Current Rail Network Rebuild work

Key information

A significant amount of work has been completed and the Rail Network Rebuild is now entering its final stages.

Rebuilt sections of the Southern and Eastern lines have seen improved reliability and train speeds. They are now the best performing services on the Auckland rail network.

Stage 4 of the rebuild, between Papakura and Pukekohe, began on 19 May 2024. Work will be carried out mostly at night. This will allow more work to be completed in a shorter period.

To help plan your journey, you can now view train line status in real time.

Stage 4 closures

KiwiRail is rebuilding the rail network between Pukekohe and Papakura until early February 2025. This work will be mostly happening at night and 24/7 during long weekends. Completing it before the line re-opens with new electric trains from Pukekohe will reduce disruptions to passengers later.

Carrying out significant work like this on a 24/7 live network is extremely difficult. Although no commuter passenger trains are running between Papakura and Pukekohe, freight and long-distance passenger trains still use this part of the rail network. 

Getting around while lines are closed

The 394 bus service will continue to connect Pukekohe and Papakura stations (stopping at Paerata Rise) until Southern Line trains start serving Pukekohe again. 

During the closure, the cost of the bus trip will be 1 cent. If you transfer to another bus or train within 30 minutes, the 394 bus is free. 

Customers must use an AT HOP card on the 394 service. 

Bus operating hours 

The 394 bus is scheduled to replicate the affected train service as much as possible, running 7 days a week, including late-night departures on Fridays. 

The 394 bus will run: 

• every 15 to 20 minutes at peak commuting times on weekdays 
• every 20 to 30 minutes at all other times. 

Buses have been scheduled to allow for a comfortable transfer time to trains at Papakura Station and other local buses at Pukekohe.

Changes to the 394 bus service

In early 2025, the 394 bus service will change back to its previous route. It will run between Paerata Rise and Pukekohe, stopping at all rural stops.

This is the route it took prior to the closure of the Papakura to Pukekohe section of the Southern Line. This route was closed for electrification.

In peak hours (7am-10am and 4pm-7pm), the bus will run every 20 minutes. It will deliver passengers to the Pukekohe Train Station in time for the train heading north towards the city, traffic dependent. At all other times the bus will run on an hourly basis.

AT's standard public transport fares will apply.