Capital Connection

The Capital Connection is a commuter service operated by KiwiRail that runs weekdays between Palmerston North and Wellington.

Capital Connection on a winter morning in Wellington J Chaung

50% Off

Half-Price fares APRIL to august 2022:

The Capital Connection commuter service is included in the government's public transport initiative to reduce fares by 50%.

For more information, see our FAQ document

View Fares  

information
Covid Protection STATUS: Orange
  • Capital Connection running as scheduled
  • Vaccine passes are not required
  • Cafe is OPEN
  • Face masks are mandatory
  • Use the COVID Tracer App to scan posters when boarding

COVID-19 Protection Framework safe travel requirements:

The COVID-19 Protection Framework enables the Capital Connection to run safely at all times. Please follow these simple guidelines to help us all stay safe:  

  • Face masks are mandatory under Orange and Red conditions and are highly recommended under Green;
  • Face masks may be only be removed to eat, drink, or take medication; 
  • Do not leave used face mask on the train;
  • If you require a face mask, then please ask the onboard crew;
  • Leave space between you and other passengers wherever possible - however, sitting next to other passengers is permitted; 
  • Check the colour applicable to your travel and any requirements or restrictions before travelling by checking the Unite Against COVID-19 website;
  • Be kind and patient with each other and transport staff, especially drivers and crew;
  • Practice good hygiene and follow Ministry of Health advice. This includes washing and drying your hands thoroughly with soap and water (or hand sanitiser if soap and water not available), coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not touching your face, and wearing a face mask;
  • Plan ahead, and allow extra time to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible;
  • Stay at home if you’re unwell or may have COVID-19.
  • Do not travel if you:
    • have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine
    • have symptoms of COVID-19
    • are awaiting COVID-19 test results

  

Keeping clean, keeping safe

During these times of high alert, we ask that all passengers respect current hygiene advice by keeping their hands clean and by coughing and sneezing into the pit of their elbow. 

However, most importantly, we ask that you stay home if you are feeling unwell. For the safety of your fellow passengers and crew, we will be looking for signs of illness and will not carry anyone who may be infected.

 

Staying up to date

For latest arrival and departure times:
  • Call 0800 ARRIVAL (0800 277 482) and select option 7
For general enquiries email:
Text alert service:

 

Capital Connection timetable

Palmerston North to Wellington Dep/Arr Wellington to Palmerston North  Dep/Arr
Palmerston North  6.15am Wellington 5.15pm
Shannon 6.38am Paraparaumu 6.03pm
Levin 6.53am Waikanae 6.10pm
Otaki 7.13am Otaki 6.22pm
Waikanae 7.25am Levin 6.42pm
Paraparaumu 7.32am Shannon 6.57pm
Wellington 8.20am Palmerston North 7.20pm

 

Capital Connection Fares

The cheapest way to travel on the Capital Connection is by purchasing a monthly travel pass or ten trip pass.

For current fares please view the fare guide.

Tickets can be purchased from:

  • 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.

 

Please note:
  • Metlink tickets and school passes are not accepted on the Capital Connection
  • Seats are not guaranteed
  • Fares are subject to change without notice

 

Concession Fares

Discounted concession fares are available for:

  • 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
  • Mobility Card holders

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

 

Groups & Schools

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

To make a booking on the Capital, simply contact the Group Travel Coordinator 10 days prior to travel. Group bookings are subject to availability.

Group Booking Contact:

 

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 on board.

Wheelchairs

Regrettably, wheelchair access on the Capital Connection service is temporarily unavailable. We are working hard to resolve this problem. The website will be updated when access is restored. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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.