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CHC

Christchurch Airport

Christchurch, New Zealand

Where to start
Metro bus Route 29, 8 or 3 to the city from Door 9, or a taxi or Uber from outside International Arrivals Door 7

Christchurch Airport is about 12 km north-west of the city centre, roughly a 20-minute drive. Taxis and Uber both pick up outside International Arrivals Door 7. Metro buses leave from the stop by Door 9: Route 29 reaches the city in about 30 minutes, Route 8 is high-frequency, and Route 3 also runs to the city. All Metro buses accept contactless cards and phone payments. Super Shuttle's rank is outside Door 9.

Ride Options

Metro Routes 29, 8 & 3

transit

Public bus to the city centre

AvailabilityStop by Door 9; contactless card or phone payment on all routes
Pickup NoteBoard at the bus stop by Door 9, northern end of International Arrivals.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Taxi

taxi

Direct ride to the city or your hotel

AvailabilityOfficial taxi rank
Pickup NoteOutside International Arrivals Door 7.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

App ride across Christchurch

AvailabilityDesignated rideshare zone
Pickup NoteOutside International Arrivals Door 7.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Super Shuttle

shuttle

Shared door-to-door transfer

AvailabilityAirport-listed service
Pickup NoteSuper Shuttle rank outside International Arrivals Door 9.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Welcome Pickups

Pre-booked Transfer

Pre-booked transfer to the city or your hotel

AvailabilityAvailable at Christchurch Airport — book in advance
Pickup NoteYour driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign.
Convenience
Relative costCost varies
Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber picks up at the designated rideshare zone outside International Arrivals Door 7.

Taxi

The official taxi rank is outside International Arrivals Door 7.

Shuttle

Super Shuttle runs shared door-to-door transfers from its rank outside International Arrivals Door 9.

Transit

Pay on all Metro buses by tapping a contactless card or phone; Metrocard and cash end on 23 November 2026. Metro Route 29 (city in about 30 minutes), Route 8 (high-frequency, city and Lyttelton) and Route 3 (city and Sumner) leave from the bus stop by Door 9. Route 125 serves the suburbs only.

Private Transfer

Welcome Pickups offers pre-booked transfers with a meet at arrivals.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

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Local Tips

  • Taxis and Uber pick up outside International Arrivals Door 7.
  • Metro buses and Super Shuttle are by Door 9, at the northern end of International Arrivals.
  • All Metro buses accept contactless cards and phone payments (Motu Move); Route 29 reaches the city in about 30 minutes.
  • Route 125 serves the suburbs, not the city centre.
  • Only every third Route 3 bus enters the airport — check for "Airport" on the destination board.

Tarmyq local tip

Catching Route 3 back to the airport? Only every third Route 3 bus goes into the airport — check that the destination board says "Airport".

Frequently asked questions

Which bus goes from Christchurch Airport to the city?

Route 29, 8 or 3, from the stop by Door 9. Route 29 reaches the city in about 30 minutes; Route 8 is the most frequent.

Where do taxis and Uber pick up at Christchurch Airport?

Both outside International Arrivals Door 7.

Can I pay by card on the airport bus?

Yes. All Metro buses accept contactless debit and credit cards and phone payments. Metrocard and cash are still accepted until 23 November 2026.

Does every Route 3 bus go to the airport?

No. Only every third Route 3 bus enters the airport — look for "Airport" on the destination board.