Date: 27 July 2026

Aucklanders can now explore how much easier it will be to get to more parts of the city with a new Journey Planner tool that shows what journeys will look like when the transformational City Rail Link (CRL) opens. A schedule of free, public ‘First Look’ events at each station has also been confirmed.

The Journey Planner preview launch coincides with the release of the initial CRL opening timetable that will take effect when services begin.

"It will be possible to get a direct train from Panmure to Kingsland to go to Eden Park, from Pukekohe and Papatoetoe direct to a show in the city centre or a restaurant and op-shop on Karangahape Road," says Cr Andy Baker, chair of the Auckland Council Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee. 

“To help customers prepare for the changes, AT has added a new Journey Planner feature that allows users to switch between today's network and the future CRL-enabled network." 

The CRL will fundamentally reshape how trains move through Auckland. Auckland’s train timetable will change completely with three new train lines, East West, South City and Onehunga West, and three new city stations, offering more ways to connect with people and places across Auckland.  

At peak, trains will run every five minutes through the city centre and on average around 10 minutes elsewhere on the network. At off peak the new lines will operate every 15 minutes throughout the day, including weekends, compared with every 20 minutes today. 

The new Journey Planner tool enables Aucklanders to better understand how the network will operate on day one and let them plan trips with greater confidence. 

“We want people to get familiar with the new lines and where the new stations sit. Even a small change, such as your regular train arriving a few minutes earlier or later, can have a big impact on your day and we want to help people plan ahead,” says Mark Lambert, Auckland Transport Group Manager Rail Services.  

“If you want to see what travel will look like on a Monday, you can select that option. If you’re looking to see how you can connect with bus services near new train stations, the tool will show you the options.” 

The priority when opening the City Rail Link is to provide reliable services, so like other major rail projects overseas, the CRL will open with an initial timetable for the first few months. This means during peak at stations outside of the city centre, services will initially operate at similar frequencies to today, before increasing after more confidence is gained operating the new network.

To use Journey Planner Preview, visit at.govt.nz and navigate to Journey Planner or download the latest version of the AT Mobile app. Full timetables are now available on Auckland Transport's website and more detailed guidance for customers will be shared in the lead up to opening.

First Look Events  

Auckland Transport, City Rail Link Limited and KiwiRail are also opening the new stations to the public through a series of 'First Look' events. These will be free, ticketed sessions, but numbers will be limited.

"This will mark the first time the public will be able to enter Auckland's newest stations and we're excited to give people the opportunity to experience them before passenger services begin," says Mark Lambert.

Visitors will be able to walk through the stations, learn about their designs and hear more about how the new rail network will operate when the CRL opens. It will also allow people to rediscover the station neighbourhoods, which now feature upgraded streets and public spaces.

The events will take place over consecutive Saturdays in August:

8 August – First Look at Maungawhau  

15 August – First Look at Karanga-a-Hape 

22 August – First Look at Te Waihorotiu 

Aucklanders can pre-register their interest in these events now using this link. Tickets will be available one week ahead of each event. Those who pre-register will get an email alert as soon as tickets are available to sign up for.

Each station will host ten one-hour sessions from 8am. From low-sensory and early bird sessions to busking and community performances inside, and food, pop up experiences and interactive installations and activities in the station neighbourhoods, guests are encouraged to choose the session that appeals to them most. Ticket holders will need to attend within the session they have registered for. 

More information about the events, including how to get there and what attendees can and can't bring, will be provided closer to each event

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