Getting to Palmerston North

You can get to Palmerston North by bus, train or plane.

Based in the middle of The Square, Palmerston North city i-SITE provides a comprehensive, impartial information and booking service for all your New Zealand travel needs.

Travel by bus

All buses arrive and depart from i-SITE during the day and opposite the Courthouse on Main Street at night.

The nationwide bus service provider is Intercity

Travel by train

Capital Connection

The Capital Connection is a return service between Palmerston North and Wellington, running Monday to Friday. This train does not run on weekends, public holidays, or over the Christmas and New Year holiday. It provides a convenient commuter service to the capital, or a stress-free travel experience for visitors to either city.

The Capital Connection leaves Palmerston North Railway Station at 6.15am and arrives in Wellington at 8.20am. It departs Wellington at 5.15pm and arrives back in Palmerston North at 7.20pm.

For fare and timetable information please phone KiwiRail on 0800 277 482 

Capital Connection timetable, fares and other information

Northern Explorer

The Northern Explorer operates between Auckland and Wellington, stopping to pick up and put down passengers in Palmerston North along the way.

The train runs southbound (to Wellington) on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, leaving Palmerston North at 4.20pm. It returns north (to Auckland) on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, leaving Palmerston North at 10am.

Northern Explorer route, fares and timetables

Travel by air

Palmerston North is served by two airline carriers: Air New Zealand and Originair.

Palmerston North Airport