For fare, timetable and route information for suburban passenger rail train services in the greater Auckland area please phone Auckland Transport on (09) 366-6400 within city metro area or 0800-103-080 tollfree in the Auckland region only or click for online train timetables and fares on the Western, Southern, Eastern, Onehunga and Manukau lines only.

There is no regular commuter train services from Auckland to Hamilton or Hamilton to Auckland, except for the Northern Explorer train providing one train service between Auckland and Hamilton and between Hamilton and Auckland.

There are no regional commuter passenger train or rail services from Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands), Auckland to Whangarei, Auckland to Taupo, Auckland to Gisborne, Auckland to Napier/Hastings, Auckland to Tauranga or Auckland to Rotorua except for the daily bus and scenic coach services.

There are no long distance passenger train or rail services from Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands), Auckland to Whangarei, Auckland to Rotorua, Auckland to Taupo, Auckland to Gisborne, Auckland to Napier/Hastings or Auckland to Tauranga.

The The Northern Explorer train service is a scenic rail journey travelling through five unique geographical regions of New Zealand's North Island, between Auckland - New Zealand’s largest city and home of the Sky Tower to Wellington - New Zealand’s arts and culture capital. 

You will see fantastic views of the North Island's heartland flat farmland, rugged native bush,  the volcanic plateau with its majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island skifields, the world famous Raurimu rail spiral and stunning river gorges – all from panoramic windows or open air viewing carriage.

All carriages on the Northern Explorer train are centrally heated/air conditioned, with forward facing seats with head rest or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating, with large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island. 

The Northern Explorer train has a café carriage, offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and viewing carriage.

The Northern Explorer train is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non-smoking' service.

The Northern Explorer train does not operate of Christmas Day - 25 December.

Please click for timetable information and online reservations.