Capital Connection

The Capital Connection is a daily return service between Palmerston North and Wellington, running Monday through Fridays throughout the year. It provides a convenient commuter service to the Capital, or simply an easy, stress free travel experience for your next visit to Wellington.

Arriving in the heart of Wellington at 8.20am and departing at 5.15pm, taking the Capital leaves the entire day free for work, training, study, shopping, Te Papa or any other of Wellington’s great attractions. Eliminate the worries of parking costs and traffic congestion, and for those heading further afield the station makes for an easy connection with city busses.

With a licensed café offering a range of snacks and beverages, table seating options, and toilet and power facilities, the Capital Connection meets all your needs and ensures a relaxing (or productive!) journey to Wellington.

Capital Connection timetable

Please note: The Capital Connection does not operate on Public Holidays or over the Christmas & New Year's holiday period (25th December 2017 - 5th January 2018 inclusive).

Capital for Commuters

Turn commuter time into office time

For those travelling regularly to the Capital, power point access from every seat and coffee on board means your travel time to Wellington becomes productive. Spacious seating and uninterrupted travel from Paraparaumu to Wellington means you can sit back and work uninterrupted, or simply start the day with the newspaper.

For those travelling occasionally for meetings or appointments, a trip on the Capital is more cost effective than hiring a car. With the train pulling right into the central city, you won’t be late for a 9am meeting.

Monthly or quarterly fares are available for frequent commuters. For those using the service less frequently, 10 trip tickets are available- and with the added flexibility of being able to share a 10 trip ticket, this is the perfect solution for travel coordinators looking to get staff down to Wellington.

Capital for Groups & Schools

Make getting there half the fun for your next group or class trip

Getting school, special interest, senior, sport or any other type of group to Wellington has never been easier. With Monday's and Friday's now available for group bookings on the Capital Connection, we can get your group to and from Wellington in an easy, safe, and convenient way.

Discounted group prices are available for groups over 10 people, with quotes available on request.

To make your next booking on the Capital simply contact the Group Travel Coordinator, 10 days prior to travel. She will check availability for your group, provide a price, and send tickets. Group bookings are subject to space available, so please ensure enough time for us to best accommodate your requirements.

Group Booking Contact:
Group Travel Coordinator
Phone: 04 498 3103

Capital Connection Fares

We have a range of fare types available, including single trip tickets, 10 trip tickets, and monthly or quarterly passes.

For current fares please view our fare guide

Concession Fares

Making your journey easy and affordable

Discounted concession fares are available to:

• Children aged 5 – 15 years inclusive

• Full time Secondary students in uniform or with a current school ID

• Full time studying Tertiary students with a current Tertiary ID

• SuperGold card holders

Appropriate ID must be carried if you intend to travel on concession fares.

Where to get your ticket?

Tickets are available for purchase at several convenient locations:

• Wellington Railway Station - Bunny Street (View Map)

• Waikanae Station - Main Road (View Map)

• Paraparaumu Station, Amohia Street (View Map)

• Palmerston North i-SITE - The Square, Palmerston North (View Map) 

Alternatively you can purchase your ticket on board from one of our train managers.

Please note: Capital Connection tickets cannot be purchased via the KiwiRail Scenic booking tool at the top of this page.

Arrival Information and Text Alerts

For arrival and departure updates phone 0800 ARRIVAL (277 482).

Please note that the Metlink 'Metro Alert' service no longer advises on Capital Connection services and there is currently no text messaging service. 

Other Information

Bicycles 

Bicycles can be conveyed on the Capital Connection in the baggage van subject to space availability. Please make yourself known to the Train Manager as they will place your bicycle onboard.

Wheelchairs

Conventional and motorised wheelchairs can be conveyed on the Capital Connection subject to space availability. Mobility scooters are unable to be conveyed due to the weight and space constraints

Baggage

• Baggage allowance is two items per person, maximum weight 20kg per item.

• Size must be no more than 200 linear cm (height plus length plus width)

• Hand baggage may be taken on board, with larger items stored in the baggage van.

Please note: Metlink tickets and school passes are not accepted on the Capital Connection, seats are not guaranteed and fares are subject to change without notice.

Conditions of carriage

Travel on the Capital Connection is subject to our general terms and conditions of carriage.