How to get from Auckland Airport (AKL) ✈️ to the City Center
Auckland Airport (AKL) is the largest and most important international airport of New Zealand and is located about 21 km south of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Auckland by SkyDrive (Express Bus), Shared Shuttle (Minibus), Taxi, Private Transfer or Uber.
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Auckland Airport (AKL) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer comparison
Overview of all airport transfers from Auckland Airport to the City Center
Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
SkyDrive Bus |
45 Min. | NZ$ 17 | Details | |
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Shared Shuttle |
30‑45 Min. | NZ$ 35 | Details |
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Taxi | 25 Min. | NZ$ 40‑60 | Details |
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Private Transfer |
25 Min. | NZ$ 100 | Details |
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Uber | 25 Min. | NZ$ 40‑60 | Details |
Notices:
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via AirportTransfer.com) is the more faster and comfortable option.
Auckland Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Auckland:
Tours and attractions in Auckland
Private transfer from the airport

Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
45 minutesCost:
NZ$ 17 ppDescription:
‘SkyDrive’ Express Bus from Auckland Airport (Before terminals) to the Skydrive central bus stop, located on the Hobson Street side of the SkyCity complex (CBD)
Book a minibus ride ↗
Travel time:
30-45 minutesCost:
NZ$ 35 ppDescription:
Shared Shuttle (Minibus) from Auckland Airport (pick-up location as per provider) to central Auckland, CBD or directly to your accommodation
Official local taxis
Travel time:
25 minutesCost:
NZ$ 40-60Description:
Taxi from Auckland Airport (AKL, Arrivals, Door 8) to central Auckland, the Central Business District (CBD) or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
25 minutesCost:
NZ$ 100Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via AirportTransfer.com) from Auckland Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Auckland, CBD or to your accommodation
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
25 minutesCost:
NZ$ 40-60Description:
Uber from Auckland Airport (pick-up location as per Uber App) to central Auckland, Central Business District (CBD) or directly to your accommodationRoute from Auckland Airport (AKL) to central Auckland
Things to know about Auckland:
1. There are over 50 volcanoes in the city of Auckland
2. You can walk from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea in just four hours
3. Auckland’s second name is Tāmaki-makau-rau (Tāmaki loved by many)