Welcome Aboard! Here's How To Prepare For Your Trip:
How Do I Get To The Dunedin Railway Station?
The Dunedin Railway Station is located on Anzac Avenue, right beside State Highway 1, in the heart of central Dunedin.
Dunedin is known for being easy to get around and is often called the “15-minute city.” Whether you're walking, taking public transport, cycling, or driving, you’ll find that everything is close by. Transport options include taxis, buses, e-scooters, cycle hire, and rental cars.
By Road
The Dunedin Railway Station sits on State Highway 1 and is easy to reach by car:
- Christchurch to Dunedin: approx. 4.5 hours
- Queenstown to Dunedin: approx. 3.5 hours
- Invercargill to Dunedin: approx. 2.5 hours
From The Airport
Dunedin Airport is located 22 km west of the city – about a 30-minute drive to the Railway Station. Regular domestic flights arrive from major centres including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Transport from the airport includes:
- Shuttle services: such as Super Shuttle and Airport Shuttles Dunedin (shared rides with fixed rates)
- Taxis: available outside the terminal
By Taxi
From the Octagon, a taxi to the Dunedin Railway Station takes around 5 minutes. Most companies also offer wheelchair taxi transport.
Local taxi companies include:
- Dunedin Taxis: 03 477 7777
- City Taxis: 03 477 1771
By Bus
Intercity and other reputable companies offer regular services to Dunedin from Queenstown, Christchurch, and Invercargill. Buses arrive at the Central Dunedin Bus Hub on Great King Street – just a short walk from the Dunedin Railway Station.
Walking Directions From The Octagon/Dunedin Central
The Railway Station is just 700m from the Octagon – less than a 5-minute walk.
Directions: Head down Stuart Street and cross State Highway 1 to reach the station.
Please contact the Dunedin Visitor Centre if you need help with getting to and around Dunedin: [email protected] | +64 3 474 3300
Where Can I Park?
There is plenty of public pay-and-display parking available around the Dunedin Railway Station. If you have a campervan, the best place to park is the Thomas Burns carpark.
Pay by plate carparks are patrolled between the hours 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Fees apply during these times. There are also a number of off-street carparks around the city. Fees apply 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Parking in the city is free on Sundays however time restrictions still apply. Carpark buildings have their hours of operation and fees clearly posted at the entrance of the building. Check all the signs in the area so you don't get caught out.
DRL is not responsible for passenger carparking and any fees/patrol hours may be subject to change.
Click here for up-to-date parking fees information and times.
What Do I Need To Bring?
Before you arrive, please download or print your ticket and present it at the ticketing desk before boarding your train. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and flat shoes. All carriages have air conditioning/heating for passenger comfort. If you are planning to disembark, we recommend preparing for the unpredictable weather in New Zealand by bringing warm layers and waterproof gear.
Is The Train Mobility and Wheelchair Friendly?
We have ramps available that passengers may use to board/disembark at the Dunedin Railway Station and most of our destinations.
Dunedin Railways has one wheelchair accessible carriage and lift available (limited capacity and not available on all services). The lift can accommodate wheelchairs that weigh a maximum of 200kg and are no more than 900mm long by 700mm wide. To request wheelchair access, please contact us before purchasing tickets and at least 3 business days before your preferred train departs at [email protected]
What Facilities Are Onboard?
All of our train services have toilets on every carriage, panoramic windows and air conditioning/heating for passenger comfort.
Most of our services also have a café onboard where you can purchase food and drinks. The team from Precinct create seasonal, locally made food — perfect for enjoying as the scenery rolls by. The café menu (subject to change) is available from the info drop-down tab.
Can I Store Luggage and/or Prams Onboard?
Storage space onboard our trains is limited, so we prioritise luggage storage for one-way passengers only. If you’re planning to travel one-way and require space for luggage or prams, please contact us before you book and at least 72 hours prior to departure:
Please note: there are no storage facilities at the Dunedin Railway Station. If you’re travelling on a return trip, luggage can be stored at the public convenience centre on Municipal Lane, just beside the Dunedin iSITE (you’ll find it on the map above).
Can I Bring My Bike Onboard?
Yes you're welcome to bring your bike with you. Just make sure to select the bike option when booking your tickets, as spaces are limited.
Planning to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail? You can either bring your bike onboard (subject to availability), or book with a bike tour operator in Middlemarch who can also provide a shuttle service to or from the Pukerangi train stop.
Have any further questions? We're happy to help!
[email protected] | 022 436 9074