King's Birthday rail upgrades King's Birthday rail upgrades

The City Rail Link is the biggest and most transformational rapid transit development for Auckland. It will be worth the wait. Before it opens in 2026, critical work on Auckland’s rail network must be delivered first. This work will unlock faster journey times, fewer delays and trains every 4-5 minutes at peak.

During the extended King's Birthday weekend, from Friday 30 May to Monday 2 June 2025, no trains will be running. Rail replacement buses will replace trains while we upgrade the rail network and improve your journey. This closure includes a standard weekday on Friday 30th May. To support students travelling to schools and universities, and people commuting to work, Auckland Transport will prioritise reliable all-stops rail replacement bus services.

Rail replacement bus services

All-stop bus services (RBE, RBW, RBO and RBS) will run throughout the closure.

To view your stations alternative transport options, visit our train station maps page.

Eastern Line

The Rail Bus East (RBE) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:

Rail Bus East (RBE) route schematic

Friday 30 May:

  • Peak: 10-minute frequency
  • Interpeak: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency

Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June:

  • All day: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evening: 30-minute frequency

Monday 2 June (King’s Birthday):

  • All day: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency

Please note: The rail replacement for Meadowbank Station has been relocated to Remuera Rd, please visit our Rail bus stop relocation page for more information.

Western Line

The Rail Bus West (RBW) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:

Rail Bus West (RBW) route schematic

Friday 30 May:

  • Peak: 10-minute frequency
  • Interpeak: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency

Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June:

  • All day: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evening: 30-minute frequency

Monday 2 June (King’s Birthday):

  • All day: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency

Please note: The rail replacement bus stop for Avondale, Fruitvale and Newmarket have been relocated. Please visit our Rail bus stop relocation page for more information.

Onehunga Line

The Rail Bus Onehunga (RBO) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:

Rail Bus Onehunga (RBO) route schematic

Friday 30 May to Monday 2 June:

  • All day 30-minute frequency

Southern Line

The Rail Bus South (RBS) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:

Rail Bus South (RBS) route schematic

Friday 30 May:

  • Peak: 10-minute frequency
  • Interpeak: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency

Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June:

  • All day: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency

Monday 2 June (King’s Birthday):

  • All day: 20-minute frequency
  • Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency

Rail Replacement Bus Accessibility

Customers with wheelchairs or mobility scooters that are too large to take on rail replacement buses will be able to book a free mobility taxi by phoning our Contact Centre on 09 366 6400.

Visit bus accessibility to find out more about travelling by bus if you have access challenges or limited mobility.

Published 9 May 2025 | Last updated 9 May 2025
Information is correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.