey from Wellington to Christchurch
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