Travel by bus

You can get to and from the airport using Metro public transport services. There are a lot of buses that will help you connect to the city centre and heaps of other places around Christchurch.

Buses depart from the northern end of International Arrivals, next to the Novotel hotel (exit through Door 9).

Payment options and fares

You can pay for your trip with Metro using:

Contactless payments with credit or debit card, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. When using contactless payments, tag on with the Motu Move card reader on the right as you board. You can only pay for one person per card or device.

A Metrocard (our local transit prepaid card). You can pick one up at the Metroinfo Counter at the Bus Interchange when you arrive in the city, or at these handy locations across Greater Christchurch. Metrocards are not available for purchase at the airport or from the driver.

Cash tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. Customers should avoid paying with $20 notes or higher, due to limited cash float levels on buses.

Fares vary depending on how you pay. Metrocard and contactless card provide the lowest prices. Concessions (like Child, Youth and Community Services Card discounts) are also available when using a Metrocard.

Community Service Card holders can also link their travel concession to contactless payments before arriving in Christchurch using the Motu Move website.

Free SuperGold hours on Christchurch buses are after 9am on weekdays and all day weekends and public holidays. Customers can show their SuperGold card to the driver when boarding during free travel hours.

Free transfers apply within two hours on all payment options, making it easier to connect multiple bus trips to wherever you need to go. All the details are on metro.co.nz.