Palmerston North to Wellington commuter train
The Capital Connection is a long-distance commuter train that travels weekdays between Palmerston North and Wellington.
Departing Palmerston North at 6:15 am, the train stops at Shannon, Levin, Otaki, Waikanae, and Paraparaumu before arriving in Wellington at 8:20 am. Find your fare price.
Fares are set to increase from April 1st. View our new fares here.
Managed by local councils and operated by KiwiRail, this service does not operate on public holidays.
Capital Connection fares
For current fares, please view the fare guide.
Fares are set to increase from April 1st 2025. View our new fares here.
The cheapest way to travel on the Capital Connection is by purchasing a monthly travel pass or ten-trip pass.
Tickets can be purchased from:
Concession Fares
The following concessions apply on the Capital Connection.
- Under 5s travel for free (must be accompanied by an adult aged 17 years and older).
- Children aged 5 to 16, or older if still at secondary school - 50% off standard fares
- Full-time studying Tertiary students with a current Tertiary ID - 50% off standard fares
- Community Service card holders - 50% off standard fares
- Total Mobility users - 50% off standard fares
- Super Gold card holders - 50% off standard fares
PLEASE NOTE: Appropriate ID must be carried if you intend to travel on concession fares
Capital Connection Fare Increase
Ticket prices on the Capital Connection will increase on 1 April 2025.
Capital Connection ticket prices have not increased for more than a decade.
Prices will increase by an average 15 per cent on 1 April.
The 50 per cent discount on concession fares (such as Goldcard holders, students and mobility users) will still be applied to the new fares.
Capital Connection timetable
The Capital Connection is a commuter service operated by KiwiRail on behalf of Wellington and Horizons councils.
Tickets & Cash Fares Only
Snapper Cards are NOT accepted on Capital Connection:
- Paper tickets, including monthly and ten-trip passes, can be purchased on board
- Credit cards can be used in the onboard café
Staying up to date
For latest arrival and departure times:
- Call 0800 ARRIVAL (0800 277 482) and select option 7
For general enquiries email:
Text alert service:
Please note:
- Metlink tickets or Snapper cards are not accepted on the Capital Connection
- Seats are not guaranteed
- Fares are subject to change without notice
- Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by a guardian aged 14 and over
Covid Protection Status
There are no mandatory requirements in operation.
However, we do recommend using a face mask for your own protection and request that you do not travel if you have any Covid-19 symptoms.
Lost Property on Capital Connection
If you've misplaced something on board the Capital Connection, don’t worry!
All lost property is handed over to the Customer Information kiosk at Wellington Railway Station’s main concourse daily.
For assistance, you can contact Metlink’s Customer Service team at 0800 801 700 or email [email protected].
Additionally, you can easily report or check for lost items using the QR code provided on the train or by filling out the form here.
Bicycles
Bicycles can be conveyed on the Capital Connection subject to space availability. Please make yourself known to the Train Manager, and they will direct you to the bicycle carriage.
Wheelchairs
The Capital Connection is fitted with a hoist/lift to assist passenger access. Please make yourself known to a member of the crew or station staff if you require assistance boarding the train.
Luggage
- Baggage allowance is two items per person, maximum weight 20kg per item.
- Size must be no more than 200 linear cm (height plus length plus width)
- Hand baggage may be taken to your seat, while larger items will be stored in the onboard luggage racks located at the end of each carriage