Palmerston North to Wellington commuter train

The Capital Connection is a long-distance commuter train that travels weekdays between Palmerston North and Wellington.

Departing Palmerston North at 6:15 am, the train stops at Shannon, Levin, Otaki, Waikanae, and Paraparaumu before arriving in Wellington at 8:20 am. Find your fare price. 

Managed by local councils and operated by KiwiRail, this service does not operate on public holidays.

Service Interruptions

The Capital Connection will not be travelling on the following days:

 

  • 29th March 2024 (Easter Friday)
  • 1st April 2024 (Easter Monday)
  • 25th April 2024 (ANZAC Day)
  • 26th April 2024 (Scheduled Maintenance)

 

Find out more about the bus replacement for Friday, April 26th, 2024 at the end of this page.

Capital Connection fares

For current fares, please view the fare guide.

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

Tickets can be purchased from:

  • You can purchase your ticket from our friendly staff at the onboard Café
  • Wellington Railway Station - Bunny Street (View Map)
  • Palmerston North i-SITE - The Square, Palmerston North (View Map

Concession Fares

From 1 July 2023, under a government initiative, selected groups will receive a 50% concession rate on public transport.

The student age limit will be raised to 25, and additional benefits will be provided for children under 14.

  • Children 13 and under – FREE.
  • Under 25’s (14 – 24) – 50% off standard fares.
  • Full-time studying Tertiary students with a current Tertiary ID - 50% off standard fares.
  • Community Service card holders - 50% off standard fares.
  • Total Mobility users - 50% off standard fares.
  • Super Gold card holders - 50% off standard fares.

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

Capital Connection timetable

Phone icon

Check Arrival and Departure times

Call our automated service for the latest times

0800 277 482
Phone icon

Check Arrival and Departure times

Call our automated service for the latest times

0800 277 482

 

Tickets & Cash Fares Only 

Snapper Cards are NOT accepted on Capital Connection:

  • Paper tickets, including monthly and ten-trip passes, can be purchased on board
  • Credit cards can be used in the onboard café

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:

Please note:

  • Metlink tickets or Snapper cards are not accepted on the Capital Connection
  • Seats are not guaranteed
  • Fares are subject to change without notice
  • Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by a guardian aged 14 and over

Covid Protection Status

There are no mandatory requirements in operation.

However, we do recommend using a face mask for your own protection and request that you do not travel if you have any Covid-19 symptoms.

Bicycles

Bicycles can be conveyed on the Capital Connection subject to space availability. Please make yourself known to the Train Manager, and they will direct you to the bicycle carriage.

Wheelchairs

The Capital Connection is fitted with a hoist/lift to assist passenger access. Please make yourself known to a member of the crew or station staff if you require assistance boarding the train. 

Luggage

  • 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 to your seat, while larger items will be stored in the onboard luggage racks located at the end of each carriage

Bus Replacements: Friday, April 26 2024

 

The Capital Connection service will be bus replaced on Friday the 26th April 2024 due to scheduled track maintenance in Wellington.

 

  • Southbound Service: Buses will be available from the Palmerston North Station departing at 6:15am and will pick up passengers at Shannon, Levin, and Otaki stations enroute to Wellington.
  • Northbound Service: Buses will be available from Platform 9 departing at 5:15pm and will stop at Otaki, Levin, and Shannon stations enroute to Palmerston North station
  • Kapiti: Passengers are advised to use alternate transport options.

 

Regular service operations will recommence from Palmerston North from Monday, April 29th.