Airport to Botany bus rapid transit

The route for the Airport to Botany busway has been protected.

AT and NZTA confirmed the designations for the 15km of busway within their area after resolving all appeals. The other 3km of the busway is within the Auckland Airport precinct.

Route protection finds and safeguards the land needed for future transport improvements. This makes construction more efficient and cost effective.

The project is planned to be delivered in stages, Puhinui Station is already open. We're working on interim bus improvements to enable faster bus journeys sooner. This would see Airport Link bus services extended to Botany ahead of the full busway.

For more information about the designation, go to Airport to Botany busway designation.

The busway will:

• deliver an 18km fully separated rapid transit corridor, allowing buses to bypass traffic and provide reliable public transport journeys
• have 18km of new walking and cycling facilities
• have 12 high-quality rapid transit stations linking key destinations across the corridor
• improve access to major employment hubs including Auckland Airport, Manukau and East Tāmaki
• provide important connections to the wider rapid transit network
• link with rail services at Puhinui and Manukau
• link with the Eastern Busway at Botany
• make it easier for customers to travel across Auckland without needing to drive. 

When complete, customers will be able to travel between Botany and Auckland Airport in around 34 to 38 minutes, no matter the traffic.

The project will also:

• support economic growth
• improve access to jobs and education
• create safer options for people walking and cycling along the corridor.

Because of its scale, we’re delivering the project in stages.

The first stage included:

• establishing the AirportLink service between Auckland Airport, Manukau and Puhinui Stations
• upgrades to Puhunui Station
• improved walking and cycling infrastructure.

The busway route is protected, with funding yet to be confirmed. Funding will next be considered in the next Regional Land Transport Plan and more will be known later this year. For more information on the Airport to Botany designations and what it means for property owners within a designation, visit Airport to Botany busway designations.

We’re delivering the project in partnership with:

• New Zealand Transport Agency
• Auckland Airport
• mana whenua.

This will benefit commuters, freight and communities by:

• making the most of early benefits
• lowering disruption
• securing Auckland’s future rapid transit network.  

In 2028 we will extend the AirportLink service to Botany. There will be construction work along Te Irirangi Drive and some nearby areas. The upgrades will bring reliable, frequent public transport to the area sooner while preparing for the Airport to Botany busway.