Matariki rail upgrades Matariki 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 Matariki weekend, from Friday 20 June to Monday 23 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 Monday 23 June. 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.
The Rail Bus East (RBE) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:
Friday 20 June (Matariki):
- All day: 20-minute frequency>
- Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency
Saturday 21 May and Sunday 22 June:
- All day: 20-minute frequency
- Late-evening: 30-minute frequency
Monday 23 June:
- Peak: 10-minute frequency
- Interpeak: 20-minute frequency
- Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency
Please note: The rail replacement bus stop for Meadowbank and Orakei Station has moved. Please visit our Rail bus stop relocation page for more information.
The Rail Bus West (RBW) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:
Friday 20 June (Matariki):
- All day: 20-minute frequency>
- Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency
Saturday 21 May and Sunday 22 June:
- All day: 20-minute frequency
- Late-evening: 30-minute frequency
Monday 23 June:
- Peak: 10-minute frequency
- Interpeak: 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.
The Rail Bus Onehunga (RBO) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:
Friday 20 June to Monday 23 June:
- All day 30-minute frequency
The Rail Bus South (RBS) is an all stops rail replacement bus service that will run on the following schedule:
Friday 20 June (Matariki):
- All day: 20-minute frequency>
- Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency
Saturday 21 May and Sunday 22 June:
- All day: 20-minute frequency
- Late-evening: 30-minute frequency
Monday 23 June:
- Peak: 10-minute frequency
- Interpeak: 20-minute frequency
- Late-evenings: 30-minute frequency
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 4 June 2025 | Last updated 4 June 2025
Information is correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.