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The Capital Connection
 Wellington - Otaki - Levin - Shannon - Palmerston North
 Passenger Commuter Train Service

Wairarapa Connection trainThe Capital Connection is a regional passenger commuter train service between Palmerston North, Shannon, Levin, Otaki, Waikanae and Wellington with air conditioned, centrally heated carriages with table and forward facing seating, panoramic windows and disable facilities.

 As this is a commuter train service, seat reservations are NOT available. Tickets, 10 trip concession tickets and monthly passes for this train are available from Metlink ticket offices - Wellington Railway Station, Wellington Railway Station, Paraparaumu Railway Station or Palmerston North I-Site in the Square. Tickets only from the Palmerston North Railway Station or the Train Manager on the day of travel.

The Capital Connection operates one daily service each way - Monday to Friday only. There are no services on Saturday, Sunday or Public Holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Labour Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday. 

Travel time from Wellington to Palmerston North is 2 hours 5 minutes.

There are no passenger train services from Palmerston North to Masterton, Napier, Hastings, Whanganui or New Plymouth.
Quick Reference Timetable
(Timetable and Service Information effective from 1 May 18)
Service Information: The Capital Connection train service is operating to normal timetables
For regular bus/coach services between Wellington, Otaki, Levin, Shannon and Palmerston North on Saturday and Sunday, please click on the above Bus Services link
Palmerston North to  Wellington Fares   Wellington to Palmerston North Fares
    Frequency Adult Consn       Frequency Adult Consn
Palmerston North - Depart 6.15am         Wellington - Depart 5.15pm      
Shannon 6.38am Monday to Friday $10.00 $7.00   Paraparaumu 6.03pm Monday to Friday $13.50 $10.00
Levin 6.53am Monday to Friday $13.50 $9.00   Waikanae 6.10pm Monday to Friday $14.50 $11.00
Otaki 7.13am Monday to Friday $14.00 $10.00   Otaki 6.22pm Monday to Friday $19.50 $14.00
Waikanae 7.25am Monday to Friday $19.00 $11.50   Levin 6.42pm Monday to Friday $25.50 $19.00
Paraparaumu 7.32am Monday to Friday $21.00 $12.50   Shannon 6.57pm Monday to Friday $29.00 $21.00
Wellington - Arrive 8.20am Monday to Friday $35.00 $25.50   Palmerston North - Arrive 7.20pm Monday to Friday $35.00 $25.50
For all fare and 10 trip, Monthly and 3 Monthly Pass prices and information
  • The Capital Connection does not operate on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
  • Consn (Concession) fare is available to children over 5 years and SuperGold card holders. ID is required for children in full school uniform and SuperGold card holders.
  • Child fare is 5 years up to 15 years inclusive.  Adult fare is 15 years and over
  • Infant is 0-4 years if fee is sitting on an adult's knee
  • Child under 13 years can not travel without a parent or guardian
  • 10 trip, Monthly and 3 Monthly passes are available
  • Train tickets are available on the day of travel from Metlink ticket office - Wellington Railway Station or from the train manager
  • Onboard EFTPOS payment is available
  • Conventional and electric wheelchairs can be carried on the train. Mobility scooters can not be carried to weight and space constraints
  • Bikes can be carried on the train and are stowed in the luggage van
  • Free luggage allowance is two items per person with a maximum weight of 20Kgs per item. Hand baggage can be taken into the carriages with larger items stored in the luggage van
  • The Capital Connection is a commuter train service and seat reservations are NOT available
  • Fares and times are for guidance only and may change with out notice