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.
On this page
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 busway is designed to improve congestion in South and East Auckland. Auckland Transport will construct an 18km bus corridor with high-capacity services. It will free up local roads and provide better travel choices for a growing population.
The busway route is protected, with funding yet to be confirmed. For more information, go to 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 secure Auckland’s future rapid transit network in a way that benefits commuters, freight and communities.
The project is being delivered in stages. Stage 1 is completed and included upgrading Puhinui Station.
Stage 2 works begin in 2028. Auckland Transport will improve infrastructure along Te Irirangi Drive and surrounding areas. The upgrades will deliver faster, more reliable public transport connections while preparing for the future busway planned under the confirmed designations.
Pending funding for stages 3 and 4, the project will be completed before 2041. This is within the designation timeframe.
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
New Puhinui Station in Papatoetoe
The new Puhinui Station links South Auckland to Auckland Airport in just 10-12 minutes.
Creating the station involved transforming an old suburban stop into a modern, world-class transport hub linking bus, rail, and airport connections. The project included building new platforms, a striking glass concourse, lifts, shelters, and a covered bus interchange.
It improved travel between the airport, Manukau and the wider Auckland network.
Stage 2: Improved bus services with special vehicle lanes, preparing the project for future works
Stage 2 of this project improves the road network and delivers fast, reliable, high-capacity bus services.
Works focus on delivering quick wins for the community and improving travel to key employment and residential areas. All planned works are within the existing road corridor. Property acquisition is not proposed for this stage of the project.
The aim is to improve public transport options, reduce congestion and provide more reliable and frequent bus services between the Airport and Botany via Manukau.
Stages 3 and 4: Completing the Airport to Botany busway
The completed 18km rapid transit busway will improve travel times for everyone.
It will connect with the Eastern Busway in Botany and rail at Puhinui and Manukau stations. From Botany to the airport, it will take 34 to 38 minutes on a high-frequency bus. The project supports growth. It can handle increased demand without making congestion worse.
It includes separated walking and cycling facilities.
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.