Airport to Botany bus rapid transit
Airport to Botany bus rapid transit is a dedicated busway that connects Auckland Airport to Manukau and Botany providing a fast, reliable and safe bus service.
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Project details
Start date
2019End date
To be confirmedLocation
Between Auckland Airport and Botany along Te Irirangi DriveTransport involved
Walking, driving, bus and cyclingOverview
This project will deliver a frequent rapid transit system between:
- Auckland Airport
- Manukau
- Botany
It will give people more transport choices, and offer faster, more reliable public transport journey times. It will connect to the rail network at Manukau Station and Puhinui Station.
The Airport to Botany Busway is an 18km bus corridor with high-capacity services. It will free up local roads and support a growing population.
The busway route is protected, with funding yet to be confirmed. For more information on Airport to Botany designations, visit Airport to Botany busway designation.
The project is being delivered in partnership with New Zealand Transport Agency, Auckland Airport and mana whenua to maximise early benefits, minimise disruption and develop Auckland’s future rapid transit network in a way that benefits commuters, freight and communities.
To deliver benefits sooner the project is being delivered in stages due to its length, cost and the associated complexities of constructing within an urban environment.
Stage 1 is complete and included upgrading Puhinui Station and seeing the AirportLink bus service operational between Auckland Airport, Puhinui Station and Manukau Station.
In 2028, infrastructure largely along Te Irirangi Drive and some of its surrounding areas will be upgraded to deliver faster, more reliable public transport connections and boost road corridor productivity in advance of the future Airport to Botany busway being constructed.
Latest updates
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.
Auckland Transport unveiled the new Puhinui Station in 2021. The station is a world-class example of architecture, design and partnership that connects people from South Auckland to the airport and beyond.
The station replaced the previous facility. It has new platforms, lifts, escalators, and a large, covered concourse. There are also drop-off zones, short-term parking bays, and improved accessibility and safety, lighting, and CCTV.
From Puhinui Station you can catch the AirportLink bus service to Auckland International Airport.
Timeline
Upgraded Puhinui Station and launched the AirportLink bus service
We've upgraded the Puhinui Station in Papatoetoe. The AirportLink service is running between Auckland Airport, Puhinui Station and Manukau Station.
Extending the AirportLink to Botany
Extending the AirportLink to Botany and improving road corridor productivity along Te Irirangi Drive.
Future stages: Completing the Airport to Botany busway
The completed 18km rapid transit busway will connect with the Eastern Busway in Botany and rail at Puhinui and Manukau stations.
Project designs
Project benefits
Congestion-free corridor
Improved travel choices
Integration with existing network
Improved access between south and east
Project background
The Airport to Botany bus rapid transit project is part of the Southwest Gateway Programme.
The Southwest Gateway Programme consists of 3 connected transport projects. It will provide greater choice and reliability for travel around south and east Auckland, including to and from the airport.