Beyond the station-by-station guides, we've put together dedicated guides for a few specific destinations that come up again and again β places people need practical, honest advice on reaching without a car.
Auckland Airport
Getting to Auckland Airport without a car is more straightforward than most people expect β several public transport and shuttle options cover a range of budgets and needs. The cheapest route, AirportLink plus train, costs a maximum of $7.90 to reach anywhere in the public transport network, with the orange AirportLink bus running every 10 minutes between the airport and Puhinui Station, 7 days a week from early morning until well after midnight.
For a faster or more direct option, Route 38 connects Onehunga to the airport, while SkyDrive, taxis, Uber and other rideshare services offer door-to-door trips at a higher price point. This guide compares timings, costs and practicalities across every option, so you can pick what suits your flight time and budget.
Read the full Auckland Airport guide βBest Playgrounds Near Stations
One of the best-kept secrets of getting around Auckland without a car is just how many excellent playgrounds sit a short walk from a train station or bus interchange. This guide rounds up the standout options β rocket ship climbing frames, flying foxes, water play and rebuilt play towers β all reachable entirely by public transport.
Whether you're planning a dedicated family day out or just want to know what's nearby if you've got kids in tow, each entry notes the walking distance from the nearest station, what's on site, and what makes it worth the trip. No parking, no car seat wrangling β just hop off the train or bus and play.
Read the full Best Playgrounds guide βGetting to Middlemore Hospital
Parking at Middlemore is notoriously difficult and expensive β spaces are at a premium, often requiring a long circle just to find one, with costs from $3 an hour up to nearly $30. Public transport is a genuinely better option: the hospital's front door is just 20 metres from the Middlemore Station platform, served by both the South City Line and East West Line every 15 minutes, with a 30-minute trip to WaitematΔ in the city.
This guide breaks down the best route and fare from every part of Auckland β East Auckland, South Auckland, West Auckland, Pukekohe and Franklin, the Isthmus, and the North Shore β with fares ranging from $3 to $7.90 one way, all significantly cheaper than hospital parking.
Read the full Middlemore Hospital guide βπ§ More destinations coming soon β we're working on adding guides for more of Auckland's key destinations. Got a suggestion? Let us know via the contact form.
Information is kept as up to date as possible, but always check the Auckland Transport website for current timetables and fares.