Capital Connection
The Capital Connection is a commuter service operated by KiwiRail that runs weekdays between Palmerston North and Wellington.
Service suspended:
Following the government-imposed travel restrictions, there will be no Capital Connection services from Thursday 26 March until further notice.
To be notified when the service resumes, please join the text alert service by sending your name and mobile number to capital.alerts@kiwirail.co.nz
For latest arrival and departure times:
- Call 0800 ARRIVAL (0800 277 482) and select option 7
For general enquiries email:
Text alert service:
- Send your name and phone number to capital.alerts@kiwirail.co.nz
If you are looking for a cost effective way to travel between Palmerston North, Shannon, Levin, Otaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Wellington, then KiwiRail's Capital Connection is the ticket!
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 |
Please note: The Capital Connection does not operate on Public Holidays or over the Christmas & New Year holiday period between the dates of 21 December 2019 through to 12 January 2020.
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
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:
- Phone: 04 462 1546 Email: ticketing@transdevnz.co.nz
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.