How much do child fares cost on Auckland Transport?

Children aged 5 to 15 get 40% off the full adult fare on Auckland Transport buses, trains and ferries when they use a registered AT HOP card. Children under 5 are free.

Are child fares available with cash?

Child fares are available with cash and AT HOP. Child fares are not available when paying with contactless payment methods.

How do I get child fares on public transport?

To get child fares on public transport using an AT HOP card, there are three steps. Step 1: Purchase an AT HOP card from a customer service centre or retailer. Step 2: Register the AT HOP card with your child’s date of birth. Step 3: Enjoy discounted child fares.

Child fares for passengers 5 to 15

Fares for children 0 to 4 years old

Children under 5 travel free when with a paying passenger. They do not need an AT HOP card.

Fares for children 5 to 15 years old

Bus and train fares Ferry fares

Discounted fares and free weekend travel

Children aged 5 to 15 are eligible for a child concession. This gives them 40% off travel on buses, trains and ferries when using their registered AT HOP card.

With a child concession kids also get free travel on weekends and public holidays.

To get discounted fares and free weekend travel, children must be between 5 and 15 years old and have their own AT HOP card registered with their correct date of birth. Child fares are not available with contactless payments.

If you already have an AT HOP card for your child, it only takes a few minutes to apply and then the concession will be ready to use in an hour.

How to get discounted child fares (4 steps)

Before you start

You’ll need:

an AT HOP card
a MyAT account.

You can either link your child’s card with your MyAT account or create their own for them to manage. Linking it allows you to top up and manage their card in case it gets lost or stolen.

Register your child’s AT HOP card

Sign in to MyAT.
Go to Register an AT HOP card.
Enter the 19-digit number on the back of the card.
Select 'Add new profile'.
Enter your child's first name, last name and date of birth. Their date of birth will determine their eligibility for the concession.
Accept the terms of use and then select 'Register card'.

Wait 1 hour

It takes around 1 hour for your card to be registered.

You can check in MyAT to see whether it’s finished processing.

Adult fares will apply until your concession has been confirmed.

Tag on to activate your concession

To activate your concession, tag on to the HOP reader or electronic gate on any bus, train or ferry.

If you do not tag on within 60 days of setting up your card, your registration will expire and your card will revert to adult fares. If this happens, contact us or complete the registration process again.

Important things to know

What happens if your card gets lost, stolen or damaged

Your concession is attached to the card, not your account. This means if your child loses their card and needs a replacement, you need to set up the concession again on their new card.

You can transfer any remaining balance from the old card onto the new. Find out how to cancel a card and transfer the balance.

When child fares apply

Child fares are available on AT bus, train and ferry services, and AT Local. Students travelling on school buses will also pay child fares.

Children travel free on weekends and public holidays when using their AT HOP card.

Proof of age

Children may be asked by a Transport Officer to show a valid photo ID with their date of birth to prove they are eligible for the child concession.

Expiry

A child concession expires once the child turns 16 years old. You can continue using the same AT HOP card, even after the concession has expired.

Secondary students aged 16 to 19 can apply for a secondary student concession to continue getting discounted fares.

Public transport payments terms of use

Last updated 20/01/2026