Auckland International airportArrivals and Departures

Auckland departures information

Auckland International Airport has two terminals: one for international and the other for domestic flights. The airport is open 24 hours a day, with flights leaving and landing around the clock.

The two terminals are 500 metres apart. A signposted walkway connects the two and a complimentary shuttle service is available too.

Checking in for international flights

As you enter the ground floor of the international terminal, all check-in desks are found to the left-hand side. This level also has ticket desks for last minute flights and car hire counters for key returns. Although there are a couple of cafes here, the majority of food and drink choices are found upstairs past the security checks.

The airport recommends arriving three hours before your scheduled departure time for international flights.

Checking in for domestic flights

Domestic flights from Auckland's airport are operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar. Check-in counters for both airlines are found on the ground floor: Air New Zealand to the left and Jetstar to the right. Unlike the international terminal, most of the facilities and restaurants are found on the ground floor of this terminal. The notable exception is the Koru Lounge, which is upstairs.

Auckland Airport recommends arriving at least an hour before your plane is due to leave, to ensure you have time to complete the check-in process.

Auckland arrivals information

Flights arriving into Auckland International Airport will land at either the international or domestic terminal as per your boarding location.

International arrivals come into the airport on the ground floor, beside the car hire companies, currency exchange booths and information desk. If you're connecting to a domestic flight, the second terminal is just 500 metres away.

Domestic flights may let passengers into the first floor or the ground floor. Baggage reclaim and exits are on the lower level.

For those going to the airport to pick up friends or family, arrival boards around the airport will let you know when their plane has landed. For prior notification of delays, check the Skyscanner flight status board or download the app for real-time updates.

Pick up and drop off at Auckland airport

Cars dropping off or picking up passengers at Auckland International Airport can no longer wait directly in front of the terminal. All vehicles in this area will be moved on if seen to be parked.

For up to 30 minutes, cars can stop for free in The Wait Zone. Each terminal has its own waiting area, with 50 spaces for the international terminal and 30 for the domestic terminal. The Wait Zone is a two-minute drive from the airport.

If you need to stay for more than 30 minutes, you'll need to go to the car park. The short term parking area allows drivers to wait for two hours. Payment is $6.95 if you book more than 48 hours in advance, $9.95 if booked less than 24 hours in advance and more if you pay on the day.

Having access to real-time flight landings not only saves waiting time, but also money at the airport.

Where should I park at Auckland International Airport?

Park & Ride

The cheapest car park for those leaving their cars at the airport is the Park & Ride option. This car park has 800 spaces and a free shuttle service to both domestic and international terminals that leaves every 15 minutes. A customer lounge is available to save you waiting in the cold.

The car park is open 24 hours a day, with staff on site at all times and security cameras monitoring the area.

Economy Parking

Available for both domestic and international flights, the economy car parking options are just a few minutes' walk from the airport. Like the Park & Ride section, the economy car parks are constantly monitored.

Standard Parking

Slightly closer to the two terminals are the standard parking lots. These are connected by covered walkways to both the domestic and international terminals, and most passengers can make the walk in less than five minutes.

Executive Parking

The closest spots to the terminals are found in the executive parking lots. All bays are covered and there are wider spots available for larger vehicles.

Valet Parking

Take the hassle out of finding a spot with valet parking. Simply pull up to your terminal and hand you keys to a waiting valet. They'll take your car to a covered spot and return it to the terminal to be ready for you when you return.

How to get to and from Auckland airport

Auckland International Airport is 13 miles south of the city centre, and there are a number of ways to complete this journey.

Auckland by car

The quickest way to drive from the airport to the CBD is to take State Highway 20A north, continuing on to State Highway 20. Turn right onto Urban Route 12 and stay on this until you reach State Highway 1, then turn left onto this road. To get into the city centre from here, wait until the exit (on the left-hand side) for Wellesley St E.

In good traffic this trip should take 25-30 minutes.

Auckland by coach

For those without cars, getting into the city by coach is the most efficient option in terms of price and money. InterCity Coachlines leave from both terminals, with one-way tickets starting at NZ$10. These coaches leave throughout the day and can either be direct to the city or have up to two transfers. Tickets and information about the best routes can be found inside the terminals.

An alternative to InterCity Coachlines is SkyBus, with $16 tickets available. This bus has departures every 10 minutes between 7am and 7pm, and every 15 or 30 minutes through the night.

Auckland by bus

A cheaper alternative into Auckland CBD is to catch the local 380 bus. Tickets for this bus cost NZ$3 from the driver, with routes from both terminals to Manukau and Onehunga, with many stops along the way.

Please note: all information is correct as of October, 2016.