Date: 18 September 2026
Warriors’ fans have another reason to cheer on Sunday, with free travel on trains and buses to Eden Park and more people able to get to the game in one train ride.
The finals match against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday 20 September is set for a 6.05pm kick off, and it couldn’t be easier for fans to get to the stadium in Kingsland, with the City Rail Link (CRL) meaning customers from East Auckland and Onehunga are able to take one train directly to Eden Park for the first time.
Sports fans should see Sunday’s match as a warm-up for how the CRL will be a big win for major events this summer, making it easier for more people to get to Eden Park by train. Because the finals match was confirmed at short notice, there will be fewer extra event trains than usual, so fans should plan ahead and expect it to take a little longer to get home after the final whistle.
Auckland Traffic Operations Centre (ATOC) Event Planning Lead Todd Hurley says there will be a boost in bus services, with extra buses running to the city to help keep fans moving after the match, all included with match tickets.
“This could be your year to get on the Wahs Train. Simply show your match-day ticket to staff at the train station or to the bus driver and enjoy free travel to and from Eden Park from 1pm.
“With 45,000 fans expected, the network will be busy before and after the match. We’re asking the Wahs faithful to check the AT Journey Planner or AT Mobile app before they travel, allow plenty of time, and follow staff directions after the final whistle so everyone can get home safely.”
Eden Park regulars should also be aware that trains will operate differently after the game. Westbound passengers heading towards Swanson will need to walk to Morningside Station, while Kingsland Station will be used to move large numbers of passengers north and south as quickly and safely as possible.
Eden Park management are urging fans to get there early with the Outer Oval fan zone open from 1.00pm. Enjoy music, face painting and sign making, grab something to eat or drink, and soak up the pre-game atmosphere as the excitement builds towards kick-off. Fans are invited to stay on after the match and join the post-match celebrations at the Outer Oval Fan Zone.
Fans should use the AT Journey Planner or AT Mobile app to check their best travel options, including which platforms and bus stops to use for the most direct route home.
Staff will be on hand to help direct people, and fans should listen for announcements and follow directions for a smooth exit.
Key travel information:
Free travel on trains and buses starts at 1.00pm and will run until the end of daily services on Sunday evening.
- Stadium gates open at 4.15pm, and the Outer Oval fan zone opens from 1.00pm.
- East West Line (E-W) trains and Onehunga West Line (O-W) trains drop fans directly at Kingsland Station, which is over the road from the stadium.
- Special event buses will also run approximately every 10 minutes from 3pm along the Northern Busway from Albany Bus Station.
- After the game, passengers heading west towards Swanson will need to walk to Morningside Station. Kingsland Station will be used for trains heading east and south to help clear crowds safely.
- East West Line trains will stop at all city centre stations including the brand-new Te Waihorotiu Station, which is located right in the heart of the city, to collect fans transferring from other services including South City Line trains.
- Post-match there will be special event buses from the Eden Park bus hub to the North Shore stopping at all Northern Busway stations, and to the City Centre stopping at Stop 7015 - Customs Street West.
-ENDS-