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 Shuttle or Uber.
💸 The cheapest transfer is by SkyDrive
⏱️ The fastest transfer is by Taxi
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 | 45 Min. | NZ$ 16 💸 | Details | |
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Shared Shuttle | 30‑45 Min. | NZ$ 25 | Details |
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Taxi | 25 Min. ⏱️ | NZ$ 40‑60 | Details |
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Private Shuttle | 25 Min. | NZ$ 45 | Details |
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Uber | 25 Min. | NZ$ 40‑60 | Details |
Additional note: There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked Private Shuttle (e.g. via GetYourGuide) is the more faster and comfortable option.

Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
45 minutesCost:
NZ$ 16,00Description:
‘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 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
💸 NZ$ 25 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 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
NZ$ 45Description:
Comfortable private transfer (GetYourGuide) from Auckland Airport (nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Auckland, CBD or directly to your accommodation
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
25 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
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)