Auckland Airport (AKL)

There are lots of parking options available at Auckland Airport, including Short Stay, Park & Ride, Premium and Valet parking. Park & Ride is an affordable undercover parking option, ideal for longer stays and with a free transfer bus running between both terminals, while Standard parking provides covered and uncovered parking within walking distance of the airport terminals. For short-term stays and the most convenient access to airline check-in desks, opt for Premium parking (or Valet if you’re feeling extra fancy!).  

Getting a lift to or from the airport? Convenient Pick-up and Drop-off areas are available at both terminals (in the Forecourt of the Domestic Terminal and on the ground floor of the Transport Hub for the International Terminal). Like most Pick-up and Drop-off zones, these can be busy areas, so it’s a good idea to double-check the airport’s arrivals and departures information to coordinate your pick-up or drop-off time in advance. 

SkyDrive operates a convenient express shuttle between Auckland’s city centre and the airport, with services running every 30 minutes between approximately 5am and 10:30pm.  

Thanks to Auckland Airport’s relatively compact size, it’s possible to walk between the Domestic and International Terminals in roughly 15 minutes by following the Green Line walkway. Don’t fancy the walk? There’s also a free inter-terminal bus service that runs every 15 minutes between 5am and 11pm.  

Renting a car, campervan or motorhome is a great idea in New Zealand, with all that spectacular scenery to explore and a well-established road-tripping culture. Car rental companies, including AVIS, Budget, Europcar and Hertz, can be found just outside the Transport Hub (past the Pick-up and Drop-off zones) at Auckland Airport. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave. 

Auckland Transport, the city’s public transport service, offers several connections to and from Auckland Airport. The AirportLink bus route runs between Auckland Airport and Puhinui Station, where it’s possible to transfer to the city’s wider transport network, and the 38 bus is also a good option. Both depart from bus stop B for the Domestic Terminal and bus stop A (in the Transport Hub) for the International Terminal. See the Auckland Transport website for up-to-date information on bus timetables and fares. 

Taxi ranks are available outside door 4 of the Domestic Terminal and door 11 of the International Terminal. While any taxi company is able to drop you off at the airport, a select list of companies is licensed by Auckland Airport for passenger pick-up. Dedicated rideshare Pick-up and Drop-off zones are also located near door 2 of the Domestic Terminal and door 11 of the International Terminal.  

A number of major airlines service Auckland Airport (AKL), including Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, Jetstar, Qantas, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. A more complete list can be found on the page above. 

As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at Auckland Airport three hours before your scheduled departure time for international flights. This should give you plenty of time to complete check-in, drop your bags and pass through any necessary security screenings before your boarding time. Keep in mind that you may experience longer lines and delays during busy travel periods, so check with the airport, airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times. 

There are plenty of transport options available from Auckland Airport to the city centre, including the Auckland Transport AirportLink bus, SkyDrive shuttle service, taxi and rideshare options or car rentals. 

Yes, there are several airport lounges at Auckland Airport, including the Air New Zealand International Lounge and Emirates Lounge. Access to airport lounges may be possible depending on your ticket class, frequent flyer membership, credit card benefits or by purchasing a day pass. Check with the airline directly or talk to your Travel Expert for more information on how to access the airport lounges at Auckland Airport. 

Auckland Airport’s Domestic Terminal is open from 4:30am to 11pm daily and the International Terminal is open 24 hours a day. While there are no hotels within the airport itself, there are a number of accommodation options close by, and free showers are available for use in both terminals. If you’re looking for a quiet space to relax while you wait for your flight, check the opening times and whether you’re able to access any of the airline lounges at Auckland Airport. 

You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible flights to or from Auckland booked with us. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions.  

Keen for even more travel perks? Subscribe to our email list for birthday surprises, competition entries, exclusive deals and VIP pre-sale access to the hottest holiday savings around. 

Check-in times and baggage rules for flights departing from Auckland Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times and baggage limits, talk to your Travel Expert.  

There are two terminals at Auckland Airport: Domestic and International. Your departure terminal will be listed with your flight information, but don’t fret if you do find yourself in the wrong terminal! You can walk between the Domestic and International Terminals in roughly 15 minutes or catch the inter-terminal bus service. 

Yes, short-term and long-term parking is available at Auckland Airport, including Short Stay, Park & Ride, Premium and Valet parking options. Check with the airport directly for more information on booking airport parking and the current rates. 

Travelling with the little ones? Dedicated nursery rooms fitted with change tables and cots are available at Auckland Airport, and you’ll also find change tables within the female toilets across both the Domestic and International Terminals.  

Keen to do a little retail therapy at Auckland Airport? You’re in luck! There are plenty of stores available for you to browse before your flight, including well-known brands like Whittaker’s, the Official All Blacks Store, Sunglass Hut and Adidas, as well as duty-free shops and dining options. Check Auckland Airport’s terminal map or website for an up-to-date list of stores and their opening information. 

While last-minute sale fares to and from Auckland Airport may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead, especially if you're booking international flights. As a rough guide, we recommend booking international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!