Upgrade works on the Western Line Upgrade works on the Western Line

Henderson Station is undergoing a major upgrade, adding a new platform and extra tracks to allow for more trains to run, more frequently, when the City Rail Link opens in 2026. 

To keep trains running while we get the work done, one track will be closed between Henderson and Swanson stations. To support these works, the remaining track will be shared by trains going in both directions, which means trains will run at reduced frequencies at different sections along the Western Line. These changes will be in place until the end of the year. Learn more about the Henderson Station Upgrade.

Here’s what you need to know: 

Peak times (~7am - 9am and 3pm - 6pm*)

During morning and evening peak times on weekdays, trains to and from Waitematā (formerly Britomart) will alternate between terminating at New Lynn, Henderson or Swanson stations. This means if you are going to any station between Waitematā and New Lynn, you will still be able to take a train every 10 minutes to the city during the morning peak, and every 10 minutes heading back to New Lynn in the evening peak. Trains returning in the opposite direction will be express trains, stopping only at Waitematā, Parnell, Newmarket, Grafton, and New Lynn. This allows us to run as many trains as possible at peak times, despite only having one track.

If you are going to or from Henderson, Sunnyvale, Glen Eden or Fruitvale Road, there will be a train every 20 minutes. 

Trains going all the way to Swanson will run every 60 minutes. Between those services, there will be rail replacement buses from Swanson to Henderson station every 20 minutes (stopping at all stations between Swanson and Henderson stations). Please look for the Rail Bus West (RBW) signs.

This means that you can take either a bus or train to the city from Swanson every 20 minutes in the morning, and from Waitematā back to Swanson every 20 minutes in the evening.

Please check the destination on the front of the train, on digital screens, and listen out for platform announcements to catch the right train. 

The best way to see exactly when to travel is to visit the Train Line Status page to see the full timetable, or to search when and where you are travelling on Journey Planner, which will show your bus and train options.

Between peak times (~9am to 3pm)

Outside of the morning and evening peak (approximately 9am to 3pm) there will be a train every 60 minutes from Waitematā all the way to Swanson and every 20 minutes between Waitematā and Henderson Stations.

Between the 60 minute Swanson services, there will be rail buses from Swanson to Henderson station every 20 minutes to connect to the trains that are running between Henderson and Waitematā every 20 minutes.

Late evening (from 8pm)

From 8pm, trains will run from Waitematā to Swanson every 30 minutes as per usual (so no rail replacement buses are required).

Please note that from time to time, trains services will finish early to allow for night works. Please check Train Line Status page to see when night works are occurring and view train timetables for exact departure times.

*Departure times at peak or off peak frequencies vary by station, please check timetables to see exactly when frequencies change at your station.

Weekends 

During the day there will be a train every 60 minutes from Waitematā all the way to Swanson and every 20 minutes between Waitematā and Henderson Stations.

Between the 60 minute Swanson services, there will be rail buses from Swanson to Henderson station every 20 minutes to connect to the trains that are running between Henderson and Waitematā every 20 minutes. From 8pm, trains will run from Waitematā to Swanson every 30 minutes as per usual (so no rail replacement buses are required).

Note that there will be additional weekend closures to get through upgrade works as quickly as possible, when less people are using the trains. Trains will not be running between New Lynn and Swanson on several weekends for the remainder of the year. Please check Train Line Status  to see upcoming weekend closures and the rail replacement bus schedules between New Lynn and Swanson stations.

Platforms 

All trains will depart from Platform 1 at Henderson, Rānui and Sturges Road stations. Platform 2 at these stations will be closed. 

Staying up to date 

Please ensure you check Train Line Status or Live Departures on the AT Mobile app before you travel to see exactly when services are departing. When you are heading toward the West, make sure to check the destination on the front of the train to make sure you get the right one. 

Still not sure? Ask platform staff or call the AT Contact Centre on 09 366 6400, and we’ll help you get on the right train. 

We appreciate your patience whilst we get through as much rail upgrade work as we can, as quick as we can, whilst also trying to minimise disruption to your train services.