Getting around the City Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
The city centre is becoming greener, safer, and well-connected. Explore bus, train & ferry options, as well as driving & parking, and walking & cycling routes.
There will be key changes to the City Centre transport network as major projects are under construction.
The estimated timelines are shown below. All dates are approximate and subject to change, and may be subject to project consultation, funding and approval.
| Date | Change |
| Current | Albert Street and Victoria Street partially closed for CRL construction. |
| Late 2023 / early 2024 | Victoria Street (between Federal Street and Elliot Street) reopens for local journeys. Elliot Street becomes left exit only onto Victoria Street. |
| Mid 2024 | Wellesley Street (between Elliot Street and Queen Street) changes to improved priority for buses and limitations for through traffic. |
| Early 2025 |
Albert Street reopens to general traffic. Western buses move to Albert Street. |
These changes are contributing to the City Centre Masterplan and Access for Everyone.
The City Centre is served by several different bus routes. If you are planning to bus into the City Centre, the following bus route changes may be useful for you to know.
New WX1 service
From November 2023 the new Western Express (WX1) service will connect Westgate, Lincoln Road and Te Atatū to the City Centre. It will run every 10 minutes during peak hours until 7pm, and then every 15 minutes until 11:30pm.
In the City Centre, the WX1 will stop at Karangahape Road, then head along Queen Street where the services will terminate. All outbound services will commence from the Lower Albert Street interchange. Find out more about the WX1 service.
Western and north-western bus changes
Once the City Rail Link overground construction finishes in early 2025, western and north-western buses, including the WX1, will return to Albert Street, terminating at the Lower Albert Street interchange.
The Waitematā (Britomart) train station connects the City Centre to West, East and South Auckand.
Planned maintenance and the Rail Network Rebuild
If you are planning to travel to the City Centre by train, the Rail Network Rebuild may impact your journey. KiwiRail is currently rebuilding the ageing foundations across Auckland's rail network. This work is being done one section at a time, over the next 3 years.
Eastern Line: Until January 2024, the Eastern Line is closed between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu. We're providing alternatives such as rail replacement buses and express services.
Find out more about the Rail Network Rebuild.
To view planned maintenance on the rail network, check the Planned Rail Closures page.
To view the status of your train in real-time, view Train Line Status in AT Mobile.
Download a map of Auckland's current train network (PDF 2MB)
The Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street connects the City Centre by ferry to many locations around Auckland.
From 1 October 2023, the Gulf Harbour and Half Moon Bay ferry services will be operating on reduced timetables. Find out more about the changes to Auckland's ferry services.
The map below shows Auckland's current ferry network.
We're shifting the City Centre from a place people 'go through' to a place people 'go to', by changing the way City Centre streets are used.
Local traffic zones will help prioritise business, residents and visitors to the area. Unless necessary, private vehicles will be encouraged to enter and exit the City Centre from its edges and avoid going through the city.
Find out more about how these changes are contributing to Access for Everyone.
Download the City Centre recommended driving routes map (PDF 773KB)
Victoria Street
From now to late 2023/early 2024, Victoria Street will be closed between Federal Street and Elliot Street. Please use SH1, Customs Street or Mayoral Drive for east-west journeys.
This closure is to support the Te Hā Noa Victoria Street Project and the City Rail Link.
Albert Street
From now to early 2025, Albert Street will be closed between Wyndham Street and Wellesley Street. Please use Hobson Street or Nelson Street for north-south journeys.
This closure is to support the City Rail Link construction.
Queen Street
Queen Street between Wellesley Street and Wakefield Street is now an Essential Vehicles Area (EVA). This means that only public transport buses and goods vehicles are allowed to drive on this section of Queen Street. The section is now closed to private vehicles, taxis and car share services.
The EVA applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you enter the EVA with an unauthorised vehicle, you'll receive a $150 infringement fee.
Learn more about the Queen Street changes.
Shared cars
You can now find and book shared cars, scooters and bikes in the AT Mobile app. Just select the toggle icon in the bottom right corner of the home screen and select your preferred mode.
Recommended driving routes to the City Centre
If you are planning to drive and park in the City Centre, check the City Centre carparks page for parking options before you leave.
Download the AT Park app for up-to-date information, parking availability and payments.
The Civic Carpark has a new pickup/drop off zone located on level 1 as you enter the carpark from either via Greys Avenue or Mayoral Drive. The pickup/drop off zone is clearly marked to make it easy for passengers and drivers to locate.
Victoria Street Carpark trade/service parking
Trade and service vehicles are able to access nine reserved spaces located on the ground floor of the Victoria Street carpark. These are available at hourly rates.
Loading and servicing
As part of a wider AT plan to ensure there is enough parking for loading and servicing in the City Centre, several new loading and servicing zones are being implemented.
Find out more about the Loading and Servicing Management Plan.
We are transforming the City Centre to create more space for pedestrians and people on wheels.
Roadworks across the City Centre may temporarily impact the quality of walking and cycling routes, but access will always be maintained.
Queen Street
The Wai Horotiu project is converting traffic lanes to an expanded space for people to walk, cycle and scooter safely. This is part of the Wai Horotiu Queen Street Project.
Albert Street
Between 2023 to 2025, construction between Wellesley Street and Wyndham Street may cause diversions. Access to all shops, businesses and residences will be maintained.
Safe cycle routes
If you are planning to bike in the City Centre, download the City Centre Cycle Loop map to see the shared paths, cycle lanes and bike parking available.
Shared scooters and bikes
You can now find and book shared cars, scooters and bikes in the AT Mobile app. Just select the toggle icon in the bottom right corner of the home screen and select your preferred mode.
Public transport accessibility
Visit the Accessible Travel page for more information about travelling on public transport in Auckland if you have access needs or limited mobility.
City Centre accessible areas map
This map shows how to reach mobility spaces and key areas in the City Centre if you have access challenges or limited mobility.
Download the City Centre accessible areas map (PDF 788KB)
Civic Carpark drop off/pickup zones
The Civic Carpark has a new pickup/drop off zone located on level 1 as you enter the carpark from either via Greys Avenue or Mayoral Drive. The pickup/drop off zone is clearly marked to make it easy for passengers and drivers to locate.
The map below shows the locations of other mobility parking and pickup/drop off areas around the art district.
Download the AT Mobile app
Add AT Mobile to your device to plan your journey to and around the City Centre.
